1969 Parfum de Revolte

Fruit-chouli is always a very touchy subject with me but leave it to Sylvie Jourdet to convince me of the genre's notability, which she's done more than once. 1969 evocates the cultural shift of the late 1960s marked by the Vietnam War and the anti-war movements of peace without question, and the general hippie ideology characterized by anti-establishment and anti-conventional sentiments, permissive sexual and drug practices, and, of course, the ubiquitous smells of that period: flowers and patchouli. Trashy, dirty, colorful, debauched, playful yet self-important. The opening of peaches and tree fruits is nearly suffocating. It is massive. Juicy, sweet, fleshy, touches of ripe and zesty skins, and also superbly realistic but so vivid that you question the realism. The fruit notes string down to the heart to naturally link up with fruity roses, flanked by muguet and jasmine, while a baking-spice-flecked white chocolate patchouli begins blooming and billowing in an enormously loud voice from the base. Just when you think the sweet, vanilla, floral, fruity, chocolatey, patchouli onslaught is about to become too much the earlier elements dry down to go to a deeper, darker, drier, and spicier route, shifting the character of the patchouli by a significant margin. It's still earthy chocolatey, but the mood is a lot more serious - and "grown up" - when placed in the context of the opening. This is a very good perfume, but I don't know that I'd care to wear it again simply because it isn't my style. There is the combination of the accords that are, generally speaking, not a style preference of mine, and their massive diffusiveness also mostly reinforces my position that this perfume is not going to be part of my collection or everyday wear rotation. Despite this I will always have a high opinion of it. I will recommend it as a standout for the genre, without question. It is superbly made with great materials as is typical of Sylvie Jourdet, and it sticks to the creative brief in a truly exceptional way. With its very convincing and well-handled transition from aloof, unserious, trashy, and dirty opening to a deeper, darker, seriousness is a tongue-in-cheek statement on the flower power generation and how they fell apart as victims of their own half-baked ideology; while experiencing 1969 I was reminded of one of my favorite passages of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: "We are all wired into a survival trip now. No more of the speed that fueled the 60s. That was the fatal flaw in Tim Leary's trip. He crashed around America selling 'consciousness expansion' without ever giving a thought to the grim meat-hook realities that were lying in wait for all the people who took him seriously... all those pathetically eager acid freaks who thought they could buy peace and understanding for three bucks a hit. But their loss and failure are ours too. What Leary took down with him was the central illusion of a whole lifestyle that he helped create... a generation of permanent cripples, failed seekers, who never understood the essential old-mystic fallacy of the Acid Culture: the desperate assumption that somebody - or at least some force - is tending the light at the end of the tunnel."

Let's be clear, this is a completely unique creation and I have never tried anything like it before. Another thing, this is not a perfume that will appeal to most people, because this house does not cater to mass tastes. This is truly a perfume of revolt and rebellion against hyperproduction, against trends, against drowning in the crowd. I see it as an artistic expression in which rare people find themselves. That is precisely its value and charm. I have tested this perfume on several occasions and we went through several different phases, from complete intolerance to respect (I can't say love). It was very difficult for me to understand and love it because each time it showed a new face. The opening itself was promising, somehow wonderfully herbal, aromatic and refreshing and I would not agree with the description that states the presence of warm spices, I would say that these are still fresh spices (cardamom and cloves, by the way, I really like them). Every time in the opening I smelled mint even though it is not in the list of notes. Unfortunately, this lasts for a very short time, until a dirty, earthy and musty smell starts to emerge. The peach is clearly noticeable, but not juicy and not at all fresh, but rather fallen, overripe and withered, mixed with dust, earth and leaves on which it fell and was then trampled. Those earthy tones probably come from the patchouli that comes out of the background too early. I only smell the rose in traces, more like the scent of rose water, not the flower. This is a rather sour, rancid and unappealing phase for me. In the drydown, that sharpness and acidity are muted and softened by discreet hints of coffee and chocolate, with a more pronounced presence of musk (patchouli does not fade ). Don't expect anything sweet from it. As for performance, don't expect a killer, this is a perfume that sits on the skin and doesn't last very long. 1969 smells somehow artificial and synthetic to me, leaving some melancholy behind, but also freedom. I don't find it seductive or appealing, although it is certainly different. It's not to everyone's taste and not recommended for blind buy. It's an easy pass for me, but I highly recommend you give it a try. I'm sure there are those who would prefer this weirdo.

