Sedley Parfums de Marly 2019

After Sedley by Parfums de Marly was my first real niche fragrance, I have now decided, after some consideration, to dedicate my first review to this unusual yet not outstanding fragrance. As I really don't yet(?) have the nose to precisely describe and categorize the individual fragrance notes, I would like to limit myself to my impressions and associations.

The fragrance is not unique in that it follows a tried and tested recipe. It is a classic, beautifully balanced freshie that starts off with a strong but by no means unpleasant citric note. The opening should be familiar from some freshies on the market in a similar vein: aquatic, citrusy, and a subtle mint. Something like this is certainly not a world first, but it still seems to me to be masterfully executed and smells very pleasant.

What actually makes the fragrance more extraordinary, in my opinion, is the further development. While it is very intense in the first 15-20 minutes and has a strong sillage, it then recedes (at least for me). The fragrance becomes much closer to the skin, but other notes come to the fore. I would describe the phase that has now begun with the adjective silky. Now it has something slightly floral about it (I recognize the lavender and, according to the fragrance pyramid, there is also rose geranium), which is complemented very appropriately by the underlying woody notes. From then on, the fragrance develops less, at least for me, and retains this rather unique blend of gentle aquatic freshness, a light floral note and the rather dry and noble woods. This phase now lasts quite a while. For me, it definitely lasts around 8 hours, but it becomes rather skin-deep towards the end.

Some users here complain about the fragrance's short shelf life. I can only partially agree with this opinion - but I understand where it comes from. On the one hand, the fragrance loses its initial fresh power rather quickly. The rather silky, smooth and calmer phase is quickly reached. On the other hand, I believe that as a wearer of this fragrance, you quickly develop a fragrance blindness to these rather gentle and dignified olfactory impressions (at least I definitely do!). However, I have been assured by several people that the fragrance is still noticeable, even if I no longer notice it myself.

What do I associate with the fragrance and for which situations is it recommended? In my opinion, Sedley by PdM is an absolute all-rounder. I can't imagine any situation in which it would be perceived as inappropriate or even annoying. Whether at work, at a meeting with friends, at the opera or on a date, you can't go wrong with this fragrance. It is extremely pleasant and nobody can dislike it. And in my opinion, this is precisely its greatest strength: for any situation that is perhaps difficult to assess, in which you don't want to disturb anyone, reaching for Sedley is almost obligatory. Sure, it's not a daring fragrance and you certainly won't be able to get a crowd to turn around and look at you on the street. But, in my opinion, you often don't want to. After all, aren't we all grateful for a fragrance that is a reliable companion in every conceivable situation and never causes any unpleasantness?