Gattopardo (the 'Leopard') is the sixth fragrance composed by Antonio Alessandria for his eponymous brand. The perfume is clearly inspired by the novel written by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, but it doesn't outline specifically one of the characters in the book, it simply tries to portray the archetype, almost the same all over times, of a certain Sicilian man and of his symbiotic bond with his mother land (stay with us here - the scent IS outwardly masculine, but portrays the power and strength of a personality rather than mere gender. It is unisex!). Big, not so much physically, rather as a projection of his ego; hard like wood and powerfully built, a man apparently inclined to anger, but always restrained, like a form of protection from potential attack. Authoritarian, but deeply indulgent.

A character then, rich in contradiction that, however, disappears to someone who can observe the true man, bound to his roots, family, traditions and intimate, simple love. An almost disarming hospitable man, unconditionally generous and lovingly protective. Rigorous, but intimately benevolent and emphatic. A man with an elegant and decadent taste, loving beauty in all its forms. An apparent direct and rational mind, but gifted for abstraction and creative freedom (up to this point, we may as well be talking of Antonio himself. However...)

This portrait cannot exist without its natural background, Sicily, a land of contradictions, of countless cultural stratifications due to multiple dominations. An unchangeable region despite time and actions of men. A paradise both for sight and smell. A wild garden that sometimes could offend the sight due to desolation inflicted by the heat of burning summers, but always smelling beautiful and powerful.

Gattopardo, the fragrance, has an apparently male, but softly female structure. Throughout its evolution, humid earthy woods such as patchouli marry with the dryness of cedarwood and blend together in a warm ambery hug. In the head notes bergamot and fig milk make a counterpoint to an unexpected whisky accord. The heart is supported by the uncompromising floral note of geranium, while a dusty iris suggests the patina of time. Benzoin cheers up the soft and warm base, along with notes of hazelnuts, almonds, cocoa powder, while beeswax and musks suggest and discrete animalic note.

Gattopardo then, is not for the faint of heart. It is a powerful and long lasting fragrance of extreme and unique character - soft and complex but subtly dominating. It is suitable for both men and women sharing the same spirit.