Question:
A few weeks ago I was intrigued by the reviews of Parfums MDCI on blogs like Aromascope and Perfume-Smellin'Things. Well, actually, the pictures of the remarkable crystal bottles caught my eye first, being a fervent collector of unusual perfume bottles.
But the description of the fragrances haunted me and on Christmas Day (!) I could not bear it any longer: out went a mail to MDCI with the inquiry if I could buy their samples

Four days later (and we are talking about a holiday week here!) there came the most friendly mail from Mr. Claude Marchal. They were closed at that moment, but, could he contact me in January?
To make a long story a bit shorter, here I am with a delightful set of their five scents. Samples of 10 ml.!!!
The cost is 35 Euro and an additional 10 Euro for shipping. For together 50 ml. of Eau de Parfum.
I feel like I am robbing them blind
The three scents for women are created by Francis Kurkdjian, the two for men by Pierre Bourdon and Stéphanie Bakouche.
Since I was busy with the thread "Seven days of Feasting on Lutens", I was not free to test the set when it arrived. Pure agony. But since yesterday evening I can't think of anything else. For me there is beauty and delight in those bottles!
Reading the blogs I noticed the reluctance to ask Mr. Marchal for the price of his beauties. It was considered 'not chic'
Right, so I am not 'chic' but darned practical: what is the use of gazing at fragrances when you don't know how much you have to fork out (thank God I am Dutch. We have a reputation for being straightforward)
So for those interested: the crystal bottles range from 1700 Euro for the masculine, to 1950 Euro for the feminine. You will get a stunning coffret with the empty limited edition crystal bottle of your choice and two professional aluminium containers with 60 ml (2 oz) of fragrance. Refills are available.
Permission to faint now
And now for the good news: Mr. Marchal, being a wonderful and kind person (I would ask him to adopt me in a heartbeat), is also aware of the fact that not all perfume lovers will be able to spend that amount of money.
So: they will also supply the fragrances in the aluminium refills used for the crystal bottles!!
Prices:
Masculine fragrances: 50 ml natural spray EDP...............120.00 euros,
75 ml natural spray..EDP...............140.00 euros
Feminine fragrances: 50 ml natural spray EDP.................130.00 euros
75 ml natural spray EDP.................150.00 euros
And for those who want something in between: they are working on a new presentation, a 60 ml glass natural spray bottle with a lovely Limoge bisque stopper. This bottle will be sold at about 450 Euro.
Since several blogs have given their impressions of the scents already but not this kind of information, I thought this additional info could be of some use
I landed on the second day of testing the fragrances and feel that I can't give right now a review that would do them real justice.
But good Lord, with two scents on my forearms and one just applied on my wrist, I just feel that I could fall in love.
link to site: http://parfumsmdci.free.fr/introductionen.htm
For those who can't find the exact links to the reviews on the other blogs: send me a PM. I thought it best not to post too many links here.
And to set your minds at rest: no, I am not paid to write this. Just wanted to share this information and hear your opinions.
Are there already members out there testing these scents?

Answer:
I posted about Parfums MDCI here at Basenotes when I first heard about them and was delighted to see that they offer those amazingly samples now! On Thursday when I get my paycheck the first thing I'll do is to order this set. I love when one can put a stop on an impossible craving...

Answer:
Thanks Riannon! Kurkdijan and Bourdon created two of my favorites (Rose Barbare and Iris Poudre) so I'll be following this thread with interest and looking for your reviews. And thanks for digging out the price info --I saw an early mention of this house with flacon prices, and had written them off as beyond my budget.

Answer:
Thank you Riannon for the additional information which is VERY useful! One just has to be practical when it comes to the wallet....
Since you know my tastes, I am awaiting your reviews before checking in for samples, too.
Let me say wow, 5 x 10 ml samples and for that price! More than a maison and on-line etailer should learn a good lesson from that

Answer:
Originally Posted by Riannon Permission to faint now Permission granted. Let's share some smelling salts.
Those bust stoppers (guess that could have two meanings) are too elegant.

Answer:
Originally Posted by Quarry Permission granted. Let's share some smelling salts.
Those bust stoppers (guess that could have two meanings) are too elegant. LOL!!
Remind me to warn Fredricktoo! He will be over the moon about 'bust stoppers' from what I gathered at our Lutens thread
And then we will go slumming on those aluminium refills!
After all, it is the scent that counts.

Answer:
Hi Riannon,
Thank you for your email about MDCI, it's most helpful! In a while, I'll be able to share the fun, because I definitely will write for the samples.

Answer:
Originally Posted by lievje Hi Riannon,
Thank you for your email about MDCI, it's most helpful! In a while, I'll be able to share the fun, because I definitely will write for the samples. I do know your secret cravings, eh?
Well, the more people are testing this fragrances, the better insight we will get.
Today it feels like I am dressed in day and night
A kind of layering experience of the two fragrances for men (would Moondeva feel a bit proud?)
On the left arm: Pierre Bourdon's scent
Notes: bergamot, grapefruit, pineapple, melon, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg ginger, basil, thyme, lavender, oak moss, vetiver, sandalwood, rosewood, leather, Darjeeling tea, amber, musk, vanilla, jasmine and violet.
This is definitely the 'day' scent on me. Classy, elegant, classic, but not a head turner. The kind of scent you will love to smell on someone but does not necessarily makes you run to the shops because you can't live without it. The leather note thusfar escapes me.
Oh well, we have still a long road of testing before us, Mr. Bourdon. Thanks to MDCI's great idea of providing 10 ml. samples.
On the right arm: Stephanie Bakouche’s scent:
Notes: grapefruit, bergamot, violet leaves, white thyme, cardamom, lavender, ginger, cedarwood, vanilla and musk.
Deep, deep sigh of pleasure!
First a topnote that makes you wonder if you have made the right choice. Intriguing. Almost disturbing. And I can't stop myself thinking of the first impression some of my best loved Lutens made
After that a veil of dark, yet comforting notes surrounds you. Night, warm and tender. Haunting. A night you will want to last forever.
Made for men? No way, at least Stephanie Bakouche is mine and I will defend any bottle I can lay my hands on with my life!!
I owe the wonderful people of Perfume Posse a sincere 'thank you' for providing the notes on their blog.

Answer:
Riannon,
HUGE thanks for the info and for your excellent reviews too! I think it's time to order a sample kit...
With kind regards,
-Tero-

Answer:
I just ordered mine and am really excited to try these, especially 'cause I know all about Riannon's great taste!