Givenchy strikes again with a summery floral scent that nods to its ‘forbidden’ past while signalling a fresh new future. By editor Trudi Brewer.
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If you don’t know, this fragrance has been around since 1957. It was made exclusively for Givenchy’s creator Hubert de Givenchy for his friend and muse, actress Audrey Hepburn. It was her signature scent for decades, and when Givenchy wanted to bottle it for every woman to wear, Hepburn refused to let him. Hepburn reputedly joked, ‘Je vous l’interdis!’ – I forbid you. Fast forward to 2022, and this new interpretation is a fresh twist on what is a true classic. Read on to learn more.
Givenchy L'Interdit Eau de Toilette, 35ml, $108, and 50ml, $155, pictured here.
What’s in it?
For a start, the trio of citrus, orange, bergamot, and mandarin makes it an ideal summery scent. The brightness of the essence and richness of the concrete, pure extract and the absolute oil from white flowers, including tuberose, orange blossom and jasmine, ensure those who love a classic floral fragrance will adore this newbie. But the skin-warming vetiver, patchouli, and sandalwood make it last (at least four hours, which is excellent for an EDT). Together these ingredients are the perfect mix of refreshing and comforting.
Why do we like it?
Like the brand, the ingredients in this fragrance are premium and luxurious. It takes around 3600 kilos of tuberose flowers to produce just half a kilo of exotic oil. Likewise, 7.5 million tiny jasmine flowers make just one kilogram of precious essential oil. It's those heady summery blooms that make this fragrance so feminine. Finished perfectly in true haute couture style with a black velvet ribbon, tied with the elegant symbol of the four G's. It's easy to wear, unique enough to garner compliments and the ideal way to buy an affordable piece of luxury from this enduring French fashion brand.
A designer scent laced with vanilla.