Morocco and France – these two countries unite Mezel Paris. They are the home of founder Sophia Gyé-Jacquot and at the same time the cultural reference points between which the young fragrance house moves. Moroccan heritage meets French perfumery, resulting in an exciting, multi-faceted collection that is modern, expressive and diverse. The Mezel Paris line comprises five fragrances, which I would like to focus on today and in the coming days. First, however, it is worth taking a look at the background, the design details and the brand’s sources of inspiration.
Mezel Paris – In search of clues in Morocco
Anyone who takes a closer look at Mezel Paris quickly realizes that the brand’s roots are not only visible in the olfactory, but also in the design. The shape of the flacon is inspired by the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca – more precisely, by its geometric silhouette from a bird’s eye view. The building is a symbol of tolerance, openness and precision craftsmanship.
The brand’s color palette also reflects the connection to Morocco: emerald green is reminiscent of the Hassan II Mosque and the richness of Moroccan culture. Gold is reminiscent of traditionally crafted and richly decorated brass objects and the gilded facades of houses in Paris. White as a tribute to the white city of Casablanca and black as a contrasting stylistic device.
The label features golden lines inspired by gold threads. They symbolize the connection between Morocco and France, between traditional craftsmanship and creative development.
Café Défendu – Forbidden coffee
The first fragrance from the Mezel Paris collection that I would like to introduce to you is Café Défendu. Translated, the name means “forbidden coffee” – a reference to an ingredient that is partly responsible for the addition of the name to the composition: cannabis.
Café Défendu whisks you away to a hidden café in Tangier, far from the main streets, somewhere in the narrow alleyways of the old town. Subdued lighting, drawn curtains, an atmosphere that is both mysterious and familiar. Perfumer Jérôme di Marino deliberately focused on contrasts during the development process in order to create a composition that is so irresistible that you will want to return to it again and again.
Top notes: cannabis, incense, pink pepper
Heart notes: coffee, cocoa, tonka bean
Base notes: vetiver, ambergris, woods, musk
Testing Café Défendu by Mezel Paris
Café Défendu opens tart, resinous and dark, accompanied by an elusive, herbaceous freshness that is probably due to the cannabis accord. Deep black, roasted coffee beans bring almost oud-like echoes into play. Frankincense and pink pepper lend the composition smoky-cool and dry-spicy facets while also ensuring transparency. Vetiver underlines the cool, slightly earthy side of the fragrance before it finally fades into powdery-warm and creamy-woody nuances.
Café Défendu is an idiosyncratic, striking creation that combines herbaceous, fresh, smoky and earthy elements with roasted coffee. With a masculine tendency, the fragrance has a medium to strong presence and impresses with very good longevity. Those expecting a sweet, gourmand coffee composition will not find what they are looking for here. Instead, Café Défendu is aimed at anyone who prefers dark, aromatic and woody fragrances. Unusual and expressive.
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