Collection Heritage Eau de Patou

What others have said is so true, and I never understood that particular quality in a fragrance until I tried Eau de Patou today. It IS incredibly sad and melancholic, surprisingly so, in a beautiful and tender way. There's a sense of nostalgia here, something sentimental, a longing for another time. It reminds me of childhood somehow, of lost innocence and vulnerability. At the same time, paradoxically, it feels fresh and joyous. I have many of the others in the Collection Heritage as well as the original Patous, and left this one until last, thinking that would be comparatively light and simple, cologne-like, and not especially important to have in my collection. Well, it turns out that Eau de Patou is far from light, simple and cologne-like. It actually packs quite a punch. While it is fairly linear, it has an impressive little symphony of notes. It all smells very natural and balanced. I especially love the honeysuckle together with the bergamot and orange. The base is distinctly "Patou," chic and classically French. Although aldehydes aren't listed, I could swear they're here in the topnotes. If you like vintage scents such as Caron Infini and Paco Rabanne Calandre, this will appeal in the same way. I'm so glad I have my bottle, given that the Collection Heritage -- in fact, all of the Patous -- are no more. Pity.

There is something about this fragrance that I find so alluring, it is kind of mysterious and introvert but chic at the same time. I just sprayed it on my hand and I can't stop smelling it, I actually love it. Totally unisex in my opionion and it reminds me a little bit of a softer brighter version of Boucheron Jaipur but I like this one so much more.

Comforting and slightly melancholic citrus flowers. A rainy cement sky afternoon type of smell. There is a balm touch to the scent that is just what certain grey feelings need. And a soapy one to cleanse the mind and elevate the soul. A refined cologne. ****(*)

It is similar to Cristalle, however my Cristalle is vintage and has a celery impact. This Patou is relatively newly bottled so feels fresh. People have mentioned sadness and melancholy but it doesn't go there on me. The top really fronts the orange and the passage has the fresh refinement of Blu Mediterraneo line by Acqua Di Parma. The eau it most reminds me of is Eau de Rochas, but not spicy. Also like some soft Hermès eaux. But this Patou is its own thing, of course. The mid has some unlisted notes - maybe an orris-like molecule. The white flowers go up in a perfumy intensity for a bit while remaining within the eau mandate. Neat trick. Today I stumbled over large stocks of Patou on European fragrance discounters, again, including Collection Heritage. I wonder just how large the stock was when LVMH shut it all down. All Fontaine's fragrances for Patou are chic and smell of good materials, even if that may not mean natural materials. I'm no expert. None of them are powerhouses on me; in fact they tend to the gossamer, unlike the classic Patous, which are often luxuriant floral bouquets. A pity they were not a success and have already been forgotten. Maybe that could evoke a shade of sadness in the wear. But I have a bottle and I won't use it up before I die so why fret.

Here is the delightful Eau de Patou story from the Jean Patou Collection Heritage booklet that came with the perfume: "1976. THE EXTREME SOPHISTICATION. Known for his inventive spirit, Patou revolutionised fashion in the 1920s by unveiling ground-breaking sportswear innovations. Timelessly modern, EAU DE PATOU reflects the essence of the Patou style: a dynamic sophistication. Top notes of Lime, Bergamot and Lemon lead into a voluptuous heart of Jasmine, Honeysuckle and Lily of the Valley, all resting on a warm base of Musk and Tonka Bean. EAU DE PATOU, unisex and sporty, perfect for relaxing carefree days."

This sounds just the right fragrance for a hot summer's day! Fresh, invigorating with the sweetness of the orange blossom and slight kick of peppery lavender. It's getting hot here in Australia so hope it makes it to our shores in time for the next few months.

Rien à voir avec l'Eau de Patou de 1976 !! Mais alors rien !!! Dommage qu'une telle stratégie marketing puisse induire en erreur celles (comme moi) qui souhaitent retrouver l'Eau de 1976 !! Dommage et dommageable !

I don't remember the previous formula, but I tried this new one and the top notes smells like Cristalle by Chanel

@Housebliss, in my opinion it is well balanced and beautiful, and please do try it and do a comparison soon.

Please!!!! is it in common shops, duty-free, or parfumeries... or in exclusives Patou stores ??????

Nothing In common with the original eau de patou! Such a shame 👎👎👎👎🤔

This fragrance is not bad, but a bit boring. I prefer Cristalle.