Rdubrovkin

ATTENTION: Saffron lovers beware!!!
Because this fragrance really takes you on a fascinating journey to Cappadocia, which is dominated by saffron.

The first spray immediately reveals a rich blend that enchants the senses with warm, very sweet saffron and balsamic benzoin. The beautifully delicate vanilla and creamy iris butter give the fragrance a sensual & relaxing note.

The aromas are enhanced by the delicate rose and soothing incense - which is only very slightly perceptible in the backround - which soften the heaviness of the saffron and give the fragrance a rather airier, fresher note.
The presence of sandalwood and jasmine creates a harmonious balance between warmth and freshness.
There is a slight similarity to "Le Vestiaire - Babycat | Yves Saint Laurent", although the smokiness and leather accord are missing here. In my opinion, the Cappadocia is also "much more pleasing & down", which is of course just my personal opinion.

In addition to the longevity, which lasts a really long time on my skin, the sillage/projection is gently inviting without really being overpowering. At the same time, the fragrance cloud conveys a subtle yet powerful composition that conveys really beautiful elegance, making it an ideal companion for everyday life (e.g. in the office) & special occasions (e.g. restaurant/ evening fragrance). But what I also find remarkable/worth mentioning is that this fragrance can be used at any time of the year or "works" really well because it is not so penetrating/stinging.

Overall, I find "Cappadocia" to be an exceptional fragrance that may not be to everyone's taste but is definitely worth a trip for those who are looking for an olfactory experience and are also saffron lovers. In any case, the creation is a testament to refined craftsmanship, which I feel is 100% unisex.

Starting with strong iris notes, a fresh, floral scent of all Accento Overdose and fresh laundry - the Purple Flamingo knocks you right off your feet. Like this. Period.
So really, you notice this intensity/ this POWER straight away. The clearly noticeable iris unites the entire base with (slightly) woody notes, musk and a lot of "powderiness" to create a harmonious overall picture.

Orange Flamingo, on the other hand, impresses with its fresh and clean notes, which begin directly with an explosion of oranges. The combination of jasmine and lily of the valley dominate together with (slightly) woody accords before the fragrance transitions into a musk-based drydown. In contrast to the powdery Purple Flamingo, however, the Orange Flamingo is fresh and soapy clean with a characteristic "fresh wash" character.

For me/my nose, the Purple Flamingo is more intense/noble than its predecessor...
This is most likely due to the iris, which dominates the fragrance for a few minutes, similar to Irisss by Xerjoff. So if you know that fragrance, you'll know roughly what direction it's going in here...

Despite its highly concentrated formulation, the fragrance is still pleasant and envelops you all day long with its soothing freshie vibe.
The longevity leaves nothing to be desired and the projection is extremely strong, filling the room.
I would even say Beastmode.
!! BUT that is definitely the case with BOTH fragrances !!!
Even on skin types where fragrances don't last long, the longevity of Purple Flamingo is particularly impressive. Once applied in the morning, it stays with you into the evening or even for several days afterwards.
The extremely strong sillage and long-lasting durability also make this an ideal choice - for anyone looking for long-lasting fragrances.

No matter the occasion or time of day - both fragrances are perfect all-rounders.
In my opinion, more for spring and summer, as the heart notes of iris, rose, jasmine, lily of the valley and violet exude a harmonious sensuality that is simply made for these seasons.

On the whole, Purple Flamingo is a luxurious and higher quality alternative to the fresher Orange Flamingo. If you are looking for a long-lasting & intense fragrance, Purple Flamingo will be just right. The fragrance is an absolute must-have, especially for lovers of iris and orange notes as well as powdery freshness. But of course also for collectors due to its exclusivity.

If you are NOT into iris, you should definitely test the fragrance beforehand or go straight for the normal Orange Flamingo!
Please note: With a price of €279.00, the purple one is €79.00 more expensive than its predecessor due to its exclusivity and high-quality ingredients. So if you are not from near Düsseldorf or cannot test it in the store - I would definitely recommend ordering a bottle from the Souk.

