MCM - Mode Creation Munich 1985 EDP

F ££ Acquired

MCM Obelisk

by Arturetto Landi

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MCM - Mode Creation Munich MCM Obelisk is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1985, created by Arturetto Landi. MCM Obelisk opens with Green Notes, Bergamot, Lemon, and Galbanum, settles into a heart of Rosewood, Rose, Jasmine, and Ylang-Ylang, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Cedar, and Sandalwood. MCM - Mode Creation Munich's MCM Obelisk carries an Acquired verdict, a green-led wear.

Divisive yet undeniably potent, MCM Obelisk is a cult classic for those who crave a dark, sexy, and unapologetically 80s oriental. It's a powerhouse for seduction, loved by many for its unique, warm spice. Just prepare for that initial sharp bug spray opening.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Warm
  • Classic
  • Sensual
  • Edgy
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MCM Obelisk Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

ScentArt

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

With strong sillage and long-lasting performance, Obelisk is too assertive for the office. Its rich, sensual nature makes it perfect for date nights and formal events, while being too heavy for sport.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Citral Geranial from Lemon
  • Geraniol from Rose
  • Oakmoss Evernia prunastri extract from Moss

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk
  • Vanillin from Vanilla
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

This is a bold, amber-laden oriental that kicks off with a sharp green burst of galbanum, brightened by bergamot and a hint of sweet peach. The heart unfolds into a rich floral tapestry of rose and jasmine, given a spicy, woody depth by rosewood and thyme. The base is where Obelisk truly shines, a warm, resinous embrace of amber, benzoin, and vanilla, grounded by earthy moss, cedar, and musky undertones. It evokes a sense of old-world glamour with a modern edge.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.