Our take
What does Lady Million Empire smell like?
Paco Rabanne launched Lady Million Empire in 2019. Anne Flipo, who also worked on the original Lady Million, co-signed this flanker with Jean-Christophe Hérault. It moves away from the honeyed style of the first one toward a darker floral chypre. The opening is tart. Bitter orange, neroli and candied red currant give a fruity sparkle with a slight sting. The heart is rounder. Mirabelle plum brings golden, juicy flesh wrapped in magnolia and orange blossom. Osmanthus adds a dried apricot glint. Then the cognac arrives, warm and faintly woody, and it is the part you remember. White patchouli stays clean. White musk smooths everything over and keeps the trail going. It is rich without being heavy, though the currant sugar comes back in waves. Like the original, it is built to be noticed.
When to wear it
Evenings in spring or autumn, for a night out or a dressy occasion. Two sprays are plenty.
It belongs to the Floral, Chypre family. Lady Million Empire is one of 39 creations by Paco Rabanne in our encyclopedia.