Van Cleef & Arpels are perhaps most recognized as creators of beautiful jewelry, but fragrances designed for both men and women by this luxurious and innovative perfume brand are becoming increasingly sought after. Women’s fragrances by Van Cleef & Arpels pay homage to the classical traditions of French perfumes which fresh modern touches.
Women’s perfumes are typically oriental and exotic, which key notes of vanilla, strawberry, and orange blossom. In comparison, fragrances for men by Van Cleef & Arpels are often distinguished by woody notes with subtle spice for the elegant modern man. This brief article will explore 9 of the best fragrances for both men and women by Van Cleef and Arpels in detail to help you to choose the perfect fragrance.
Best Van Cleef and Arpels Perfumes:
1. Midnight in Paris
Midnight in Paris was first launched in September 2010 by Van Cleef & Arpels. The striking dark blue glass perfume bottle makes an immediate impact and is symbolic of the night sky filled with stars. This amber floral fragrance was created exclusively for men by perfumers Olivier Polge and Domitille Bertier.
Strong and intense top notes include bergamot, Amalfi lemon, holly, rosemary, and leather, while mysterious base notes of tonka bean, incense, almond, amber, and benzoin give depth and longevity to this scent. At the heart of this fragrance are lighter notes of styrax, tea, lily-of-the-valley, and refreshing hints of lemon.
2. Orchidee Vanille
Created for women by perfumer Randa Hammami, Orchidee Vanille is a gracefully floral fragrance. This fragrance is one of six exquisite perfumes created in cooperation with perfumers Nathalie Feisthauer, Randa Hammami, Nathalie Cetto, Antoine Maisondieu, Emilie Coppermann, and Mark Buxton; Collection Extraordinaire. The large glass bottles encasing this deluxe line of perfumes are fashioned in a subtle minimalist style with black tops.
This fragrance possesses the versatility to allow the wearer to enjoy this scent for any occasion, day or night, although the scent works best in the autumn and winter months. The central aroma in this fragrance is vanilla, complimented by lighter floral tones. Surprising layers of chocolate, sweet violet, vibrant tangerine, and warm cedarwood run through Orchidee Vanille. The perfume is inspired by the beauty of nature.
3. First
A stunning fragrance created for women by Jean-Claude Ellena in 1976, First is another enchanting floral fragrance by Van Cleef and Arpels. Symbolic of the seducing qualities of a love potion First is the ideal fragrance for any occasion. A floral bouquet of narcissus, hyacinth, jasmine, carnation, ylang-ylang, tuberose, Turkish rose, and Orchid fills the heart of this fragrance, while deep base notes of oakmoss, amber, musk, sandalwood, tonka bean, and vanilla offer depth and welcome warmth.
Delicate honey provides hints of sweetness. The top notes of mandarin orange, raspberry, blackcurrant, peach, and bergamot are light and playful to the mind and sense.
4. Feerie
Feerie, launched in 2008 by Van Cleef and Arpels, is a particularly special fruity floral fragrance created exclusively for women by perfumer Antoine Maisondieu. The attractive bottle design, fashioned by Joel Desgrippes, is immediately striking and symbolic of a fairytale. A shining ornamental fairy sits on top of the deep blue, elegant glass bottle, transporting the wearer to a fairytale realm of dreams, stars, and magic.
To complement this unique fragrance, other luxurious products such as shampoo, body cream, and body lotion are also available; at the heart of this fragrance is a rich blend of Bulgarian rose and Egyptian jasmine. Top notes include a fruity medley of red berries, mandarin, blackcurrant, and violet, while woody base notes of vetiver and iris offer strong foundations to this scent.
5. Bois d’Iris
Launched by Van Cleef and Arpels in 2009 exclusively for women, Bois d’Iris was created by top perfumer Emilie Copperman. A member of the luxurious collection, Collection Extraordinaire, Bois d’Iris is a complex, sensual scent. Wearers of this fragrance comment that they feel more confident and in touch with their inner femininity when wearing this scent.
A floral, woody fragrance, this perfume is versatile enough to be classed as an everyday fragrance. Key notes in this magical scent include vanilla, amber, driftwood, sugar, labdanum, and mysterious layers of frankincense and myrrh.
6. Oriens
Oriens is a truly unforgettable scent launched in 2010 by Van Cleef and Arpels. This floral fragrance was created for women by Bernard Ellena. Inspired by the beauty of the gardens of the Middle East, this exotic fragrance is feminine and fresh, the ideal scent to wear in the spring or summer months.
Floral middle notes include white flowers and jasmine, while sweet and heady base notes of praline, amber, vanilla, and patchouli are deliciously intoxicating. Fruity top notes of raspberry, mandarin orange, and blackcurrant are refreshing and bright.
7. Tsar
Launched in 1989 to the delight of Van Cleef and Arpels fans, Tsar is an intense woody fragrance for men with subtle aromatic undertones of spice. This classical scent was created by perfumer Philippe Bousseton. At the heart of this fragrance is an evocative blend of woody notes: pine tree, carnation, tarragon, geranium, caraway, jasmine, rose, orris root, and juniper berries.
Lily-of-the-valley brings sweet, light contrasting tones. Base notes of leather, cedar, sandalwood, musk, amber, tonka bean, coconut, and patchouli offer depth and longevity to this scent. Top notes of coriander, cinnamon, neroli, bergamot, rosemary, lavender, and artemisia are strong, intense, and aromatic.
8. California Reverie
California Reverie is a delightfully feminine floral fragrance created exclusively for women by Antoine Maisondieu and launched in 2014 by Van Cleef and Arpels. This stunning scent is a member of the highly acclaimed perfume collection Collection Extraordinaire.
Tropical and fresh, this scent is ideal for a summer evening occasion. Top notes of neroli and mandarin orange are strong and fruity, whilst deep base notes of beeswax and vanilla bring honey sweetness to the layers of aroma. At the heart of this fragrance are chords of Arabian jasmine and frangipani.
9. Bois Dore
Launched in 2017 by Van Cleef and Arpels for both women and men, Bois Dore; is a graceful and elegant amber woody perfume. Created by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin, this fragrance is also part of the luxurious perfume collection Collection Extraordinaire.
Earthy base notes of teak wood, musk, and tonka bean add mystery and depth to this scent, contrasting with unexpected top notes of black pepper and mineral. At the heart of this gentle fragrance are smooth blends of vanilla, almond, tobacco, and cedar.
