Vraie Blonde (Etat Libre d'Orange)


By Dane

Out of all the Etat Libre's, I found Vraie Blonde the most difficult to love. There's something in their compositions that makes them "challenging", and although VB's topnotes are easy to love, the rest of the scent remained an obstacle.

Vraie Blonde is an homage to Chanel No. 5. Fizzy aldehydes, peachy softness, and even a nod to Marilyn in the press release. Of course nothing is that simple...they've also updated and enhanced with an interesting note of myrrh and a creamy, vanilla base in place of the musk.

I'll be honest with you. VB is the only fragrance I purchased, regretted, and returned. I've since learned the error of my ways (and yes, repurchased), but it all falls down to the myrrh. Most fragrances (aside from La Myrrhe) play the ingredient at a minimal level, adding a touch here and there to add a hint of resin...not VB. The myrrh note here is front and centre, and initially it turned my stomach. I've never really had that reaction before, aside from smelling Helmut Lang's Eau de Cologne (to which I've yet to recover). I found the note to be uncomfortable and out of place. Of course, therein lies the genius. Simply using aldehydes, florals, peach, and vanilla would be a yawn...it's been done. Tipping the scales to reveal an edgy character like myrrh is quite clever.

As with most fragrances, it's never wise to judge too quickly. With Etat Libre d'Orange...well...you really need to take your time. All-in-all this is easily one of the best in the line.

Year: 2006
Perfumer: Antoine Maisondieu
Notes: Aldehydes, Fine de Champagne, Rose, Peche de Vigne, Poivre Blanc, Myrrhe, Patchouli, Daim
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2 comments:

  1. I absolutely love this scent. More addicted than I've been to any other. I live in fear of running out since it is no longer available in my city.

    I don't seem to smell what any of the reviewers do, though. To me it smells of overripe fruit (like a Caribbean market in the heat) and bread dough (yeast). The sweetness of the fruit is offset by a sour, vegetal note which makes it interesting to me, and not too sweet. It lingers on my skin. I don't usually like fruity fragrances at all but this one has an "off" quality that I find really challenging & sexy.
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  2. I love this scent but I can't wear it.

    It smells to me like an idealised end-of-meal moment at an Indian restaurant. The nutty/creamy accord (?) is pistachio kulfi, there are hot lemony flannels, some chai and a bowl of rose-scented fennel seeds. Only, I wasn't at the meal, I've come in late to find the blondes divvying up the bill. Perhaps it's because I'm a real brunette but this perfume is having fun without me.
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