Vanderbilt

One of the last serious perfumery masterpieces. Classic perfumery poetry. Fragrances like this are not in making anymore. Which is tragedy itself. That's why I appreciate what is left to buy... Since I bought it for the first time, out of curiosity it's always with me and I adore it. For around 20 years. The simple bottle leashed out in 1982 with totally deep allure... is my regular company. I don't care about the name and even less about the bottle. Because the scent is femme fatale captured into the composition. Like smelling negroni, every time bursting through aldehydes into complex top notes, mastery itself. Why? Let's dissect it. Do you think female perfume is simple? Or easy to make? And let's make something clear right away. This is the TOP feminine female fragrance. The opposite sex got the male version. And to answer to myself... No. Female fragrance can't be simple. Can't be a candy-suitable floral pale forgettable breeze. You think fatal female characters and looks are simple. Sweet? Wanna suit? No. Nothing of that. A female, grown-up, self-confident lady is complex and demanding. It's mysterious and seductive. Its faithful fatal poisonous complexity is deeply connected to nature. Female is dictated by nature. The female is the embodiment of the beauty and cruelty of nature. This fragrance is brutal. But in beauty. It acts well on the skin. Mixes with your hormonal states. Cooperates with you. It's more aggressive during periods and more mellow during ovulation. It follows and merges with your natural body smell. On the clothes, it's a pure luxurious explosion. I even spray it inside my shoes. It's very beautiful on the hair. It's unbelievable on the leather. The scent itself has that feeling of warm leather... I will mention that later. It's wonderful on the fur. Sensual between the breasts. Ahh, so aggressively intelligent scent. Explosive yet smooth aldehydes. So elegant. Dark. Airy and wet... Let's talk about this majesty. The top notes are Aldehydes, Pineapple, Orange Blossom, Lavender, Green Notes and Bergamot; This opening is fine cologne itself. This lovely dance of citrons, green notes and lavender. Soaked into the sensual ripe smell of pineapple. Very warm. Subtile. Pineapple is erotic. Let's talk deeply about why this is a feminine fragrance. Pineapple is known to be recommended as food if you wish to get pregnant. But that's not all. There is a reason why the pineapple is in the Top Notes. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, triggers testosterone production which can elevate a man's sex drive. There's the hint. I personally know that males like this perfume. It’s not possible to extract essential oil from a pineapple, the note is reproduced synthetically using molecules such as allyl caproate—with its distinctly fruity, pineapple-esque scent. I am sure it influences males. What is even more fantastic is the uniqueness. Just imagine pineapple and lavender! Together! Here you have historical perfumery Top Notes! Unbelievable opening! So witty. So tricky... The aldehydes are in this scent pleasant and compromised by slightly citrus (orange), fatty and waxy-floral (rose) elements. Ohh yes. That fatty smell that many of you call grandma scents. Chanel 5 and many others open with these exact notes. I adore it. Because it presents the complexity or serious female character. That repulsive first hint. Where men dare to go in. Other females turn the receptors of inferiority. This opening says "I am nice but seductive (lavender and pineapple), but I have the deepest outliving of emotions (aldehydes and addition of that unbelievably bitter beauty of bergamot). You see? Top Notes expose you... They can attract or kick you away. As an immature, weak and boring character. Sorry. No time for petting your aggressive sad feelings! Top Notes are the ones selling scents. To amateurish noses. Complex people are deep in their whole existence. Like this scent is. So stay away if you didn't pass the Top Notes. The great aldehydes. Yet... This wonderful opening doesn't disappear, as it shouldn't. It stays in traces till the end. As it should. It's an interconnected perfume. Lavender is the one entering the Middle notes, which are Carnation, Tuberose, Ylang-Ylang, Orris Root, Jasmine and Rose; To understand what is going on we must understand these components. Carnation. Flower that is very repulsive to many. Because in big majority they never really inhaled carnation. Carnations have a subtle balmy and spicy fragrance, reminiscent of cloves. Even more importantly, the scent is very disappointing as it is far from that of the fresh flower. It smells old, mature, ancient, eternal. It smells like wisdom. And honestly much as vagina. Including fresh wetness. Very sexy. This Middle notes opens with legs spreading. But that doesn't mean you can get something. No. It's just the shameful presence. Then we have Tuberose. The majesty of flower femininity. Tuberose exudes intense floral scents, reminiscent of jasmine and gardenia, but is also associated with green and spicy notes that give it a richer, more intriguing dimension. In perfumery, tuberose is often used as a heart note, bringing warmth and sensuality to fragrances. You know the myths about tuberose right? "Known as ‘the carnal flower’ (Roja Dove also calls it ‘the harlot of perfumery’), tuberose’s blooms are so powerful that just a few stems can fill a room with their headiness, pumping out their scent for days or even weeks. In Victorian times, tuberose symbolised ‘dangerous pleasure’ and voluptuousness – and that’s pretty much what perfumers are aiming for when they use it. In India, meanwhile, it’s known for its aphrodisiac powers (young women are advised not to breathe its scent, after dark.) Innocent, tuberose most definitely is not. "(perfumery society) Do you still think there are coincidences in the mind of the perfumer? Here the perfumer is a woman. Giving to this great perfume that Witch sisters mysteries. Tuberose is not over btw. We have more. Ylang - Ylang. The unique and powerful fragrance of ylang-ylang is dreamy and romantic, featuring floral notes nuanced with aspects of creamy, balsamic and powdery custard, intoxicating jasmine, sweet, slightly pungent banana, light and bitter neroli and sensual, sugary honey. I adore this complex smell. It is very dreamy. Jasmin. The masculine flower. The rebellious side of females. Jasmine is highly valued in perfumery for its sweet and floral scent. It is commonly used as a top or middle note in perfumes, providing a strong initial impression and contributing to the overall character of the fragrance. Rose. Which ones we don't know? We can guess. I think it's a Bulgarian rose. Because of the powdery sharpness. Orris Root. Dried roots of the plant are ground up, distilled and extracted into either a resin, an absolute or a butter. They have a buttery-soft, smooth and skin-like scent. Its powdery aroma is undeniable and can also be reminiscent of suede or even freshly baked bread. All of these powers are powerful in this scent. Blended very well but powerful. They remain but slightly calmer when they melt into wonderful dry down all over Vanilla, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Opoponax, Musk, Civet and Vetiver. Vanilla. Rich one. Smooth, warm and decadently sweet—the scent of vanilla is easily one of the most recognizable notes in perfumery. It is widely used in ambery accords, as it pairs lovingly with notes of warmth and sensuality. It is soft and delicately spicy, with animalic facets. Sandalwood. Earth comes in! Sandalwood is considered a “woody” fragrance. Other scents in the woody family include pine, cedar, cypress, Vetiver (also part of this fragrance), and patchouli, which may help lead you in the right direction. When you first smell this earthy scent, it might seem a little sweet, spicy, and musky along with its strong woody vibe. Wonderful. Long-lasting. Impressive. Of course vintage versions are better and if you can get it, buy it. I had it. It broke on my mother's carpet. The carpet still smells of Gloria. Even after more than 10 years. No. It's not over yet. Cinnamon. Warm, woody, vanilla-nuanced and slightly fruity, cinnamon blends well with ambery and woody (chypre) perfumes. It renders a tender sweetness and flourish of spice to gourmand formulations, and when blended with floral aspects, adds a touch of inviting sensuality. Opoponax. The smell of opoponax resin is close to that of myrrh: sweet, balsamic, spicy with fresh notes. Musk is a warm subtle scent defined by a complex range of powdery, sweet, woodsy and earthy aroma impressions. Fruity or floral undertones can also be detected depending on the musk. Civet the animalic and leathery notes in this fragrance. Today, civet musk is highly prized in the perfume industry because its fragrance lasts a long time. This scent does last very long. Today, civet is replaced by synthetic products civettone or by a base created by the perfumer-creator. It's usually composed of a mixture of several synthetic animal raw materials and plant-based natural materials that give off animal scents. This animalic dry-down with that elegant Vetiver is simply divine... Whoever calls this cheapy (or any other great art of perfumery), then you sure should run away from it. Or... Calm down and look at the modern scents. They are cheapies. If I must choose any from the majority of the modern money-making clones I will choose Gloria. Eternal perfumery masterpiece. Not suitable for cheap characters.

