Ambre Topkapi
Eau de Parfum
Fragrance
Fresh woody spicy
Not Chosen
Ambre Topkapi by Parfums MDCI is an elegant fragrance: fresh, aromatic, yet undeniably distinctive. The nose behind this creation is none other than Pierre Bourdon – famed for icons such as Kouros by YSL, Cool Water by Davidoff, and Jil Sander by Jil Sander.
Don’t be fooled by the name: Ambre Topkapi is not a classic amber fragrance. When Claude Marchal was asked what color the scent should evoke, he replied: “Amber-colored, like whiskey.” The golden hue – and the name – are therefore purely visual. The fragrance itself is a sophisticated spicy fougère, lifted by a surprising burst of juicy pineapple. The result is refined, vibrant, and irresistibly memorable.
Ambre Topkapi opens with a burst of green energy: aromatic lavender, thyme, and coriander make an immediate impression. As it develops, warm hints of cinnamon, green tea, and violet leaf bring complexity and balance. A subtle note of pineapple flickers in the background—unexpected, but perfectly placed.
Inspired by the refined grandeur of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, the scent walks a fine line between strength and subtlety. It’s crisp, clean, and unmistakably present, without ever becoming overpowering.
This fragrance holds a special place in MDCI’s history. It was the very first scent launched by the house, chosen without alteration from the early trial samples sent by Bourdon. For founder Claude Marchal, it marked the beginning of a brand built on craftsmanship, artistry, and collaboration with the world’s best perfumers.
Top notes: bergamot, grapefruit, pineapple, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, thyme, absinth, lavender
Heart notes: jasmine, lily of the valley, violet
Base notes: oak foam, patchouli, vetiver, rosewood, sandalwood, raspberry, Darjeeling tea, amber, vanilla, musk
Parfums MDCI creates for amateurs and collectors exclusive perfumes and precious, desirable flacons. Here the enchantment of exquisite fragrances is enhanced by the emotional beauty of the bottle and stoppers. With years, as recognition and exposure grew, the little house of Parfums MDCI has matured into an active "laboratory" of scents, adding new fragrances at the pace of encounters with perfumers and the discovery of new avenues.