Cardamom, Peach & Evoked Carnation... Carnation loving Carrie Bradshaw can eat her heart out because this evoked-carnation & patchouli beauty is allegedly Angelina Jolie's signature scent. Carnation was previously listed in the notes here, but it isn't listed on the discovery set insert which now matches the notes above. A fruity burst of evoked-carnation & patchouli open up for a spicy rose-cardamom heart on a Mexican chocolate patchouli and rooty vanilla base. In the air I get mostly cardamom-carnation and some chocolate cake patchouli, and on the skin I get gingerale, pencil shavings and thrills gum until the drydown of chocolate and rooty vanilla. The patchouli in 1969 has some vintage touches and is reminiscent of other Histoires de Parfums scents such as Noir Patchouli and 1740. Although overall I wouldn't call this a vintage patchouli scent. it would be up to the task of inspiring a political revolt. Contrast to Pink Coral Armaf: These are different, but there are similarities with rose & patchouli. 1969 is more spicy with cardamom, while Pink Coral is more citrus forward. Both have good performance but Pink Coral outperforms. Contrast to Intoxicated By Kilian: These are different, but there's a similar vibe with the cardamom-coffee-chocolate, and of the various popular coffee scents, I find it most similar to Intoxicated By Kilian. 1969 has a more forward peach and a more obvious patchouli (of the HdP variety) in the base. But otherwise, yeah, in broad strokes: Intoxicated plus peach & patchouli. Performance is about equivalent. Overall: Well above average performance, and a very unique scent that could easily be worn by anyone for any occasion. I'm trying to forget that I only have a sample as this baby is FB worthy. 10/10. Enjoy! Update 06/25/24: I really enjoy the cardamom-peach-chocolate in this one. I do get reminders of Intoxicated By Kilian with added peach & patchouli. I've realized I'm a cardamom fan. It's still a love for me. 10/10.

This is going to be a longer review. But I think a fragrance like this deserves some fleshed out thoughts. 1969 starts out rather earthy or medicinal. This medicinal spice is quickly enhanced by a lovely peach. The peach soon fades a bit after 5 or so minutes, but it still lingers. Just enough to accentuate the hyper realistic smell of the roses that settle. The chocolate then emerges. The initial medicinal or earthy smell doesn’t fade too much, but I don’t mind it. It melds perfectly with the chocolate, and it wonderfully compliments the notes of peach and rose. I think I read a comment saying something along the lines of “This isn’t so much the outspoken and rebellious hippies of the 60s as it is the philosophical beatniks,” which I agree with. Because it’s not bright, colorful, varied or upbeat. It leans more towards sophistication and confident sensuality. There’s also some sad, melancholy tones to it. It adds a touch of alluring beauty that many perfumes don’t have. This frag can seem linear, though it still feels complex due to the sad mood that lingers around such a comforting smell. The quality is good. It has strong lasting power on me, perhaps 8-12 hours. The silage is decent too. People within an arm’s length can smell it throughout the day. It’s not overpowering or overwhelming but is still enough for other people to notice it. It’s a scent I associate with autumn and winter, but I think you could get away with it during spring too. Overall, this is a good concept executed wonderfully. This is definitely the gourmand I would recommend to those who aren’t fond of gourmands (such as myself).

