Lanvin • Arpege • Fragrances

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Angela1013 on 1/19/2013 3:41:00 PM more reviews by Angela1013

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This perfume has definitely been reformulated, it's so toned down from what I remember as a kid. My mother had the original and I recollect Arpege had more of a bite in the opening notes than it does now, sort of like Chantilly perfume. Lanvin Arpege and My Sin were one of the first high end brand perfumes I experienced as a kid, my mom had these little bottles around and I would play with them all the time and wear Arpege to bed! lol ... That's how I recognize the change in it, the new one is similar but a lot softer and much more wearable as another reviewer had mentioned. Brings back memories :))

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oliviaanne on 8/25/2012 5:03:00 PM more reviews by oliviaanne

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I just picked up a bottle of Arpege at an estate sale. My plans were to sell it, but I don't think I can part with it. It's not really vintage, perhaps ten years old, but it is absolutely beautiful. It almost made me cry it is so beautiful. Why, do you ask? I have hundreds of samples and I smell all the new releases. This Arpege smells of another time when perfumes were rich and complex and had wonderful character. It is strong at first, then settles comfortably and elegantly on my skin like it belongs there. I could wear this anywhere and with anything and feel fabulous. Not grand standing fabulous, just classy and comfortable in my skin fabulous.

You young ones tread carefully with Arpege. You may have to earn her or you may think she is to "much" for you. That's okay, you will eventually want a real perfume and then you will know, yes you will know.

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*TOP REVIEWER* FlameDancer on 3/31/2011 11:45:00 PM more reviews by FlameDancer

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Hazel    

I can't say enough good things about Arpege. I have never smelled the original pre-reformulation one, but all fragrances are tweaked here and there over the years (whether they publicize it or not), so each bottle will be slightly different from the last anyway, perceptibly or not. I started wearing this in the mid-nineties. It's definitely a little different now, but it's quite true to the feeling it had then, and it's definitely recognizably Arpege.


The comparisons to Chanel no. 5 are merited only in that the belong to the same fragrance category. Because true floral-adehydics are so rare now, they seem more similar to each other than to anything else on the market. I find them to be very different from each other, but for the sake of describing Arpege, a comparison to something people are sure to have smelled is very useful.


Both Arpege and Chanel no. 5, at the start, are loudly aldehydic and sparkle in a nearly piercing, aggressively fluffy way -- a quality that I looooove in perfumes. But while the Chanel is all about a much softer melding of aldehydes with jasmine and ylang ylang, Arpege has a much more baroque and rich pairing of lily-of-the-valley and neroli with its aldehydes. The effect is like blindingly white, raunchy flowers, electric pink spice, and the feeling of heavy gold jewelry on the skin. Arpege also has a whole lot more of a base, with rich, dry and woody sandalwood, cedar, oakmoss and golden vanilla that eventually softens to a languid, creamy amber. It's rare and wonderful to find a vintage type scent that has a ton of wood and vanilla, but that's not in the least syrupy sweet, and that's also not a parched leathery scent. The ingredients smell of extraordinary quality (but not of wealthiness), which I really appreciate considering how very cheaply it can be bought, and a single spritz shared between two wrists and a decollete will afford you with a subtle but wide sillage for at least five hours, and more than ten hours of presence closer to the skin.


Arpege is a very unique mix of two feelings: the floral aldehydes give it a fluffy, angora sweatered, deep red lipsticked vavoom that seems deeply lodged in an era of sexed up screen sirens and femme fatales, while all those rich, dry woods, oakmoss and vanilla give it a deep and contemplative feeling that would be equally at home in an ancient aristocratic setting. Arpege is sort of like watching someone like Gene Tierney play a reserved but secretly lustful young Victorian era heroin who lived in a 16th century castle. It's the Golden Era's version of timelessly ancient, and though it's very, very French, Hollywood's most iconic stars made it their own -- Marilyn was said to wear Arpege, as did Jayne Mansfield and her famous cleavage, as well as Grace Kelly, which just shows its range. It belongs equally at the Woolworths counter with killer heels and a cold bottle of coke sipped through a straw, and in an ancient European church, listening to someone play Chopin's etudes with the sound of rain hitting the stained glass outside. This fragrance is very, very me, and I am desperately happy that it's still on the market. Nothing else satisfies my aldehyde craving like Arpege, and nothing else smells like it.

