During a recent fragrance exhibition for luxury perfumes, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Antonio near the Lorenzo Pazzaglia stand. Both of us were relatively new to the perfume industry, and Antonio proudly presented his latest creations: beautifully handcrafted bottles from Maiora Parfum, including the much-discussed Alì Babà fragrance. As I admired the compact 30ml bottles, he informed me that they were being discontinued due to lack of appeal in retail stores, despite the fragrances themselves being well-received. It was a reminder of the harsh commercial realities that even artisan perfumery face—where aesthetics often trump quality.
Alì Babà by Maiora Parfum is an exquisite unisex fragrance for both men and women, part of a collection that prides itself on unique scents for fragrance lovers. Despite the discontinuation of the 30ml size, the perfume remains a powerhouse, packaged now in a new 100ml design that, while bulkier, still exudes luxury.
I always encourage fellow perfume enthusiasts to explore fragrances beyond what’s popular in commercial stores. Sampling perfumes and reading detailed consumer reviews offer insights that mass retail can’t provide. Often, niche brands and niche perfumes like Maiora Parfum create exceptional scents that commercial stores overlook in favor of more mainstream products. This is why platforms dedicated to niche perfumes are so valuable—they give smaller brands like Maiora the spotlight they deserve.
When I first encountered Alì Babà at the exhibition, it immediately captured my attention. I knew right away that it would be a strong contender for a spot in my top 20 fragrances. By early September, the new bottles were in stock, and I finally had my hands on it. I couldn’t wait to test it out.
Despite my preference for the older bottle design, I was more interested in the juice inside. Having been a fan of Van Phyrum from Pazzaglia, I was curious to see how Alì Babà would compare. It didn’t take long for the battle to begin—Maiora offered 100ml for €189, while Pazzaglia priced 50ml at €145. From a value perspective, Maiora definitely wins, although Pazzaglia’s sleek bottle design scores higher points for aesthetics.
It was a warm Saturday night, August 21, marking the last days of summer. I was preparing for Bachata night and thought it was the perfect occasion to give Alì Babà a proper test drive. I sprayed it generously, not realizing just how potent it would be. From the moment I stepped onto the dance floor, it felt like I had set off a fire alarm—the scent was that explosive! The fragrance lingered throughout the night, drawing attention wherever I went.
The rich density of Alì Babà made me question if I had oversprayed, something that rarely happens with me. The longevity was astounding, clinging to my skin and surrounding me with a cloud of fragrance the entire night. People around me took notice, with one gentleman even asking what I was wearing. When I proudly said "Alì Babà from Maiora Parfum," he gave me a look that confirmed what I already knew—I was wearing something truly special.
Despite falling in love with the fragrance itself, I couldn’t shake my disappointment with the new bottle design. While the 30ml bottle wasn’t perfect, it had a charm that added to the uniqueness of Alì Babà. The bulkier new bottle, reminiscent of Lorenzo Pazzaglia’s designs, felt less special in comparison. If the original bottle had remained, I doubt I’d be comparing it so closely to Van Phyrum.
The bottle change may seem trivial to some, but for a fragrance enthusiast, the bottle plays a significant role in the overall experience. Despite this, my love for the scent remains unshaken, and that’s a testament to its undeniable quality.
In the end, Alì Babà by Maiora Parfum stands as one of the best fragrances in my collection, bottle design aside. The complexity, projection, and longevity make it a must-have for any perfume lover who appreciates bold, head-turning scents. It is so powerful and long-lasting that it could make its wearer unforgettable at any event.
For those who love niche perfumes and want to discover something unique, I highly recommend giving Alì Babà a try. Whether you're a fan of Pazzaglia or simply looking for a fragrance that will stand out, Alì Babà is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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