Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci is a confident chypre floral fragrance that pairs one of perfumery's more unusual fruity notes, tart rhubarb, with luminous bergamot, sensual white flowers, rose, earthy patchouli, and creamy sandalwood. Released in 2009, it was created by perfumers Aurélien Guichard and Jacques Huclier as a modern, glamorous interpretation of feminine chypre perfumery.
What makes Ricci Ricci particularly memorable is its contrast. The opening is crisp, green, and slightly tart rather than conventionally sweet. Datura and tuberose then create a fuller floral center, while rose provides refinement. Patchouli and sandalwood give the drydown significantly more depth than the typical fruity floral perfume.
Ricci Ricci is feminine without being delicate, floral without becoming overly traditional, and sensual without relying on heavy gourmand sweetness. For women who appreciate distinctive designer perfumes with rhubarb, tuberose, rose, patchouli, and woods, it remains one of Nina Ricci's more intriguing modern releases.
Shop Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci at South Beach Perfumes
What Does Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci Smell Like?
Ricci Ricci smells tart, green, floral, creamy, woody, earthy, and subtly sweet.
The fragrance opens with rhubarb and bergamot.
Rhubarb is the note that immediately gives Ricci Ricci its personality. Instead of the juicy sweetness associated with peach, pear, or berries, rhubarb creates a crisp green-fruity impression with a slightly sour edge.
Bergamot adds citrus sparkle and gives the opening additional lift.
As the fragrance begins to warm on the skin, the floral heart becomes more prominent. Datura creates a creamy, slightly mysterious floral quality, while tuberose adds sensual white-floral richness. Rose provides a softer and more classically feminine accent.
The base is relatively simple but effective.
Patchouli adds earthiness, depth, and the chypre character of the fragrance. Sandalwood smooths everything with a creamy woody finish.
The overall scent progression is:
Tart rhubarb and sparkling bergamot, creamy white florals and rose, then earthy patchouli and smooth sandalwood.
Ricci Ricci feels more sophisticated than a straightforward fruity floral and more contemporary than many traditional chypre perfumes.
What Are the Top, Heart, and Base Notes in Ricci Ricci?
Release Year: 2009
Top Notes: Rhubarb, Bergamot
Heart Notes: Datura, Tuberose, Rose Tincture
Base Notes: Patchouli, Sandalwood
Some fragrance descriptions refer to datura as moonflower or angel's trumpet, but the recognizable composition consistently centers around rhubarb, bergamot, tuberose, rose, patchouli, and sandalwood.
The note pyramid is relatively concise, which allows each stage of the fragrance to remain recognizable.
Is Ricci Ricci for Men, Women, or Unisex?
Ricci Ricci is officially a women's fragrance.
The tuberose, rose, sculptural pink bottle, and overall floral presentation give it a distinctly feminine identity.
However, its rhubarb, bergamot, patchouli, and sandalwood provide more structure than many conventional women's floral perfumes.
Anyone who enjoys tart green notes, white flowers, rose, patchouli, and woods could appreciate the fragrance regardless of gender.
How Long Does Ricci Ricci Last?
Ricci Ricci generally provides approximately 6 to 8 hours of wear, although performance can vary depending on skin chemistry, climate, application, bottle age, and storage conditions.
The rhubarb and bergamot are most noticeable at the beginning.
Tuberose, datura, and rose carry the fragrance through its middle stages, while patchouli and sandalwood help extend the drydown.
Because Ricci Ricci is discontinued, older bottles can sometimes perform differently depending on how they were stored over the years.
A well-preserved bottle can deliver very respectable longevity.
How Strong Is the Projection of Ricci Ricci?
Ricci Ricci has moderate to moderately strong projection, particularly during the first two to three hours.
The tart rhubarb and bright bergamot make the opening noticeable, while tuberose and datura create a fuller floral scent cloud as the fragrance develops.
Patchouli and sandalwood provide a more controlled trail later in the wear.
Ricci Ricci is noticeable enough to make an impression without normally behaving like an overpowering room-filling perfume.
What Fragrance Family Is Ricci Ricci?
Ricci Ricci belongs to the Chypre Floral fragrance family.
Its main fragrance characteristics include:
- Floral
- Green
- Fruity
- Woody
- Patchouli
- White floral
- Tuberose
- Rose
- Citrus
- Earthy
- Warm spicy
The patchouli base is particularly important to its chypre identity.