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chrystelica on 12/30/2010 1:26:00 PM more reviews by chrystelica

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This is for the vintage EDP. Initially I thought the sample had gone bad, it almost smelled like rank nail polish remover from the 50s. A minute later, a glorious perfume of days gone by slinked past me like a woman in a floor-length black silk gown. It is amazing. This is what I wanted every Guerlain vintage extrait to be, or what I imagined Mitsouko could be. It's glorious, throaty, slightly mysterious and sensuous. I wouldn't call it old fashioned at all, but definitely made of such high quality materials that it is surely a thing of the past. I'm actually quite blown away by it's smouldering, womanly beauty. It has an undercurrent of rich spices and is mellow instead of sharp. The sillage isn't huge, it's not in your face, but just enough to be noticed and appreciated.

I would think this would be an easily loved favorite of those who enjoy perfume in general. It is a classic as much as Chanel no. 22, and in my opinion, better.

The aldehydes seem to have faded from this as well as the top notes, which I probably prefer anyhow, since I don't like aldehydes. I can smell the leftover traces of it, similar to how a vintage no. 22 might smell. The jasmine and lily of the valley is detectable, and the styrax, vetiver and patchouli in the base together are just gorgeous. The balanced, lovely base gives incredible depth to the inky black gown this woman is wearing, and imparts an elegant and warm quality to the cool silkiness of the middle notes.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Metraria on 11/1/2010 9:35:00 PM more reviews by Metraria

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this unsniffed for $20 at Marchall's. I figured that even if I hated the scent, I'd still have that gorgeous art deco bottle! As it turns out, I do love this scent. There's an initial burst of strong, soapy aldehydes that fortunately lasts for only five minutes or so. After that, it's a soft floral bouquet mixed with dark woods. It's an understated, glamourous scent. Unfortunately, about two hours after application, a faint fecal note develops on me that lasts for about half an hour. I'm guessing that the jasmine is to blame. I can tolerate that note, because I know that it's not actually poop! However, it makes me afraid to wear Arpege outside. Nevertheless, I love wearing this scent in private. Unless I can find a very similar fragrance without the offensive note, I will most likely purchase this again.

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emharrison on 9/9/2010 4:32:00 PM more reviews by emharrison

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

A fabulous classic, that remains so in spite of tweaking. An aldehydic scent that has a veiled quality compared to the big famous aldehydes like No.5. Why? Hard to say. Nevertheless, it has a slightly muted sparkling quality, something that strikes me as smelling like a gentle honeysuckle, with sandalwood and a quiet hint of vanilla (I will stress it isn't sweet at all, and it doesn't scream floral). It is also clean without being soapy, elegant without what you kids like to refer to as old lady smell. If you watch All About Eve, Bette Davis' character has two whopping gigantic factices of it on her vanity (except they probably weren't factices). I for one wouldn't refer to Bette Davis as an old lady, for fear of getting my face slapped off or quite possibly just punched if she were still alive. That said, it's the best of the classic aldehydes to me - transcends perfumery in the same way No. 5 does. If you want a more modern aldehyde, try Alessandro Dell'Acqua's eponymous scent. It's a more blatant aldehyde but it's also got a curious coriander note that makes it pretty interesting stuff. The best aldehydes to me are No. 5 (Eau Premiere is also a good younger modern aldehyde reworking, and if you like the idea of No.5 but want something aldehyde free and warmer, try Patou's Sublime), Arpege, White Linen (the original, none of those flankers), Cologne Bigarade, Alessandro Dell'Acqua, and Paco Rabanne Metal (just one of the all time greatest perfumes ever. It's Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Blade Runner's city night scenes in a bottle, the perfume equivalent of an Elsa Peretti cuff).

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SeeMeBeauty on 7/27/2010 3:34:00 PM more reviews by SeeMeBeauty

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

A classic scent. This has an old school "perfume" smell to me. (As opposed to some perfumes which seem to have something against smelling like perfume, they reach too far and want too much.) Arpege seems happy being Arpege. And I am happy wearing it. A bit of a crash landing opening and then the beauty begins. It is milky and nutty and smells beautiful on me. I wouldn't want to wear it (or anything) everyday, but I will continue to buy this.

