First Parfum

First Parfum. A richer, less green version of the EDT. Aldehydes mix with bergamot, black current, raspberry and peach. This feels more honeyed, warmer version of the EDT. The EDT grows warm through the heart and drydown, but this is warmth and shimmering honey- 24 karat gold -from the beginning. Think a suggly, thick cashmere sweater with big diamond studs as earrings. The heart opens when the cloud of light soapy aldehydes and a fresh bright jasmine with a slight green emerges. (Perfect example of the use of Hedione for frag heads) Tuberose follows to support it, then a spicy rose (rose de mai) gently lilts with the white florals. The orchid, hyacinth and orris root blends together with the ylang ylang providing rich creaminess and comfort. Jasmine is the star of the show in First. At this point this is a complex, rich, boarding on the royal scents or top niche perfumes with names like Clive and Amouage.The drydown with the animalistic civet, honey, oakmoss, sandalwood, tonka, amber and vanilla makes this a very warm rich experience that lasts for hours. You simply can not imagine this fragrance, its better than you imagine in your mind. It must be tried and evaluated on skin. This is a richer, more robust First than the EDT, although the EDT is quite a opulent stunner in itself. (EDT stands strong over most EDP formulations today, think 14kt gold First EDT vs 24kt gold First Parfum would be the best analogy) It is very obvious that this was designed to stand alone or work with the EDT. They arent too far from each other in formulation and combined makes a undeniable lush, opulent sum of its parts. Liberace said, "Too much of a good thing is wonderful!" It is too much in its its cozy, rich elegance, but not a screamer or heavy like the 80s powerhouses. If its big, its big on class and style. Too much of a good thing definitely applies to First Parfum ...and it is....wonderful. (vintage) Edit: Im reaching for this in daytime moments when I need to feel put together, polished, mature, and in control. I can handle anything wearing this. Its strength and feminine.

This is truly a masterpiece of Ellena! I own this in a vintage Parfum from the beginning of the 80s and EDT from the 90s. The vintage pure parfum has a thick and very dark juice. Even application of a miniscule amount results in a very strong and long-lasting fragrance that is very unlike today's watered-down creatures. In this masterpiece the notes are seamlessly transforming into a very elegant dry-down. Due to the fragrance's intensity, I believe it is more suited for cooler weather and definitely nighttime only in warmer summer nights. I have also managed to obtain an EDT from the 90s. It is truly divine! Much higher concentrated than today's EDPs or even extracts (pure perfume). In this form First is more versatile and suitable for wearing for any occasion! Pure love! What I truly appreciate is First's immense complexity, depth and masterminded creation. Sadly, newer perfumes do not resemble this in the slightest. Highly recommend getting hold of a vintage bottle to time travel and enjoy another true masterpiece of Jean-Claude Ellena of this Floral Aldehyde fragrance from1976! One thought, it was only the Parfum and the EDT that were launched in 1976. The EDP came much later, and it has some alterations compared to the Parfum and the EDT.

Another beautiful classic, a mix of flowers and musk; the kind of perfume that makes you feel very special and sophisticated, elegant lady. It is the perfume that many stars of Old Hollywood could have used with pride. Not only for yourself; people around you also appreciate it. First is for the woman who loves Chanel No 5, Guerlain and Cartier, those kind of fragrances ... for women who like pearls and vintage, who live in love with the all classic things. For those who enjoy a good espresso on a rainy afternoon ... Since discovering First, I feel the need to see it among my bottles; no matter what I spray, because I try to use them all, so they do not feel jealous of each other, but I always have to go back to First, because I love it. And I do because First is rich, it is luxurious, and it is divine! I can say it is one of my favorite perfumes I imagine that Jean-Claude Ellena had a great time composing this jewel; or perhaps for him it was a very difficult experience, hard to say... but it is said that in the process of achieving perfection, there is always a lot of work, sweat and sometimes even tears. But it was worth it: this perfume is perfection inside a bottle ...

It took me more than a decade to find First. I first caught a wif of this scent on a very pretty girl running after a bus in Germany in the 70's. I was so blown away, that I was on the search for years till I finally found it. I had been my signature scent for years till it turns...and then I end up with a newer version which is never quite the same. My favorite formulation of all time was the body cream that came in the black granite tube, it was less civit and aldehyde ....and more pure heaven or just plain gorgeous. Update: June 2022 Bought new fresh bottle of the ED T, thinking it might be fresher than the perfume. From my experience the perfume doesn't age well. Unfortunately this newer formulation smells more chemical to me, it's lost it's alluring beauty it once had. And my older bottles have all have turned. Gone is the gorgeous scent I once knew. If anyone has ever encountered a similar scent, I would like to know of it.

Major love this... I found a 2 oz tester half full in the airport store and they no longer had any product so they gave it to me free with the purchase I bought...a mascara.. I felt so LUCKY. Now the review... One spray. Most definately a classic type fragrance. Old world up to 80s style. Not cloying, not overly sweet. A rose jasmine sort of vibe of Joy but less linear, less floral, with more greens and more organic, sexier and more evening also. Very smooth and not overbearing. Rich and subtle at the same time. Sexy too but in a lighter way than some. No obvious synthetics. Classy and Classic. Interesting bottle also. This vintage can work in today ́s world also. If you like Joy, you will most likely like this.