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.
Patchouli, Tea, Vanilla, Vetiver, Violet, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Sandalwood, Amber, Thyme, Raspberry, Oakmoss, Jasmine, Ginger, Lavender, Pineapple, Lily-of-the-valley, Rosewood, Musk, Absinthe
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Fougere
A traditional fougère is characterized by citrus top notes, an aromatic heart of lavender, roses or geranium that lay on a bed of oak moss and hay smelling coumarin. The name Fougère stems from the original perfume Fougère Royale, created in 1882 by the iconic perfumer Houbigant. As Houbigant said at the time, "if God had given ferns a scent, they would have smelled like Fougère Royale."
Ambre Topkapi - eau de parfum
Pierre Bourdon
Pierre Bourdon revolutionized men’s perfumery in the 1980s with Cool Water for Davidoff. He is also the nose behind Kouros for YSL and Jil Sander for Jil Sander, only to name a few. Pierre Bourdon goes by the philosophy that perfumes should be created as works of art. His creations for MDCI and Pozzo di Borgo are a great example for this belief!