Ysatis (1984)
by Givenchy

In the same classy sphere and dimension of Arpege, First, Amarige, Rive Gauche, white Diamonds and others, this is a golden aldehydic  fruity-floral chypre with a complex structure, a woodsy and resinous soul of moss and galbanum, a vintage powdery rosey and orangy  patchouli in the blend and a musky-mossy, almost edible ambery  base. A whirl of hesperides, aldehydes, patchouli, iris, vanilla and other elements set a classic and a bit vintage ambience around. The combination of amber, vanilla, honey, fruits, coconut and civet turns the dust out almost edible and tasty. The floral sophistication of iris and tuberose is plain in the white, indolent, woody dust. The tuberose, in its link with orange, milk and jasmine, is deliciously fruity and tasty. The whiff of neroli and spices is detectable in the woody and ambery powder, the moderate mildness is a bit dirty, bitter and animalic, a touch of earthy boise' and soapiness (amber, ylang-ylang, musk, moss, citrus and iris)  is in the air. The citrus, the fruits, a bit of earthiness and the whiff of laundry feel made of iris, vetiver and ylang-ylang indent the wake with hints of angular vibes and interrupt (making it complex) the dust. The fragrance is autoritative, lush and classic. A great concoction, a pillar of classicism.

4th January, 2012.

I am always so disappointed when I read that a great fragrance has been reformulated. I still have a vintage miniature of the original 1984 Ysatis and I cannot comprehend why anyone would want to modify such a superb composition. Givenchy is synonymous with refinement and class. Ysatis is a perfect example of that. The only problem is that Ysatis came along about 30 years too late, IMHO. As a matter of fact, I have often heard comments about Ysatis being outdated. Personally, I believe Ysatis is not as popular as it should be because it is too dressy for the world we live in. Unfortunately, very few young women nowadays want to make an effort to look truly sophisticated (in their defence, this takes a lot of time and work). I read somewhere that a great fashion designer (I believe it is Balenciaga) retired in 1968 and said something like: "Women are no longer interested in being elegant. My creations have become irrelevant." Sad comment...

16th October, 2011.

Ysatis is fascinating. Powdery, elegant, beautiful and classical.

I had really expected something extremely outdated, strong and aldehydic, however this is no Chanel No.5, Ysatis is different.

The fragrance opens with soft aldehydic notes, creamy coconut and refreshing citrus, balanced out by subtle spicyness. The scent throughout has a likable powdery-incense quality that is both unique and sensual.

A previous reviewer mentioned the prominent honey note which adds a sense of happiness, which I certainly agree with. The honey, vanilla, coconut and ylang-ylang does create a delicate sweetness, however the galbanum, patchouli, cloves, civet and oakmoss, give Ysatis a damp greeness which can be bitter at times. Animalistic yet refined really sums up this fragrance well.

I don't get much in the way of white florals here, it's more powdery and fresh than anything else to my nose. The lasting power is truly worth the price as its richness lingers on the skin for days. Ysatis is strong and powerful with a lot of character. I recommend.

26th June, 2011.

This was the only fragrance I wore from my late teens through early twenties. Men loved it, women wanted it and I smelt divine! Ysatis has a deep yet soft earthy drydown after the intoxicating top note combo has drifted away. I have no idea what's in it, still a mystery to me but the combination worked for me on every level. I recently bought a half full used bottle but it smells tainted so I'm on the hunt for a new one again, might be time to revisit even if only infrequently fro the memories and fun o fit.
To my brutish nose, I smell sandlewood, patchouli and a couple of gorgeous blooms on top of that, rose and maybe a spicier smelling flower. Would like to know what the ingredients are someday so I can put my finger on it. There's magic weaved into the sauce in that bottle!

4th April, 2011.

I'm surprised that jasmine is not in the fragrance card i can smell pervasive amounts of it.
to the skin it brings out a soapish scent with an opening of aldehydes the civet i think makes it heavy and oily
i do notice a bit of coconut which suble but nicely done. the drying down
turns into an warm reisen of galbanum
with dry brazilian rosewood.
the heart is hard to detect but i can smell a bit of an honey note the drydown
is prodominly of sweet amber that is cloyish and strong amount of vanilla
and also a wisp of black liqcorice.

12nd December, 2010.

Cannot imagine wearing jeans and Ysatis but classy outfit that goes along this scent. It is perfect november scent for me. Although I bougt it in my early twenties and I still love it. I remember buying it. I sniffed it and took it with me. And I rarely do that. I think it is definetly not for teenagers. I just love the warmth of the scent.

16th November, 2010.