Balenciaga is a fashion house founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga, a Spanish designer, born in the Basque Country. Balenciaga’s bubble skirts and unique, ultra-modern shapes were trademarks. Today, Nicolas Ghesquière is the creative director, which is now owned by the company PPR: (Pinault–Printemps–Redoute). FYI: Balenciaga Paris was launched as the first fragrance after starting partnership with Coty, in 2008.
At the House of Balenciaga, there is the couturier who obeys the rules of style, but also the artist who embraces the realm of dreams. Into this atmosphere arrives Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum. The creamy pale outer carton is simply adorned by an eggshell band in the middle onto which the Balenciaga Paris name, plus “10 Avenue George V” is embossed in sans serif black type.
The bottle inside is elegant, and also simple, but not without luxe touches. The clear, glass bottle has four facets, and is is gently curved –a “bell jar” that is elliptical, not round. It is the perfect place to capture the pale, amber “juice” of the fragrance. on the top is a collar of ivory with the fragrance’s name in small, black letters, and atop it, an ivory ball that looks like cracked marble. The flacon is swathed in a black, drawstring bag, making it a precious jewel.
The fragrance smells, “expensive” and yet, it doesn’t feel “old.” Quite the opposite, it’s not for grandma (although chic moms will adore this for their special day)! The fragrance pleases, enormously. Balenciaga Paris was developed by perfumer Olivier Polge. This fragrance is classified as a “floral chypre” and features violet leaves, cedar and patchouli. The floral notes of violet and carnation are the standouts, but there is a hint of peppery spice and even, a powdery aspect, in the drydown. I couldn’t get a total breakdown of all of the notes, but basically there are: top notes of pepper and green notes, a heart of floral notes (violet, Violet leaves, carnation) and base notes of woods, plus some musks and patchouli.
The press literature says: “Wear Balenciaga Paris and become a close yet inaccessible woman who strolls under leafy arbors.” Actually, I do feel that vibe. I smell it, and I think of well dressed ladies carrying parasols, parading in a chic park as the Spring flowers bloom around them and the trees shelter them with green. NICOLAS GHESQUIERE says of the fragrance: “I would like women to discover Balenciaga Paris, and have the impression that they have always known it.”
I think he’s got it right. There is a lot that is familiar, mostly a sophisticated blend that you’d expect from a fine fragrance, but it certainly reminds me of other great scents I’ve known–with a new twist. The overall vibe is fresh and green, and with the additional of the base notes, mystery and modernity in it, too. This is a lovely, lovely scent, and it’s worth the investment if you’re seeking a new signature to love every season of the year, or need a great gift for a very special, discerning woman.
Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum is available at specialty stores and Balenciaga Boutiques. There is a an Eau de Parfum Spray 1.7 oz: SRP $95.00 and a 2.5 oz: Eau de Parfum Spray $130.00. Complete the set with a Showel Gel $40.00 6.7 oz: and a Body Lotion $50.00 6.7 oz.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Copyright ©Alison Blackman Dunham. All rights reserved. The Advice Sisters is a registered United States trademark. No content may be used or copied with written permission. If you want to use my work, please obtain it legally: Email: advicesisters-at-advicesisters-dot-net Subscribe to this blog by email or in a feed reader (See the right hand column of this blog). Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/advicesisters or Facebook http://www.facebook.com/alisonblackman
I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the “A Note About Compensation” section of my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics and Fashion review column: http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html