Vanderbilt. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Vanderbilt is a 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s romantic daydream. I picture first love with Vanderbilt. Danny and Sandy from Grease. It's Hopelessly devoted to you in a beautiful crystal swan bottle. Sipping on a strawberry malt at the ice cream parlor. Angel baby by Rosie and the originals playing on the jukebox. I picture a beautiful woman in the 60s or 70s getting ready for her prom with her first love.(They long to be) close to you by Carpenters playing on the record player. She's sitting at her vanity brushing her long, freshly curled hair set out into long soft waves of gold with her most treasured white nylon hair brush. She applies her powder blue eyeshadow, baby pink blush, and pastel pink lipstick. Adds a dash of Cody airspun powder and a burst of Vanderbilt to her décolletage and a light misting to her fresh hair. She puts on her lilac purple lace evening gown and fastens her two white hair combs on each side. She adds the two delicate pearl earrings with her matching solitare pearl pendant necklace. A gift from her loving parents for her graduation to come in June. She looks into the mirror and imagines dancing the night away with her boyfriend that she dreams of marrying someday. They get to the prom, and here comes the slowdance. Love song by Olivia Newton-John plays so beautifully. It's a magical moment for a young lady becoming a woman. She leans in close to his chest, and he catches her most beautiful scent. He is smitten by her beauty. He is so inlove with her. She captivates him with her beauty and scent. He leans his head down and smells her beautiful shining hair. After the dance he takes her to see the moonlit waters. The moonlight dances on the lake and the lillies are as white as a beautiful swan. They find a place along the path and passionately kiss, imagining their life together that lies ahead. Her beautiful promise ring that he gifted her is shining brightly in the moonlight as she runs her fingers through his hair. Afterwards she reaches into her purse and pulls out her pastel pink lipstick tube and applies a fresh coat. She looks up and gives a wink to the moon. She gives thanks God for such a beautiful night. He drives her home and hand and hand her love walks her to her door. Her beautiful dreamy scent wafts in the air, mingling with her garden of beautiful flowers. Carnations line the porch, in all colors. He kisses her one last time goodnight and tells her how much he loves her. She thanks him for the night that she will never forget. Feeling like a princess, she takes off her beautiful gown and hangs it up in the closet. She slips into her pastel purple silk nightgown. She reads some of her favorite book with a glass of milk. The gentle breeze blowing from her bay window nook. She holds onto her favorite childhood bear, saying her prayers and thanking God again for her wonderful life. She says a few more wishes on the stars before brushing her long hair once again. Soon she gets into bed and falls asleep dreaming of his charming eyes and beautiful smile. She can still feel the ground beneath her feet as they danced the night away while she drifts off to sleep. She is as innocent as a beautiful swan and as graceful as a dove. Her hopes and dreams envelope her in happiness as to whats to come next. Vanderbilt releases the splendor of love and romance. Its graceful harmony is that of a delicate swan on the waters of a moonlit night. Pure femininity of love, passion, hopes, dreams, promises made in the dark, Pastel purples, pinks, white lillies, and powder blue wild flowers growing along the shore. It's all things beautiful. Makeup, beautiful dresses, soft shining hair, freshly bathed skin, a mothers love, a beautiful bride, a new baby girl, an innocent date night full of excitement. Simple pleasures that women love like falling inlove and strawberry ice cream. It's putting on your most treasured piece of jewely. It's a 1970s teenage dream on a much anticipated date night with that special someone, sharing a banana split with your boyfriend after the double feature at the drive in movie. The warm breeze is blowing through the open car windows as Seals and Crofts Diamond Girl plays on the way to the ice cream parlor while your date coasts along the drive to get to spend more time with you. She feels like the most beautiful girl in the world. It's a new bride starting her life with her husband. A new mother nurturing her beautiful baby girl. Telling her how much she loves her and kissing her tiny fingers. It's a ballet dancer, gracefully dancing on stage. It's a beautiful teacher, who is very gentle natured. Vanderbilt releases the splendor in all of us hopeless romantics. Let it release the splendor of you. 🦢🩰💐🧸👶👰💍👶🤰💜🤍🩷💙

A warm, autumnal, cinnamon floral. Inviting and substantial, the kind of smell you can curl up and nap in, like the painting “flaming June”. clean but sumptuous like a block of creamy golden artisanal soap speckled with oats and flower petals, wrapped in marbled apricot coloured paper and tied with brown string. The bottle and scent alike bring to mind Christmas ornaments, ballet, and music boxes, particularly the one from the animated version of Anastasia for some reason. I’m also reminded of the glittering “golding of the leaves” sequence from when the seasons change in Thumbelina. It’s a captivating smell that feels like the amber glow of an antique lamp. rounded, comfortable florals seamlessly blended with a delicious base of cinnamon vanilla musk. Harmonious and smooth, with just the right amount of spice like a dried flower arrangement in one hand and a mouth watering cinnamon latte in the other. A fall scent that isn’t a gingerbread cookie or a fruit cake but a glowing spiced vanilla floral. i close my eyes and see a grand, lavishly decorated traditional American house in the fall holidays of a bygone era, hot drinks and sweet decadent foods, golden lattice crusts on fruit pies, hot apple cider and warm sweet spices. Candles and wreaths, chandeliers, champagne and champagne diamonds. This is one of my favourite cinnamon fragrances i’ve ever encountered, i think i'm most drawn to it because it acts as a perfect little kick to the blend of flowers and aldehydes and melds beautifully with the vanilla. Good projection, really blossoms as it warms and i can tell it used to have that persistent, old school longevity that this era of fragrances was notorious for but the way it's behaving on me right now makes me think i'm wearing a more recent and therefore toned down formulation. even so, it is by no means weak or shortlived. and even if it were i would happily reapply because a full size bottle is so affordable. Such a comforting warm, gorgeous scent that feels like a glowing holiday nostalgia trip while still being wearable today. this is just the right mix of vintage and timeless that i could absolutely see it making a cult comeback. a classic for a reason and it feels almost wrong to have gotten it for such a low price. a cheap blind buy that turned out to be a delightful surprise and an instant love.

'Powder in a bottle, Coty Airspun to be exact.' Aaah the comfort of it and men love it on women as well. Color me in love. Back with a detailed review soon on this vintage fresh yet incense-y on me at least, ageless beauty. God I love it. Now I own 4-5 bottles of the pre-reformulation of this scent and a bunch of new formulation bottles-plus plan on getting more. All of our classics were mostly ruined around 2015 when laws in the EU against certain scent stabilizers and ingredients linking them to cancer causing agents and sustainability were passed. Thats when I first noticed my beloved JLO Glow smelled like water suddenly. Many fave 'fumes no longer survived the 'attack' on perfumes since that time. So we ae lucky to have this insanely amazing classic today. It is against all odds a survivor like many who love it. However, my newer bottles are a couple of years old and I sprayed and let 'macerate' the juice inside. LET ME TELL YOU THE JUICE GOT DARKER AND THE SCENT MUCH DEEPER AND RICHER IN THE BOTTLES. It now is exactly if the same or even richer than my older bottles scent wise. It did not take 2 years for this to start happening in fact I noticed the darkening-deepening of the scent in the first 2-3 months of purchasing. I wish the perfume companies would find a way to 'age' the perfumes more quickly with the newer more weaker scent stabilizers. I suggest spraying a couple of times and blowing into the nozzle a few times, replace sprayer and let sit and macerate in bottle for 2-3 months before you start really using and enjoying this even let sit one month -this GORGEOUS perfume matures quickly. I also -this sounds ridiculous- tried to 'blow' air into the nozzle-removing the sprayer temporarily to 'help' this aging process along very slowly and carefully I might add, so as not to 'contaminate' the fume-from a few inches away from nozzle OfCourse. To be continued---

I had never smelled this perfume until I received it via Ebay a few months ago.. I read reviews here and also at Ebay and thought it was worth the risk since the cost was so little, and Konga’s review indicated this is a perfume that has some lasting power . I personally do not smell strong aldehydes in this . I do ascertain notes of iris, vetiver, carnation and bergamot , which may explain my love for this perfume. The overall composition is soft, ( not harsh ) romantic and feminine .I find nothing intense in the dry down , but the longevity puts Chanel and Dior to shame , seriously . This is such a classic and feminine scent and so well made that I would be willing to pay a great deal more for it , especially considering the lasting power and the fact that it does not smell like cookies Or kiddie treats . A few reviews call this scent “dated “. So what ! ? It sounds like perfumes that are not drowning in fruit or syrup are now considered antiquated by people suffering from a narrow frame of reference . Many adult women will never find candy , marshmallows , caramel, praline, or berries elegant or sophisticated . They remind us of the treats we served our preschool children for years . After making too many disappointing purchases that are poorly reformulated or simply sugary confection that last two hours and cost $100 plus , I am elated to find Vanderbilt . It reconfirms my current view that quality and price are not strongly related these days . The original formula was created by a master perfumer , Sophia Grojsman, who crafted a number of scents that have been treasured by women around the world . I have owned an obscene amount of perfumes in my life , but I can honestly state that this is one of the top five of my favorites and worthy of a purchase Of four back up bottles to store before someone decides to add caramel or pralines to the perfect formula I love.

