1804

On July 1st, the year 1804, in Paris, Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin, who became Baroness of Dudevant was born. She became known for her androgynous pseudonym, George Sand. A great writer, a good lover and involved with the cause, she was the incarnation of the first modern woman. And it was about this character that this perfume was created, reflecting its generosity and sensuality. This is a bouquet of flowers, warmed with intoxicating spices and colored by candy fruits. It brings, in the output, notes of Tiare flower (Tahitian gardenia), Corsica peach and ananas (pineapple) from Hawaii. In the heart, cloves, nutmeg, Indian jasmine, Lily of the Valley and Moroccan rose. At the base, notes of sandalwood, patchouli, benzoin, vanilla, and white musk. The result is a rich and extremely powerful scent. A single spray of 1804 is enough to cause damage (in a good way)! From the moment it touches the skin, the fruity tone dominates the environment. The “ananas”, which is regarded as a sweeter and juicier type of pineapple, is the most notable ingredient in this composition. The less trained noses will tell you they just feel pineapple in this perfume. But with a little bit of calm, it is possible to feel the nuances of peach holding hands to the pineapple. The gardenia, however, merges with the jasmine, for having so similar and almost silky nuances. Then, about 20 minutes later, the fruity aroma remains strong, but it is possible to feel the presence of nutmeg and more flowers in the fragrance. That's when the floral aspect starts to become more prominent and the initial sweet accord, remembering a dessert being prepared in the pot, begins to be more contained. This is the perfume itself because it remains this way for a long time on the skin. Only about three hours after applied, the base notes give a creamier tone of vanilla and benzoin, making the scent more mature, finishing the portrait of George Sand, one of the precursors of feminism. Aspects as longevity and projection are beyond reproach in this fragrance.

Impromptu Pineapple, Pen Names & Patchouli... This scent was composed as a tribute to George Sand, and I could imagine the set of Impromptu (1991) smelling of this (a period drama about George Sand and Chopin), or George Sand's character wearing it (played by Judy Davis). The discovery set insert reads: "Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin, known by her male pen name George Sand, was the incarnation of the first modern woman. For the contemporary heiress, an amber floral bouquet warmed with heady spices and colored by sweet fruits." Although it's targeted to woman, like George Sand this also has a masculine edge that makes it wearable by anyone. Opens with a burst of pineapple. The pineapple here buttery & overripe, like a note from a chardonnay bouquet. As it transitions to the heart, some white-florals emerge along with a smattering of spices. Patchouli is there in the base, lending some dark & dusty notes with baby-powder & bandaid nuances. The pineapple manages to remain for most of the wearing experience and is the star of the show. Sometimes I find pineapple too sharp or screechy, but here it's beautiful. This isn't a dupe of anything, but it is in that family of pineapple-patchouli scents like Angel Mugler and Chance Chanel. Performance is slightly above average for year round wear. It's a love for me. Enjoy! Listed notes in the insert are mostly the same: "Top Notes: Tahitian Gardenia, Corsica Peach, Hawaiian pineapple Heart Notes: Clove, Nutmeg, Indian Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Rose of Morocco Base Notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Benzoin, Vanilla, Musk."

I'm watching "A place to call home" and this would suit a 50s upper-class woman perfectly. I could see both Elizabeth (the matriarc and ruler of the family) and Anna (the young passionate beauty) wearing 1804 , while the bohemian Carolyn would suit the more mysterious and naughty Courtesan by Worth (another favorite of mine featuring pineapple). I find 1804 incredibly classy and beautiful, it's so smooth and creamy when you get to the heart and dry-down. Personally I don't get exotic or summery as the main impression at all, a true all year around floral. Feminine high-class beauty with a warm, fruity aspect. The pineapple is mastered perfectly, neither sickening or too fresh. Imo pineapple can give a rather seductive and creamy aspect if done right, and Histoires certainly hit the nail on the head. Patchouli and pineapple is a fabulous combination. If you are sensitive to patchouli it might stand out, but I was surprised it wasn't more prominent, it is very well behaved and takes the backside for a big part of the ride. I just plain love this and wish it would get more praise. Not for everyone, I see that, but it is incredibly likeable and in-offensive. Wearing 1804 makes me feel in control, calm & collected. It is not the wild one you'd might expect from the notes, far from it (try Courtesan, she's complicated and multi-faceted). If I were to just keep two scents I'd keep this and Courtesan, that's how much I love it. That would be all I'd need (if I wasn't such a perfume freak)

I bought this. One sniff and I was in love, trying to figure out which bills were due and when so that I could get a FB. It just makes me happy :) This starts out with a lot of pineapple, really ripe pineapple without the sharpness that I've found in other perfumes. Oftentimes it seems I'll spray something tropical on (like Escada, Hanae No.8, or Miami Glow) and it turns into ammonia on my skin. This, however, remains an edible pineapple for about half an hour before the spice shines through. Pineapple and peach are the main players the entire way through, but spice, flowers, and creaminess weave in and out of it, creating a lively dynamic. For some reason, it ever so slightly reminds me of Lolita Lempicka. Hm... Oddly enough, my coworkers said this smelled powdery. I don't get powder at all. I'm thinking they just...don't really know enough about perfumes to categorize them. Not being snobby, they just don't really know notes. This can definitely be oversprayed and become an enormous headache, so apply with caution.

1804 is a bright, JUICY, rich pineapple floral, one thousand miles away from teeny-bopper pineapple accords. I agree that this has more of a savory, almost grilled pineapple vibe, that smells --charmingly -- slightly vintage leaning - in that it smells more perfume-y than many of today's releases and I appreciate that about it! And yet, it's an easy wear for me with amazing longevity (that pineapple note lasts and lasts and lasts and....!!!) with decent sillage. I try so many niche offerings I can barely smell or dissipate way too fast to justify the cost. Sylvie's creations for Histoires de Parfums are strong and unique in character, smelling like proper perfumes for people who LOVE perfume. There's so many I've loved from this house with 1804, 1969 and This is Not a Blue Bottle 1.2 (from the very talented Luca Maffei) being my favorites. Now I just need to get my nose on their new Tuberose! Highly highly recommend 1804 if you're a BIG fruity floral lover as well as this house in general!!