What was I thinking giving this only four lippies? I am back and I stand corrected! Apologies Arpege. I've been wearing this more and more lately and I think it really is something special.

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plutteluran on 6/15/2010 12:20:00 PM more reviews by plutteluran

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Fine   Eyes: Green    

Sometimes a fragrance doesn´t go well with the bodychemistry. This is a perfect example. I have learnt that aldehydes is a note that I shall stay away from. My nostrils couldn´t cope with this fragrance. I had to give it away. It is one of the most repulsive smell I have ever experienced. Soapy and oldfashioned in a very bad way. Yuck!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Wyrmiax on 3/10/2010 6:32:00 PM more reviews by Wyrmiax

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This is the essence of Old School Perfume to me--it was "in the air" everywhere when I was a small child in the late 50's. Unfortunately, although it is tremendously evocative to me, I don't really like the scent.

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*TOP REVIEWER* 9154mf on 1/20/2010 11:22:00 PM more reviews by 9154mf

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Hmmm....I was sent this as a sample, I dont know if I actually asked for it because to be honest even by the name alone I knew this was an older perfume and probably wouldn't like, Well spank me silly! I actually do like it. The first 10 seconds was like cucumbers dipped in aldehydes and I thought Yuk, but it soon softened into a lovely, sophisticated slightly powdery slightly spicy scent, and I cant stop sniffing my wrists. it is more of a winter frag IMO, and probably more suited to a classier type woman, rather than a loud, outspoken, sometimes-swearing gal like like. However, I can see this in my future.

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ymantra on 12/3/2009 8:19:00 AM more reviews by ymantra

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I had a chance to sample this perfume and was curious since it is a classic. I was surprised when I saw it at Marshalls for $25. This is not an everyday perfume as it is very strong. It's more for evening and special events. I particularly did not like it on me and would not wear it but I can see how it might work for someone else. I think taste in perfume has change a lot since this was created and I certainly appreciate its beauty, its quality and packaging!

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melrose1 on 11/23/2009 12:59:00 PM more reviews by melrose1

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

My mother wore this her whole life and it actually came out the year she was born, 1927. I grew up with her wearing it, but never actually realized she was wearing perfume, that's just how I thought my mom smelled! A very lovely, soft, sophisticated, everyday scent that worked with her, and I started to wear it some as an adult. We had a hard time finding it for a while in the late eighties and 90's, until it was repackaged and the price went through the roof! Best place to purchase is online, price much better than from Sephora.

Lovely, lovely, classic scent, I hope it is never done away with.

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yueti on 9/10/2009 1:19:00 AM more reviews by yueti

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

The smell wafting from my wrist five seconds after I sprayed it with Arpege shocked me in a quite bad way -- it was way stronger than I'm used to and it truly had that geriatric odour you find at op-shops. Twenty minutes passed and the overwhelming old people smell had mostly faded and been replaced by a pleasant floral-ish (to my nose at least... rose and jasmine?) scent accompanied by a perfect amount of spiciness, which was more in line with what I had in mind when I read descriptions of Arpege as a classy vintage fragrance. An hour later and it had dried down to a gorgeously plush vanilla and sandalwood and I loved it. Absolutely loved it.

In short: 1). I will buy this again, but 2). I will always have to put it on half an hour before I leave home (and maybe breathe through my mouth during the first ten minutes).

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NarnianLady on 7/1/2009 3:00:00 PM more reviews by NarnianLady

Age: Unknown   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

This is another winning classic that has stood the test of time. It is sensual, floral and warm, without excessive sweetness that often plagues the more trendy concoctions...
The fragrance speaks of happy memories, golden days and a loving home, comfortable and full of laughter!

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*TOP REVIEWER* dascha on 5/8/2009 3:55:00 PM more reviews by dascha

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Arpege is one of the big old classic scents, not worn very much nowadays but well worth trying out. Actually, it is probably more accessible than some of the more recent vintage scents as it sweeter, warmer, and fruiter than many others. In some ways it is a warmer take on the classic Chanel No. 5, with it's aldehydic opening note (which fades very quickly) minus the somewhat "poopy" jasmine note. Although I like Chanel No. 5, I do not wear it myself as I honestly feel that it wears a woman, and not the other way around. Arpege seems to meld into the skin much better. This would make a great black- dress- and -pearls alternative to No. 5 and feels even a tad more casual and sexier, as there is a musky note on the bottom that erases any of the soapy/old lady connotations aldehydes might carry. The other fragrance it reminds me of is Habanita, probably because of the strong, very pleasant peach note, but without the tobacco. It's like Habanita's square older sister, and I mean that in a good way. Probably best suited for cooler weather, this stuff really should be tried by a new generation. I like the black bottle with the lovely gold mother and daughter image as well.