I am a huge Sarah Grojsman fan so I try getting all her scents. About a year ago I got a late 90s vintage EDT. The juice was brown. It isn't my favorite SG but certainly not the worst. Nothing really stood out. I love sweet powdery vintages and it was that. It was pleasant enough to wear frequently so I decided to find another vintage as backup. I found one from the mid 80s dirt cheap. It was much darker brown. I sprayed it and thought it was a different perfume. The spice hits you with a quick jab upfront that wasn't immediately recognizable. It isn't the cinnamon/nutmeg spice that's common today, it's the more pepper spray note that you kinda get from Madame Rochas or Coco Chanel. After about 10 minutes the sharpness of the spice smooths and sweetens and I could smell that it was the Carnation and Opoponax that was contributing to the spice. The early vintage is a carnation overdose. The later vintage has milder carnation in the dry down. I have never smelled the current version but from what I gather you don't get carnation at all. Since I don't have the modern version it's weird seeing all the comments about this being light, with no Sillage and disappears in a few minutes. The original version is a beast like any other 80s classic. Deep, dark, heavy, it lasts 6+hrs for me. The Carnation overdose upfront is tough but once past that it becomes another SG masterpiece, but one that's very different from her other work. The late 90s version layers well with Lalique by Lalique (another Grojsman creation). This is NOT a blind buy perfume. Especially the original. But if you are a collector you need the original as the later ones don't showcase the perfume as it was formulated. New ones are much sweeter and powdery and somehow smells more dated than the ones from 40 years ago.

Intimate, romantic and classy woman's perfume. This is a cheap drugstore perfume which you can buy at Walgreens or CVS but it used to be a department store luxury perfume. This was Gloria Vanderbilt's signature perfume. Smells as classy and romantic as her life. Starts off with a little flash of aldehydes which give it a very vintage vibe. The citrus note of bergamot orange is juicy with a fruity pineapple note lingering in the opening. Sweet and tart. Then the florals kick in. This is a soft rose and iris perfume giving the body of the perfume a powder that is very soothing and elegant. Feels like a soft body powder from a woman's boudoir. Matches with silky nighties. The other big floral is the ylang ylang plus carnation. The carnation in this fragrance reminds me of L'Air du temps. This is kind of like L'air du temps but with less florals. The florals are the main ingredient in this one but it quickly turns into like a soft pink rose in the end. The dry down stage has some spiciness via the cinnamon, a small dose of green notes via the vetiver and a little touch of vanilla and musk. This perfume does not last very long and can only be detected from close contact with another person. I think it was meant for being alone with your lover or husband. It's womanly and very casual but romantic, soft and not a big statement maker. I love vintages and this one really satisfies my itch for powdery florals. It's good for wearing every day. It's soapy and bathy and clean. This is best in spring and summer but can be worn all year round. I like to wear this one (as well as L'air du Temps) before bed and in bed to soothe me and help me fall asleep. What a pretty perfume. I love the swan etched in the glass bottle too.

I was so wrong on this one. An elderly fellow shopper recommended this to me, saying it is beautiful and used to be expensive and she didn't understand why it was so cheap now. I was polite, sprayed it on a strip, didn't like it, and mentally dismissed it as musty and, shall we say, Bank of England. Today, because it was $13 and I have learned I like Sophia Grosjman I sprayed it on me. And bought it. Unknown lady, you were right. How can something so beautiful be so inexpensive? It's a miracle. The scent I have been looking for without really knowing what I wanted, and it's less than a tenth--less than a twentieth, in some cases-- of the price of some I smelled on my quest. Everything about it. Just everything. The adelhydes and carnation and something sweet and juicy which I thought was peach but, looking at the notes, is probably combination of pineapple and rose. The glorious warmth of civet, the sensuality of tuberose. The powdery, delicious dry down that reminds me of my Nanna's pressed powder. The words that spring to mind: Glamorous. Elegant. Classic. Warm. Creamy. Ladylike. Powdery. Rich. Delightful. Feminine. It's very, very hot today, and I am lying on the couch under the air conditioner smelling this on me and just wanting to purr like a cat in sheer pleasure. It makes me feel like I should be dressed in pure silk and dripping with pearls, yet I think it can be worn doing the groceries if I choose. Fellow perfume shopper, wherever you are, I apologise. You gave me the best advice ever, and I ignored it.

I purchased my first bottle last year at the drug store, out of pure nostalgia--this was one of my grandmother's favorite perfumes, along with White Shoulders, and a few others. The first times I wore this, it was a cloud of Nana all around me--I wasn't smelling pineapple, carnation, civet, or orris. Just Nana. Which was fine! It totally served its purpose as a comforting bedtime scent. But the more I wore this at bedtime, the more I started to crave its delicious and comforting smell during the day, and I started to appreciate it more for itself. I primarily think of this as something retro and slightly gourmand, yet totally wearable. It's the aldehydes of No.5 combined with a delicious pineapple upside-down cake. I've sort of disassociated the Nana from this scent, and I enjoy it even more thoroughly. Do look on auction sites for a small bottle of vintage, if you're curious. Old bottles are still very affordable and the former formulations are simply divine. (I agree with the reviewer below who compared the modern juice to a body splash. It hits a bit heavy at first, but doesn't have any longevity. Still nice, and still recognizably Vanderbilt--the litmus test was waving the bottle under my brother's nose--"Grandma M!" he exclaimed 😊) My collection expanded to some pure perfumes and some vintage edp's & edt's--simply luxurious and indulgent. And the swan bottles, so charming!!

