La Panthere

This is like the little black dress of perfumery that can be worn a thousand ways... To start with, imagine that deep in the heart of a dark & mossy forest, you're having a picnic with champagne, strawberries & whipped-cream. This is all about oakmoss, musk & gardenia with a faint fruity top note accent. Oakmoss is present from the start here, which powers the trail, and gardenia is multi-faceted with powdery, green, creamy, honey & faint fruity tones. The musk is listed as an animalic musk in the write-up, and although there's an animalic quality I don't get civettone per se. This actually gets more and more beautiful as it's drying down, it softens to where I get the creamy quality and fruity quality more. If you're a fan of classic perfumery, and old school chypres, you will probably appreciate this classic with a twist. I would put it in a class with favourites like Diva Emanuel Ungaro, Paloma Picasso, and the more recent Agent Provocateur Agent Provocateur (although it's not identical to any of these). A little goes a long way here (one spray), as with most classic chypres, and generates the most beautiful sillage. These type of chypres I haven't always had the confidence to wear out, but more recently I've discovered just how amazing and versatile they can be. For a more gourmand wear, I like one spray of this as a base for a creamy strawberry gourmand like Strawberry Ice Cream Demeter, or layering one spray of this over Strawberry Cheesecake Bodycology. On it's own, one spray works with sneakers and a jean jacket, while 2 or 3 sprays delivers a dark, daring, formal, evening-wear, vampire-like quality. It definitely can do a lot of things, just like the LBD. Love it, 10/10. Contrst to La Panthere EDT Cartier: These are different, and the EDP is much bolder, sweeter and has the strawberry accent, while the EDT is much more floral (although there's a trace of the EDP in the EDT). Both have good performance but the EDP is stronger. Contrast to Paloma Picasso Paloma Picasso: These are different, but there are similarities with both being classic chypres. La Panthere is a lot sweeter & creamier, while Paloma Picasso is a lot more animalic. Both have excellent performance. Contrast to Agent Provocateur Agent Provocateur: These are different, but there are similarities with both having a creamy floral heart and an earthy base with leather facets. La Panthere is a lot sweeter with a gardenia heart, strawberry accent and oakmoss base, while Agent Provocateur is a creamy rose-leather with saffron accent and musk-vetiver base. Both have excellent performance. Update 04/02/25: Sprayed this on this morning and noticed it has gotten a lot sweeter & creamier, as well as the strawberry is coming more forward. The sweetness is honey-like & creamy. Love it.

I really wanted a bottle of La Panthère , and by that ,I mean I wanted THE bottle of La panthere . I found the bottle design breathtakingly beautiful and unique. So when I glimpsed the Eau de Parfum on marketplace for $30 and 3/4 full ...I jumped on it. I almost didn’t care if I liked the perfume or I didn’t, in fact ,I was convinced that I would probably hate it. Anyhow, I got the perfume and I sat in my car and I sprayed it ,and at first I was ...oh no, I’m not gonna be able to handle this ,and then all of a sudden, as if the very gates of heaven were opening, I found myself smiling. It was if somebody was giving me a warm hug . It made me wonder if through all the hundreds of perfumes that I have sampled ,on a journey in search of an experience that I had when I was very young ,a destination might have been reached. Perfumes like the original Anais,the original Nirmala by Molinard , Fracas and my signature scent, my love, the original angel all sent me somewhere very unique and pleasurable. I cannot even explain to you what note it was that captured me ,although I suspect it was the tuberose , if it’s even in there. It was so well blended and so dynamic and so ethereal ,as it sat on my skin , one small spray on each arm ,it filled my car with this gorgeous floral ,just a hint of spice , an otherworldly warm ,angelic scent. I couldn’t believe that I had been transformed once again. I have been searching for something that really moves me ,that is evocative of something that I can’t even put my finger on , for a very long time. The next morning, I made my coffee ,and there it was again, as a whisper of a warm delicious musk . This perfume evolved through all of those hours , in the most amazing way ,as if to say no no, our affair is not over. Had Cartier bottled it in a Windex bottle , I would have bought it. Now, I am extremely excited to try both the toilette and the parfum version. I don’t know why I can’t leave well enough alone , ..,.an addict, an explorer , call me what you may. I’m sure this perfume is not for everyone , just like angel was not for everyone and doubly with Fracas or God forbid Michael. It is however one hundred percent for me . I was in search of a bottle, a trinket, a bit of beauty in this sometimes so ugly world , and instead It gave me an experience that I have been in search of for a very long time . I encourage anyone to give it a try ,if only for having another beautiful bottle on your vanity. Do not judge her for initially slapping you in the face, spend the night with her and see if she whispers in your ear. This bottle, may be the only bottle on my vanity for quite a while.