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*TOP REVIEWER* notluisebrooks on 5/4/2009 2:19:00 AM more reviews by notluisebrooks

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

Arpege, Arpege---you are one of a kind and the consummate big, vintagey perfume if ever there was one. Black and gold---if you don't think of black velvet, art deco jewelry and heavy gold, maybe you haven't been smelling the same fragrance I have. "Arpege" also evokes the image of a piano; polished ivory and ebony. It opens on an air of incense, with an astringent blend of (what I swear is) lily-of-the valley and honeysuckle, sweet and a tad vinegary/sulfuric at the same time. This may sound like a bizzare blend, but it's actually quite a pleasant olfactive sensation, something similarily noticable in the newer "Coco" of Chanel. "Arpege" then tumbles through something like roses, tiger lilies and jasmine, resolving on a steady, velvety wood note that smells like something cinnamon-curl spicy, powdery, guaiac and oud-like, again evoking an image of polished ebony. "Arpege" has the oddest quality of aloof warmth (ah--so this is the smell of "old money"!) and if not for the tinny astringent mid-notes, it might pass as a twin to the smoky-sweet, yet polished woodiness of Chanel's "Bois des Isles". I love "Arpege" for what it is, but I need to be in a particularily theatrical and outrageous mood to pull it off---it's so distinctly vintage, that you cannot behave gloomily while surrounded by this; otherwise, too many "Sunset Boulevard" associations will be assigned to you. "Arpege" must be worn flamboyantly and extroverted in form, evoking either flapper or earlier Theda Bara sensibilities and you must laugh and gab freely while wearing it. If not, people won't think "Ooo, how eccentric and vintage!" they'll think "Oh, like a musty but fascinating old estate---also, maybe, rotting from the inside out?" People can't help it----anything that is the grande, olfactive equivalent to an opera, ballet or theatrical production, is out of place in duller surroundings; few can stretch their imagination to fit "Arpege". But wear it anyway. It's that classic, oozing both character and personality.

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*TOP REVIEWER* JClarke on 5/3/2009 2:20:00 PM more reviews by JClarke

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

This is a classic and, as such, I find it a bit old-fashioned. When I was growing up in the fifties and sixties, all perfume smelled a bit like this. It's not offensive but it's not me. A bit musty. Quite long-lasting, but I really wish it wasn't!

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CRosieB on 4/22/2009 8:03:00 PM more reviews by CRosieB

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

This is a beautifully classic scent and made for the confident woman. It is a great everyday scent for ultra feminity :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* lvpoetess on 2/26/2009 5:38:00 PM more reviews by lvpoetess

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Other    

I adore classic perfumes, but I cannot quite wrap my mind around Arpege. On me Arpege is a pleasant enough floral, a little musty perhaps. It doesn't really develop much beyond the initial stages, but it does make me sneeze. It reminds me a bit of Balenciaga Le Dix, though this may be more in my reaction than scent. I really wish I could have smelled the original Arpege... I bet it had more depth. Love the bottles though, and I will keep trying to love the juice!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Magixz on 1/30/2009 10:19:00 AM more reviews by Magixz

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I have the vintage bottle of Arpege. It is amazing perfume. I think it smells a bit different on most everyone. It is one of my all time favorites along with the vintage My Sin from Lanvin. The vintage Arpege is hard to find and so is My Sin, but there are a few bottles still around if you look hard enough. I was very lucky and found one of each still sealed. I purchased them seperately from different dealers, and both of them are just like new off the shelf. I remember when these perfumes sold for $20 each and that was considered way expensive then. ;-) They were actually thought of as high end perfumes. I do wish Lanvin would come back with their classic perfume line instead of the remakes. If you can find the vintage perfumes, buy them! You will love having them on your vanity table. They are a beautiful, timeless treasure.

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