Theseus

EDIT: I first sampled this in atarilynx's Blind Sampling Event in 2018 and really liked it -- while it wasn't a "love at first sniff" it really grew on me until I came to the conclusion that it was either a Masterpiece of perfumery, or just happened to be perfectly suited for me, or both. I'd been limiting myself to bottles I could find 2nd-hand for $40 or less, but Theseus ended up becoming my first Niche bottle when atarilynx kindly sold me his for a great price. And guess what? I never got bored with it :-) In fact, I just bought my 2nd full bottle of Theseus as a Christmas present to myself here in 2022 -- what else do you need to know ?! My 2nd bottle came brand-new but the juice is a bit darker in color than my 1st one was. I notice the black pepper a bit more than I did before and it seems like it might be a little stronger than my last bottle, otherwise they smell identical to my nose. Initial Revew: I got a “warm candle wax” feeling from this upon first sniff, which might sound strange, but is actually nice and comforting. After a couple more wears, I can pick out the citrus, but can still smell something waxy or creamy. So if I were to rename this for the way it makes me feel, I'd call it Daedalus, after the mythical Greek who invented wings made from wax and feathers that allowed him to fly high into the sky -- only in this story, his son Icarus listens to him instead of ignoring his advice not to fly too close to the sun like he does in the original version. I agree with the other commenters who say there’s something sunny and optimistic about this. If it were a color, it would be yellow-orange. I agree with atarilynx who says this is similar to Terre d'Hermes, but it's different enough that you could own both. Actually, Theseus might be more versatile than TDH EDT since it smells a bit "deeper" and may be better suited for cooler weather. Initial impression: a really pleasant 4/5 Final impression: 4.5/5 or better

This is a great fragrance, centered on a citrusy clary sage, vetiver, green notes, clean musk and spices (mostly nutmeg). It's masterfully blended, and transitions are very smooth. The opening is a very herbal green kept fresh by a the citruses (that will stay until the base), the heart is about clary sage and a strong nutmeg with a subtle floral support, that will overall give an impression of celery. Then, in the base, a citrusy/rooty vetiver awakes and shines, supported by tonka, patchouli and woody notes, with a beautiful green bitterness in the late drydown (birch tar/leather?), reminding me of the green tobacco leaf drydown of Monsillage Aviation Club (but slightly less bitter). This frag will keep a strong soapy/powdery note (musk and iris maybe?) from top to base, making unisex (maybe slightly masculine). I strongly suggest to try it on skin, since on paper it seems to be a very fresh woody masculine frag, and will not develop its powdery/floral unisex side. Nothing in common with TdH, ELdO Fat E. or Dior ES Parfum, except for the presence of vetiver (but then it is similar to other 1000 frags). On my skin, performance is good, with a moderate/good projection, and great longevity. Quite unique, one of the best green frags around imo. Now on my to-buy list. Best on Spring days, women 20+, men 30+ Edit: I now got it, and don't know why I waited so long to buy it! Simply beautiful.

I’m still new to this fragrance game, and I’m fascinated by the impact of mood and weather on how I experience these concoctions. Yesterday, for example, I put on a fragrance that I know, intellectually, is beautiful and unique, but it was exactly wrong for the way I was feeling and I couldn’t wait for it to fade. Today, on the other hand, I hit it right with Theseus. Maybe it’s the weather here in New York – we’re in the transition between winter and a still-reluctant spring, and Theseus glows with the promise of the light and warmth just around the corner. I’m not good at pulling apart individual elements (except for the vetiver that gets more prominent as Theseus dries down) but this exquisite blend somehow marries outdoors and indoors -- a grassy field by the road in Tuscany and an evening at La Scala. I’m looking forward to checking out the perfumer’s shop when I’m in Firenze in May to see if there are any other Villoresi masterpieces that call my name.

Theseus from Villoresi is one of my earlier loves, and a new purchase. A real moodlifter fragrance to me. Feels smooth, raw, and vivid equally. A Lot of spicy, floral and earthy notes blended in a well rounded composition. I get juicy citrus in the top, similar to Eau Sauvage, I get brownish spices, vetiver and leather, something like Bel Ami Vetiver and I get a beautiful floral-ambery base which feels like a luxury Versace Dreamer. A clean, white, marble fountain with green leaves and flowers could smell the same in my imagination. I also like the good longevity in this one.

I’ve had the edp for years and it’s taken forever for me to review. It’s a masculine-leaning aromatic fragrance with vetiver, lots of citrus that is grapefruit-like, and maybe I’m getting the clary sage as it smells a bit like lavender. It is sort of a barbershop type fragrance, but to me it wears more androgynous than many in this category. Very pleasant and well-balanced, I find it enjoyable in warmer weather.