Eau d'Orange Verte (1979)
by Hermès

Orange and orange blossom and that's about it. Maybe some green notes as suggested in the name? Great for warm days, but it won't last more than a few minutes. A very modern yet classical approach to a traditional cologne by a house whose eaus we've come to trust.

Eau d'Orange Verte begins with juicy orange, lemon peel and bergamot, a beautifully balanced Eau de Cologne. As with the EdC genre, Ed'OV is incredibly short lived and with very low sillage. The citrus blend is a refreshing burst that immediately begins to attenuate, revealing a slightly sweet leathery musk, a gentle herbal accord (rosemary, mint, oakmoss) and some faint woody notes. Nothing seems out of place here, and the ingredients are of a high calibre--no excessive soapyness or harshness to be found. There are some similarities to Miller Harris Tangerine Verte, however Ed'OV seems more classic and refined, even if it does not last nearly as long. Ed'OV is marketed as a unisex fragrance, although the leathery musk and herbal ingredients push this fragrance a bit to the masculine side. This is a great choice for warm weather, and an excellent example of the traditional Cologne style.

Expensive but worth it. Even when you think you can't smell it any longer ( an hour or so after application ) trust me, other people can.

One of the best citrus scents I've come across but its longevity is almost non-existent.

Such a pity...

[Original submission date: 10 April 2008]

Long-lasting? Perhaps not on the skin, but this sublime fragrance has been in my wardrobe since .... oh dear, 1979! A versatile and quintessential classic, I keep a small bottle in my bag and I'm instantly refreshed every time I use it, which in Hong Kong's hot and humid summers is quite often indeed. The shampoo douche is still my bathing gel of choice ... all in all, this is simply a fragrance that I can't live without.

I wonder how many others will post that this is really long lasting?

Shall I tell you the Creed Vintage Tabarome is feminine? That Antaeus is lower class compared to Curve? That I have a great real estate deal in Florida? (cash only, small bills, no refunds) Gimme a break!

Aw, allright. Compared to Coolwater or Z by Zegna, or other acquas that are so freakin' boring that you simply forget you have them on, I can see how the illusion could be created in one's mind.

Granted, the bottle is cool and the orange box catches the eye.

So, te's not quibble. Eau d' Orange Verte is a lot of fun while it lasts . . .