Jules (1980)
by Christian Dior

When I wore Jules for the first time, two fragrances came to mind: Devin and a more reserved Kouros. Jules starts very green with a strong galbanum opening. The pepper note is very noticeable as well, although it required a few wears before I could pick it out of the galbanum laden top note. The more I wear Jules, the more I think it is a lighter Devin with a touch of Kouros. Jules has a brighter floral accord at the top than I find in Devin. Devin has a deeper, richer, greener character. After a few hours Jules dries down into a pleasant dry wood and leather base, though the galbanum is still very noticeable. I find Jules to be the more refined scent when compared to Devin. I enjoy both and I expect that many people who enjoy one of these fragrances will enjoy the other.

4th December, 2011.

I used to wear this "in the day" (when it was launched). Recently I had the chance to sniff it. It is a big ol' powerhouse of the 80's, but is quite attractive and well made. I can still appreciate the intensely green opening (courtesy of the galbanum). It quickly settles into a leathery-spicy brown brew. If applied lightly it probably would be good. I've moved out of the leather-scent camp, so I can appreciate it but wouldn't buy it.

25th November, 2011.

Jules does not strike me as being terribly innovative, after all, there are very few surprises, but the execution and quality of the ingredients are first rate.

It opens with a fairly complex accord that feels decidedly clean, perhaps even borderline soapy. Cedarwood becomes the dominant presence beyond the top notes, but it is mollified by the subtle floral notes. It is certainly a cut above the cedar solos I encounter so often.
Once the florals decay, Jules becomes drier still, but it retains excellent balance, and the pervading quality remains. As it dries down, the previously commanding cedar becomes a spent energy. It does however provide an interesting backdrop for the oncoming leather finish.

As much as I enjoy Jules, it is not the must have masterpiece that its current market value would suggest

3rd April, 2011.

A dry, bitter, smoky powerhouse in the old tradition. Like Aramis but without the sweetness; in fact, this is built around a complete lack of sweetness only seen in things like Yatagan. I could have sworn it was repugnant the last time I tried my sample, but I'm not finding the overbearing herbal sweetness or sharpness that I usually expect from this bunch. It's also not terribly strong. This time around, it reminds me of the much older dry leather barbershop scents (i.e. the Trumper Collection...Astor, Marlborough, Curzon, Eucris). I could actually wear this, in spite of how I had erroneously rememebered it. If it's as expensive and hard to find as I think it is, you might as well just get the Trumper's Collection boxed set, but I am still pleased that another line besides Trumper's has produced this type of scent so recently.

19th February, 2011.

I cannot add anything to the thorough analyses below, but I will add a personal opinion. I know nothing about the current reformulation, but the vintage Jules is nothing other than liquid confidence; a reminder not so much of what one is, but what he believes he can be. It is also a fine balance of the primal and the philosophical, which is something I certainly cannot say for the many flippant fragrances on the market.

As a note, I received a sample vial of it from my mom when I was 12- clearly both of us did not know its relative value. I had been badgering her for a few bottles of scent, probably on a playacting whim, and she had nonchalantly passed me the two masculine sample vials she had collected from her teenage years. Quite incredibly, one was vintage Dior Jules, and the other was 5ml of Guerlain Vetiver, circa the 1970s. Looking back in horror, I can only be thankful that two beautiful pieces of history did not meet an untimely end in my paws!

30th January, 2011.

I´ve just received my sample of Jules,mostly based on reviews here.As soon I smelled it,I knew it was a bad decision for me.Everybody who is reading this post must know that this is just and only mine opinion!It has nothing to do with others fantastic reviews of this fragrance.Yes,this could be a fantastic,classic fragrance,but not for my nose.The only reason is - soapy!I simply can not smell anything that has any soapyness.When I opened the bottle,immediate association was Acqua di Parma Colonia,which was also a big dissapointment.(I simply adore ADP INTENSA)The smell of Jules is smell of old gentleman,I mean really old,and I´m definitely way too young for that fragrance.The word for Jules is also decadency.So people,as you allready know,you can read any review,think what you want about it,and never,never buy anything based on what you´ve read here.Someone stated that Jules is related to Aramis Tuscany.(I hope not,I ordered tuscany also:-((.My fav fragrances : Joop!,Lapidus(1987.),Armani(1984.),ADP Intensa.I´m still searching for the fragrance of my life.These mentioned earlier are very close but I believe that there is something out there just for me,but have not found it yet.(Any suggestions are very welcome)Thanks for reading.

13rd October, 2010.