Our take
What does Monsieur de Givenchy smell like?
Monsieur de Givenchy dates from 1959. It was one of the house's first masculine scents, released the same year as Eau de Vetyver. Givenchy now describes it as a citrus woody built in three steps. The opening rests on Italian lemon. It is bright and a little bitter, surrounded by bergamot and verbena according to retailers. The heart turns aromatic with French lavandin, more camphorous and rustic than fine lavender. Some listings also mention geranium. Then Indonesian vetiver takes over. Earthy and smoky, it is backed by oakmoss and a touch of sandalwood. You can recognise the frame of a classic eau de Cologne, only with a sturdier base. Next to Dior's Eau Sauvage, which came seven years later, Monsieur de Givenchy smells drier and more herbal. It lacks a little roundness.
When to wear it
A fresh splash for summer mornings and the office. Apply generously on the chest straight out of the shower.
It belongs to the Woody, Citrus family. Monsieur de Givenchy is one of 40 creations by Givenchy in our encyclopedia.
