And yet my father had been buying it for years. I was resolved to get it for him, among other reasons because I had promised and had made it sound so easy. But I began to panic. I knew this was his last year, and I desperately wanted to get my hands on a bottle for Christmas.
— Columnist André Aciman goes to lengths that many of you will sympathize with to find a bottle of his father's favorite cologne, Aria di Parma. Read more at Should an Old Fragrance Be Forgot: A writer's quest for his father's discontinued Italian aftershave at the Wall Street Journal. Many thanks to Ruth for the link!
I'm so sorry the writer wasn't able to find a bottle for his father! My mother wore Murasaki for years, it was the scent I associated with her, and when it was discontinued, she stopped wearing fragrance altogether. When she was diagnosed with cancer, it became very important for me to find a bottle for her. I first discovered the world of perfume blogs looking for a replacement scent for her. Then I learned that vintage scents could be found on EBay. I scored a vintage botle of Murasaki just in time for Mother's Day, and when I gave it to her, I felt like I was giving her the gift of time returned.
That's so lovely that you were able to find it for Mother's Day
This poignant story illustrates beautifully how evocative perfume can be – there's such a potent connection between scent and memory.
Jirish
What a lovely thing you were able to do for your mother. Murasaki is lovely, I wish it were still available.
Yes