This is an excellent example of a modern chypre which is so easily wearable and timeless. I've wanted La Panthere for a while, I always stole spritzes from testers in shops whenever I passed it and I always stashed blotters I'd sprized with it because I just cant get enough of the elegance it exudes. The bottle is simply stunning; its thick, heavy glass construction feels solid and satisfying, the integrated atomiser produces an excellent mist and the many facets within the bottle make it look like a panther, as a cat lover, I REALLY love this bottle! But, it isnt just about the bottle, its what it contains thats important and as usual, Mathilde Laurent has done an excellent job. The opening is a huge, loud burst of various fruits, except its not sweet, its rather sour and feels very "real" with rhubarb being the most noticable note in the opening, the sour snap begins to settle after about 10 minutes and a warm, lush gardenia and orange blossom combo starts to emerge. I can just about smell some ylang ylang tempering the edges of the white florals before it morphs into a sumptuous, alluring musk. I have to agree with people however that have pointed out that it reminds them of Narciso (white cube), except La Panthere is less woody and feels more rounded, I actually dare say (as a huge NR fan) its better than Narciso to my nose, its less peircing and more soft, the gardenia-musk then settles to become a soft, almost skin-musk scent on my skin. The longevity is excellent, I'm at the 6hr mark but, La Panthere is still present and noticable, the silage is also excellent, its quite strong after initally applying but quickly softens and become more aura-like, its sexy, alluring but I also don't find it hard to wear or feel like I'm too young for it (I'm 24 for reference), I'm currently wearing it with jeans and a t-shirt and I don't feel like its too much or out of place, its like it enhances how I naturally smell; your skin but better. It could work well in a professional setting, but I would use caution if you work in a very enclosed environment due to how polarizing and strong this is. I picture someone like Dr Suzannah Lipscombe wearing this or a really knowledgable, confident museum or art gallery curator. Its excellent to wear smart-casually or for more formal occasions as well as for nights out. Personally, because I love how La Panthere makes me feel, I couldn't just save it for special occasions, its so damn amazing and it makes even running to the supermarket feel like a glamourous experience. For sure repurchase worthy!

Polarizing and fierce! I wear this when I want to annoy people. I love her Gardenia with Oakmoss and dried fruits personally. Most people have no idea what great perfumery is. They either think it is about smelling like a soliflore flower, a fruit cake or some dessert. I have more evolved taste. I love complexity. I always have. This is one of the Alphas of complex perfumery! The general population just cannot take her. She is not a crowd pleaser...but then the woman who wears her will not be a crowd pleaser either. She is the one who could give a damn about what others think. She does not live for approval by others. She is the Alpha female. Much like the woman who wears Coco, Diva, No. 19 or Shalimar as her signatures. An Alpha female is the woman who will call you out. She will also support you. She will also be the one who continually invests in herself. She has her own swagger. She is one from whom others need approval. They just wait for her to notice and compliment them. Yet they never compliment her. She could care less. She knows who she is. Her best friends are usually men since her mentality is closer to theirs. The Alphas are the ones attacked by the lesser females. It is suvival of the fittest. The Alpha female will win even if she does not want to fight at all. She is more intuitive, intelligent and steps ahead. She knows what makes people tick. She sees all possible outcomes from the moment she meets the lessers. She makes her move and the lessers never see their demise coming. She is not part of clique. She often lives with her man who is also an Alpha in a sanctuary far away from the chaos and cattiness. She will have fabulous friends but not too many. Quality is better than quantity. One of the Alphas of perfumery is La Panthere. She will be tested and she will be victorious. She is perfect in all her complexity. She is womanly yet she has a somewhat masculine facet just like the woman who wears her. She is the spectacular Panther, Queen of the Jungle. She walks alone except when mating or when she has cubs. She has pride...and she is fierce. Time will tell one day....La Panthere will become one of the Grand Dames of perfumery.