Unlike traditional moss-heavy chypres, Ricci Ricci interprets the category through tart fruit, white florals, rose, patchouli, and sandalwood.
What Seasons Are Best for Ricci Ricci?
Ricci Ricci is especially versatile during transitional weather.
Spring: Excellent
Summer: Good, particularly during evenings
Fall: Excellent
Winter: Very good
Spring highlights the rhubarb, bergamot, rose, and floral heart.
Fall allows the patchouli and sandalwood to become more prominent while keeping the tart opening refreshing.
During very hot summer afternoons, the tuberose and patchouli can become stronger, so slightly lighter application is recommended.
Winter works well, although women seeking an extremely rich cold-weather perfume may prefer something sweeter or more amber-driven.
Is Ricci Ricci Better for Daytime or Nighttime?
Ricci Ricci works well during both, but it has a slight advantage for evening wear.
The tart opening is fresh enough for daytime, while the tuberose, rose, patchouli, and sandalwood give the fragrance enough sensuality for dinner or nighttime occasions.
During the day, Ricci Ricci works particularly well for:
- Work
- Brunch
- Shopping
- Lunch
- Professional functions
- Spring events
At night, it feels natural for:
- Dinner
- Dates
- Cocktail events
- Weddings
- Parties
- Special occasions
What Occasions Should Ricci Ricci Be Worn For?
Ricci Ricci is versatile enough for:
- Date nights
- Dinner
- Weddings
- Cocktail parties
- Professional events
- Brunch
- Social gatherings
- Evening events
- Spring occasions
- Fall events
- Special celebrations
- Everyday wear for someone who enjoys expressive floral fragrances
Its combination of polish and personality makes it particularly good when you want to smell distinctive without wearing something excessively heavy.
What Age Range Is Ricci Ricci Best Suited For?
Ricci Ricci can be worn by women of virtually any adult age.
Its unusual rhubarb opening and stylish floral character can appeal to younger women, while patchouli, sandalwood, tuberose, and rose give it enough sophistication for experienced fragrance wearers.
It may appeal particularly well to women in their 20s through 50s, but this is primarily a question of taste rather than age.
A woman in her 20s who loves chypres may appreciate it more than someone in her 50s who only enjoys sweet gourmand perfumes.
Is Ricci Ricci Office Appropriate?
Yes. Ricci Ricci can be very office appropriate when applied moderately.
Two or three sprays should generally provide enough presence for a normal workday.
The bergamot and rhubarb keep the fragrance feeling fresh, while the florals and woods create polish.
Because tuberose and patchouli can become noticeable in confined spaces, avoid excessive application in small offices, conference rooms, airplanes, or fragrance-sensitive workplaces.
Is Ricci Ricci Good for Dates?
Yes. Ricci Ricci is an excellent date fragrance.
Tuberose and datura create sensuality, rose adds femininity, and patchouli and sandalwood provide warmth and depth.
The rhubarb opening also makes Ricci Ricci more distinctive than many conventional sweet date-night perfumes.
It works especially well for:
- Dinner dates
- Cocktail bars
- Theater
- Anniversary dinners
- Spring evenings
- Fall dates
- Romantic events
Is Ricci Ricci a Safe Blind Buy?
Ricci Ricci is a moderate-risk blind buy.
It becomes safer if you already enjoy:
- Rhubarb
- Tuberose
- Rose
- Patchouli
- Sandalwood
- Green fragrances
- Chypre florals
- Tart rather than sugary fruit notes
It becomes riskier if you dislike:
- Tuberose
- Patchouli
- Green or tart openings
- Earthy drydowns
- Florals with noticeable presence
The rhubarb note is particularly important. Someone expecting a conventional sweet fruity perfume may be surprised by its crisp, tart personality.
What Fragrances Smell Similar to Ricci Ricci?
Ricci Ricci does not have an exact duplicate, but these three fragrances from the South Beach Perfumes catalog share meaningful aspects of its floral, rose, tuberose, patchouli, sandalwood, or sophisticated feminine character.
Mademoiselle Ricci by Nina Ricci
Mademoiselle Ricci is a natural fragrance to consider for someone who wants another Nina Ricci perfume with an elegant floral personality.
It combines wild rose, pink pepper, raspberry, rose hip, oleander, laurel, musk, white woods, violet, amber, and cedar.
Both fragrances are feminine, floral, romantic, and polished.
The difference: Mademoiselle Ricci is softer, rosier, fruitier, muskier, and more romantic.
