Diadema
Introduction To Diadema By Moresque Parfum
There’s no better introduction to this gourmand fragrance than the one that the house itself can make.
From the house: Diadema takes its name from “diadem”, the distinguishing symbol of sovereignty and nobility. This perfume gourmand crowns luscious and charming caramel, an ingredient that, for many, takes its origins in the discovery of “Kurat Al Milh” (“ball of sweet salt”) by the Arabs.
A delightful scented jewel that evokes the high value Caliphs were said to attribute to sugar. Diadema is adorned with fruity notes of cherries, bergamot and orange. Its central ornament is a delicate and floral accord of rose and jasmine. The base marks the triumph of sweetness.
Moresque is one of those niche houses that never ceases to impress me. To say Diadema is beautiful is an understatement. I’ve always been a fan of Italian perfumery, especially niche perfumery because I feel their fragrances smell regal even if we’re talking about a simple, everyday floral/musky composition.
The Fragrance
Diadema is an exquisite “non-edible level” gourmand perfume, and what I mean by “non-edible level” is that although the gourmand component is present and the fragrance is delicious, sugary, and decadent, it has just the right amount of sweetness that keeps the sophistication intact, and won’t make you feel like a walking dessert which I’m grateful for (as much as I love desserts, I don’t want to smell like one).
I love gourmand accords, don’t get me wrong, but it’s very hard to find an “edible-gourmand” fragrance that also smells sophisticated. These type of fragrances can be yummy and cozy, but not sophisticated (let alone luxurious-smelling), and as I said above, as much as I love my sweets, I don’t like to smell like a walking cupcake, just like what happens with coffee. I can’t imagine my life without it, but that doesn’t mean I like to smell like a capuccino.
What I love about Diadema is that it has just the right amount of decadence; enough to make me crave something sweet, but also to give me the sophistication and luxurious vibes I love in fragrances, especially in the niche realm.
The opening is velvety, cozy, and fruity with a very present cherry and a slightly bitter orange note that becomes a bit “smoky” and deeper after 20 minutes. Now, the cherry here is neither a Lost Cherry wannabe nor juicy and syrupy like a Luxardo Maraschino cherry or even those notes that remind us of Amaretto liquor. Instead, the cherry note here has its own identity, and it’s been blended in a way that smells completely different than what we’re used to.
The gorgeous and addictive opening slowly transitions to a floral core that eventually leads to a resinous and caramelized vanillic dry down that lasts about seven hours on my skin.
The Notes
Top Notes: Cherries, bergamot, orange
Middle Notes: Ylang ylang, rose, and jasmine sambac
Base Notes: caramel, vanilla from Madagascar, benzoin, and patchouli.
If you like to smell unique like me, you need to try Diadema. Even if you’re not a gourmand lover you should give it a try.
If you want to learn more about the house and buy this gorgeous fragrance, check it out here (disclaimer: this is not an affiliate link. I bought the fragrance myself and this is my opinion based on my perception).
If you love gourmand fragrances, check out my blog post where I talk about other amazing gourmand perfumes.
Wearability
This is an all year-round fragrance, but I feel it performs better in the colder months. It’s a compliment-getter, great for any occasion but it leans more on the formal side.
Performance
Sillage is above average, you’ll definitely leave a nice trail behind you. It lasts about 6-7 hours on my skin, and it projects beautifully in the first two hours.
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