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.

I just received a bottle of the EDP from Amazon and sprayed a dab on the top of my hand. After a few minutes, it has turned into the Chanel No. 5 of my youth! No complaints, just interested in seeing how this unfolds. Will update if inspired! One hour later - aldehydes are still going strong. Detecting something sweet emerging- the honey? Similarity to No. 5 remains.

My Mother’s fragrance and My all time favorite too. Wonderful masterpiece.

THE LEGEND LIVES ON, MERCI MONSIEUR ELLENA

Parfum is the only First formulation that I can tolerate! I've tried and given up on the EDT and the EDP, both of which have a soapy sour civet that for the life of me I couldn't understand why they'd immortalize in perfume. If you find yourself in that camp, give the Parfum a try... First Parfum is a glorious floral bomb. To me, it's a bouquet of everything good, jasmine - ylang ylang - rose primarily, amplified by aldehydes and made slightly mouth-puckering with raspberries. The civet and honey add an animalic dimension to the florals, a briney sensation. As it dries down, it becomes even more earthy and salty. It's like a barnhouse where animals have romped about in the hay, packed to the roof with flowers. A happy, earthy place. First Parfum lingers close to the skin, and is the kind of perfume you'd wear for yourself when you want to be whisked away to your personal pastoral paradise.

What a nice surprise! I had read that this was one of Jean Claude Ellena’s first perfumes, so I had to try it so I blind bought it. It’s a lovely sophisticated and classic white floral aldehyde with just a hint of indolic funk when I put my nose to my skin, but not in a bad way. It’s in the vein of Joy and Chanel No. 5, but is not a dupe, and I actually like this a lot more as it’s not as ubiquitous, and waaaay more affordable. First is long lasting and I was complimented the first time I wore it, so projection must be good and also pleasant. Update 10/16: well, I don’t think this is going to work after all. I put some on tonight and my husband said I smelled “like soap but not in a good way, like my grandmothers bathroom when I was little.” Not exactly what I want him to think of when he smells my perfume...

This vintage is a big aldehyde floral. It opens sharp and becomes softer as it dries down. Good longevity and fairly good sillage. This one's a classic in the best possible way. First is the kind of scent that younger wearers may consider old fashioned because of its strength. It's been compared to Chanel No. 5, another strong aldehyde frag. I prefer First because the artificial note isn't quite as pronounced. Frankly, I prefer pretty much anything to No. 5 ... All things considered, First is a good fragrance that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. It's a well blended feminine scent and appropriate for every day wear.

Rich, warm, a bit old fashined in a good way. Excellent with winter fur coat.

This review is for the EDP. I recently purchased this perfume as a blind buy. Most of my purchases are blind buys. This one isn't working for me. It seems extremely strong to my taste. Speaking of taste, I can even taste it, and I only barely spritzed a tiny bit on. That was 2 hours ago, and I'm still choking from it. I don't know what it is. Very strong aldehydes!!! And some floral that is way too strong for me. I'm thinking maybe it's Carnation and maybe hyacinth? This one is going in my passing on box. I can't handle it!

The old lady. If lady d lives she would be 80? Just think like that. Also I think notes are very messy not blends well. If I could reach those parfume oils and mix all nice smelly ones, it probably smell identical to this. I just feel like it’s hand made by a hippi when I smell it

O my God this is absolutely gorgeous!!! