Prelude

Although it was released the year that I turned 21, I never knowingly smelled this until recently. Good thing, too, because I would have wanted it and I could barely afford to keep myself in Opium, Mitsouko and Shalimar at the time. I picked up a parfum and a parfum de toilette spray both new in their boxes on the big auction site, just because I could. I often buy things, try them and pass them to the next buyer but I am keeping Prelude. Certainly it's similar to Opium (which I would give as my favorite ever perfume if I have to choose one) but it's not the same and it stands nicely on it's own. I think it's much more wearable than Opium in 2015, and it's still probably too much for a huge portion of the current perfumephobic population. The aldehydic bergamot opening settles into a warm, balsamic cloud of clove, carnation, ylang ylang and spice on a base of amber, benzoin and civet. Like a lot of orientals it's base heavy and like a lot of orientals I love it that way. The parfum is long lasting, 8 hours or so. The parfum de toilette gives more like 6 hours and is a very small bit sharper. If you like 70s/80s orientals and don't faint when exposed to aldehydes or civet this is definitely worth a try.

Prelude to Opium...but Opium predated it. To say it's a shadow of the towering predecessor would do this perfume an injustice, because it's just as sophisticated and sexy, but at the same time, that's sort of what it is. If you don't want to knock people out with the epic proportions of musk, spice, and incense-patchouli exotica that Opium presents, you can do no wrong with this classy chypre-oriental, courtesy of Balenciaga; unfortunately, now discontinued. I lucked out on a vintage bottle on eBay and sampling the fragrance was unearthing a treasure from a more dignified but extinct place. It definitely resembles Opium, but where Opium develops down into a cherry fruit, carnation, incense-patchouli bomb baroque symphony, Prelude boasts more of a civet, ozonic, green quartet. If Opium is a richly lacquered Chinese table, Prelude is the jade sculpture that sits atop. Perfect for all seasons and for daytime, too. I wish it would make a comeback. But synthetics will do this quality blast from the past no good at all.

I'm wearing the parfum today and it struck me that this smells like a lighter and less complex version of Asja by Fendi. Overall, I think Asja is a much stronger fragrance with better silage and longevity, even in edt strength, but not at the Opium level. It also has that sheer yet deep quality that I like so much in Prelude. Since I have a big bottle of Asja I think I'll forgo replacing Prelude in the future. Makes no sense to have two fragrances that are so much alike. Still, this is a beautiful scent and one that should delight any lover of floral Orientals. Edit - Typical of a fraghead, I've since changed my mind and purchased a bottle with the red cap (more out of curiosity) and find it is much the same as the original mini parfum I have, though the silage is closer to the skin and the longevity not as long lasting as before. Still, it won't break the bank if I have to do a mid-day touch up with this version. Overall, very nice scent perfect for cooler temps.

This category of fragrance is a favorite with me, and since I love everything vintage that I've purchased from Balenciaga,I had to try this. What a beauty! It's sexy, warm, multidimensional like a great fragrance should be. Rich and full bodied, spicy and resinous. The opening notes are fresh and peppery. The next notes that come to the forefront are the spicy scents of carnation and cinnamon, a wonderful combination. The florals that unfold next are sweet but not cloying. The drydown is spectacular, strong on the resins and musk. Great sillage, long lasting (8 hours on me). A great nighttime scent. Go easy on the application; very strong sillage.

I love this fragrance and find it very well rounded with the spices done just right. Not overpowering in the least. I haven't used it in years because I used up my edt in the 90s and never thought to repurchase at that time. All I have left is a mini parfum that came with my edt (a gift set), that is almost finished. I would like to purchase another bottle but was wondering if anyone knows if this was reformulated? What I see on the market now (not offered as vintage) is a much cheaper bottle design (cheap red cap), and was wondering if that change was reflected in the scent?

One of the most comforting perfumes i had in my twenties! Warm oriental, spicy, woody and a bit powdery! I really loved it ( had actually tried it from a sample when i was 16-17, and waited patiently to travel to germany to buy it, as it was never imported in greece..) Then a couple of years later, in a fist of despair, i gave away most of my then perfumes, including prelude.... The bottle was slightly oval, and somehow flat, with a red cap (or was it black and gold??) I still miss it!!

In my humble opinion Balenciaga rates as one of THE best perfume houses EVER. Their quality is beyond comprehension. Chanel used to own this caliber of perfumemaking, but not anymore. Their new releases N19, Allure, Chance etc etc, mere shadows of the house Chanel used to be... So...for you ladies looking for 'Chanel'-quality, but without any compromises, look for the vintage range Balenciaga.

There is something warmly familiar about this perfume. Someone close to me may have worn it years ago. I really like this as to me it is very light, soft. The vanilla is there yes, but muted. The Opium tones are there but softened, freshened. Spicy but clear and light also. Wish I had more.

A Prelude to a Classic a first Blast of Aldehydes will make think mmmm another Chanel no 5 Copy but the drydown says i don't think so Because Chanel doesn't have predominent orange notes and prelude is less shaper If Chanel is for night Prelude is for day.

Just fantastic! Balenciaga is just such a classy fragrance house!!!!!

