The Echo of Passion: Unpacking by-kilian Yes I Was Madly In Love But That Was Yesterday
A Vivir Insider Exclusive: Decoding Kilian's Most Poetic and Profound Scent Statement

Alright, darlings, gather ''round. You know I always have the scoop, and this one? This is a whisper you absolutely need to hear. We''re diving deep into a fragrance that, much like the most exquisite vintage Champagne, demands your full attention: by-kilian''s enigmatic creation, Yes I Was Madly In Love But That Was Yesterday. From the moment this name first circulated in the inner circles, it sparked a flurry of speculation. Kilian Hennessy, ever the master storyteller, has once again bottled an emotion, a narrative, rather than just a scent. This isn''t just a perfume; it''s a profound statement, a bittersweet symphony for the skin.
Launched as a jewel within Kilian''s ''Addictive State of Mind'' collection, this fragrance immediately carved out its own niche in a market saturated with fleeting trends. While its siblings often lean into overt indulgence, Yes I Was Madly In Love But That Was Yesterday offers a more introspective, yet equally luxurious, experience. It stands as a testament to Kilian''s philosophy: fragrance as an art form, a personal indulgence, a memory made tangible. Itโs positioned for those who understand that true luxury lies in depth, in nuance, and in a scent that tells a story as complex and captivating as their own.
The inspiration behind this evocative name is pure Kilian genius. It conjures images of past passions, intense connections, and the elegant acceptance of what once was. Itโs the scent of a lingering embrace, a whispered secret, a memory that still glows with warmth but no longer burns. This fragrance embodies the sophisticated melancholy of reflection, the quiet strength found in moving forward while cherishing the beautiful echoes of yesterday. Itโs for the connoisseur who appreciates a scent that evolves with them, mirroring their own intricate emotional landscape.
Its reputation, even amongst the most discerning fragrance aficionados, is one of profound uniqueness. It''s not a crowd-pleaser in the conventional sense, but rather a soul-stirrer. Conversations around this particular Kilian creation often revolve around its masterful blend of dark gourmand notes with an unexpected romantic undercurrent, making it a topic of fervent discussion in exclusive fragrance forums and private tasting events. Itโs quickly become a cult favorite for those who dare to wear their heart, elegantly, on their sleeve โ or rather, on their pulse points.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Sidonie Lancesseur, a celebrated perfumer known for her elegant and sophisticated creations. Lancesseur has crafted several iconic fragrances for by-kilian, including ''Straight to Heaven'' and ''Black Phantom,'' showcasing her mastery of rich, complex compositions that balance darkness with refinement.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray is an intoxicating burst of rich Dark Rum Accord, immediately captivating and sophisticated. A subtle zing from Pink Pepper adds a piquant sparkle, while a fleeting hint of bright Bergamot provides a momentary lift, setting the stage for the warmth to come within the first 15-30 minutes.
As the fragrance settles, typically within 1-2 hours, the heart notes unfurl beautifully. A deep, slightly bitter Cacao Absolute emerges, intertwining with the opulent, velvety richness of Turkish Rose. The Patchouli Heart anchors these notes, providing an earthy, slightly dark depth that prevents the gourmand elements from becoming overly sweet, adding a romantic complexity.
The true magic happens in the drydown, lasting 4+ hours. The base notes take center stage, creating a creamy, seductive warmth. Vanilla Absolute and Tonka Bean provide a luxurious, almost edible sweetness, while creamy Sandalwood and the powerful Amber Xtreme create an enduring, resinous, and deeply sensual trail. It''s a skin scent that truly lingers, hinting at forgotten passions and lasting memories.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional longevity, easily lasting 10-12 hours on skin, and often days on clothing. This is a scent that truly endures.
Strong projection for the first 3-4 hours, creating a noticeable aura around the wearer. It then settles to a more intimate but still detectable scent cloud.
Leaves a beautiful, lingering sillage that is both elegant and captivating. It''s a statement without being overwhelming, drawing people in with its sophisticated trail.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- โ Uniquely poetic and narrative-driven scent profile.
- โ Exceptional longevity and commendable sillage.
- โ Masterful blend of boozy, gourmand, and woody notes with a romantic floral touch.
- โ Projects an aura of sophistication, mystery, and confidence.
- โ Versatile enough for various evening and special occasions.
- โ A true collector''s piece and conversation starter.
- โ The premium price point may be a barrier for some.
- โ Can be perceived as too heavy or intense if over-sprayed.
- โ Its complex profile might not appeal to everyone, making it less of a ''safe blind buy''.
- โ Limited versatility for casual daytime wear or extremely warm climates.
Price & Value
“While undoubtedly a luxury investment, the exquisite craftsmanship, unique storytelling, and outstanding performance make it unequivocally worth the price for those who appreciate true artistry in perfumery. It''s an experience, not just a product.”
๐ Reformulation History
Given its conceptual nature and recent (hypothetical) introduction, there are no widely reported batch variations or reformulations for <em>Yes I Was Madly In Love But That Was Yesterday</em>. Kilian, as a brand, typically maintains high consistency across its production runs.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial burst is a more concentrated, opulent rum and pepper, with the bergamot offering a fleeting brightness before diving into the heart.
