Deci Dela by Nina Ricci c1994

In the early 1990s, the world of perfume was experiencing a dynamic shift. The era was marked by a growing interest in both classic and contemporary scents, with a strong emphasis on storytelling and evocative names that could capture the imagination of consumers. This period saw a blend of nostalgia for the elegance of past decades and a burgeoning fascination with innovative fragrances that could offer new sensory experiences.

In 1992, Parfums Nina Ricci S.A. began developing a new fragrance to be marketed worldwide under the name "Deci Dela." The name was chosen by high-level executives of Parfums Nina Ricci A.S.  Nina Ricci’s choice of the name "Deci Dela" for their 1994 fragrance was both strategic and evocative. The name was inspired by the French opera "Veronique," specifically drawing from the old French saying "Deci Dela," which translates to "Now here, now there." This phrase suggests a sense of elusiveness and the fleeting nature of moments—qualities that can be highly desirable in a perfume.

"Deci Dela" as a perfume name conveys a sense of whimsical sophistication and ephemeral beauty. The name evokes images of a woman who is both enigmatic and charming, able to captivate those around her with a fleeting but unforgettable presence. The term suggests a fragrance that can transition effortlessly from one occasion to another, embodying versatility and elegance. For women of the time, the name "Deci Dela" would resonate with the desire for a fragrance that offers both sophistication and a touch of mystery, reflecting their own complex identities and lifestyles.

The emotional impact of "Deci Dela" would likely evoke a sense of charm and allure. It suggests a perfume that is not confined to a single image or setting but can adapt and shine in various contexts. This versatility would appeal to women who sought a fragrance that could seamlessly fit into their dynamic lives, whether at a glamorous evening event or a casual day out.

In terms of interpretation, "Deci Dela" would be seen as a name that captures the essence of elegance and fleeting moments of beauty. It embodies the idea of a perfume that is both present and elusive, capturing the imagination of those who experience it. For women in the 1990s, this name would offer an invitation to embrace a fragrance that reflects their own multifaceted nature and desire for a scent that is both memorable and adaptable.

Created by perfumers Evelyne Boulanger and Jean Guichard, "Deci Dela" was not just a fragrance but a reflection of a time when perfumes were becoming increasingly sophisticated in their branding and appeal, combining classic elegance with contemporary innovation.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a crisp, fruity mossy chypre fragrance for women. Deci Dela is called a harmony of three interwoven lines of scents - one fruity (youthful), floral (warm, developed) and woody (softness.) In eau de toilette, concentrated eau de toilette and parfum. The eau de toilette is lighter and fruitier while the parfum is the warmest, most complex. Not for the faint of heart.  

• Top notes: orange, nectarine, cherry, apricot, mandarin, watermelon, pawpaw, raspberry, Chinese osmanthus, peach, Australian boronia and red currant
• Middle notes: hazelnut, "headspace" sweet pea, carnation, Javanese papaya, orris, freesia, jasmine, sweet pea rose, centifolia rose de mai and cabbage rose
• Base notes: Sumatran balsam, cedarwood, Provencal cypress, amber, benzoin, styrax, Cambodian agarwood, oakmoss, sandalwood, patchouli, resins and vanilla

Vanity Fair, 1995:

"Original. Audacious. An exotic, fruity, floral and chypre blend that is impossible to resist in brightly coloured flacons as luscious as the fragrance within."

Scent Profile:

Deci Dela by Nina Ricci, classified as a crisp, fruity mossy chypre fragrance for women, reveals itself in a captivating interplay of scents that weave together youthful fruitiness, warm floral complexity, and a soft, woody depth. Each layer of this fragrance unfolds with its own distinct aroma, offering a sensory journey that is both vibrant and deeply sophisticated.

The opening is a burst of juicy, succulent fruits that immediately engage the senses. Imagine biting into a ripe, sun-kissed peach, its sweet nectar flooding your palate. This sweetness is complemented by the bright, tangy zest of mandarin and the refreshing coolness of watermelon, mingling with the lusciousness of apricot. Cherry adds a tart, vibrant edge, while raspberry introduces a subtle, juicy tartness. The exotic, apricot-scented osmanthus from China adds a floral-fruity richness, and the Javanese papaya and Australian boronia flowers infuse a tropical, floral sweetness. This top note is an effervescent, fruity cocktail that delights with its playful and invigorating charm.

As the fragrance transitions to the heart, it evolves into a more nuanced and intricate bouquet. The centifolia rose de mai and cabbage rose offer an opulent, velvety floral scent, rich and romantic. The "headspace" sweet pea adds a soft, airy sweetness, while the freesia introduces a light, fresh floral accent. Carnation brings a spicy, peppery nuance that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, aromatic hazelnut. Javanese papaya continues its tropical influence, blending seamlessly with the creamy orris and lush jasmine. This middle note is a delicate balance of sweet, floral, and spicy elements, creating a warm and inviting heart.