Perfume 9, tested on paper, decant 10 ml It has always reminded me of 1899 Hemingway. Since I got it after 1899, I've always thought of it as the younger brother. In reality, they're not all that similar, but they have a very similar, if not the same, base. I always preferred 1899. Now, after more than a year of having both under my nose, I'm surprised by this one. It actually suits me better now because I've generally started to prefer slightly sweeter fragrances. This isn't an overwhelmingly sweet scent. What stands out to me most is a sweet citrus note, like mandarin or sweet orange, with a touch of aromatic herbs and something warm and irresistible. A powdery note runs through the entire composition. Once everything settles, the cardamom becomes beautifully noticeable. It's an exceptionally well blended fragrance. During the first few minutes, the citrus and herbal notes are a bit sharp, and I even thought I caught a hint of rum, but it settles quickly and becomes beautifully balanced. It strongly reminds me of an orange tea you'd buy in a specialty tea shop that sells high quality blends. Looking at the official notes, there is no mandarin or orange, only peach. My nose was completely wrong. There are apparently also notes of chocolate and coffee, but everything is so subtle and well blended that I can't pick out either of them.

This is a big scent - which makes me think winter. But it smells like summer. Did you ever watch “True Blood?” The opening credits? Where they would have these quick-fire images of things that might be sexy or might be decayed? I can see this scent going there because it makes me think of a stone fruit that’s so ripe you wouldn’t be surprised if there’s something horrifying on the other side. In college, I had a guy friend - a very attractive guy friend - who every 10 days or so - would come to Western Civ wearing these amazing Levi 501s and a white tank. He’d be obviously stoned (you could sort of smell it, just a bit), he’d flash me this amazing smile, and he’d come sit next to me. I’d just melt. And then I’d catch this sort of other smell - burning orange and patchouli. The second time it happened, I asked him, “What the hell is that smell? I get the pot but what is the other smell?” He gave me this slow, lazy grin (yeah, that one) and said, “I’m too lazy to do laundry, so until I can get to my mom’s, I’m just burning incense in my closet.” And all I could think was, “You are so filthy and so lazy and I’m going to climb you like a goddamn tree after class. Then I’m going to probably end up writing your next paper on the fall of the Roman Empire. And we both know it.” This fragrance is that memory.

This is one of my favourite histories fragrances of all time. Beautifully blended combination of powdery florals laced with a cloud of cardamom musk. This took a while to grow on me, but once it did...I couldn’t. get. enough. of. it. Simply divine, typically perfumes do not illicit imagery for me, but this genuinely makes me feel like I’m Kirsten Dunst on the set of Marie Antoinette. The amount of compliments I receive on this perfume, from both men and women is quite overwhelming. It’s a scent that almost, almost makes you go feral. One can argue that there is some semblance of peach however it is not distinct and definitely not realistic. The base is dark nutty chocolate and coffee which creates such a unique, deep and complex fragrance. I am a big fan of dark, bitter and smoky accords paired with gourmands and was expecting this to lack in that capacity, however I was pleasantly surprised. Whilst this is definitely a very powdery and musky gourmand it’s very well rounded. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s blind buy safe, unless you love musky and powdery fragrances. The sillage is moderate and it has decent lasting power, it’s not something that will stick to your clothes but the scent will waft over you softly throughout the day.

I got a vial of this along with some other samples from Histoires du Parfums. I have really enjoyed all their scents, but I have to say that my favorite is 1969. The opening is irresistible - It nearly made me giddy with delight as a rubbed a bit on my wrists and neck. Roses! Very bright freshly cut roses emerge followed by sharp carnations. Considering the fact that this scent was inspired by political revolt, I immediately thought of the image of a flower in the barrel of a gun. A powerful image and powerful scent. The scent mellows to something spicier and here I can feel the cardamon and coriander rising from the skin. It becomes warmer and more full-blooded. The dry down is lighter; the musk and patchouli are very well blended because they merge into a new third scent that is something like an oriental powder that has been kept in the woods. I'm really surprised by this very unusual scent - it really feels new, fresh, bright and alive. For someone who usually loves nostalgic scents, this is a welcome change to my senses and I know I'll want to get a full bottle. * Also meant to add: Fragrantica mistakenly lists this as a woman's perfume; it is actually a unisex scent (as per Histoires de Parfums.)

