Vepres Siciliennes, named after the opera “I vespri siciliani” by Guiseppe Verdi, is a fruity green chypre fragrance. I believe this is a perfume that is easily overlooked, especially in a collection of perfumes as magnificent as the one MDCI offers. But overlooking it would be a mistake, since although it takes some time to get to know it, and maybe a bit more time to full appreciate it, Vepres Siciliennes is defininitely worth that time. You are rewarded with an interesting, ever changing beauty that keeps you entertained for hours.
Vepres Siciliennes was created by Jeanne-Marie Faugier and includes notes of mandarin, grapefruit, peach, pepper, green leaves, cardamom, muguet, magnolia, jasmine, ylang ylang, rose, tuberose, heliotrope, osmanthus, raspberry, cloves, plum, coconut, musk, amber, oakmoss and cedarwood.
Vepres Siciliennes opens with a big blast of citrus and sweetness. Soon a spicier side emerges and nicely manages to shake up, what could quickly have become cloying. Over time a slightly powdery (heliotrope) floral bouquet (a very well blended mix of rose, ylang, jasmine and tuberose) becomes more and more fruity, taking on juicy berries and plums, a lovely apricot note sails through, a creaminess, thanks to coconut, leads to the soft bed of mossy amber the whole construction lies on. The late dry down is on the sweet side, but soft and pillowy, not syrupy or treacly.
I first tried Vepres Siciliennes in very hot weather since its huge citrus opening lead me to believe I was dealing with a cologne-type scent, which it is absolutely not. But instead of overwhelming and suffocating in the heat, Vepres Siciliennes kind of wilted and hung there, not really impressing me and not really giving much of its nature away. Vepres Siciliennes, just like me, doesn’t like extreme heat.
As soon as it was cooler again, a new trial revealed an entirely different perfume – rich, faceted, complex, nuanced and absolutely delicious.
On the one hand I’m glad I tried again (as you always should, temperature is important!) to experience this perfume in its full glory. On the other hand, I’m almost unhappy that I cannot entirely dismiss this one. I was glad for a short time that not all the MDCI’s were for me.
Once again I cannot help but be in awe of this line of high quality perfumes. Each and every one so far is excellently done and just beautiful.
A Spot in the Shade by Julie Davis
As long as you remember to reserve a cool spot in the shade for Vepres Siciliennes, she’ll thank you with a dazzling fragrant journey.
Olfactoria's Travels 
Beautiful review as always. I recently read on basenotes that some of the MDCI flacons are leaky due to a manufacturing flaw. So buyers beware.
Oh no, that’s not good news. 😦 My bottle of Péché Cardinal is thankfully okay.
I am still in MDCI denial, but I will definitely add this to my ‘try at some point’ list… Hope you are having a wonderful holiday!
Thank you, Alex, I am having a very relaxing time. I hope you will love the MDCI’s as much as I am.
Lovely review B! Every time I read one of your Parfums MDCI I have to tell myself that they’re so pricey, otherwise I think I’d go on a binge.
Sounds like a beautiful line!
Thank you, dear T! Next time you’re at Roja Dove’s, give them a sniff.
I absolutely will! (hope you’re having a lovely time away BTW)
I have not found one of the MDCI’s that I have not liked or loved, this one also sounds like a must try, the sample set makes it very affordable though and I can highly recommend the service. 🙂
Me too! 🙂
“A Spot In The Shade”, how lovely! Gorgeous review. Temperature really can make a massive difference, you’re absolutely right. I love that the MDCI perfumes you’ve reviewed sound so nuanced and this one especially so. Something you just don’t get often enough.
It’s like me, a lover of shade. 🙂
You are right, MDCI’s are a labor of love, and you smell that.
Ohhh, I must get that sample set so I can spend more time with these MDCI lovelies. Such a gorgeous line all-around. Don’t feel bad about falling in love with another one, Birgit … it just means that you have impeccable taste. 😉
Lovely review!!
Haha, great justification! Thank you! 🙂 The sample set is a good investment, Suz!
I’m glad you gave this fragrance a chance in different weather so we could read this wonderful review, Birgit 🙂
Thank you, James! Me too! 😉