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Ultima Storia by Thomas de Monaco presents itself as a refined and thoughtfully crafted fragrance that balances citrus brightness with a supple leather backbone. As a long-time fragrance enthusiast, I find this scent particularly compelling for its careful treatment of familiar materials and its ability to stand out in a crowded category.

Brand Background

is an independent fragrance house based in Zürich, Switzerland, where artisanal craftsmanship meets modern artistic vision. Founded by photographer and creative director Thomas De Monaco, the brand emerged after his success with the cult favorite Raw Gold in 2020, quickly establishing a reputation for rare and emotionally charged creations. Each fragrance is locally crafted in a studio designed by Gustave Eiffel, emphasizing a balance of precision and creative freedom. Today, the house is globally recognized, offering a small collection of Extraits that reflect a commitment to quality, originality, and timeless luxury.

Opening

From the first spray, Ultima Storia opens with a vibrant burst of , immediately setting an uplifting and energetic tone. The citrus note is bright and well-dosed, neither overly sharp nor fleeting, thanks to the soft that supports it right from the start. While the official notes mention , I find it to be very subtle, almost hidden — it certainly does not push the fragrance into gourmand territory. Instead, Ultima Storia reads as a luxurious citrus and leather blend, presented without a distinct gender direction and with no clear seasonal limitation.

The note plays an important role here, adding a delicate sparkle and lift that is particularly impressive given the extrait de parfum concentration. It prevents the composition from feeling dense or heavy, adding nuance and a sense of lightness that enhances the overall structure.

Mid Development

After about 30 minutes, the fragrance develops a slightly sweet and fruity character, softening the leather and adding depth. The leather remains prominent, but it becomes more approachable, less sharp, and more blended into the surrounding notes. At this stage, Ultima Storia projects strongly and fills a room with presence, making it a fragrance that will be noticed and appreciated in social or formal settings alike.

Drydown

A few hours in, Ultima Storia reaches its final form as a powdery, fruity leather composition. It maintains the balance between the leather and the fruit notes, never slipping into overly sweet or overly smoky territory. The result is a scent that is elegant, polished, and consistently engaging throughout its wear.

Comparisons and Recommendations

For those familiar with the citrus-leather category, Ultima Storia will likely appeal to fans of fragrances such as Memo or Acqua di Parma . While it shares a thematic connection with these perfumes, it offers a distinctive interpretation through its use of pear and its extrait concentration, creating something that feels both modern and timeless.

Final Assessment

Ultima Storia is a versatile, refined fragrance that performs well across seasons and occasions. I would highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates leather-forward fragrances but is seeking a composition with added brightness, fruit nuances, and a clean, elegant finish. It is a worthy addition to any serious fragrance collection, offering both character and versatility.

Perfume kindly gifted by Thomas de Monaco Parfums