Monsieur de Givenchy (1959)
by Givenchy

Maturity, classicism and discretion introduce this fragrance as one of their most representative olfactory pillar since this perfectly balanced blend of citrus, lavender, aromatic greens, moss and astringent flowers is too historical and exotic (in the sense of coming from a daring age) to be ignored by the lovers of a specific left over glorious era of great enterprises and transmigrations. The juice stands out in the middle between a classic fougere and an exotic chypre. I agree who with stresses the wonderful initial role played by aromatic herbs, hesperides and citrus-lavender before a wonderful mossy dry down sets its roots on the floor. The watery  exoticism of lavender and fluidy aromatics is stunning and the beginning reminds me a bit the daring and fashinating aura exuded by my grandfather with its English Lavender. This fragrance smells definitely less  endly soapy and more citrusy, angular and aromatic than Chanel Pour Monsieur because of its characteristic "colonial" initial citrus-lavender feel that is more sharp than the initial "fizzy" (ginger and cardamom) Pour Monsieur Chanel's vibe. On this sphere this is more similar to Eau Savage than to Pour Monsieur. The hesperidic  feel is here more stressed over lemon, bergamot and tangerine than about orange. The smell ends moderately soapy, woody and aromatic still holding its lemony-orangy feel that is in the air since the beginning. The herbs are aqueous and not earthy while the note of carnation and geranium are extremely subtle, sharp and sophisticated. To be avoided if you don't like the genre (as well as my great friend Alfarom writes). Timeless.

28th January, 2012.

Pros: Very well balanced composition, elegant yet suitable for every occasion, fresh and citrusy with warm overtones

Cons: A little outdated, not very distinctive, rather soapy, poor longevity

Sometimes, I like to wear original and surprising fragrances. Some other times, I don't. I bought a bottle of Monsieur Givenchy last year and I used it those days when I did not really feel like wearing a fragrance that makes a statement. As a matter of fact, people around me hardly noticed it at all. On me, MG was so light I had to reapply many times a day. I do like Monsieur Givenchy on other men, but I don't think I will wear it again myself.

20th October, 2011.

From fresh citruses to a warm, classic, office signature scent. Well refined, smooth and elegant. I really love it but at the same time I don't see myself wearing this, at least not yet.

21st June, 2011.

Les Parfums Mythiques - Monsieur de Givenchy is truly a stunning creation!

Regrettably, I’ve never had the opportunity here in Australia to sample the original formulation of Monsieur de Givenchy, so I’m unable to compare between the two. However, if this modern interpretation is anything to go by, then the original must surely have been one of the greatest ever male perfumes.

Comparisons could easily be made with Dior’s Eau Sauvage and YSL’s Pour Homme, but as the original Monsieur de Givenchy was created at least 5 years before Eau Sauvage and over a decade before YSL’s Pour Homme, I’d say that Givenchy was clearly leading the way in gentlemen’s scents in 1959. Chanel’s Pour Monsieur from 1955 is similar in construction, but where that has a herb/spice middle, Les Parfums Mythiques - Monsieur de Givenchy sticks to subtle florals.

Although this is heavily leaning towards citric, even serial citrus haters could find something to love here. The florals do their job really well. They subdue and refine the citrus just enough to take away that ‘sharp’ edge found in other citrus based scents like Dior’s Eau Sauvage. It finishes off with a very gentle woody base that matches perfectly with the top and middle notes.

It’s a very distinguished fragrance without being sharp. Overall this comes across as classic and elegant. Les Parfums Mythiques - Monsieur de Givenchy is a true gentlemen’s fragrance.

4th May, 2011.

A reformulation of this classic babrershop-masculine fragrance a-là Chanel Pour Monsieur. The apotheosis of old-fashioned discreet elegance. Mannered but not affected. To be absolutely avoided if you don't like the genre. I do.

Long story made short: to fully understand where we are now, we have to know where we came from! (I think I've already heard this one)!

18th April, 2011. (Last Edited: 23rd April, 2011.)

A lovely citrus with a spicy/animalic heart and a gentle velvet softness that reminds me of the old Fougere Royale. It has a lot in common with Eau Sauvage but is a warmer with a more friendly character.

This fragrance is so good and fits me so well, I could stay with it for good – but – it has some performance problems. Longevity is far below average and it tends to fall apart on some occasions, on others not (maybe depending on air humidity). Also, it is very quite and would not suffer from being slightly louder.

That said, it’s still excellent. I could turn to Eau Sauvage, which is technically superior, but usually prefer MG because of its more sympathetic attitude.

4th April, 2011.