Our take
What does Rive Gauche pour Homme smell like?
Yves Saint Laurent presented Rive Gauche pour Homme in 2003. Jacques Cavallier composed this male counterpart to the 1970 Rive Gauche for women. The opening recalls a barbershop. It smells of shaving foam and a fresh towel. Bergamot and rosemary are clear, and star anise adds a sweet coolness. The heart lines up lavender, geranium and clove. The fougère structure is classic, but the spice makes it drier and more serious. The base pairs guaiac wood, patchouli and vetiver. Guaiac adds a wisp of smoke while vetiver stays quiet. The drydown is warm and slightly woody, never sweet. Compared with Azzaro pour Homme, which shares its anise and lavender, Rive Gauche pour Homme is drier and cleaner. Think of a pressed white shirt rather than a leather jacket. It is the kind of fougère that never embarrasses its wearer.
When to wear it
A go-anywhere fougère, ideal at the office in cool weather. Three sprays on a shirt last the day.
It belongs to the Fougère, Aromatic family. Rive Gauche pour Homme is one of 35 creations by Yves Saint Laurent in our encyclopedia.
