Terracotta Voile d'Ete (1999)
by Guerlain

You know when you go to an online fragrance retailer and go to the Guerlain page, and a number of 'oddball' fragrances are on the page, many of which are inexpensive and you know nothing about them? Terracotta Voile d'Ete is one of these Guerlains. I have not tried all of these mystery limited editions, but I can safely vouch for the fact that TVdE is a gem and a tremendous value considering the absurdly low prices it fetches on these sites (I bought mine for $22).

TVdE is primarily a carnation fragrance, which naturally has a floral spiciness to it. There are a confluence of other florals, and I believe citrus, that temper the spicy nature of the carnation and result in a fragrance that is very bright and sunny. It is not at all like a white floral, but wears more like a citrus or even a cologne, especially when you first apply it. The fragrance is essentially linear and, as mentioned by other reviewers, stays close to the skin but it lasts as expected for an EdT (4-6 hours). There is a light sweetness as well, which I believe results from heliotrope (there is also a light heliotrope-esque powderyness to the composition). On a side note, Guerlain used their old-school "circle flacon' with the cone stopper (with accompanying detachable atomizer) that used to be used for EdC concentrations of their fragrances. Don't worry, TVdE is an EdT.

A word to the wise: Guerlain may have discontinued TVdE, but it was reincarnated as a member of the Les Parisiennes line under the name Quand Vient l'Ete. If there is any different between the two, there may be a twinge of distinction in the topnotes, but they are at least 98% identical to one another (per a simultaneous skin test). I was seriously considering a purchase of the Les Parisiennes release until a knowledgeable BNer clued me in, as I know clue you in. Don't spend $200+ when you can spend $25! Not only do I recommend you try this, but I'd go so far as to say this is a safe blind buy for fans of Guerlain florals, especially at a the low prices it's available for.

Fantastic. I can not believe more don't know about this one, or maybe they do and just don't talk about it?

Whatever the case, this is superb. I love it.

Lovely, light carnations, slightly perfumey. Doesn't have a lot of strength or longevity, however. Very very sheer.

I'm in agreement with most reviewers here...this is a lovely skin scent. Baked earth, spicy carnation, tinge of green (muguet???) Highly wearable. I prefer something sweeter, but this Guerlain is very underrated ~ give it a try for sure!

I have stocked up on this, buy bottles everytime I see them offered online, for it is a staple in my wardrobe, and I can wear it in all seasons, though I find it particularly comforting in cold weather. It reminds me of time I spent in Algiers, sun baked earth, burnt umber tones, soft & spicy. Reminds me of a tune on Mile's Davis' Scetches of Spain.

It's not easy to find a warm, spicy scent that can work well on the hottest days. But this is one of them. Carnations, baked earth, spice, and the Guerlinade combine beautifully here. It stays close but lasts well for an EdT- wish they made a parfum version, though! So sorry this was discontinued, it's a gem, and can be found at a good price online.