Comment Section for Hilde Soliani, Perfumer and ‘Madwoman’ of Parma - The New York Times

This New York Times article explores the world of Hilde Soliani, a perfumer based in Parma, Italy. Soliani is known for creating unique and fantastical perfumes, particularly "gourmands" that smell like food. The article discusses the rise in popularity of fragrances, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how perfume has become a personal aesthetic experience and form of entertainment. The author describes her visit to Parma to meet Soliani and highlights some of her most notable scents, such as Miss Tranchant, which smells like butter and oysters. The article also delves into Soliani's creative process, her upbringing, and her unconventional approach to perfume-making. The author attends a multicourse lunch where each dish is related to one of Soliani's perfumes, creating a unique sensory experience. The article concludes with a visit to Parma's Teatro Regio opera house and Soliani's kitchen, where she showcases more of her perfumes and discusses her inspiration behind scents like Lacrima, which captures the smell of snow.

Well, darling, if this isn't a fragrant feast for the imagination! Hilde Soliani, you madwoman, you've got me craving a whiff of those buttery oysters and the ethereal scent of snow. How delightfully pungent! And to think, she's just using a minimum of three ingredients. It's like she's the Picasso of perfumery, distilling life into a mere splash of scent. Oh, the drama! The intrigue! The unmistakable aroma of creativity! And pairing fragrances with food? Girl, you're speaking my language. Pass the perfume and the pasta, I'm ready for a sensory smorgasbord! The nose knows, and mine is positively twitching with anticipation. Brava, Hilde, brava!