I recently reviewed La Panthère Le Parfum, meaning to smell the original again for comparison. I had forgotten how good this is. It is a beautifully composed, fruity modern chypre, whereas Le Parfum is a more polarising scent - a simpler, stronger, 1980s-style, apricot-heavy chypre. They clearly share the same DNA, however. Some of the individual notes don't appeal to me on paper (looking at you, rhubarb, strawberry and dried fruits!), but they make for a sublime combination. The fruity notes are realistic and perfectly balanced - adding just the right amount of sweetness. There is a tartness to the opening that mellows beautifully as it develops. LP opens with tart bergamot and rhubarb, which are shortly joined by freshly sweet strawberry and aromatic dried fruits. I'm not a fruity scent lover, but this opening is excellent and unusual - a far cry from the synthetic, syrupy fruit cocktail that seems to permeate current sweet scents. The floral notes creep in after a little while, forming a rich, sweet bouquet. The white florals are lush and sweet, while powdery rose rounds it out. The juicy, sweet pear note keeps things fruity before the drydown. The drydown is beautiful - mossy, chypre goodness. It is one of the nicest modern chypre drydowns I have smelled, featuring a delicious, old-fashioned oakmoss note (I'm unsure of its status, being restricted, but it smells real), along with the perfect amount of earthy patchouli. It becomes animalic is it fades, mossy until the end. Sillage and longevity are both decent. It smells feminine to my nose, and is best worn during autumn/winter. Beautiful from initial spray to final fade, this scent is distinctive yet wearable, featuring many points of interest. Cohesive yet complex, Mathilde Laurent really can do no wrong. I really enjoyed Le Parfum, but this EDP is my preference. I need a full bottle. 4.5/5.

I kept hearing about La Panthère from women in the beauty/perfume industry whose opinions I truly trust, as they have tried nearly everything out there and have excellent taste. They all described it as a classy modern chypre; a very beautiful, self-assured lady. Which definitely sounds like the woman I want to be. I didn’t dare to blind-buy it for months because reading the notes I thought I wouldn’t like it! I usually stay away from sweet and fruity. After hearing about it for the 100th time from trusted sources I thought - okay this really cannot go wrong. And I am so glad I bought it!!! This is a very attractive, sophisticated, gorgeous woman wafting by. Great hair (I’m picturing like Kate Middleton and Amal Clooney’s sleek bouncy blowouts), satin button-up blouse, worldly, and happy! Honestly I often favour fragrances that are a bit more moody or vampy or nostalgic. But this one, on the other hand, makes me smile and makes me feel energetic. Most notably it makes me feel beautiful. Don’t know how I went this long without buying it! I truly feel like the price is way too low for what it smells like and not to mention the bottle which is a display piece in itself! Wow! I really don’t think it smells as retro or as complex as other comments suggest. I can’t imagine anyone finding it anything other than beautiful. It’s a love ♡

