Description of Chypre accords

The Chypre accord is usually composed of a base containing bergamot, cistus labdanum, patchouli and oakmoss. It was originally created by French perfumer, François Coty in 1917. The name comes from the French for 'Cyprus' as Coty found that most of the ingredients for this type of perfume odour were found in the Mediterranean and particularly in the Hesperide Gardens of Cyprus.

Its composition is characterised by the contrast between the fresh citrus accord and the woody-oakmoss base with patchouli often considered as an indispensable element. From the traditional base, other accords can be created including:

• Chypre Fruity: peach and exotic fruit are added to the classic Chypre base.
• Chypre Floral Citrus: more top fresh notes are included in the floral composition.
• Chypre Leather: Animal notes such as ambergris as well as leather, smoky, burnt wood notes bring out a leather feel and are harmonised with more citrus notes to bring for some freshness
• Chypre aromatic: Notes of lavender associated with aromatic herbs such as juniper, coriander or thyme are added to the base, floral notes of rose, jasmine, champaca are added. Orris root can also be used to reveal a more powdery and sensual Chypre scent.