I recently attended a dinner in celebration of the launch of two new fragrances from Bvlgari. I was kindly invited by Dave Lackie who hosted the event with Bvlgari. The dinner took place at the Arcadian Court, an Oliver and Bonacini restaurant in the Simpson’s Tower in Toronto, home of the Hudson’s Bay headquarters.

The space looked absolutely beautiful! Olive leaves and greenery were suspended over the dinner table with floating tealight candles. Elements from the fragrances, like plums and orchids, decorated the dinner table with greenery and candles. The room was decorated with stations that were set up to display the fragrances and exhibit the exquisite notes that comprise each one.

The Fragrances

Goldea The Roman Night Absolute

New for fall 2018, Bvlgari released Goldea the Roman Night Absolute, a twist on 2017’s Goldea The Roman Night. It has notes of Plum and Orange Blossom, Madagascar Vanilla and Jasmine Sambac Absolute, and a base of Patchouli, Crystal Moss, and Black Musk. At the event, I learned that Black Musk is an ingredient that was created exclusively by Bvlgari perfumers. The nose behind Goldea The Roman Night Absolute is Alberto Morillas, who has created so many iconic perfumes (CK One, Armani Acqua di Gio, Givenchy Hot Couture, Lancome Miracle, and Gucci Bloom to name a few). The scent was inspired by the stunning Bella Hadid, Queen of the Roman Night.

When I tried the fragrance at the event, I immediately fell in love with it. It is not the typical scent that I usually go for (I like bright, fruity florals), but it was SO nice. I felt like it blended nicely into my skin, it was not overpowering and did not have slap-you-in-the-face sillage. It smells warm and creamy with a definite sultry quality. It is a perfume that pairs well with a little black dress, elegant and sexy. I have been wearing it constantly since I got it! I find it is quite long lasting, more than 8 hours on my skin.

Bvlgari Man Wood Essence

Bvlgari Man Wood Essence launched toward the end of Summer 2018 and is a bright woody citrus scent. The fragrance is rooted in Benzoin, Amergris, and Cedar Wood, with notes of Cypress Wood, and Hatian Vetiver Essence, and topped with Italian Citrus Zest and Coriander. The scent was also created by Alberto Morillas. Bvlgari Man Wood Essence is based on the concept of disconnecting to reconnect. It’s all about getting in touch with nature through the woods and open air.

Bvlgari Man Wood Essence is so fresh and light! It is classified as a men’s fragrance, but would not be out of place on a woman. If you are a woman who prefers men’s scents, or something fresh and woody, this one is for you! I had a tough time deciding whether I liked Bvlgari Man Wood Essence or Goldea The Roman Night Absolute better! I’ve been wearing this as a daytime, more casual scent and my Husband (who does not wear fragrances at all) loves it too! I will admit that this one does not have a ton of staying power, though. It lasts about 4 hours on my skin.

The Event

At the event, we were served a wonderful three-course meal. Each place setting was decorated with a Bvlgari black and gold charm. The tablescape was so beautifully decorated, perfectly representing the Bvlgari Elegance theme. Dinner began with a Boston bibb and strawberry salad with feta cheese, toasted almonds, radishes, and vidalia vinaigrette. For the main course, we were served a chicken breast seared in garlic and thyme, with lemon chili roasted russet potatoes and grilled broccoli, topped with a carrot and mustard jus. It was SO delicious! The star of the show for me was the dessert course which was inspired by the notes in Goldea The Roman Night Absolute. So creative! Dessert was a Madagascar vanilla bean tartlet with poached black plums, citrus gelato, and spiced plum chocolate ganache. The dessert was beautifully presented with the Bvlgari logo dusted in cocoa.

The event came to a close with a presentation by Dave Lackie and Bvlgari Fragrance representative Melanie Caplan. She discussed the inspirations behind both scents with us, as well as the ingredient notes, and the history of the iconic brand. Fun Fact: Bvlgari-loving and notoriously tardy actress Elizabeth Taylor could be lured onto film sets on time with the promise of a piece of Bvlgari jewellery from the Director!

I had such a great time at the event! I had the opportunity to connect with some amazing Toronto-area bloggers and learn all about these lovely fragrances. Big, big thank you to Dave Lackie for the invitation and his endless generosity! Be sure to follow Dave on Twitter and to check out his website. He posts amazing beauty tips and so many luxurious giveaways. He always has the beat on the hottest beauty launches! Thanks, Dave!

Disclosure: These products were gifted at the event