What’s not to love about this perfume? I have this one with the gold top. It is of the most interesting scent I have encountered. When I spray this, I am hit with a blend of different notes simultaneously. I get some fruity notes, I also get some earthy, woody notes. I get some sweetness that reminds me of amber and praline. I got this as a birthday gift for myself and it arrived this morning. It’s early days but from a blind buy based on what I read from this platform, I am extremely happy I trusted my gut and went for this. I am grinning with joy that I got this at a highly discounted price. Two hours plus already of wearing it and it is dominating Amouage Journey for women on my other wrist big time. If you think Cartier perfumes are outdated and for old ladies, you are wrong. I am 45 and this is the kind of perfume I would wear to my speaking engagements because I know it will make a remarkable impression. Most times I have to layer my perfumes to give them more depth and mystique. With this scent, I don’t need to bother because no one will ever guess correctly what I am wearing and that is just fantastic to me. If you like smelling unique, flamboyant, powerful and wealthy, get this perfume. I know it might not work on everyone else’s skin as beautifully as it is performing on mine, but I pray it does for you.

Wow. This is a complex perfume! I can somehow make out discrete notes yet it still all feels perfectly blended into one overall scent. This feels calming and natural to me. I'm not good at detecting specific accords but something about this resonates deeply within my soul that all my stresses fall off my shoulders. There is just a tad bit too much sweetness in the beginning for me, but a lot of the sweet top notes dissipate quickly and becomes creamier and more earthy. I have never smelled the Narciso Rodriguez white cube that a few people have mentioned this smells like. But I have smelled NR For Her in both EDT and EDP and I can totally see the similarities, especially with the EDP which I prefer because it's softer like this. A friendly wood elf would wear this in my mind. (I know many people have written about how they see a boss lady wearing this, but I don't see that at all. Maybe we all interpret this as a powerful, inspirational being wearing La Panthère... and to me there is nothing more powerful, noble, and refined than an elf.) This is a wonderful mix of peaceful yet strong feminine confidence in a bottle. It's just a touch too sweet still for me purchasing a full bottle, but if someone gifted this to me I would absolutely wear it. 8/10

La Panthère: such a delight that I hoarded my sample for as long as possible, buried my face in the clothes with any lingering waft of the stuff. Smells like a 70s or 80s chypre, but fresh and modernized at the same time. I am struggling to capture it with words, but I'll do my best. First comes the rich, fruity top, which I think accounts a lot for how old school La Panthère feels: the "dried fruit" note is heady and full, playing alongside what read as apricot to me. Nothing like the astringent, biting tropical fruit notes one so readily finds in the perfumes of the last few decades. Creamy, sweet gardenia balances the dried fruit top from the start, and remains as the fruit notes gradually fade (it takes a while!), giving way to a prominently powdery and musky base. La Panthère is an appropriate name, capturing the grace and power at play here: a sort of slinky, sultry captivation. I bet if I had a full bottle of this, I could become a real menace with it. But, as it is, carefully rationing my sample, I was able to get a moderate sillage from it for up to 6 hours at a time. I marked it as being suitable for fall but I could see it transitioning well into spring, what with that decadent gardenia.

It's a panther, running WILD.. Full speed at midnight, through fields of roses, orange blossoms and gardenias. It suddenly slows down.. To bathe in a lake of milk, cinnamon, marshmallows, glazed pears & strawberries. With a full moon shining brighter than ever. Focusing on nothing else but you. It's ethereal. Nothing else matters. JUST YOU. You have the spotlight, you are the center of attention. You are LA PANTHERE. The dry down is a creamy, what once was, a MAJESTIC wild run. This perfume is, a PANTHER. Not for the frail and typical. Nor for the faint of heart. It's a beautiful BEAST... A boost of confidence. Then again, it may just define you. Very feminine in my opinion. It's enigmatic, desirable, luxurious & powerful. Lasts all day til midnight and longer. During the day you smell more of those sweet fruit notes and gardenia. Best if worn at night. TRUST ME. You actually experience that midnight run. I love it by itself but also enjoy layering it with a sweeter perfume. Amazing during cold weather. Highly recommend to be worn at night. P.S. No, you won't turn into a Panther. BISOUS

