Roma by Laura Biagiotti is one of those fragrances that immediately announces itself as something from another era — and means it as a compliment. Launched in 1988, it opens with a genuinely surprisin...
The opening is the biggest hurdle for new wearers — the mint-meets-citrus combination reads as strange or even off-putting at first spray, but most people who stick with it through the dry-down become converts once the warm base takes over.
Reformulation is a genuine concern in this community. Original bottles — particularly those from the early 1990s — are prized for their stronger oakmoss, civet, and myrrh, giving the fragrance an earthier, more animalic bite. Later editions under Procter & Gamble ownership are considered sweeter and lighter, with less of that distinctive depth.
Performance is generally considered good for the category and era, with most wearers reporting solid longevity and a projection that's noticeable without being overwhelming — though vintage versions consistently outperform modern reformulations in both areas.
It's compared most often to Kenzo's 7:15 am in Bali for its upbeat, fresh-yet-oriental character, and to Calvin Klein's Escape for its clean, approachable side — though Roma skews significantly warmer and more complex than either.
Fall and winter are the seasons where Roma earns the most praise, with evening and night-out occasions cited most often — it's positioned as a cooler-weather signature scent rather than a casual everyday spritz, though a number of people do wear it year-round.