Oh YES. I wish I could drench myself in this perfume, it never feels enough. Only that one statement can tell you how much I absolutely adore it. With every sprits it gets more and more addicting it's insane. It is sexy, daring, spicy, dark and everything most delicious there is. I was very weary when I first got to try it as I absolutely love peach and spicy notes, like clove and cardamom, but, when paired incorrectly, especially peach, these can smell stinky, unpleasant and in a BO'ish sort of way. This is everything on the contrary. Peaches beautifully open up this composition with a burst of freshness and fruitiness, which very fast is replaced by that sexy and warm chocolate spruced up with spices. Musk and flowers give it some softness which in it's own way plays wonders with your body chemistry. I have to say that this is not for everyone and neither this can be layered, imo, as this is quite a complex scent. Ether way this is absolutely gorgeous and to me it stands out on it's own remarkably. Love!

When I first smelled this, I was a teenager visiting Woodstock, NY. I had a magical day and was shopping in a fancy gift shop. They sold nice flannels, trinkets, and fragrances. This is one we sampled there. It smelled so good and my dad purchased a bottle for himself. I remember it smelling chocolatey, warm, spicy, and slightly powdery. Ten years later I am now into fragrance as a hobby and just remembered that this smell exists. I was dying to smell it again. I asked my dad if he still had it and he told me it was still in the original packaging. I begged him to send it to me and have since added it to my collection. As an adult, it does smell like my memory, but I mostly think it smells a lot like coca cola. Sweet, spicy, complex, but not too heavy. My partner thought it smelled like coca cola the instant he smelled it. We both wore it to date night a few days later. It will be a special occasion smell for me and I will probably try to make this bottle from my youth last forever.

The reviews on this one are all over the place, which only means one thing, the batches are very inconsistent. And I have proof. I bought a small bottle a year ago of 1969 and I loved it, the notes listed were what I got, for the most part, but the big bottle I just got this week is heavy on cardamom. That’s all I get. It’s no good. I have sampled almost all the perfumes from this house and I only really love three, Ambre 114 and 1740 and Noir Patchouli. The rest I find weak, boring and a waste of money. Imho anyway. I am glad I have a great 10ml batch of this one that’s sooo good. It’s disappointing that they messed with this one . I assume it’s been reformulated . I get the yummy chocolate covered peach, and some rose. My large bottle doesn’t smell anywhere near as yummy as my 10ml of 1969. Very strange. Maybe I’ll order more smaller bottles. Sell the big one. Or maybe it needs to macerate. I don’t know .

This was a blind buy and I have no regrets but it was not love at first spray. For me, the opening is very strong patchouli and clove. Too much. But the longer I wear it the more I love it. It dries down to fruity sweetness with a smooth spicy tone. It reminds me of a now defunct goth store we used to shop at in the 90's that had a section of at least 20 varieties of unpackaged incense. I used to hang around there just for that smell so the nostalgia factor is huge. The peach and white flowers are not in your face, in fact barely distinguishable at all, but I guess that's where the sweet tones are coming from? I dunno. What I do know is, if I'm going to wear this I have to spray it well before I leave the house so by the time people smell me they're not being nose pummeled with patchouli. Unfortunately not great for longevity, maybe 4-5 hours on clothes, far less on skin.

A Great Amber Spicy Fragrance, Fruity, Sweet, Spicy and Complex. This perfume has Well-blended Composition, I don't like Gourmand or The Rose note in Perfume for Men but It has Well-balanced perfectly . It reminds me a bit of Upper Ten by Lubin for The Peach note, but It is not the same. It is sweet but It is not cloying. You can't go wrong with it. If you like The Peach, Chocolate and Patchouli notes, You will like this one. It opens up with fruity peachy, spices and floral notes in the background then dry down is sweet creamy vanilla Chocolate Patchouli vibe undertone. This is suitable for the all seasons. I tried it on my skin in store and I received a sample of that last week. 1969 Parfum is on my Radar and I will buy it, I fell in love with it at first sniff ! Longevity is Good. Highly Recommended. Two Thumbs Up. Rating 8.5 / 10

What can I say other than I feel most like myself when I’m wearing this perfume. In my four years of layering 1969 with my vanilla body oil, wearing it brings to mind all the compliments from total strangers and loved ones like rewinding a tape. While the peach and white flower notes are the strongest on me, the cardamom and mexican chocolate melt down into this delicious gourmand scent when given enough time. Warm and inviting fragrances quickly became a revelation and my new personal favorites. Surprise, suprise. It was my first big indulgence, and for that it continues to be a sentimental reminder of how capable and deserving I am of beautiful things. It’s innate to make extra time to feel, look, and have everything in my life together now. This perfume is very strong!! Two drops will be enough to drench yourself in the scent.