I love when this happens! A few months ago, I took an interest in trying some vintage Balenciaga fragrances after reading about and purchasing Le Dix. Several members suggested Prelude, I tend to enjoy orientals, and the reviews were good, so I ended up purchasing a partially used bottle of PDT and also winning an auction for an almost full EDT that I had forgotten I bid on. They both came, I sampled both, and was completely underwhelmed. I didn't know what to make of either formulation. They seemed to lack any warmth or radiance and bore almost no resemblance whatsoever to vintage Opium. You know how the story goes... But today was my lucky day. I have given myself several spritzes of both bottles, and I am feeling the love!! It really IS like a sheer Opium - the spice, the resins, and the floral notes are similar but lift up rather than weigh down, making it very wearable on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong - I have loved Opium since the 80s, and I still do, but it is definitely a scent of it's era, i.e., the big, bold 80s. Some thought needs to be given as to where and when it is appropriate to wear. This is not the case with Prelude, provided you have an appreciation for oriental fragrances to begin with. This goes as easily with sweaters and leggings as it does with fancier wear. This is far from the first time I have had this experience with bottles of used vintages. I now know to make sure to give my bottles time to settle after arrival and to give a good 7-10 sprays to clear out the atomizer before trying. I will say though that this has been one of most rewarding experiences when it comes to following those guidelines. I think it's love!

applied this one today and i can say that the weather wasn ́t right for this fragrance. It is very hot outside and this fragrance in my opinion should be worn only during colder time of the year. I have the bottle with the red cap, like a sombrero or something like that, not the one that is on the picture above and it is in a EDT concentration. Right upon application i knew it is similar to Lagerfeld ́s "KL". At least the opening. It is very spicy, but where "KL" almost make me cry so bad it was, this one is plesantly spicy! I am a fan of carnation notes so i like it among with orchid here. jasmine gives the softness to "Prelude" that is missing in "KL". Sadly the fragrance stays on my skin oly for a very short time and then becomes almost "invisible". That ́s the biggest minus to this one, but i am definitly plannig to try the pure parfum concentration soon, so i guess the staying power will be much better. "Prelude" is indeed like a prelude, but "KL" is then like a finale :))))

This elegant and sheer amber floral has yet to receive the same reverence as other grand scents of the past. Perhaps it's because it's overshadowed by blockbuster icons such as Opium and Cinnabar, leaving this 1982 release to possibly be dismissed as an "also ran." Absolute nonsense—this is Balenciaga, which had a fifty year run of absolute knockout perfumes. It begins with effervescent, orange-y aldehydes which soon settle into balsam-wrapped flowers sprinkled with cinnamon. The tolu is as forward here as with Cinnabar, but while that is a dusky moonlit affair, Prelude feels like filtered sunlight, soft clouds, and even a bit more greenery and air. I imagine it would be suitable for even warmer climates. It's lovely stuff.

Just tried a sample of this for two days. I'm shocked this isn't more well known as everyone is looking for Opium dupes except not as over the top as Opium. Very classy. There's a similarity to Opium but it's not a close one I prefer this to Opium as that Opium too much cloves. I could see wearing this some cold winter night but dressing up in silk stockings, a cashmere dress and luxurious coat. Smells like a classic movie star. I get incense, a cola like effervescent and carnations and some balsamic notes.. Smells expensive and not silly or girlie, womanly. If you like Tabu, Opium or Coco but find them either too suffocating( or too expensive) look for this. I'm very surprised this is going to be on my winter want list.

I got a new vintage of this for like 50 bucks. It comes off pretty strong with the spices and cinnamon at first, then it calms down after about 30 minutes into a fresh soapy floral. People who say this is like opium reviewed this off a test strip and threw it away after about 5 minutes and a "oh another opium" ... let it dry down. I don't know if this was a maceys special back in the day, but that store smells so strong you have to have a powerful opening and for it to dry into something beautiful when you leave. A designer is all about that composition. 7/10 slightly feminine leaning, but doable for a man. Men want the metallic stuff these days, the sauvage... gross!

Oh yes! This is an oldie I can pull off. Aldehydic outburst in the beginning, spicey and green; jasmin and ylang-ylang entering one step behind them. Yey, no carnation on me in this one!!! Then it quickly settles as a cinnammon and rose, and WOW! now the civet is also there (not as dirty as in vintage Zibeline, but it IS there and gives a specific feel of dirtiness to overall light and innocent nature of this fragrance). A marvellous fragrance, and those who are afraid it might have this old-lady feel to it as some other Balenciaga's older creations - don't worry about it! It is absolutely wearable - I'm off to search for a FB...

Prelude 3.3 EDT Beautiful transparent oriental. The orange and aldehydes usher the spicy carnation and cinnamon. It never gets over powering. Jasmine, orchid and tolu balsam mingle with ylang ylang in a gorgeous mix. If you found Opium to be too much this is her little sister. Perfect for a oriental for summer. I enjoy it best in the heat of summer. Great for layering.

I am a Prelude lover as has been for years now. I tried the ``newer`` bottle with the red cap. It is to me a watered down version of the beautiful vintage Prelude. I am letting go of one of my vintage back up. Inbox me if you are interested

I think this is what an elegant and refined "proper" perfume ought to smell like. Not over-bearing but not mild either. It really is magnificent. I only wish I had suitable occasions to wear it.

I'm bad at describing perfumes as I don't know the smell of many individual notes. In layman's terms, this smells like a classic, soapy floral perfume. If you like scents like opium, you will like this.