Ive a vintage bottle so I am doing one more review of this.The serial numbers on the bottom of the bottle are 22U6017. It is not reformulated in my opinion. The glass bottle is very heavy. Oddly I see L'oréal on the back of the box and says it was made in France but to my nose this is the real deal. This bottle is a powerhouse that must of been made before the reformulation. I first tried it in the summer and it was too strong and burned my nose. I gave it another try recently now that the weather is colder and oh my goodness this♨ fragrance is absolutely divine. Clean and soapy and even though its a eau de toilette it lasts on my skin and hair forever. Its so classy and beautiful. When I get whiffs of it time to time it comforts me. The longer I wear it the more it develops into an airy, 💐🌸🌹🌺flowery, powdery 🍦vanilla. The silage projects very nicely too people can definately smell the trail this leaves behind. I am so happy I have this in my collection. Its one of few that are made to last long. ⭐I am afraid to buy another bottle on fear of it being reformulated so I am going to go easy on this bottle and only use it when I want to really feel special. This perfume 🌠outshines any new fragrance on the market that I smelled. Its superior and high quality. A masterpiece that I almost let slip me by. Its magic in a bottle!

**VINTAGE REVIEW** I highly recommend tracking down the vintage EDT marked "DIST. WARNER/VANDERBILT" on the bottom of the bottle and/or on the box (not the vintage Cosmair). These bottles are still plentiful, inexpensive, and easy to find on eBay. If you love powdery fragrances such as L'Heure Bleue, Cornubia, L'Origan, vintage Oscar and Esprit d'Oscar, this one is not to be missed! Vanderbilt is a dreamy and unapologetically feminine classic... A true masterpiece by Sophia Grojsman. There is a comforting and charming romantic innocence about it that's nostalgically reminiscent of days gone by. I adore the description from konga5 below: "I call this 'Easter in a bottle'. It has a slightly candied vibe and the carnations give this a powdered sugar Necco wafer whiff as well as those candy necklaces from the 1970s and 1980s." After hunting down a vintage bottle a year ago, I purchased the Cosmair version and was so terribly disappointed, I ended up getting rid of the bottle. But I couldn't get Vanderbilt out of my mind, it just sounded like it would be perfect for me! I'm so grateful I gave it another try with the original Warner bottle. It's hard to believe this was sold in drugstores... It smells expensive and luxurious. A 10 out of 10 for scent, longevity, silage, price, and history!

It is amazing how differently users describe the notes, and how the perfume shape shifts depending on the weather, the mood, et caetera! I wandered about the scent as I saw the bottles on the shelves, but learnt not to trust any descriptions, as they tend to be pretty much misleading. Then I had the opportunity to try it once in winter - and put it right back, overwhelmed with the carnations, which I don't care too much for. Love the aldehydes, the flowers, the creamy - musky - sweet notes, but the carnations can make a perfume complete no go for me. Tried it once more today and was blown away by one so familiar note, the one I used to search for and thought I'd never find - the sweet aldehydes + vanilla combo I recognise and crave for: Clea by YR. After the no5 introduction phrase it develops into this sweet, creamy, comforting and classy timelessness. And as Clea is quite rare to find, Vanderbilt was right there, giving me this honey-sweet look. I can imagine myself wearing the perfume as my signature scent especially on cooler days, but also would like to try on other occasions. Not too formal, not too intrusive, close to the body when applied with reason, will go well with simple jeans and a silk blouse or with light woolen dress. Gloria stays here for longer.

Ok, so has Gloria changed recently or am I being paranoid? My older bottle is June 2015 and I swear it has a fragrance inside that is not only equipped with better sillage but also produces less soapy drydown. It could always be that it's just buning my sense of smell away by sheer strength but how would I know. Had to pick up a backup when I saw it for a fiver but now I'm thinking my older bottle is the backup. Oh, yes it is. There are changes in the list of ingredients, mostly positional, but at least one substance missing. New bottle is 2021 btw. As for the scent, first applied it to my skin in the 80's from my sisters bottle. I just had to as it was so interesting. Ohh, the carnation. Forgot about it for a couple of decades then saw it again some years ago and immediately bought it. Still like it quite a bit and for some reason I don't even find it nostalgic rather find it fitting to the times we are living. I easily find it unisex as it's not one of the super sweet or girly gourmands of today. Edit. 11.03.2022. 2021 bottle is WAAAAYYY weak compared to my older one. Doesn't last at all. And the soapiness, Oh yeah. That's what it's turned into. Make sure you get an older bottle. I spray the new one like a madman and it still disappears.. That isn't Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt by Gloria Vanderbilt by Sophia Grojsman masterfully embodies the American opulence of the 80s. Gloria Laura Vanderbilt was a famous American designer, writer and heiress, socialite of the Manhattan high society. This fragrance says a lot about those times and that strong and enterprising feminine character. The storm of aldehydes and the civet evoke sparkling toilets, worldly and glamorous atmospheres like Truman Capote, the fresh citrus notes and the liveliness of that life made up of numerous endless parties and cocktails. Floral explosion in the dry-down recreates the private and exclusive garden parties in the Hamptons. The woody, spicy and then magically talc notes of the base underline the history and tradition of these powerful Anglo-American families, old style tycoon wasp landed in the new world with a refined European background. For me this perfume represents Gloria and her glamorous life in a lost world that has made the history of American costume. Defining it obsolete and stale is sad is an understatement, this fragrance testifies to the story of a glorious life

Update 2/2/22: This has morphed into an absolute love for me. I'm growing to appreciate some vintage scents, both for the nostalgia they represent (I'm a nostalgic soul!) but also their unique profiles. This is warm and creamy with a bright aldehydic fruity opening and I am living for it as my bedtime signature scent. Vintage vanillas are like no other. I adore it. My mom brought this to me as I mentioned I was "into perfumes" (I was hoping she'd give me her vintage bottle of Poison, but no lol). I distinctly remember this dusting powder when I was a child; sometimes I would sneakily put some of it on after my bath. To me it smelled so good. Now, of course, it smells unequivocally dated, but in a sort of nostalgic way. It's a powder room of the 80s. It's pastel windbreakers and brass accents everywhere. It's how the Golden Girls probably smelled. It doesn't smell bad--just not modern. I quite like it for nostalgic reasons, but it wouldn't be something I'd want to carry as a signature scent or for a night out.

