Creatively Shanghai

Notes & Nuances

Creatively Shanghai opens with a bold, syrupy cassis, reminiscent of Si, but with a slightly sharper, almost candied edge. It’s less refined, but gets the fruity sweetness across. The heart of rose and freesia emerges quickly, blending into a pleasant, if somewhat generic, floral sweetness. It captures the essence of Si's floral heart, but loses some of the original’s nuanced depth. The dry down leans heavily on vanilla and patchouli. The woody notes are more of an impression than a distinct accord. While similar, the base is where it noticeably deviates from Si, lacking the latter’s sophisticated warmth. Maybe 87% there.

The Performance Stats

Don't expect miracles. Creatively Shanghai projects moderately for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. Longevity is decent ; expect to get around 4-5 hours of noticeable fragrance, after which it becomes a skin scent. Ideal for daytime wear, or situations where you don't need a powerhouse fragrance.

Conclusion

If you're drawn to Si’s sweet, fruity, floral vibe, but balk at the price tag, Creatively Shanghai is a worthwhile gamble. It's not a perfect dupe, and it has a slightly synthetic feel, but it captures the overall mood effectively. The original is undoubtedly smoother and more complex. But Someone who wants to embody a sweet, "clean girl" aesthetic on a budget should give this a try.