This is a beautiful, contemporary floral Chypre well deserving of its masterpiece status. It does not smell dated or old like some Chypre's can lean towards. When I first blind bought this a couple of years ago, I got it merely for the dried fruits. I was expecting something dense and rich, somewhat edible and lush, but it is none of those things. I was taken aback by that, but I was not disappointed. Sure it didn't smell how I expected it to smell, but it was a pleasant surprise nonetheless. The opening is sharp and very 'perfumey', but in an expensive perfume way which is very classy. The real beauty however, is in the dry down. Creamy magnolia which is a little bit soapy but is tempered by the depth of its oakmoss and patchouli notes. Definitely a 'journey' perfume rather than something that stays the same for an entire wear. La Panthere morphs over the hours, depending on time of day, season or weather. Longevity is great, I get well over 8 hours out of two sprays. Silage is moderate. Contrary to it being marketed as feminine, I believe a man could easily wear this scent.

Strawberries, champagne-like soft chypre, gardenia, and bit of animalic musk. Not as animalic as the Soir version (a bit too much for my liking). Yes, it is on a mature side, so if you are one of those people to whom everything that doesn't smell like fruity mess is 'grandmother's perfume', it is definitely not for you. This is very chic and elegant. I would say it suits many ocassions, it doesn't really give me 'boss lady' vibes, it is too relaxed for this. It is a French madame enjoying a glass of champagne and eating strawberries, she is wearing something very elegant and put together, and she couldn't care less about office and work in general, at least at the moment.You don't want to mess up with her, because soft kitten (strawberry) can change into, well, a panther (chypre, leather and those animalistic notes) I believe this could be worn during the day and as a special occasion fragrance, yet if I was to choose just one season for it, I would say summer ( but not too hot), it shines when it is warm and maybe a bit windy outside.

In case you want an unbiased - real time review - brought out my strictly autumn/winter scents last night. Sprayed small, light whiffs of several on different parts of my two hands, arms to remind me of how much I missed each one. I cleaned the kitchen, washed dishes without gloves, prepared for bed, including washing my face and brushing my teeth. It is now 12.02 PM the next day in the afternoon and, when I put the back of my left hand up to my nose, I can still clearly smell Cartier la Pathere. Only one other fragrance faintly remained and it was on my upper arm. Someone reviewed directing us to "only spray once - it will stay forever on your scarves." It is true! If you spray it on and can not smell it shortly, well, I can guarantee everyone else can. Not everyone will like the actually scent - I do - but, in my opinion, it is not a blind buy. I think it is fabulous! For some reason I am not concerned about it smelling old lady - it has some of those vibes but manages to be graciously fresh and not stuffy.

I am not much of a fan of chypres, but if they all smelled like this I'd be an addict. The notes and accords really don't convey it on this one. You have to go to the marketing copy. (Edited heavily but the whole thing is further up the page) "Launching in March of 2014. La Panthère was the nickname of Cartier’s lover and muse Jeanne Toussaint... freedom, independent, graceful and rebellious. The fragrance is sensual and bold. central notes of gardenia and animalistic musk avoid excessive oriental character and also as not so common ingredient amongst modern perfumes. Ketone musk and oak moss provide irrefutable chypre character. simple, luxurious" This is sexy, inspired by a lover, animalic. Unusual and maybe not easily approachable for everyone, but also not gimmicky or off-putting. Powerful projection but in a way that's drawing others in rather than reaching out to them. "Mature"? Think panther not kitten. Good longevity.

