Star rating: 5 stars–outstanding/potential classic, 4 stars–very good, 3 stars–adequate, 2 stars–disappointing, 1 star–poor.
She wears her pink bow with panache. She is in a perpetually cheerful mood. She is pretty and bubbly. That’s Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina for you, a new fragrance that has all the attributes of a best seller — easy, fruity and radiant. Picking up the bottle, you already know that it is going to be a trendy and lighthearted fragrance. The perfume is aimed at the younger market, and for the target audience it hits the spot.
The adorable Signorina will not overwhelm you with her loud laugh (she is not Chanel Coco Mademoiselle) nor would she drag you to the candy store (for that, you can turn to Vera Wang Princess). She is mild mannered and pleasant from top to bottom, with nary a rough edge. I enjoyed the juicy top notes of red berries and crushed leaves, which contrasted with the soft jasmine and rose.
The drydown makes me lose any interest in Signorina, however. The pannacotta accord mentioned in the marketing copy translates into a sweet milky note with a touch of caramel. Whatever the case may be, this pannacotta is made with a small dose of sugar, and it never turns cloying. Instead, it turns predictable. The creamy vanilla, musk and patchouli are such a popular combination that I experience déjà vu every time I smell Signorina. Is it a shadow of Chanel Chance Eau Tendre that I am smelling there, or maybe, Christian Dior Miss Dior Chérie? Or maybe, a bit of everything.
Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina includes notes of blackcurrant buds, pink pepper, jasmine, rose, peony, vanilla, musk, patchouli, and pannacotta accord. Salvatore Ferragamo fragrances are available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and other major retailers.
Sample: my own acquisition
13 Comments
Elisa: I smelled this over the weekend and also thought of Miss Dior Cherie. Since MDC has been reformulated and renamed, maybe it fills a hole in the market? March 26, 2012 at 11:04am
Victoria: I think that Ferragamo's portfolio doesn't have anything like this yet. Plus, the brand as a whole seems very mature. They're probably trying to expand the brand's appeal to the younger market.
The first MDC was so memorable. Now, it smells like a copy of itself, and hey, that's exactly what it is! March 26, 2012 at 11:22am
behemot: Unfortunately, this is true about MGC. Sad. March 26, 2012 at 11:56am
Elisa: Yes, reminds me of Tania Sanchez saying the new J’adore “smells like one of its own knock-offs”! March 26, 2012 at 1:59pm
Victoria: I didn’t like the original enough to wear it myself, but it was memorable. I miss that rich caramel popcorn note in the current version. March 26, 2012 at 2:23pm
Victoria: Another good example of an odd reformulation. Can’t imagine that J’Adore broke so many IFRA rules! March 26, 2012 at 2:24pm
maggiecat: I received a sample of this from Nordstroms and have to say I’ve enjoyed it. I’m waaaay over the target age group, but found it fresh and light and fun – very wearable. It’s not true love, but it’s been nice to have around this Spring! March 27, 2012 at 10:27am
Andrea: All of the fragrances that I like these days are colored pink! (I tried the new Chloe flanker-green- but it wasn’t “me”). Reminds me when “chick-lit” first came out, my daughter observed that all of my books were pink! Thankfully, I am past that stage (reading Anna Karenina thanks to your references) but the perfume trend continues… March 27, 2012 at 12:02pm
Victoria: I enjoyed how well the concept fits the juice and the packaging. And it is a nicely done perfume, but like most big launches targeted to the younger market, it isn’t that daring. March 27, 2012 at 12:16pm
Victoria: And why not? As long as you’re enjoying your fragrances, and they make you feel good and beautiful. Perfume is about simple pleasures, after all. March 27, 2012 at 12:18pm
Cultured Pearl: I give Signorina 5 stars! A fan of Miss Dior, Signorina does not remind me of Miss Dior. The fragarance stands alone, and is certainly a hit. I disagree, however, that is aimed at a younger crowd. At 20 something, I would not have dared to spend over $60 on perfume. Nope, the youngins can stick with the celeb fragrances, and leave the Diors, Chanels, Ferragamos, and the like to the real fragrance aficionados. November 27, 2012 at 4:13pm
Carina: Unfortunately, on me this nice floral powdery perfume turns absolutely harsh and bitter *sad*
I tested it in store, bought a whole bottle and then the harshness fought its way trough als this lovileness – so I have a full bottle, but I´ll never will wear it! May 15, 2013 at 12:28pm
J.Louise: I am absolutely wild about this scent! I happen to love the Pannacotta accord because of it’s delicacy. I think one must appreciate nuance and delicacy to truly enjoy this. If you imagine who shops at the Ferragamo Boutiques, you will find that this delicate fragrance is compatile–a middle aged/older crowd who appreciate discreet luxury and do NOT want a strong fragrance. Thanks for reviewing this perfume! November 3, 2013 at 9:48pm