Maria Candida Gentile is an Italian niche fragrance brand renowned for its artistic and evocative scent compositions. Among its intriguing offerings are two contrasting fragrances: Elephant & Roses and Syconium. Each fragrance embodies a distinct narrative and sensory experience, captivating the hearts of perfume enthusiasts globally. In this article, we will explore the unique qualities of both scents, their development on the skin, and how they encapsulate the artistry of perfumery.
Elephant & Roses: The Dance of Flora and Fauna
A Unique Concept
Released in 2023, Elephant & Roses presents an unusual blend that intertwines the essence of an elephant with the softness of roses. According to Maria Candida Gentile, the inspiration stemmed from a vivid vision she experienced while working at her desk. The concept combines the raw, earthy scent of elephants with the delicate aroma of fuchsia roses, creating a juxtaposition of strength and gentleness. This fragrance is not merely a scent but an imaginative tableau of elephants trampling through fields of roses, offering a scent experience that is both playful and profound.Notes Breakdown
The fragrance comprises a harmonious arrangement of notes:- Top Notes: Thyme, Cistus (Labdanum amber), Osmanthus
- Heart Notes: Rose, Jasmine, Grey Amber
- Base Notes: Java Vetiver, Sandalwood, Animal Accord
The Opening
On the skin, the fragrance opens with a plush, velvety rose intertwined with the fresh, green vibrancy of thyme. This earthy touch introduces an almost mimosa-like sweetness, complemented by subtle hints of osmanthus that carry a leathery undertone mingled with apricot. The initial presentation feels like a natural garden, lush and vibrant.Development Over Time
As the fragrance evolves, the greenness of the thyme becomes more prominent, leaning towards a minty aroma. The animalic components begin to reveal themselves in small bursts, adding a layer of complexity to the floral heart. The interplay of vetiver’s grassy, earthy tones and light acidity creates a fascinating dynamic, while hints of animalic accords keep the scent grounding. Gradually, the floral elements shift, and after approximately half an hour, the “elephant” in Elephant & Roses asserts its presence more clearly. The costus root, indicative of its animalistic essence, emerges with a distinct, high-pitched quality reminiscent of warm muskiness. This transformation invites wearers into a wild yet romantic olfactory experience.Longevity and Reception
Despite the captivating narrative and initial allure, many users report that Elephant & Roses suffers from poor longevity, with the fragrance fading significantly after just a short period. Feedback on platforms like Fragrantica highlights a mixed reception; while some appreciate the scent as a tender, exotic floral, others notice its fleeting presence and struggle with its lasting power on skin.Syconium: A Figure of Sweetness
The Essence of Fig
In contrast, Syconium, part of the Flight of the Bumblebee collection released in 2014, celebrates the ripeness of figs, encapsulating the myriad scents associated with this ancient fruit. According to Gentile, this fragrance reflects the beauty of nature and its gifts, drawing upon childhood memories and images of leisurely afternoons spent in the Italian countryside.Notes Breakdown
This delectable fragrance features a pleasure-filled combination of notes:- Top Notes: Honey, Milk
- Heart Notes: Fig
- Base Notes: Java Sandalwood, Beeswax
The Opening
Upon application, Syconium immediately envelops the senses with a rich blend of honey and milk, combined with a cushy sandalwood base that feels almost edible. This creamy texture, reminiscent of a dessert, flows harmoniously with notes of fresh fig pulp, conjuring images of indulgence and comfort.Evolution and Experience
As the fragrance develops, nuances of cinnamon and aromatics associated with Siam benzoin start to emerge, adding layers of warmth and spice that enrich the overall profile. The milky, sweet notes anchor themselves amidst smoky undertones from the sandalwood, which gently unfurl as time passes. This combination evokes nostalgic feelings—children laughing over milk-drenched pastries in a sun-drenched Italian orchard. However, after the first hour, Syconium reveals a drier, smokier character as the honeyed notes dissipate. The robust sandalwood takes center stage, while the fig morphs into a more subdued, milky presence. The transformation isn’t abrupt but rather a gradual shift, with soft, sweet notes tenderly fading away, leaving behind a soft musk tinged with smoky sandalwood.Longevity and Reception
Unlike its counterpart, Syconium enjoys a more favorable reception regarding its longevity. It has been praised for its duration, lasting well into the day. Users frequently describe the experience as soothing and comforting, associating it with warm, inviting memories. The overall impression remains one of deliciousness, coupling pulpy fig with sweet milks and rich woods, arousing emotions tied to culinary pleasures and joyful recollections.Comparative Analysis: Elephant & Roses vs. Syconium
Fragrance Families and Experiences
The distinct experiences projected by these fragrances highlight the vastness of the perfumer’s craft. Elephant & Roses leans into the realm of floral complexity while retaining a wild, animalistic edge. Its blend of roses and greenery paired with earthy undertones creates a unique, although polarizing, scent profile. Conversely, Syconium provides an entirely different journey—a warm, edible aroma encapsulating the essence of fig. It encapsulates comfort through gourmand notes, leading to a soothing fragrance that many find appealing. The honeyed sweetness and milky nuance engage those looking for scent that evoke nostalgia and ceaseless warmth.Overall Wearability
When considering wearability, Syconium emerges as a more accessible choice due to its longer-lasting fragrance profile and broad appeal. In contrast, the more robust nature of Elephant & Roses may not resonate with every scent enthusiast, especially those sensitive to animalic nuances or seeking fragrances that remain evident throughout the day.Conclusion
Both Elephant & Roses and Syconium showcase the creativity and depth of Maria Candida Gentile’s artistry in fragrance design. With their rich narratives and meticulously crafted notes, they offer unique interpretations of nature’s beauty. Whether one leans towards the daring combination of animalics and florals or the comforting sweetness of fig and honey, these fragrances celebrate the diversity of scent and the emotions they can inspire.What are the main notes in Elephant & Roses?
The main notes in Elephant & Roses include thyme, cistus, osmanthus, rose, jasmine, grey amber, java vetiver, sandalwood, and an animal accord.
How does Syconium evolve on the skin?
Syconium opens with notes of honey and milk, layered with fig and sandalwood. Over time, it develops a smokier character while retaining sweet and creamy undertones, ultimately transforming into a sandalwood fragrance with milky fig elements.