Imagine walking into a contemporary house, designed by a top-notch architect, placed on a Mediterranean coast, with giant windows, surrounded by a garden of aromatic herbs like lavender, mint and clary sage. The sea is near and you can hear the waves. You enter this house and it's flawless. Not an avant garde project, just a very sober shape and meticulously crafted finishings. Every detail has its function, there is nothing unnecessary or redundant. It's a sleek, clean and timeless house with no pretension to be cutting edge whatsoever. Just a perfect home.
Now imagine that someone bought this house and wanted to give it a personal touch of luxury. Thick dark velvet drapes, exotic wooden floors, an art collection, oriental rugs and expensive leather sofas. The new owner is a skilled cook and enjoys spices, so the kitchen is stocked up with pepper, vanilla pods and oriental delights. Same house, a warmer look.
The house I'm using as a metaphor refers to Prada's latest male fragrance, Luna Rossa, the first example being the original version and the second, its newer flanker, Luna Rossa Extreme. What I'm trying to say is that this new launch by Prada is basically the same, regarding structure. And if Luna Rossa was incredibly perfect in terms of its composition—a modern take on a very classic lavender scent—the extreme edition has the same architecture, enhanced to a new level. Darker, more intense, warmer, sexy. Still an aromatic classic fragrance, but wrapped in spices—notably black pepper which explodes from top to base notes, making a beautiful pairing with the lavender theme-note.
Luna Rossa Extreme was created by perfumer Daniela Andrier, under creative direction by Miuccia Prada. The same can be said for Luna Rossa. And those who were expecting a whole new perfume may be disapointed. It's still Luna Rossa. But those who admired the fresh and minimalistic composition of the original may be delighted to get this strengthened juice for colder days.
As I compare the two scents on both wrists it is very clear that I'm feeling the same backbone. But as Luna Rossa keeps its fresh, mild and slightly salty character, Luna Rossa Extreme is all about black pepper and labdanum done in a transparent way that is never sweet, thick or cloying. Amber and vanilla are there too, as just a hint at the base notes. The sillage of the original Luna Rossa was already very decent, and this eau de parfum concentration (eau de parfum is a very rare designation for male fragrances) manages to keep it even better. The whole thing remains far from unique and original. But it's so well done that it could be mistaken by some for a niche fragrance.
Luna Rossa Extreme has the same bottle as the previous edition, created by Yves Behar, only this time in black. In my opinion this design is also flawless (even the spritzer produces a perfect mist) and it is as elegant and gorgeous, being transparent (Luna Rossa), silver (Luna Rossa 34 Cup Limited Edition) or black (Luna Rossa Extreme). Final note: forget all the advertising images and visuals. This has absolutely nothing to do with water sports.
