24, Faubourg (1995)
by Hermès

This is a beautiful floral oriental in the grand style. The citrus and peach in the top combine with prominent florals to open the scent. In the heart, the rich and slightly animalic orange blossom is at the center of a bouquet whose richness is somewhat tempered by orris and black elder. The oriental base is given a bit more force by the addition of patchouli to the gentler oriental notes. The first impression is rather stereotypically "feminine," but the emergence of the oriental notes and the depth the whole ensemble is more suitable as a shared scent after the first half-hour or so. Sillage and longevity are both good.

Not a bad scent, but not one of my favorites from Hermès, nor from nose Maurice Roucel, who composed it. 24, Faubourg registers for me as a floral-oriental with an intensely soapy, “perfumey” character. The basic structure recalls some of the classic French scents of the early 20th century, (L'Heure Bleue, Narcisse Noir, etc.) but without displacing any of its great predecessors.

My favorite part of this scent is the drydown, which reveals rich spicy woods, vanilla, and the faintest animalic element deep in the background. 24, Faubourg is a potent scent with plenty of sillage and tenacity, so I advise sparing application. For a more interesting Roucel venture in this vein, try Guerlain's Insolence instead.

24 Faubourg was my signature fragrance before Basenotes came into my life. A wonderful orange blossom scent that is long lasting. It has this ability to embue the wearer with an air of sophistication and wealth - as only a Hermes can. Very lovely . It can feel intensely perfumey . I had the best compliment a few years ago. I was wondering around Singapore's Changi Airport's duty free and I had sprayed myself a little too much with this ! A lady came rushing by me , then she doubled back ,grabbed me and said " What is that perfume you are wearing ? It is the most beautiful smell- I have to have it ! " I did tell her and she proceeded to buy a bottle.
So if you want sophistication, luxe and to project a certain air of chic- ness- this is the one to go for.

I first encountered this parfum while killing time at Heathrow on a layover. The instant I smelled it, I was IN LOVE. It's the only perfume I've ever purchased instantly. Everytime I wear it, at least one gentleman asks me what it is and comments on how wonderful it is. I love the orange blossom top note and amber base note. I love the name. I love the bottle. I love the beautiful orange and yellow box it comes in. When I want to add instant sunshine to my day, I apply to my pulse points and smile. (Sorry, Ola, I may have been the doctor in grubby work clothes that you felt were unworthy of the scent!) But I wear perfume for ME! I wear this one because it makes me HAPPY!

I tested this fragrance at a department store a couple of weeks ago and it was wow, I've got to have this one! After lusting after it for weeks I have just purchased a bottle. Definitely sophisticated as others have mentioned and probably wouldnt appeal to the youger audience. Actually, I cant add anything to the wonderful descriptions here already. its classy, french, confident - perfect for a stroll along rue de Faubourg in the fall.

This fragrance is magnificent, but not always easier to wear. The structure is opulent, rich, and very sophisticated -- a less is more approach is good. The opening florals are very dense and almost make you want to run away from it, but the drydown is magnificent, rich, warm and ambery. It is absolutely worth the wait, and it lasts forever. I highly recommend everyone test this at least once to know what a stunning composition it is. And while it doesn't smell anything alike these others, it is of the same dense, classic orientals as Boucheron Femme, Coco Chanel, and the original Salvador Dali fragrance.