What Happened When MDCI Gave Zarokian a Blank Page

Quiet Skill, High Craft and Perfume That Learns You Back

MDCI sits quietly in the landscape of French perfumery, yet collectors who value refinement often find their way to it. We have already explored the house through our conversation with its creative director, and through the early trilogy composed by Francis Kurkdjian. Now we turn to the feminine-leaning creations shaped by Cécile Zarokian, a body of work that deepens the house’s voice. If MDCI is new to you, consider this an invitation. It is a house that rewards curiosity.

A smiling woman with medium-length wavy hair, wearing a dark top, stands in front of a modern, bright background with artworks and flowers.

Cécile Zarokian is one of the perfumers who shaped MDCI’s identity. Her style is rooted in clarity, restraint and emotional nuance. These perfumes evolve gently, touching the skin in quiet layers that come forward over time. They feel lived-in, like something that settles into your day and becomes part of it.

We tested them over time through MDCI’s eleven milliliter discovery sets. Here is what these fragrances do when experienced properly.

Nuit Andalouse

Warm Skin, Soft Florals, No Drama

Nuit Andalouse imagines an Andalusian garden at night without leaning on heaviness or tropical tropes. It opens with orange peel, quiet greens and violet. The heart is gardenia shaped by rose and ylang-ylang. The floral bouquet feels tropical.

A clear glass perfume bottle with a golden cap and decorative tassel, containing a pale yellow liquid, representing luxury and elegance.

As it dries, vanilla, sandalwood and musk create warmth that sits close to the skin. Nuit Andalouse feels tender and intimate. This is a very romantic floral.

Notes
Top: orange, green notes, violet
Heart: gardenia, rose, ylang-ylang
Base: vanilla, sandalwood, musk

Cio Cio San

Spring Air with Thoughtfulness

Cio Cio San looks east but does not resort to exotic caricature. Yuzu, lime and ginger open the scent with softness. Cherry blossom, peony and lychee add a floral-fruity breeze, while an Oolong tea note gives lift and calm.

A decorative perfume bottle from MDCI with a golden cap and tassel, containing a light pink fragrance.

The base of woods and musk keeps the scent balanced and wearable. It feels like quiet optimism. A fresh floral that does not need sweetness to be appealing.

Notes
Top: yuzu, lime, ginger, grapefruit
Heart: cherry flowers, peony, lychee, tea
Base: cedarwood, musk, guaiac

Les Indes Galantes

Texture, Warmth and True Comfort

Les Indes Galantes borrows its name from Rameau’s opera and turns it into perfume without theatrics. Almond and raspberry greet you first, followed by coriander, cinnamon and clove. The spices never overwhelm.

Elegant glass perfume bottle with a golden cap and decorative tassel, containing a light amber fragrance.

The base is rich with Madagascar vanilla, resin, incense and labdanum. This is a gourmand with maturity. It reads as woven warmth rather than dessert. A fragrance you reach for when you want presence.

Notes
Head: bergamot, orange, almond, raspberry
Heart: coriander, cinnamon, clove, geranium
Base: vanilla absolute, incense, resin notes, labdanum, leather facets

Fêtes Persanes

Elegance with Quiet Authority

Named after another Rameau work, Fêtes Persanes opens with bergamot, black pepper and elemi. The floral-spice heart moves with rose, cardamom and clove. On the skin, the base develops slowly into musks, cedar, guaiac and vanilla.

A decorative perfume bottle with an ornate floral design, featuring a gold cap and a tassel.

This perfume has backbone. It is polished, dry and structured. If you want something composed and subtle that reads expensive without announcement, this is it.

Notes
Top: bergamot, pepper, elemi
Heart: rose, cardamom, cinnamon, clove
Base: white musks, cedarwood, patchouli, vanilla

La Surprise

Romance Written with Restraint

La Surprise references Fragonard’s painting from The Pursuit of Love series. Cardamom, green notes, bergamot and rhubarb give lift in the opening. The heart blends white flowers, rose, peach, freesia and violet. The dry down is woods, musk and sandalwood with a solar brightness.

A painting depicting a serene garden scene with three figures interacting amidst lush greenery and floral arrangements, reflecting a tranquil and romantic atmosphere.

What makes it interesting is its ease. This perfume is tender without leaning powdery or girlish. It wears like a quiet memory. Daytime romance, modern and unfussy.

Notes
Head: green accord, cardamom, bergamot, rhubarb
Heart: white flowers, rose, peach, freesia, violet
Base: woods, musks, solar notes, patchouli, sandalwood

Elevated Classics Classification
Primary Category: Elevated Niche
Secondary Tags: Creative Direction with Master Perfumers, Heritage Influence, Private Lab Production, Artistic Intent Over Trend