I have always loved associating fragrances, scents, and aromas to trips. As I get ready to travel, I usually pack one or two small fragrance bottles instead of taking many with me, so I can purchase more in the location I am visiting. In this way, I will always have a scented memory of that place, season, and moments in time either from the few I bring to wear or from a new addition to my collection.
The fragrance that will always remind me of my most recent trip to Italy (just last month) is Tiglio Chypre by Dedè 1989 Arte Profumata. Its invigorating aroma will always be the symbol of reconnecting with my country of birth after being unable to visit for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fragrance will also always remind me of how grateful I was to be able to go despite the ongoing difficulties with the latest virus surges.
I connected with the fragrance designer Denise Meles on Instagram several months ago and was captivated by the retro-style bottle labels and the fragrances’ names from the very beginning – each name seemed to enclose a unique olfactory story. Indeed, Denise tells many different fragrance tales inspired by the other senses and art forms through her creative process. She loves to listen to people’s stories and dreams, and design fragrances that can bring light and comfort to them.
As we talked about Tiglio Chypre, Denise mentioned this is her own version of the chypre olfactory family. “It’s my interpretation of the linden plant embedded in a chypre pyramid”, she said. Indeed, the fragrance artfully plays on the light and shade contrasts typical of this olfactory family, but still carries a modern and effervescent vibe. I was thrilled to discover another wonderful fragrance that features the linden note (“tiglio” is the Italian word for linden).
The opening is a breath of fresh air with sparkling citrus fruits and linden blossoms that shine like jewels in the sun. Denise mentioned using both the flower and plant components of linden, which on my skin project as nectarous and vibrant with nuances that remind me of lightly sweetened, cold green tea. Later in the evolution, the fragrance’s heart warms up and deepens. Along with the other base notes (patchouli, sandalwood, amber), the oak moss confers woody, deep forest-like, and slightly bitter nuances that nicely offset the more luminous notes.
A luscious sensation is present throughout the duration of the fragrance – indeed, I was told by my friend that she detected wafts of juicy plum as we walked outside. On my skin, Tiglio Chypre has excellent longevity and projection. I have very much enjoyed wearing it in the summer heat, but I look forward to experiencing its beauty and character in cooler temperatures too.
Independent perfumer Denise Meles crafts her fragrances in small batches using mixed media in the hills that overlook the sea of La Spezia, a city in the Liguria region of Italy. Driven by her imaginative spirit, Denise initially expressed her creativity through music and even formed her own band as a young girl. She soon realized this wasn’t enough, so she first studied naturopathy and then perfumery, which soon became her true passion and calling. She considers her fragrances to be unique, collectible artistic pieces. As someone who loves to connect fragrances to multiple sensorial experiences and art forms, I appreciate the highly synesthetic way Denise approaches her work, which is inspired by dreams, paintings, architecture, and traveling.
You can find more about Denise’s creations on her Instagram and Facebook pages.
Tiglio Chypre notes:
Top: bergamot, mandarine, lemon
Heart: linden blossom flower and plant, Damask rose, jasmine
Base: oakmoss, patchouli, sandalwood, amber
I reviewed the fragrance from my personally purchased 40 ml bottle. Creations are also available in 10 ml travel size vials.
Photo is my own.