In the end, you can simply say that Christian Carbonnel has done another great job here and created a fragrance that can be worn 100% by both women and men.

The Nefs fragrance journey begins like a gentle whisper, a hint of mystery that initially irritates the senses, only to become an epic symphony of fragrances that touches the SOUL. The name undoubtedly says it all! But what do I mean by that?
(Nefs >> translated from Turkish >> soul)

Rated a 10 out of 10, for me this is the epitome of perfection.
The opening is like a breath of magic that fills the air - you have never smelled anything like it before. The sweet notes of honey and fig mingle with the warm saffron and give the fragrance an unmistakable elegance. A very harmonious symphony of different aromas.
But.... it is just the beginning of a journey full of surprises...

After just a few minutes, Nefs unfolds into an opulent bouquet of roses, oud and whisky. No, not typical "rose/oud"... The composition of floral, spicy and woody notes gives the fragrance a fascinating depth, complexity and uniqueness. The oud and whiskey notes in particular lend the fragrance a fascinating "dirtiness" that is perfectly balanced. And no, no animalism, everything feels very finely tuned.

The true splendor is revealed in the drydown and is simply irresistible from here on. A perfectly balanced sweetness that plays with floral notes and a hint of wood and amber. The dry, woody finish is like the climax of an epic drama, with nuances of rose, osmanthus and a subtle whiskey note combining to create a breathtaking crescendo.
For me, a perfection that leaves you speechless and makes you love this fragrance again and again. For this reason - Nefs - is also MY SIGNATURE FRAGRANCE.

Fun fact: When I have "nothing to do / go into myself / meditate / ", I like to pick up the bottle and sniff the spray for a few minutes. The addiction factor is pre-programmed here.

one spray is enough and Nefs accompanies you for several days (on your clothes), definitely BEASTMODE.
Every person around me who notices this fragrance on me (and you are 100% noticed) immediately wants to know which fragrance it is and tries to get a bottle for themselves as quickly as possible - a real compliment catcher.

The bottle and packaging are also works of art in their own right. The elegant case, adorned with suede, encases the sturdy / high-quality bottle, which is embedded in an artistic grid, truly a luxurious experience from start to finish.

In conclusion, I can confidently say from my personal "wealth of experience" as a fragrance lover that I have explored a multitude of fragrances but amongst all the fragrances in the high price segment, Nefs - in my opinion - stands out as an outstanding example of quality. It's hard to put into words if you/you as a reader don't have this one in front of you but when I say you can feel the quality of this fragrance, it only does so much justice. It is a standard that must be reached first, a benchmark for luxury against which others (niche houses) must be measured.
Sure, it's normal that some work with clearly synthetic notes that are quickly recognizable and score points for their price/performance ratio, e.g. Montale. Some perfume houses seem to place more emphasis on quantity than quality, while others take the approach of simply packing in more and better ingredients but charging a higher price, such as Roja or Xerjoff. In the end, the criteria mentioned can be clearly perceived at the end of the day/scent journey - at least for a trained nose...

Well, beyond the "natural vs. synthetic ingredients" debate, I would like to emphasize the following again: The price may be high for sure, but Nefs is certainly worth every single penny. And if you don't want to/can't pay €550.00, which is of course understandable, my advice is to try it at the souk, but maybe order a sample and test it first.
Anyone who wears Nefs is not just wearing a fragrance, but a statement of style and class.
And the very best thing is that the fragrance is 100% unisex!

Oud Minerale... ah well... what a slow awakening you had, a gradual falling in love with this fragrance, because I really wasn't convinced at first. The fragrance seemed too daring to me, but really too daring. It was only as time went on that it began to subtly integrate itself into my perception. I gave it the opportunity to unfold and SUDDENLY I realized the complexity and beauty it held:

The more I was allowed to incorporate him into my daily life, the clearer his fascination and charm became. I was & am relieved that this fragrance was not discontinued, but reintroduced into the Signature Collection. It felt like a second chance that I welcomed with open arms and it captivated me 100%. A maritime adventure for the nose, a passionate sailing trip through salty sea air and mystical oud notes.