I cant put into words the way I feel about this perfume. It's true when they say smell is probably the most powerful sense, in the way that I felt like I was thrown back in time to a place I've never been but felt so terribly nostalgic for. This is so effortlessly classy and modern, I am not sure why we don't see these "influencers" talking about the house of Cartier. Really makes you think about how much they're getting paid to say what they do and being hush hush about it. Cartier is a hidden gem (at least as far as I know) in the fragrance community. This one in particular is a masterclass of fine perfume making. It is floral, yet woody and aromatic and it develops on the skin almost immediately. Sillage and staying power are both great, last up to 8 hours at least on the skin, and SUCH a compliment magnet. I can't say I won't buy at least a dozen bottles if they ever happen to discontinue this one.

It's been over a year since trying this first, and I've now spent 3 days in it (a sample goes far with this one). I remember thinking the opening of this was too much...I don't now. It's a blast of fruitiness and crisp florals. It's a lot, but I kind of enjoy it 😆 Many people might not like it until 5 minutes later though when it dries a bit. It smells like a modern, well-sung version of a Fleetwood Mac song - dated, but intentional, with a modern style. The oakmoss and gardenia are beautiful together, and smell both earthy and clean. This perfume is expertly balanced, but fun enough and never gets too "rich". It has great longevity, but modest sillage (I didn't say none, but it's present while being polite). The musk is very pleasant to me. Cats carry themselves well, and this makes me stand a little taller too. I think it's quite wearable, but has a ton of character.

I purchased this when it first emerged.. it is a high class, sophisticated and suggestive old money but at the same time a sensual boudoir fragrance. It evokes a self assured lady of distinction in fur coats and evening gowns worn at the opera or the latest premières and yet..at the same time is also redolent of an effortlessly beautiful young woman lounging around in her silk negligee. It is at the same time both of evening glamour in high society whilst also being almost breathtakingly intimate in a shockingly present way. It makes perfect sense that this is inspired by a particular lover as it traces the line between being amongst the glitterati at one moment and the next in a lover's embrace. Edit : someone pointed out how similar this is to Lancome's Magie Noire (but this is much softer like lamb's wool). Magic Night is also an affordable dupe too.

One of the most exquisite fragrances I have smelt. After smelling this, I know now why this is considered an occasion scent. However, I'll be wearing her more than on the odd occasion. This is a deep love. I smell all of the notes listed. The deep dry down is a beautiful musk, the florals, with patchouli and oakmoss. The leather is tame, it's just grounding the other notes and giving this grown woman sexiness. I think the "grandma" comments come from lack of vocabulary or those that can't relate to fragrances beyond the caramel and cotton candy genre. But fragrances are personal and this screams "woman". So yes, she's grown, for mature women, not girls. I can't see someone under 25 years old enjoying her. To pull her off, she requires a woman with confidence who knows who she is and what she wants.

A client let me smell a sample she had of this fragrance. What a downward spiral for me. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I wouldn't normally gravitate to a scent like this, but I just love it. When I went and got a sample and ran right through it, I knew I needed it. It's very light and airy, fresh, maybe crystaline. But it has a hint of vintage warmth beneath it. My first impression was daytime rockstar or modern vintage enthusiast. I see comments that say "grandma" but I don't get that at all? There is a "powdery" aspect to it, but it isn't in any way abrasive. When this warms to my skin, I find it gets sweeter and a bit hypnotic. I smell myself all day LOL. I love this as a light everyday scent. I even sometimes spray it on myself before bed because I find such comfort in it!!

I've had a love-hate relationship with this one but I've decided that I love it and now own a full bottle. When I first encountered this I considered it a little too mature but truthfully I just wasn't sophisticated enough at the time to appreciate it for what it is. It's a perfumey Apple, Rose-tinged, musky fragrance. Apple isn't listed but I can smell a musky green Apple in there unless it's the Rhubarb? This isn't a clean crisp smell despite the apple. It's a powdery (Gardenia?) musky smell with fruit mixed in there. It is definitely a classy and sophisticated fragrance that deserves the wearer to match that description. It lasts very well on the skin and projects a decent distance too which so it should for the price!