PARFUMS DE MARLY
SHAGYA

2009

PERFUMER
Sidonie Lancesseur

bergamot
red berries

geranium
oud
CEDARWOOD

VETIVER
GUAIAC WOOD
musk
papyrus

‘A combination of strength and harmony, Shagya surprises with its striking top notes and vigorous bergamot-red berry accord before giving way to the softness of the woody and tender notes of papyrus and musk. An immediate freshness which gives way to the softness of a fragrance with duality.’ – Parfums de Marly

Shagya was one of the original Parfums de Marly releases back in 2009 and I think it’s an underrated one.

I’d like to shine a light on a slept-on or seemingly forgotten Parfums de Marly offering. Shagya opens bright, with some bergamot and lime. It quickly becomes apparent that this is not just another light and fresh fragrance, as a woody accord makes it’s strong presence known. A combination of vetiver, papyrus and oud is present throughout and it gives the scent an interesting contrast. According to Parfums de Marly’s description it contains red berry, which I’m personally not picking up on.

It instantly reminds me of Encre Noire A L’Extreme by Lalique, but it’s much easier to wear, because it’s brighter and a lot softer. The opening especially makes this more versatile and more suitable for slightly warmer weather than fragrances with a similar scent profile. Aside from the fresh oudy contrast, Shagya is not overly complex and the wear is almost linear.

It’s also not the most unique niche perfume around, when you’re used to vetiver fragrances, but it’s still a very solid option that I think vetiver lovers should give a chance.