Ricci Ricci is greener, sharper, more tuberose-focused, earthier, and more patchouli-driven.
Choose Mademoiselle Ricci for soft rose and musk.
Choose Ricci Ricci for rhubarb, white florals, and deeper chypre character.
Modern Muse by Estée Lauder
Modern Muse is an excellent alternative for someone attracted to the white floral and patchouli side of Ricci Ricci.
It features mandarin orange, jasmine sambac, Chinese jasmine, honeysuckle, tuberose, lily, floral petals, musk, woods, patchouli, amber, and vanilla.
Both fragrances combine prominent florals with patchouli and woods.
The difference: Modern Muse is smoother, muskier, more jasmine-focused, and slightly warmer.
Ricci Ricci is greener, tarter, more unusual, and more sharply defined by rhubarb.
Choose Modern Muse for polished modern white florals and musk.
Choose Ricci Ricci for more contrast and personality.
Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum
Narciso Rodriguez For Her shares rose, patchouli, sandalwood, and a sophisticated feminine character with Ricci Ricci.
It combines rose and peach with musk, amber, patchouli, and sandalwood.
Both fragrances transition from feminine florals into an earthy, smooth woody base.
The difference: Narciso Rodriguez For Her is muskier, softer, warmer, and more intimate.
Ricci Ricci is greener, brighter, more floral, and more assertive.
Choose Narciso Rodriguez For Her if you prefer musk and understated sensuality.
Choose Ricci Ricci if you prefer tart rhubarb, tuberose, and stronger floral contrast.
What Is the Difference Between Available Concentrations of Ricci Ricci?
Ricci Ricci was originally launched in 2009 as an Eau de Parfum, commonly abbreviated as EDP.
This is an important distinction because some older retailer listings may identify Ricci Ricci as an Eau de Toilette. The original 2009 fragrance documented by major fragrance references was sold as Eau de Parfum in 30 ml, 50 ml, and 80 ml sizes.
There is not a widely documented Eau de Toilette version of the original Ricci Ricci composition that should be treated as a simple lighter concentration.
Ricci Ricci Eau de Parfum
The Eau de Parfum emphasizes:
Top: Rhubarb, Bergamot
Heart: Datura, Tuberose, Rose
Base: Patchouli, Sandalwood
Its character is:
- Tart
- Floral
- Green
- Woody
- Earthy
- Moderately strong
- Sophisticated
When purchasing older inventory, check the concentration printed directly on the bottle or packaging if there is any uncertainty.
Do Not Confuse Ricci Ricci With Other Nina Ricci Fragrances
Ricci Ricci should not be confused with:
- Mademoiselle Ricci
- Nina
- Ricci Club
- Nina L'Elixir
- Other Nina Ricci flankers
These are separate fragrances with different compositions rather than alternate concentrations of Ricci Ricci.
Learn more about fragrance concentrations
Is Ricci Ricci Discontinued?
Yes. Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci is generally considered discontinued.
It is no longer part of Nina Ricci's primary current fragrance collection.
Authentic bottles may still be found through established fragrance retailers, distributors, remaining inventory, collectors, and specialty fragrance sellers.
Because discontinued perfumes can remain in distribution for years after manufacturing ends, finding a new bottle does not necessarily mean the fragrance is still in production.
Ricci Ricci's discontinued status also makes bottle size, packaging generation, batch year, and storage conditions increasingly important for collectors.
When Was Ricci Ricci Released?
Ricci Ricci was released in 2009.
This date is important because Ricci Ricci is sometimes confused with Mademoiselle Ricci, which launched later.
The two are completely separate fragrances.
Ricci Ricci's 2009 release positioned it as a modern interpretation of the chypre floral category for a confident, contemporary woman.
Its dramatic pink ribbon bottle also reinforced Nina Ricci's fashion heritage and feminine identity.
Who Created Ricci Ricci?
Ricci Ricci was created by perfumers Aurélien Guichard and Jacques Huclier.
Both are highly accomplished perfumers associated with numerous major fragrance releases.
Their work on Ricci Ricci is particularly interesting because the fragrance relies on relatively few prominent notes but still creates a clear progression.
Rhubarb and bergamot establish tension and freshness.
Datura, tuberose, and rose provide sensual floral volume.
Patchouli and sandalwood create depth and structure.
The result feels modern while maintaining recognizable chypre floral characteristics.
How Many Sprays of Ricci Ricci Should Be Used?
For most situations, 3 to 5 sprays are sufficient.