seconding the reviewer below who smells cherry-almond and i'm baffled. It's lovely, light, crisp, clean and sweet, with a bright yellow airiness. I smell the pineapple, the bergamot and the lavender and.... heliotrope. strong, sweet floralish cherry-almond heliotrope. on a very gentle bed of soapy sandalwood and a hint of civet. but I can't figure out where the heliotrope phantom is coming from with these notes. maybe the tuberose and the orris blending together? edit: I'm now thinking that the opopnax is the sweet ambery smell that's reading as 'almond' and the 'cherry' floral fruitiness is the tuberose. I really like it! it's very nostalgic and I feel sure I must've known some friends of my mother's who wore this in the 90s, but it's not quite what i was expecting from the notes and from the other Grojsman scents I'm familiar with so was a little surprised lol. Pleased though! it's a clean, powdery makeup scent and feels very uplifting.

Vanderbilt is gorgeous, rich, warm & comforting like a cashmere sweater. Luxurious and very very cheap for a Quality Fragrance. The notes are listed above. I do not like to rave on about the opening middle and dry down but Vanderbilt needs at least 30 minutes to settle for the true depth of the Fragrance to be revealed. The opening is harsh. So have patience. I would ignore 90% of the negative reviews and just advise to purchase a bottle and sample for yourself. Opinion is personal, no two people will express the same as our own body chemistry is unique and individual. I personally love this Fragrance it's very Feminine, romantic and beautiful. The original marketing was of a beautiful Swan and a woman in a white dress, it was marketed as a Bridal, Wedding day Fragrance in the 80s this was very expensive. So don't just try it, buy it. Highly recommended. 🙏 ❤

This is very strong on pineapple at first but give it time, it also opens with beautiful soapy aldehydes. After it settles it becomes a sweet slightly spicy floral with a musky vanilla base. The carnation is the strongest floral note in this and really this fragrance is primarily pineapple and carnation. The dry down is similar to Elizabeth Taylor Diamonds and Emeralds, but Vanderbilt is spicier and sweeter. I will note that this is a more vintage style sweet fragrance, by that I mean when compared to modern sweet fragrances it actually isn't that sweet. This is very much a Sophia Grojsman fragrance, it reminds me of her other fragrances especially White Linen and Eternity. I didn't like this the first couple times I tried this because of the strong pineapple but now find I really like this and am also realizing carnation is one of my favourite notes.

This reminds me a lot of Blue Waltz. Vintage ambery vanilla with carnation. A pre-Mugler's Angel non-gourmand vanilla. Sweet but not edible. To my nose, the florals are there but play second-fiddle to the balsamic amber and vanilla. A Grojsman through and through! Reminds me of Dana Toujours Moi a little bit. Nice! 1/27/23 update: I absolutely have fallen in love with this one. I can smell the pineapple, and civet more distinctly now than I could last year; either my nose has changed, or perhaps my bottle has "settled" since being opened and used regularly. This is sweet, comforting, and yes, a powdery vintage with a strong accord of old-fashioned makeup (this is a good thing, to me.) My associations to other perfumes above aren't the ones I have now. This is more in alignment with Oscar De La Renta and L'heure Bleue.

Really reminds me of the taste of Parma violet sweeties. Someone crushed in a few dried Jasmine buds and mixed it together with a nice face cream. But it's mainly Parma violets. Something is making me picture the smell of silver holographic tinsel at Christmas. It reminds me of Belle's song in the Muppet's Christmas Carol... Outside in the gentle icing sugar snow, flattering romantic winter twilight. Wearing a "Victorian" orange dress, resplendent with bonnet. Puppets watching nearby. Singing to young Ebeneezer whilst Michael Caine looks on in his pyjamas. I suppose because it's sort of quaint/cliché yet it has a sense of humour and a timeless appeal. I love love love how it smells. My skin is sensitive to it though which sadly seems to be a running theme recently.

This is Sophia Grojsman bliss. It’s a lot like YSL Paris EDP except with tuberose and carnation at the heart instead of violet, and WITHOUT the oft-dreaded skanky notes. This similarity to YSL Paris indirectly implies a similarity to L’Heure Bleue de Guerlain. Incidentally, in the dry down there is a phase that’s very similar to Guerlinade. The extended dry down is sweet and powdery, but it also has a hint of bitter green snap and some gentle spice deep down inside. It has depth. It has the signature fuzzy sweater texture of so many Sophia Grojsman creations, but here it’s smooth and inviting rather than harsh and scratchy (hey, Trésor!), and it’s very huggable. The box states that it’s made in France by Parfumeurs Créateurs, or at least this formulation is.

Beguiling scent but not in a way that it enchants you seducingly, it's the spell of a fairy grandmother for a peaceful sleep, for beautiful dreams... So comforting, carries a specific tranquillity of reading a book under the warmth of blankets in cold months before slumber, a candle is burning for its fragrance only, outside your window the winds are howling. All the notes make love to each other under these immense mists of aldehydes. I cannot tell anything apart from knowledge of aldehydes; covering and oozing through every note. The bottle is so beautiful and fitting too! Reminds me the ballets, Swan Lake (but particularly Act 1) and Sleeping Beauty. I am almost sure this perfume is influenced by that specific sensibility to Edwardian times in the 80s.

