Reviews of Monsieur de Givenchy (1959)
by Givenchy

This is a classic in the chyphre-fresh category. The interplay of the citrus top and oakmoss base make the chyphre chord strike; but the chord is struck in a very subtle and sophisticated manner. The lavender heart helps to make this guy purr. And the subtle sandalwood base also rounds things out and makes MdG a pure delight to wear. I'm so glad I was able to get a bottle of the new reissued version of this scent. They did not scrimp on the oakmoss. One of the good things about the cosmetic and fragrance industry restricting certain materials, is that you can read on the label and see for yourself if certain things really in there. I'm sure MdG won't last long, since it is getting very hard to find. My suggestion is that if you see it, try it. If you like it, don't wait to buy it.

Have I finally found my signature? I approached Monsieur with a degree of caution based on my experiences of Givenchy Gentleman which whilst having the potential to be stunning is to my mind an affront to polite society in its current formulation. Such caution was not necessary.

I have a slightly strange habit with new fragrances that arrive mail order. After unwrapping the outer packaging I smell the cellophane wrapping and then after taking that off, the box itself. Then I go for the inside of the cap and the hole on the spritzer just to see if there's the slightest suggestion of what's inside. I think it has something to do with anticipation being half the fun! I got a slight hint from the spray hole of what was inside the Monsieur bottle and excitedly started pushing away on the top of the bottle.

Well, what can I say? If Gentleman was designed with the Englishman in mind and Monsieur with the Frenchman in mind, I have to say (as an Englishman) I'm insulted. Monsieur far outclasses the stinky and wafting Givenchy Gentleman and is eminently more wearable. Its lemony but subdued and makes me think of a toned down version of the original Armani Pour Homme (in fact I'm surprised nobody has yet made the comparison). I'd say its closer to Armani than Eau Savage as others have suggested. There is a slightly dry quality to this fragrance that is also impressive. The dry down I can't particularly comment on as it doesn't seem to last that long on my skin which is a great shame. All I can note is that the initial Lemon in the face subdues rather a lot and leaves a delicate air of pure class behind. I'm smitten. Sod the CK's,Ralph Laurens and the YSL's. This is where its at, this is what fragrance is all about. In answer to my question posed at the beginning: Yes, I think I may well have done. Rule Britannia :-)

A very clean, gentlemanly scent featuring lemon and verbena notes, ably supported by lavender and spice, a hint of fresh floral, and an oakmoss-woody drydown. Very classic and chic, it has a minimalist feel that makes it seem much more modern than the Cold War baby it is. At almost fifty years old, it is still in style today.

A lovely, lovely scent. A lot like Eau Sauvage, perhaps a little for floral/sweet. Also a lot like Jean-Marie Farina, more lemony. In other words, a classy aromatic citrus. A feel-good fragrance with an elegant, white-shirt formal vibe balanced with sensuality. Invigorating lemon opening. Light herbal notes are softened by florals, likely rose. The base is also attractive, with well-done sandalwood and mossy musk. Excellent!

Crisp, classy, Parisian and formal take on citrus. But OH how deceiving the top notes are! Just below the polished surface lies a sexy creature ready to pounce. If you like YSL pour Homme and Chanel pour Monsieur, you'll love Givenchy Monsieur. If you don't, rest assured that you'll most likely despise it. (I for one am firmly in the former camp.)

What a wonderful fragrance for the bachelor (wearing his red tie mind you) wandering back to his apartment in Paris, the City of Lights, for his late-night rendezvous with the special one he met in the restaurant. Sexyyyy!

Holy Citrus!! I smelled like a giant lime when I first sprayed it on. It just smacked me right in the face. Then it started to change a little after awhile, but the citrus was definitely still quite apparent. I'm no expert, so I'm not gonna try to go into detail beyond this, but I will say that I like it.

maybe a scent of another time.....but still timeless.Elegant,decent and classical.fresh and warm citrus scent.you won´t do any mistake wearing it.good choice in summer besides pour monsieur by chanel and eau sauvage by dior.nothing for kinky little boys.it´s a gentleman´s choice.

This has a pleasant citrus opening—not really spectacular and certainly not long lasting. Two or three minutes into the opening, the citrus accord begins to enlarge and enrich because the basil and lavender from the middle notes start joining with the bare citrus; there is a bit of civet noticeable at that point, too. By the time the sage joins in the accord, most of the citrus is gone and the scent has already gone very aromatic—I would like the citrus notes to have lasted longer. From then on, Monsieur de Givenchy remains a light herbal / floral until the base kicks in. The base is a light and subtle cedar, sandal, moss, musk.
I had tried Monsieur de Givenchy several times over the past few decades, but each time I tested it, I decided that I preferred Dior’s Eau Sauvage; I saw them as similar fragrances. I am aware now that Monsieur de Givenchy holds more in common with Yves Saint Laurent Pour Homme than with Eau Sauvage. YSL PH is stronger and much longer lasting than Monsieur—longevity is my main disappointment with Monsieur; however, Monsieur, although the oldest of the three, is probably the one that fits best with modern tastes and fashions. Monsieur de Givenchy is and always has been a very good fragrance.

You can be unlettered, uncultured, and uncivilised; Shower, shave, wear clean clothes, dab on M.de Givenchy and keep your mouth shut, and I assure you you can attend a Jubilee dinner, by personal invitation, with the Queen and make a smashing impression. The very definition of Class.

One of the best colognes ever made. it is a warm citrus cologne with a character of its own. If you ever smell on someone you will instantly recognize it.
They do not make this kind of colognes anymore.

This fine cologne and Aramis for men have similarities. Not necessarily in the scents themselves but the import and impact of the power infused upon the nostrils throughout the day. Neither lasts all day (Givenchy does have better staying power though). A classy, refined distinctive scent. Not the same ol' citrus scent that everyone wears these days. Another must-have cologne.

Perfect classic citrus scent. One of the most harmonious compositions on the market!!! Conservative and subtle. The main citrus-floral background gains some woody-fougere undertone (Jicky-like) in the base note. It's that old-school fragrance, not old-fashioned.

Your correspondent might be interested to know that rather than delete MdeG Givenchy has re-released it, at least in France, in an updated bottle and slightly different packaging. Actually hasn't changed much - the lines are sleeker, it looks more modern, and the fragrance doesn't seem to have changed at all. Givenchy Gentleman has had the same makeover. It's good to see the company keeping these old favourites going - Monsieur de Givenchy is a classic, in my opinion. It has much more depth and individuality than some products from certain supposedly 'exclusive' French perfume houses...

A fantastic citrus. As an older fragrance, it is clean and very enjoyable to wear. 9/10 for sure.