Gucci No 1 Parfum

I decided to open and test my vintage sample of Gucci No. 1 in honour of the new House of Gucci film (not that anyone at my local cinema would notice - purely for my own satisfaction!) What a treat - G1 is a beautiful, high quality, well-rounded scent. Of its time, but not dated, this floral-aldehydic scent smells elegant and expensive. It is quiet yet rich - this could be due in part to the nature of the parfum concentration. In general, I find that sillage can be stronger in EDP or even EDT form compared to the extrait/parfum version, and as a result I sometimes consider the latter to be more elegant. Here, the subtle, quiet depth of the parfum suits the ladylike elegance of G1. G1 opens with soft, slightly soapy aldehydes. There is a prominent hyacinth note that is reminiscent of the flower, and is rendered in soft focus by the aldehydes. Rich, vintage-smelling yet soft, the hyacinth is a masterful addition here. When hyacinth is done right, it is a beautiful addition to perfumes (see Goutal Grand Amour for an excellent example). There is a lovely green background to the opening, giving G1 a damp freshness, reminiscent of a garden after rain. The spicy-floral green notes of carnation and geranium enhance this. Lily-of-the-valley is also prominent to my nose here, enhancing the white floral-green accord. As it develops, more floral notes unfold. There is a subtle sweetess provided by the rose, ylang ylang and some clean jasmine. It is a natural and restrained sweetness - ladylike and elegant, a far cry from modern candied vanilla scents. The greenness remains, and the florals become powdery thanks to the iris and heliotrope. The drydown is musky, mossy and woody, tempered by a subtle hint of vanilla in the base. A sweet amber accord emerges as it fades. G1 is a beautiful, dense, complex floral bouquet. Feminine elegance in a bottle, it has vintage charm but does not smell dusty or old-fashioned. There is something delicate about it despite its richness. It is extremely well-blended and is long lasting. Sillage is intimate-to-moderate. Technically a chypre given its base, the aldehydic florals dominate. I must track down a full bottle of this masterpiece. They don't make them like this anymore. 5/5.

I received a sample. Such an avant-garde scent for its age. It would fit today's market with its sweetness, yet it is not candylike. Elegant scent.

Seems it is the only carnation I can stand and like