L’Oréal formulation: They butchered a classic. It’s sour straight out of the bottle with a heady blast of what smells like an amateurish mix of expired kitchen spices that don’t belong together pulped into a blend of flour, water, and a dab of Campho-Phenique, I guess because at this point it might as well be that much more absurd. In short, not pretty. Kind of nauseating in a relentless, body odor way, as though they took a cue from cheapened Rochas reformulations that leaned into cumin. There’s a dull hint of the true scent underneath that rank cupboard and medicine chest experiment, but it’s just destroyed. It’s been run over by a wretched, nasty spice mosquito repellent paste smell. Rest in peace, Mademoiselle.

This is a romantic and whimsical perfume fit for a princess. When I first smelled it, my immediate thought was "Love's Baby Soft by Dana, but better" which says a lot because Love's Baby Soft is heavenly. So is Vanderbilt, by Gloria Vanderbilt. To me, this smells like sugared vanilla whipped cream, powdery flowers, luxurious rose scented soap, grape candy, Jordan almonds, silk, and creamy musk. It's so deliciously sensual. When I spray it on my skin, it also makes me smell like strawberry sugar and kind of smells like how Wrapped In Sugar by BBW smelled on me, in the best way. Vanderbilt is an elegant feminine masterpiece of a perfume with a divine bottle to match. 10/10 love rating, 10/10 princess rating.

Its so many perfumes in the world but I always come back to it. Its sounds well on woman. I have no idea why I still like it... To me is so sunny and pretty, positive scent. It Doesn't matter how many fragrances I have and how expensive I buy - this one I need to smell from a bottle next to me always. Sonja Grojsman got her degree in Poland in Chemistry and she has a wonderful nose. She has created so many good perfumes that stay in our memories; memories of loved ones and sentimental, important situation from our life. She is absolute living legend for what she achieved in perfumery. Besides these accords like Vanilla, Musky, Woody Sweet, Cinnamon, Sandalwood... is always well sold trend.

Gloria Vanderbilt, what a marvelous, classy, delicate and glamorously adorable way to smell gorgeous for almost no money to pay for. Yes it’s not a modern perfume. Well that adds up to the list of positive qualities of Vanderbilt. You will never smell like the rest. It’s floral, but there are lots of different notes that make a wonderful symphony playing around you when you wear it. It’s definitely on the female side but nowadays who cares? Wear it if you love classic perfumes and things that evoke better times. I’m wearing it on a cold winter night here in New York and the allure and feelings it brings to me are unbeatable. Truly unforgettable. Well done Ms. Vanderbilt!

This is a special one. Smells like yellow soap. My husband hated the smell when he sniffed the bottle but then later complimented it, noting how different it smelled on my skin. My 11 year old daughter who only likes gourmands usually (mostly vanilla, carmel, salt), inexplicably loves this scent. My bottle hasn't been opened long but so far it lacks longevity, but it's definitely a lovely smell and the smell does build up if you spray a lot. I like light scents like this just before bed, so that's mainly how I've been using it. EDIT: Months later and it still just doesn't have the longevity, so I won't repurchase, but it is a lovely smell.

I'm obsessed whit this scent. Not sure what is it that make this so addictive, maybe civet. I just love civet fragrance. It's powdery sweet spicy bomb and dry down is soft and delicious. Cinnamon is dominant note in this one and blends so nice with carnation. Than pineapple and lavender soo good in this one. I tried to leave it for a few days because I was addicted but I just couldn't. I think that this one is the most satisfying scent ever made. I just can't get enough. Oh, I wish it would last longer and project better, but it is what it is. Maybe I'm so into sniffing my wrist that my brain just stops responding to that scent.

My nan wore this, we used to buy her a bottle every Christmas. And my mum had a small bottle too that I would sometimes sniff and spray on a bit. But this was 20+ years ago so I vaguely remembered how it smelled, but I knew I liked it. So I decided to finally buy a bottle, which cost £9 for 100ml, which is ridiculously cheap. As soon as I sprayed it, I smiled and the memory came back to me. It smells just like how I remembered. A sweet powdery aldehydic floral with a spicy note. I can also smell heliotrope although it isn't listed. Could be the cinnamon perhaps. I really enjoy it and glad I can experience it again.

I personally love the vintage "old lady" perfumes, but honestly this one doesn't smell like your stereotypical strong white floral old lady perfume. This pleasantly reminds me of sunscreen, powdery and floral. I've been reaching for this one on a daily basis this summer and it layers really well with some of my more citrus heavy perfumes. The scent is delicate but still mature. I've been getting lots of compliments on this perfume. This perfume runs about $20 CAD and for that price you really can't be upset, if you're thinking of doing a blind buy I would definitely recommend.

This reminds me of my sister alot; she bought it for me because I'm constantly smelling her bottle. It's very warm vannila, it reminds me of an older woman with a fur coat in a jazz bar. Saying it is very vanilla is true but there's something else there but I can't put my finger on but it is definitely very warm. I'm a perfume noob and can't really pick up on all of these notes that are listed besides warm vanilla ,, this is my first review ! (EDIT: there's almost a tangy fruit smell in there too, I'm back to add this) I've gotten endless compliments when I wear it too !

I tried not to like it. I wasn't brave enough to really like it. I was stupid enough to not to buy it. Ten years ago I bought the shower gel and used it sparingly and enjoyed every moment. But eventually I bought it and I just LOVE IT. It's so cosy, so comforting and it makes me feel safe in this weird world. It brings back memories from my childhood and carefree days. It's like that warm coral filter in Twin Peaks that wraps everything into cosiness when there's dark things lurking outside. I find it completely unisex. Be brave. Be yourself and let it hug you.

I feel like I already smelled this in the past. Like long, long time ago...it feels like decades. :D But this is very nice, nostalgia in a bottle - sweetish pineaple, a little bit of carnation, white and yellow flowers and then a very gentle but lovely makeup powderiness in the drydown. Then it feels like iris and a little bit of cinammon. I got this for very cheap and I adore how lovely it smells. :) I wish so much I could experience the 1980s and 1990s. :( So many valuable perfumes... I experienced 1990s a bit but I was just a little kid back then, anyway. :P

It's sweet and vanilla, but not sickening. It has a little spicy flavour to it. It's nothing more than comfort in a bottle. The recollections are completely pure. Playful. Simply a lovely warm, sweet, creamy, somewhat spicy aroma. It's intriguing since it smells mature. Ladylike. Glamorous. Elegant. Classic. Warm. Creamy. Powdery. Rich. Lovely. Feminine. The silage is robust and has a long lifespan. The box is a wonderful antique item, and the price is really reasonable. Overall, it's upbeat, feminine, traditional, and endearing.

Wow, I am so in love with this fragrance. It was a chilly morning and taking transportation I got a whiff of a perfume thinking it was someone else's. I kept saying to myself "omg somebody's perfume smells so good!" not realizing it was me all along. The notes in this perfume blends so beautifully together, it does not even smell "mature" or "young" this fragrance can be worn from teens and up. I have reached 6 hours of wearing it and I can still smell it on me. I will forever purchase this fragrance.

Love this perfume! I blind bought it in a local bargain store after I read somewhere it smells like marzipan. Now it doesn’t really smell like marzipan but discovered something I like. It does smell 80s but in a good way. I gave it to my daughter, she’s on her second bottle now, it’s more or less her signature scent, she gets compliments on it. But I’ve worn it too. It’s sweet, but retro smelling because of the adelydes I think. It lasts well. It’s a decent budget fragrance and i classic I feel.

Very suitable for bed time! At least that's what I use it mostly for. It's a calm and beautiful scent that's not harsh but instead more like a soft lingering smell that helps me sleep. Bear in mind i do only use 1 spray on my top from a few cm away. I feel like not a lot of people like this at my age (25) which is a shame. Because this smells classic..vintage .. just gorgeous. For the price too! Such a bargain😄 I'll definitely repurchase.

I decided to actually wear this today even though I thought it wasnt for me and I am glad I did. This scent is actually a classy soapy clean scent on me and I enjoy it once it settles on the skin. Its too green on me at first but then it turns into a warm vintage fragrance. I finally smell the vanilla .... I am happy I tried it again and it will suite me well in springtime 2023. Not a bad blind buy and the swan bottle is the BEST

Fans of this and vintages: Check out Gloria Vanderbilt Satin Perfume . It's milky white and smells like Vanderbilt with a bit of creaminess. Although discontinued - it's very available on eBay for $40.00 and under. It's a bit oily and the bottle says "shake before using" . It has a lot of body and is stronger than the basic Vanderbilt . Satin perfume is not in the data base here. Smells amazing ! Thank me later.

In the 80's I was a child in communist Czechoslovakia and this perfume smells like my childhood. There is no way that someone around me would wear this but I guess it' s the vintage kind of scent that reminds me of those times. It is very comforting scent. I spray it on my bathrobe after taking shower. I wouldn't wear it outside but it is nice relaxing scent.

I'm guilty of having ignored that one for decades because it was sold at supermarkets in my country ,also I rembered the cheesy TV advertising .Such a long time to catch up.It's complex and last a long time ,so comforting.And I can find it at great price.Strangely I asked older people than me if they tried it and they also ignored the gem.

Un parfum blanc ! vanderbilt était pour moi le parfum pur du lys quand je l'ai rencontré dans les années 1980. Je l'ai aimé. C'était pour moi un parfum facile pour tous les jours, sans effort, pour le bureau. Le cygne honnête et la robe blanche de l'add donnaient une idée de ce parfum. Less Heady qu'Oscar de la Renta, but it was next. ⁝

My first parfume, years and years (and years...) ago. Still so fresh, clean, fruity, sweet and floral, with this golden vintage aldehyde powder, glittering from the past. Nothing else manages to be as dancing and creamy and pure and bold and safe as this lovely gem. It makes me feel happy, strong and secure. An endless love.

I REALLY wish I could put my finger on why I love this scent SO much! Nothing else smells like GV. Thinking about my most favorite fragrances I think I would have to say I would most miss this one if I couldn’t ever smell it anymore. The uniqueness of it + first wearing it at an amazing time in my life= perfection!

I'm buying this for my wife. I recall liking it when it first came out back when I was in college in the early 1980s. Goin' with the original Warner version as it can be tracked down and is relatively inexpensive (my offer of $18.92 including shipping was accepted for a slightly used 50 ml). Hope she likes it. 🤞

You can’t read this like you do for perfumes nowadays. They are consumables, not art. You have to WAIT. Then you’ll enjoy the golden magic, cold and sweet, glass clean, feminine, comforting, pure. The angel mist. But in our times of instantaneous data’s, who still remember what waiting is?

I love this in cooler weather! Its like a sweet, soft cloud of smooth vanilla with a touch of soap. Mmmm its good stuff... Light but not weak. My son always tells me i smell so goid whenever im wearing this. He never says it about any of my other fragrances and i have lots of perfume.

This truly started my love for perfumes. The bottle, the opening, the drydown, gorgeous. Surely not for everyone, but i love it. My mom smelled it on me and loved it too, saying it smells like "colony water" from when she was younger. Blast from the past as they say, one of my faves.

The weather is very hot to day, and I needed a feminine and clean scent, the one to feel delicate , fresh and white flowered with a summer dress after shower. Vanderbilt allows me to receive a compliment. A surprising scent for the summer. I will certainely buy an other bottle.

Must have perfume. Up there with the other vintage classics, and this one is absolutely stunning. The fact it’s so cheap (100ml for £7) is insane! It smells exactly like american cream by lush, I can’t believe nobody has pointed this out before. Sillage is incredible too