Our take
What does Le Parfum smell like?
Elie Saab, the Lebanese couturier known for embroidered evening gowns, launched his first perfume in 2011. Francis Kurkdjian composed it. The whole idea rests on orange blossom, handled like a beam of light rather than a bouquet. It opens directly on the flower with no citrus warm-up. Jasmine follows fast and gives the heart a slightly animal roundness. Patchouli then slides in underneath. It stays quiet, earthy rather than dry, and keeps the blend from turning soapy. In the base a honey accord meets clean cedar. That honey is what gives the perfume its character: a golden and faintly sticky warmth that clings to skin for hours. You can almost picture the house's bridal gowns in off-white silk. Set beside Mugler's Alien, another sun-soaked white flower, Le Parfum feels calmer and far less ambery.
When to wear it
Made for a spring day or an outdoor ceremony. Two sprays do the job, since the honey base swells on warm skin.
It belongs to the Floral, Woody family. Le Parfum is one of 11 creations by Elie Saab in our encyclopedia.
