Rive Gauche (1971)
by Yves Saint Laurent

I wore this fragrance in its original formulation as a student. It made me feel cofident and self assured, and very Parisienne chic, and I loved the blue/black bottle. Feeling sentimental about my student days, I purchased a bottle recently and this is the new formulation. It seems softer than the original, but just as perfect in its balance and distinctiveness. What I particularly like about RG - old and new - is the drydown, which smells to me of vetiver, oakmoss, and rose, and lasts for hours. This is a scent which can be worn day or night, summer or winter, and is truly different from anyhting else on the market. The British perfumer Miller Harris rates this fragrance highly and refers to it as a true classic which has inspired her.

I wore Rive Gauche when it first was introduced, and believe me, the new version is not "it", not even close! This is the only fragrance on any of the Turin & Sanchez best lists with which I find fault. The new reformulation is horrible. Period.

Happiness is finding Rive Gauche after over 1o years! First bought in 1980s when a guy I had a thing for mentioned it was his favorite. That didn't work out, and I had to wait a few years for the fragrance to not be associated with "him."

The Perfume Dictionary calls RG a perfect rose,and it seems some people smell the rose and others don't. I don't catch the rose, in fact I find it hard to isolate the notes in this magnificent fragrance; I'm just swept away by its sparkling brightness and powdery drydown. It's good for at least 6 hours, and lasts forever on a scarf or sweater. Despite the boyfriend history I opened with, now I wear it just for me!

A definite must-try for lovers of bright aldehydes. RG (the original) is all about lightness and brightness and all things Parisian. It may well be a tad dated, yes, butby no means so much that it's unapproachable. A true classic here, and one that's especially good in summer months.

This review is under revision.

This review is buy a man for the most modern and timeless ladies classic. In my youth, I remember my mother wearing it. I loved it then, 1977. Fashions change and as a special treat, I picked up a new bottle for her 80th birthday. I was afraid of the reformulation. How could one improve perfection? The only difference I could tell was the opening note with this "green note". It reminds me of ladie's hairspray. I didnt like it at first. Opening notes are generally wierd. Then came the wonderfully familiar and soothing middle notes, that remained intact.
Gardenia, honeysuckle, rose and jasmine do not fail in strength and potency, Simple and feminine. Truely modern and not just for "old ladies". That is the timeless appeal this conveys. Very chic and stylish, and this is one of the best bottles I ever encountered. It looks like class and success! Go ahead and try this treasure! You wont be sorry!