Carthusia Fiori Di Capri Eau de Parfum

...famed the creation of the Carthusia perfumery. Capri is a delightful island in the Bay of Naples and has been traditionally the home-in-the-sun for rich and powerful. There is something magical about the Capri that simply captivates the visitor. Even the Mediterranean Sea seems to shine around this volcanic island. It was this same magical surrounding that inspired a monk of the Carthusian monastery of St. Giacomo in 1380 to create a flower arrangement ...
...(luxury stores occasionally have selected Carthusia perfumes), and in France (notably the large, glass bookshop on Champs Elysees). There apparently is also a solid perfume version of Fiori di Capri as well some other toiletries of the range. I have not seen this for sale yet. The cost for the Eau de Parfum varies according to the retailer between 150-400 pounds. The retailer I use in France charges about 250 euros for a 50 ml Eau de Parfum flask. ... more

The description of an essence is far more complex than the addition of formulas which jointly result in a perfume. Each component is especially chosen to represent a human characteristic, therefore making the perfume transcendent a single sense and, nearly define an entire personality. Fiori di Capri is the definition of class. The aroma is refined and utterly chic in a way that intimidates those who are not comfortable with luxury. Of all the perfumes I have encountered, Fiori di Capri is the most opulent without falling into the ridicule of excess.

In order to understand Fiori di Capri, it is important to regard its origins and the legend which famed the creation of the Carthusia perfumery. Capri is a delightful island in the Bay of Naples and has been traditionally the home-in-the-sun for rich and powerful. There is something magical about the Capri that simply captivates the visitor. Even the Mediterranean Sea seems to shine around this volcanic island. It was this same magical surrounding that inspired a monk of the Carthusian monastery of St. Giacomo in 1380 to create a flower arrangement for a visiting Queen. The aromatic nature of these combined flowers generated an essence in the water which instigated the curiosity of the monk. According to the legend, this was the origin of the first perfume of Capri. The formulas for these perfumes where maintained secret and were not released for production until 1948 (with permission from the Pope himself). The perfumes are now produced by Carthusia.

Fiori di Capri has an interesting combination notes. The most evident are wild carnation, lily of the valley, and oak. These notes cause a first impression of delicacy. Then, the perfume is enhanced with notes of amber, sandal, and ylang ylang. It is at this point that the intriguing power of the fragrance appears as the smell only intensifies. The components are all handpicked and pure which only enhances the power of this fragrance. This also enables the perfume to expand better and, only experience Fiori di Capri in its full bodied state.

I fell in love with Fiori di Capri for several reasons. The first is the obvious personality which it exudes. The individuality of the fragrance infatuating and instantly reminds of my Neapolitan origins. The first time I experience Fiori di Capri it was as the perfume had chosen me, not the opposite. It was an inevitable attraction which could only result in the equivalent of a long lasting romantic affair. The second point is the chic factor. Fiori di Capri is not commercial chic, like Chanel number 5. Quite on the contrary, this is the fragrance of a woman who ventures the extra step in favour of couture. It is still made by hand and only in restricted numbers. Very retailers have access to Fiori di Capri Eau de Parfum (the Harrods luxury perfumery in the 5th floor does not even carry a sample)which makes it even more desirable. Lastly, Fiori di Capri is also a long-lasting scent. Two drops behind the years or on the wrists withstand hours of work and even showers. I carry the vintage bottle edition with a retro atomizer bulb and so my room seems to also carry a Fiori di Capri aroma even though I only use two drops in the morning. It is the ultimate signature scent for haute couture woman.

FURTHER DETAILS:

Fiori di Capri also exists in a less concentrated Eau de Toilette version in both 100 and 50ml. I have not yet found a retailer in the United Kingdom which carries this essence, but it is available via American perfume retailers (a few are on the web), in Italy (luxury stores occasionally have selected Carthusia perfumes), and in France (notably the large, glass bookshop on Champs Elysees). There apparently is also a solid perfume version of Fiori di Capri as well some other toiletries of the range. I have not seen this for sale yet. The cost for the Eau de Parfum varies according to the retailer between 150-400 pounds. The retailer I use in France charges about 250 euros for a 50 ml Eau de Parfum flask. As a signature perfume, it may be used at anytime and occasion. 

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