Lavender Thorne
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Enlevement au Serail
by MDCI Parfums
Enlevement au Serail is a rich, creamy, and highly wearable oriental floral with a vintage-inspired elegance. It opens with bright, warm citrus and floral notes—bergamot, mandarin orange, ylang-ylang—melding into a lush bouquet of jasmine, rose, and tuberose. The essence evolves into a deeply sensual, powdery, and slightly sweet composition, anchored by sandalwood, vanilla, and patchouli, creating a warm, enveloping aura that clings close to the skin. The fragrance leans toward the feminine, with a refined complexity that draws comparisons to vintage Chypres and elegant modern orientals, reminiscent of Rochas Femme, Eau Noire, and Chypre Palatin. While not overly long-lasting or sassy in sillage, it carries an intimate, luxurious presence, especially in cooler weather settings. A few users note a slightly old-fashioned or powdery character, and some comment on its need to be worn carefully—given its intensity and richness. Overall, it’s a sophisticated, deeply layered floral oriental that rewards subtle, thoughtful application.
Pros
- +One of the most elegant and well-composed modern oriental florals, showcasing expert blending of high-quality floral notes
- +Features a refined, warm, creamy depth that is both luxurious and wearable, especially in winter or evening settings
- +Offers an unexpected vintage sensibility without being dusty or outdated, with a balance of sweetness and woody complexity
Cons
- −Longevity is moderate at best, with some users reporting the scent fading significantly after a few hours
- −Some find the jasmine-heavy composition overwhelming or “waxy” if not applied sparingly
- −A few note a faint animalic or “old school” powderiness that may not appeal to those seeking a clean or modern aesthetic