Fath de Fath (1953)
by Jacques Fath

When you compare the Reformulation of Fath de Fath with the Original, the New Perfume should never have been released bearing this name. It is a Travesty. The original was a green, very French "Chypre" with the Elegance of Chanel 5, but with even more of a Sophistication to it. It is a Classic, more so than Crepe de Chine. One Whiff of This and you'll remeber it for Life.

15th December, 2011.

I dislike the opening; but it dries down to a sweet, soft, fruity scent, with a little powder, and a tiny bit of spice, that isn't syrupy or cloying and completely unobtrusive.

24th August, 2010.

Notes: Cassis, mandarin, lemon, pear, lily-of-the-valley, tuberose, heliotrope, orange blossom, patchouli, vanilla, benzoin, tonka.

Fath de Fath is a very conventional, polite floral oriental scent, and while there’s nothing terribly original about it, it demonstrates the virtues of balanced proportions, seamless blending, and elegant poise. While it’s not at all exciting, it is very nice. The opening is all about soft, sweet citrus and powdery heliotrope. The floral bouquet expands quickly, but the individual blossoms are melded completely into an unrecognizable, abstract floral arrangement. (See above for “seamless blending.”) Vanilla and tonka bean provide a sweet backdrop for the floral blend, but never become cloying or syrupy. (What did I say about balanced proportions?) Fath de Fath speaks in a clear middle voice, with none of the bombast that compromises 1980s genre entries like Giorgio, Boucheron, Poison, or Amarige. (That would be the “elegant poise.”) The drydown is powdery vanilla amber, all downy soft and cuddly, with nary an animalic or lascivious element in sight. In short, Fath de Fath is a pleasant, reliable, everyday fragrance of no great distinction but plenty of gentle charm.

7th June, 2010.

Thinking that I would like this oriental fragrance according to the ingredients listed, I ordered it in sample vial form, but after applying this full aromatic comforting scent, I was so taken that I immediately ordered more, plus the body cream to layer it with. Many compliments followed and it could well become my signature line. Am comparing it with Royal Secret - both dry down beautifully - but I feel that Royal Secret is more ethereal and Fath de Fath is more grounded.
In order not to spoil the effect, not having the matching shower gels, I use Maja soap, to supply a harmonious base for the oriental layers to follow.

4th February, 2010.

Oh, my. This is so delicious.

'Fath de Fath' is my idea of the *perfect* Oriental. Constitutionally it arrives somewhere between the raw, beguiling 'heat' of 'Mackie' and the scintillating, cosmopolitan glamor of Patou's 'Sublime'.
It manages to be sumptuous, smoky and all-about-sex without over-egging proverbial pudding; somehow, in its relative quietude, it also conveys elegant restraint: it could easily be worn in proper company as well the boudoir.

If the aim of Oriental fragrances is, as I imagine, to enhance sex-appeal and draw attention to one's sensuality, 'Fath' is a phenomenal success.

Truly a landmark Oriental, appropriate for the cultured, full-fledged woman whose composure and elegance are part and parcel of -- rather than anachronistic to -- her sensuality.

Best in Show.

23rd January, 2010. (Last Edited: 9th February, 2010.)

A very pretty, rich, warm vanilla with some spices and orange notes. If you can still find it, I recommend it for warm vanilla and spice lovers. It is nothing extraordinary, but it seems very modern considering when it was originally developed.

12nd May, 2009.