FENDI
DOLCE BACIO

2024

PERFUMER
Anne Flipo

apricot
damask rose
patchouli

‘The intensity of a rose and the sweetness of an apricot. Dolce Bacio, a sweet kiss on the cheek, lingering like the smear of a rose-scented lipstick. The rose named after Anna Fendi, ochre-coloured like the sky at dawn in the heart of Rome’s rose garden. A perfume like a garden overlooking the city, green and floral, woody and earthy. The fragrance by master perfumer Anne Flipo has the sparkle of a sweet, sunny apricot and the dry, smoky accents of Indonesian patchouli. In the middle of the accord, Damascene rose from Turkey, powerful and velvety, ample and embracing.’ – Fendi

A somewhat common earthy rose combination, but the rose seems of high quality.

Slightly smoky from the start; not in a challenging way, but this isn’t as much of a delicate, fresh fragrance either to me. I don’t fully get the comparion to Gris Dior that seems to be the most made reference; I think the Fendi is more earthy, more dry, more honeyed sweet. The rose feels similar, but still, these are different fragrances overall.

It’s fruity, but apricot doesn’t jump out at me; it’s just a bit jammy fruity the way a lot of roses are. Definitely some green and citrussy hues as well.

As it dries, I get more of the honeyed vibe, but especially, more of the earthiness. I think if you look at this as a ‘Gris Dior’ take, it would be a less traditionally feminine and less sophisticated one.

Overall, I quite enjoyed Dolce Bacio. It wouldn’t make my top list in a sea of rose fragrances available, but at the same time, I’d be happy to have it in the collection and wear it.