Vetyver Lanvin (original) (1964)
by Lanvin

No surprises here – Lanvin Vetyver is the fuzzy, boozey, heavy and aromatic Lanvin Monsieur, only a bit (but just a bit) more dynamic and less calm owing to a vetiver note that starts off cheerfully but soon takes a somewhat (but only somewhat) darker, deeper turn, vaguely reminiscent of the vintage Guerlain Vetiver. Alas, little happens besides that as the scent progresses, or rather, hangs there like a thick cloud.

Unique,unrivaled and unforgettable are it's impact of a citric-green-aldehydic complex followed by sheaves of flowery notes like clove, jasmine, orris, ylang, melt into one another,continued by an impressive, heart-moving,warm complex of bay and cinnamon, gliding into the depth of dry-warm woody and powdery layers of vetyver,cedar,mossy and resinous notes,exceptionally rounded with tonka, leather and vanilla, ending smooth, lasting for hours, spending breezes of a greenish, spicy warmth. The original Lanvin Vetyver has personality, it's not simply a refreshing vetyver-eau-de-cologne like the ultra-refined Guerlain Vetyver is. The original Lanvin Vetyver gives us the "living" proof, that no unbridgebable opposite exists between the colour "green" on the one and eroticism on the other hand. The idea of the original Lanvin Vetyver was born long time before Lauder launched Aramais Devin as a country style perfume. The difference is: Lanvin has "chic". My last flacon is around 17 years old and the fragrance is like on the first day I opened it. While I'am writing my review, the fragrance is on the skin of my hand ...

When it comes to vertivers this is definately my favorite.It is the first fragance I can remember as my father, your typical 60's French dandy used lots and lots of it.It is clean,and not spoilt be to many added top and middle notes.Great for the summer, but all in all perhaps not for everyone.

Why resist it? Guerlain is the master of Vetyver.

I must state that i am perhaps not competent to dare a judgement on vetivers, as I generally only like, not love them. Perhaps Azzaro's and Carven's vetivers were not too helpful to develop a particular appreciation. I highly respect Guerlains Vetiver which I use in the summertime. But I love, really love, a small bottle of the original 1964 Lanvin Vetyver! It also has citrus, and feels just as refreshing as Guerlain's V. And there is a mythical extra with it, not really sweet, something I cannot identify. Who also knows the old 'Lanvin For Men', or d'Orsays 'Eau Fringante' may get a better idea of the romantic part. This Vetiver carries you with ease into the more relaxed after hours. It lasts well, but I might reapply in the early evening.