From the very first drop, it takes you on a journey to the sea. You feel as if you are in a gentle breeze, while the woody tones of the oud create a mystical atmosphere. If you close your eyes, it feels like standing on a quay and taking in the smell of the sea, combined with the spicy oud feeling of the wood around you.
What makes this fragrance so unique is its complexity. It begins with sweet and effervescent elements until it finally forms a warm, woody base. It always remains elegant and serene, like a gentleman who exudes his presence without being overbearing.

The longevity may not be the "longest" but the quality and uniqueness of the fragrance more than make up for it. It is a fragrance that is not intrusive but blends gently with the skin and lends an aura of elegance. In any case, it is a reliable support that gives me the impression of always being on top of things and being noticed.

Overall, Oud Minerale is an absolute specialty for me. It combines the freshness of the sea (like 40 Knots) with the mysterious depth of the oud (no animalic/ rather oud wood) and leaves a lasting/ unique impression.
Price performance, is more than justified even by "Tom Ford standards"!!!

I can only recommend it - a fragrance that definitely deserves a place of honor in my collection. Sometimes you need a little time and patience to recognize the true beauty of a fragrance and I am grateful that I gave it a second look. It is worth it!

Verde Accento, noble and fine,
A fragrance, exclusive and all on its own.
Flowery-green, like a walk in the woods,
The pineapple kiss stays with me in the hallway.
Resinous-woody, a hint of luxury fragrance,
Verde Accento, an experience in the air.

But Verde Accento, why are you so hard to come by, so that others can hold you in their hands?

My bottle found its way to Greece this summer to the island of Mykonos in the new Xerjoff boutique - which opened this summer 2023. Although the fragrance is exclusively available at Harrods in London, I was able to find my happiness in the newly opened store on Mykonos. All of Xerjoff's exclusive fragrances were offered there in strictly limited quantities, and I was lucky enough to secure the penultimate Verde Accento. The hefty price of €320.00 for 100ml may seem daunting at first, but it's definitely worth the money for the exclusivity, the memory of my vacation back then and, above all, for the wonderful fragrance. :-D

But now to the fragrance itself. For me, Verde is a successful blend of the normal Accento and the Accento Overdose. It starts off floral and green, with hints of herbs, moss and a light forest note in the background:
Imagine you are picnicking in a field of flowers next to a forest and unfolding your fruit basket. Iris and jasmine dominate at first, then you bring out the pineapple, the green apple and finally you make yourself a gin sour cocktail with lemons. The fresh, floral air is accompanied by the subtle resinousness and woody notes of the surrounding forest. In the drydown, the fragrance is reminiscent of the normal Accento, but remains surrounded by a woody aura. The presence of pineapple remains noticeable throughout the fragrance.
Objectively speaking, Verde Accento is a fragrance for every occasion, every season and every gender.
For me personally, however, this is the more masculine and less playful version of the normal Accento, which is more suitable for spring to fall, but please dear readers, don't get me wrong - the fragrance definitely remains unisex at its core. :-P

The longevity and sillage are impressive: a clear 10/10 from me; the fragrance was sometimes difficult to get off my clothes. The projection is strong, you get noticed, but it's not beastmode. The perception is pleasant and actually less penetrating than with the normal Accento, at least that was the feedback from some of the people I asked about it.

Finally, on the point of 'dear price': if you have a preference for luxury and niche fragrances, it seems difficult to me to see this as a negative thing. I mean, 99% of us are all nerds here on the forum when it comes to fragrances and really no one is forcing us to spend that amount of XXY. "Hehe, he said XXY xD" Nah but joking aside... Is it worth the price? I say if you want to spend it, test it and buy it if you want it & CAN. But I recommend everyone to try it at least once. The exclusivity and rarity may even justify the price for a collector. To be honest, I was also lulled into it by the lady at Xerjoff. ^^
And now, lo and behold, Verde Accento is one of the most beautiful fragrances in Xerjoff's 'V' collection for me personally.