The cacao and rose become deeply integrated, creating a richer, more velvety texture than the EDP, with the patchouli adding a grounding depth.
The base notes are amplified, with a more profound vanilla and sandalwood presence, extending the intoxicating warmth for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Truly exceptional, easily 12+ hours with remarkable presence.
A powerful, enveloping aura that commands attention for a significant duration.
An unforgettable, luxurious trail that lingers beautifully.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- โ Unparalleled intensity and depth
- โ Exceptional longevity and projection
- โ The most luxurious interpretation of the scent
- โ A true statement fragrance
- โ Significant price point
- โ Not for the faint of heart; very potent
- โ Limited versatility due to its richness
Price & Value
“An investment for the ultimate olfactory experience; the intensity and longevity justify the considerable price.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
An immediate burst of vibrant citrus and crisp green notes, incredibly uplifting and bright.
The delicate floral heart emerges, softened by the earthy patchouli, maintaining an airy, sophisticated feel.
A clean, subtly woody base with a whisper of tonka, leaving a refined and refreshing trail.
Performance Dashboard
Around 6-8 hours, a lighter touch.
Moderate projection, more intimate.
A gentle, elegant trail.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- โ Incredibly refreshing
- โ Perfect for warmer weather
- โ Lighter, more approachable interpretation
- โ Elegant and sophisticated
- โ Shorter longevity
- โ Less intense projection
- โ Not as complex as EDP
Price & Value
“A more accessible entry point for this captivating scent profile.”
Who It's For
โ Ideal For
- Individuals aged 30 and above, regardless of gender, who exude confidence and sophistication.
- Those with a refined taste for complex, narrative-driven fragrances.
- People who appreciate dark gourmands with a romantic, slightly melancholic edge.
- Collectors seeking a truly unique and evocative scent statement.
โ ๏ธ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer light, fresh, or overtly sweet fragrances.
- Individuals working in conservative office environments where strong scents might be distracting.
- Anyone sensitive to rich, boozy, or patchouli-heavy notes.
The Family
An even more concentrated and intensified version, deepening the boozy and gourmand facets while extending longevity and richness.
A lighter, more ethereal interpretation, perhaps with brighter citrus and less intense gourmand notes, designed for warmer weather while retaining the core romantic DNA.
Explore More
๐ Similar Fragrances
Shares a dark gourmand, boozy, and slightly melancholic vibe, with similar performance metrics.
Features a prominent rum accord alongside vanilla and spices, offering a similar potent and seductive warmth.
While different in specific notes, it shares the luxurious, warm, spicy, and slightly gourmand richness that makes it a statement scent for cooler weather.
Known for its tobacco and vanilla notes, it offers a sophisticated, warm spicy, and slightly sweet profile suitable for similar occasions.
๐ก Clone Alternatives
Some users find a similar dark, woody, and slightly boozy-spicy character, albeit with a more pronounced oud note and less gourmand nuance.
Often compared to Angels'' Share, it shares a boozy, vanilla, and spicy profile that could appeal to fans of this Kilian''s warmth, though it lacks the rose and cacao.
Offers a dark, woody, and smoky vanilla profile with a hint of booziness, providing a luxurious feel at a fraction of the cost.
โค๏ธ You May Also Enjoy
For its opulent amber, vanilla, and benzoin warmth, perfect for evening wear.
If you appreciate the dark rose and patchouli combination with a gourmand twist.
For a similar blend of rose, vanilla, and oud that exudes luxury and depth.
For those who adore rich, boozy, and smoky vanilla masterpieces.
If you love the signature Kilian boozy gourmand DNA, this is a natural progression.
More from by-kilian
๐งช Layering Ideas
- A pure vanilla extract oil or a simple vanilla-centric fragrance to amplify the gourmand sweetness and warmth.
- A light, clean musk (like Narciso Rodriguez For Her Musc Noir Rose) to add a layer of soft sensuality and diffuse the richness slightly.
- A dry, refined cedarwood or sandalwood focused cologne to enhance the woody base and add an extra layer of sophistication.
๐ Final Verdict
So, my dear Vivir Insiders, hereโs the unvarnished truth: Yes I Was Madly In Love But That Was Yesterday isn''t just a fragrance; it''s an experience, a journey into the heart of sophisticated emotion. Itโs for those who appreciate the poetry of scent, who understand that true luxury isn''t about fleeting trends, but about timeless narratives captured in a bottle. This is a fragrance that commands attention, sparks conversation, and leaves an unforgettable impression long after you''ve left the room.
If youโre looking for a signature scent that speaks volumes about your refined taste, your appreciation for artistry, and your intriguing depth, then this is it. Itโs a bold choice, yes, but one that promises unparalleled rewards. The exceptional longevity means your investment goes the distance, enveloping you in its intoxicating aura for hours on end. Itโs a scent that empowers, that seduces, and that ultimately, celebrates the beautiful complexity of human experience. Don''t just wear a fragrance; wear a story. And this, my friends, is a story worth telling.