Givenchy's L'Interdit fragrance has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years, spawning a family of flankers that build upon the original's success while exploring different olfactory territories. Among these, L'Interdit Rouge, launched in 2021, stands out as a particularly divisive entry. While some hail it as a bold and captivating evolution, others, like myself, find it a frustrating departure from what makes a truly great fragrance. My initial experience with the original L'Interdit left me utterly unimpressed, overwhelmed by what I described as an intensely cloying grape juice note. This negative experience colored my expectations for L'Interdit Rouge, and unfortunately, those expectations weren't entirely overturned. This article will delve into the complexities of L'Interdit Rouge, exploring its notes, comparing it to its predecessors (including the original L'Interdit), examining its performance, and ultimately assessing whether it justifies its place in the L'Interdit lineage.
A Historical Context: The Original L'Interdit and its Legacy
Before dissecting L'Interdit Rouge, it's crucial to understand its heritage. The original L'Interdit, a fragrance initially launched in 1957 and later reformulated, holds a significant place in Givenchy's history. It was a daring and opulent scent for its time, often described as a classic white floral with a touch of mystery. However, the 2018 reimagining, the one that serves as the base for the L'Interdit Rouge and other flankers, marked a significant shift. This modern interpretation leaned heavily into a more gourmand and intensely floral profile. This departure from the original's elegance didn't resonate with everyone, myself included. The dominant, almost syrupy sweetness that I experienced – that overpowering grape juice note – made it an unenjoyable fragrance for me. This initial negative impression coloured my perception of subsequent flankers, setting a high bar for L'Interdit Rouge to overcome.
L'Interdit Rouge: Deconstructing the Fragrance
L'Interdit Rouge aims for a more daring, spicier, and intensely feminine interpretation of the L'Interdit DNA. While the exact notes aren't always consistently listed across all sources, the core components generally include a combination of plum, orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine, iris, patchouli, and vanilla. This blend aims to create a captivating contrast between the fruity sweetness of plum and the intoxicating floral heart, anchored by a warm, woody base.
However, the execution, in my opinion, falls short. While the plum note is undeniably present, it doesn't deliver the juicy, refreshing quality one might expect. Instead, it contributes to a sense of overall cloying sweetness that overshadows the more delicate floral nuances. The tuberose and jasmine, usually vibrant and captivating, are unfortunately muted, lost in the sugary onslaught. The patchouli and vanilla, intended to provide grounding warmth, merely serve to amplify the sweetness, creating a dense, almost suffocating aroma. The overall effect is less a sophisticated dance of contrasting notes and more a monolithic wave of intensely sweet, slightly spicy fragrance.