Note Pyramid
Ange Ou Démon
Saffron and thyme are an odd way to begin a women's fragrance, and that is precisely what makes Givenchy Ange Ou Démon Eau de Parfum worth smelling rather than reading about.
Saffron is the expensive one and the strange one, leathery and slightly bitter with a dry hay sweetness behind it, and it is unusual to find it leading. Thyme sharpens it with a herbal, almost medicinal bite, and mandarin orange is there to keep the first minutes from being too severe. The effect is warm and a little austere at the same time, which is the tension the name is getting at. The heart turns properly floral without softening the idea. Lily is the dominant flower, green stemmed and slightly peppery rather than sweet, ylang ylang adds a creamy, banana tinged richness that warms everything it touches, and orchid lends a smooth, almost synthetic polish that keeps the pair from smelling old fashioned.
The base is where it becomes comfortable. Vanilla and tonka bean supply the warmth, tonka reading here like the sweetness of warm pastry rather than a dessert, Brazilian rosewood brings a dry, faintly rosy warmth, and oakmoss anchors the finish with something earthy and green. The move from the sharp saffron opening to that soft resinous floor is the whole journey, and it takes a good hour.
Jean-Pierre Bethouart and Olivier Cresp composed it, and it launched in 2006. At eau de parfum strength it lasts most of a day, projects moderately after the opening, and suits autumn, winter and evening wear. Givenchy itself is a Paris house, started by Hubert de Givenchy in 1952 and part of LVMH, with couture and perfume kept as separate maisons inside the group. The scent that defines it is L'Interdit, which dates from 1957 and was made for his friend Audrey Hepburn.
Please note: images are a guide only. Packaging and bottle design may occasionally differ from those shown due to manufacturer updates or promotions.
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