Office: 2 to 3 sprays
Daytime: 3 to 4 sprays
Dinner or date: 3 to 5 sprays
Evening event: 4 to 5 sprays
Warm weather: 2 to 3 sprays
A balanced application could include:
- One spray on each side of the neck
- One spray on the upper chest
- One spray on the back of the neck
- One light spray on clothing if desired
Because tuberose and patchouli can become stronger as the fragrance develops, starting conservatively is preferable to overspraying.
Is Ricci Ricci Authentic?
Yes. Ricci Ricci sold by South Beach Perfumes is an authentic designer fragrance.
Authenticity becomes particularly important with discontinued perfumes because bottles may come from different production periods, markets, packaging generations, or distributor inventories.
Authentic older Ricci Ricci bottles may therefore show minor differences in:
- Packaging
- Label design
- Box details
- Ingredient information
- Batch-code placement
- Fragrance color
- Production markings
These differences do not automatically indicate that a fragrance is counterfeit.
Learn more about our product guarantee policy
Who Should Buy Ricci Ricci?
Ricci Ricci is particularly well suited to women who:
- Enjoy rhubarb in fragrance
- Like green fruity openings
- Appreciate tuberose
- Enjoy rose
- Like patchouli-based perfumes
- Prefer sandalwood drydowns
- Enjoy chypre floral fragrances
- Want something different from sweet gourmands
- Need a fragrance for spring or fall
- Want a sophisticated date-night perfume
- Collect discontinued Nina Ricci fragrances
- Prefer fragrances with noticeable evolution
- Enjoy elegant perfumes with a slightly unusual edge
It is especially appealing to someone who wants femininity without excessive sweetness.
Who May Not Like Ricci Ricci?
Ricci Ricci may not be ideal for someone who prefers:
- Very sweet gourmand perfumes
- Candy-like fruit
- Clean skin scents
- Aquatic fragrances
- Minimalist musks
- Extremely light florals
- Fragrances without patchouli
- Fragrances without tuberose
- Very soft projection
Rhubarb is also a potentially polarizing note.
Its tart green character is part of what makes Ricci Ricci interesting, but someone seeking juicy berry or vanilla sweetness may find the opening sharper than expected.
Final South Beach Perfumes Expert Review
Ricci Ricci by Nina Ricci is a fragrance built around contrast, and that is exactly why it remains interesting years after its 2009 introduction.
The opening does not take the obvious route.
Rather than beginning with berries, peach, or sugary pear, Ricci Ricci uses rhubarb. That single decision gives the fragrance a crisp, tart, slightly green personality almost immediately.
Bergamot adds enough citrus brightness to prevent the rhubarb from becoming overly sharp.
Then the fragrance changes.
Datura and tuberose begin creating a creamy, sensual floral presence. Rose brings recognizable femininity, but it never completely takes control of the composition.
Finally, patchouli and sandalwood give Ricci Ricci its depth.
The result is floral without feeling delicate, fruity without becoming sugary, woody without becoming masculine, and sensual without relying on vanilla or caramel.
That balance gives Ricci Ricci considerable versatility.
It works especially well during spring and fall, although cooler summer evenings and mild winter conditions also suit it. Moderate application makes it appropriate for work, while a slightly fuller application turns it into an excellent dinner or date-night fragrance.
Its discontinued status adds another dimension.
Ricci Ricci is no longer simply a current designer perfume competing for department-store attention. It now represents a specific moment in Nina Ricci's fragrance history and a style of floral perfumery that feels increasingly distinct from today's heavily gourmand market.
The perfumer pairing of Aurélien Guichard and Jacques Huclier also helps explain the composition's balance. The fragrance contains enough distinctive elements to be memorable without becoming unnecessarily complicated.
Perhaps Ricci Ricci's strongest quality is that it does not smell like it was designed to satisfy everyone.
The rhubarb is tart.
The tuberose has presence.
The patchouli is noticeable.
Those characteristics make it slightly riskier as a blind buy, but they are also what give the fragrance identity.
For women who appreciate rhubarb, bergamot, datura, tuberose, rose, patchouli, and sandalwood, Ricci Ricci remains one of Nina Ricci's most distinctive modern fragrances.
It is elegant, confident, feminine, slightly unconventional, and memorable enough to serve as a signature scent rather than simply another pleasant floral perfume.
To explore fragrance families, notes, seasons, occasions, and scent personalities that best fit your style, explore our Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Signature Scent.
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