L'Interdit
Givenchy L'Interdit Eau de Parfum is the fragrance the house is known for, and the current version works by putting cold white flowers over something dark and keeping the two in tension.
It opens sharp. Bergamot is the citrus, bitter at the edge rather than sweet, and ginger comes in immediately beside it with a dry, fizzing heat that is closer to the raw root than to anything baked. The combination lasts only a few minutes but it sets the temperature of everything after it.
The heart is a white floral and an unusually clean one. Orange blossom carries the brightness, sambac jasmine deepens it with a warm, heady richness that has a faintly animal edge, and tuberose gives the creamy, slightly rubbery texture that makes the flowers feel solid rather than airy. Most compositions would sweeten that. This one does the opposite, dropping it onto patchouli and vetiver, which are earthy, dry and a little smoky, so the flowers appear to hang over a shadow rather than rest on a cushion.
Seven materials, used plainly. At eau de parfum strength it holds for the better part of a day, with real projection in the first hour and a close, dry floral skin scent after that. It is marketed to women and reads that way, though it is far less sugary than most things sold alongside it.
It suits evenings, and it suits winter particularly well, where the earth underneath the flowers stops the whole thing turning soapy.
Givenchy was founded in Paris in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy and is an LVMH house today. He first used the name L'Interdit in 1957 for a scent made as a tribute to Audrey Hepburn, and it has been the house's signature ever since.
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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