Calandre (1969)
by Paco Rabanne

Dab on Calandre and you get a quick aldehydic, bittersweet, green floral kick in the pants, soon bolstered by a whiff of fleshy indoles. The aldehydes subside to some degree over the next few minutes, as Calandre settles down into an indolic green jasmine and white flowers accord. At this stage I find Calandre rather ordinary in and old-fashioned “perfumey” manner.

Happily Calandre’s floral blend is eventually joined by a honeyed, evocatively hay-like note that I read as green narcissus. Beneath this emerges an intriguing smoky/salty caramel component that quickly drags the composition out of the conventional white floral territory. In the course of hours Calandre pares itself down to the faintly smoky green narcissus over a soft and somewhat sweet musky base. Throughout its evolution Calandre projects well and offers plenty of sillage, with better than average lasting power. I like the surprising destination that it reaches after its nondescript start and consider it a useful scent for everyday wear – and unisex to boot!

It is indeed a timeless scent..at least wearing it you know you wont smell like anybody else out there..a refreshing step from all those oversweet new scents..nonentheless, you have to be in the right mood to wear that classy scent..it is very green and gets quite dry after a bit..still it is one of those scents one can recognize anywhere!!
one of my favorites!

A complex and delightful scent and very old-school from the days when only women would have worn such a thing. The top is green, but only slightly; the aldehydes and bergamot are what really come across in the top. Classic floral heart, with the orris root giving a bit of strength and character. A woody-oriental and slightly musky base note finish the picture. To me, this is really reminiscent in tone and feeling of Ténéré (but not really similar), though much less spicy and woody; I think it's the florals in the hearts of both that make for the seeming connection.

Great fragrance. I wear the eau de cologne version.

A wonderfully tailored and almost androgynous beauty here. I love the fabulous juxtaposition of the bright, sparkling aldehydes and the dry, seductive sandalwood. Throw in the captivating vetiver in the drydown and you have one helluva classic frag.

I had forgotten all about this one! Used to wear it when I was in my 20's. I loved it intensely and I have to test it on myself next time I'm at Bloomie's.