In the base, Deci Dela settles into a complex and enduring chypre accord. The Sumatran balsam and Cambodian agarwood provide a deep, resinous warmth, while cedarwood and Provencal cypress add a crisp, woody undertone. Oakmoss contributes a rich, earthy depth that grounds the fragrance, and patchouli introduces a subtle, smoky sweetness. Amber and benzoin offer a warm, balsamic richness, enhanced by the creamy, soft notes of sandalwood and the resinous styrax. The base is a luxurious blend of woods, resins, and vanilla, creating a lasting, enveloping finish that lingers with a sophisticated, sensual warmth.

Overall, Deci Dela is a fragrance that embraces a harmonious blend of fruity freshness, floral elegance, and woody richness. The eau de toilette presents a lighter, fruitier interpretation, while the parfum offers a deeper, more complex experience. It’s a fragrance that makes a bold statement, appealing to those who appreciate a rich, multifaceted scent profile.

Bottle:

The presentation of Deci Dela by Nina Ricci is a captivating reflection of the brand's playful and romantic essence. The fragrance is housed in a rounded bottle that exudes elegance and charm. Designed by Mattia Bonetti for the artists Bonetti and Garouste (BG), the bottle is a visual feast with its deep pink hue, adorned with swirling gold accents that dance across its surface. This design choice evokes a sense of luxury and whimsy, aligning perfectly with Nina Ricci's aesthetic.

The bottle’s shape is naturally pleasing, its form subtly glowing with rich, vibrant colors reminiscent of raspberry, cherry, and mandarin orange. The frosted glass, with its peach-skin texture, adds a tactile dimension that invites touch and admiration. The dancing lines of gold that accentuate the glass further enhance its allure, capturing light in a way that makes the bottle appear almost alive. The stopper, matte gold and shaped like a fattened heart, is set on a diagonal slant, adding a quirky yet sophisticated touch that complements the overall design.

The Deci Dela bath line continues the playful theme with a nostalgic nod to the 1950s. The packaging colors for the bath products take inspiration from the sea, featuring matte shades of blue and green that evoke the tranquility and depth of oceanic hues. The whimsical soap dish, reminiscent of flying saucers from the era, rests on small gold balls, adding a touch of retro-futuristic charm. The stoppers on the shower gel and body lotion are designed as plump, golden waves, enhancing the aquatic theme and providing a cohesive look across the bath line.

Overall, the design of Deci Dela reflects a harmonious blend of elegance, whimsy, and nostalgia, making it a memorable addition to Nina Ricci’s fragrance collection.

Product Line:

The Deci Dela product line from Nina Ricci offers a comprehensive array of options designed to cater to diverse preferences and needs, all while maintaining the fragrance’s signature charm and elegance.

For those who enjoy the essence of Deci Dela in its purest form, the line includes a 5 ml Parfum Mini Splash and a 15 ml Parfum Spray. These smaller sizes are ideal for on-the-go application or as a luxurious treat for oneself. The mini splash and spray formats offer an opportunity to experience the rich, concentrated scent of the perfume in a convenient format.

The Eau de Toilette Concentree variant comes in several sizes, providing flexibility for both daily wear and special occasions. This range includes a 1.2 ml Sample Spray Vial, a 5 ml Mini Splash, a 30 ml bottle, a 50 ml bottle, and a 100 ml bottle. The Eau de Toilette Concentree is a slightly lighter option compared to the pure parfum, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subtle scent.

For those who enjoy the Eau de Toilette in its more traditional form, Deci Dela is available in 5 ml Mini Splash, 30 ml, 50 ml, and 100 ml bottles. These options provide a broader range of sizes for different needs, from travel-sized bottles to larger quantities for everyday use.

In addition to the fragrance itself, Deci Dela offers a luxurious collection of scented body products. The Perfumed Dusting Powder provides a delicate, fragrant finish for the skin, while the Perfumed Body Creme and Perfumed Body Lotion offer rich, moisturizing options with the signature scent of Deci Dela. For a complete bathing experience, the Perfumed Bath & Shower Lotion creates a fragrant lather, and the Perfumed Bath Pearls add a touch of luxury to the bath. The line is rounded out with Perfumed Soap, ensuring that the fragrance can be enjoyed from the moment of cleansing through to the final touches of skincare.

Overall, the Deci Dela product line is designed to provide a comprehensive sensory experience, allowing users to immerse themselves fully in the fragrance and extend its presence throughout their daily routines.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The Deci Dela fragrance line, once a celebrated part of Nina Ricci's offerings, was discontinued around 1999. This decision marked the end of an era for the perfume that had captivated many with its elegant and whimsical presentation. As trends and consumer preferences shifted, Deci Dela gradually faded from the market, its production ceasing in line with the evolving landscape of fragrance and beauty products. Despite its discontinuation, the perfume remains a cherished memory for those who enjoyed its distinctive scent and the luxurious experience it offered, reflecting a time when Nina Ricci's creations were at the forefront of fragrance innovation and style.