Reviews of Fiori de Capri (1390)
by Carthusia

Carnation, citrus, and a very bright orange blossom open this sunny composition, all driven by an aldehydic burst that’s perhaps a bit too emphatic to avoid an impression of artificiality. The citrus top note dissipates rapidly to leave a crisp, aldehydic white flower and carnation heart resting on a lightly sweetened vanillic foundation. In time the carnation creeps further to the fore, while some very light woods emerge in the base.

Fiori di Capri is a happy scent, but a delicate one, without a great deal of projection or aggressive sillage. Nor is it terribly potent. It is instead one of those quiet, subtle scents that can easily be worn in any number of settings, from work to dinner parties. Its sunlit nature might suggest that it’s primarily a hot weather scent, but it has a nice “pick-me-up” quality in winter, too. In sum, it’s versatile and appealing, if not terribly distinctive, and while it certainly doesn’t excite me, I think it’s worth a try for anyone who likes carnation, but finds the carnation offerings from Caron and Comme des Garcons too sharp or heavy.

Soft carnation that's a little sweet. Light. For the more mature wearer.

FdC is a quality scent, but it does not trump Guerlain's Terracotta Voile d'Ete in the carnation/ylang-ylang arena, nor does it compete seriously with all the other pleasant white florals. A sweet opening burst quickly reveals a softly spicy carnation heart. There is supposed to be a lily-of-the-valley component. If it is here, it does not come across sharp or piercing. FdC is weak on me--not watery, just mild. Oak and sandalwood make up the base notes. A good enough fragrance, but not special to me.