I really enjoyed this. I think it's one of the better fruity, summer fragrances. At first spray, you immediately get the fruitiness—peach as well as something more, maybe melon. It reminded me a bit of a fruit cup, not as sweet but juicy and refreshing. There was a slight rose note at the open that got a bit more apparent throughout the early and middle stages of the wear. About four hours in, the fruitiness and florals back down a bit and the warm spice of the cardamom and cloves emerge. It remains this way for a couple of hours before the patchouli and musk come out in the base. Unfortunately, I couldn't really detect either the coffee or the chocolate notes which I was looking forward to. Nevertheless, this was a refreshingly refined and summery scent. It lasted for about eight hours on my skin.

Sweet, chic, and still underrated. Scent only, it is beautiful and slightly feminine and wonderfully too sweet. It smells different on different skin chemistries I noticed and has a scent DNA that is becoming more common today as other houses are discovering this profiles works. What profile is that? Sweet and fruity. However, For me - this is a layering saviour. It has the ability to blend funk into fantastic. For example, some of the funky Bortnikoff's which I love are sometimes not wearable on a night out but with 1969 - Wow! Same with al oudh by Bertrand, it is too challenging for me on its own but blended with 1969 it changes everything. The natural ingredients and specifically the chocolate fruit blends shockingly well with oud and shines. This house does deliver quite good value.

This is such a gorgeous perfume, I absolutely love it! It is warm, cosy, spicy, a bit sweet (but not too much), it is exciting, mysterious and comforting all at the same time. A couple of years ago I was in Paris for a weekend trip with my daughter and I took a decant of this perfume with me. When we visited l'Opéra Paris (l'Opéra Garnier), this scent was literally all around me. I spent the entire time wondering if it was me - if the perfume was way stronger than I thought - or if it was some kind of house scent of l'Opéra Paris, coming from a machine. I still don't know haha! Long story short; afterwards we rushed to Jovoy Paris and I bought the biggest bottle of this beautiful perfume. Now every time I wear it, I'm back in beautiful Paris with my beautiful daughter 🤍

This is one of my all time favourite perfumes, it's warm, sexy, intriguing. I usually don't like spicy scents, but 1969 is blended in a really nice way where the underlying notes of chocolate and peach help push the perfume in a more gourmand direction, yet the scent still has that warm, slightly tangy scent. It initially is quite spicy when you spray it, but wait for the dry down and that's where the chocolate and floral cuts through the spice. In addition to its stunning scent, the fragrance has a beautiful sillage once its dried down, so that not only others but also you may enjoy its magical smell. Lasts pretty long, only need a few sprays... I'm definitely going to buy a full bottle of this.

I bought this because of the reviews and also because it's my birth year. Generally not a big fan of fruity scents - though must say have grown on me during this gourmand explosion- I do like this one. It took a bit to grow on me. I do wish it were a little stronger and longer lasting. It reminds me of a cloud - soft and fluffy and mutable. Today I wore it while painting and now I am in love with it. I like the way the fruit changes into a more earthy dry down where the patchouli and musks become more prominent. Not super sweet but the peach is a prominent note. 8/10 wish it were longer lasting. Unisex to me but the fruit may make some people read this as feminine

I love this one so much I bought a full bottle! I wear this whenever I need to feel powerful, because this perfume makes me feel like I could give a commanding speech, win an impossible argument, or lure anyone into my lair. I feel like, really INTO myself when I wear this? It’s such a trip! 😂 I don’t get a ton of peach, but the chocolate and cardamom and coffee are super scrumptulescent and the patchouli gives it this tousled sex-hair kind of vibe. It’s a sexy scent. It’s definitely more of a fall/winter scent, but I’m curious to try this out on a hot summer night and see how I like it. Longevity is 5+ hours and it radiates from you like the aura of an It-Girl.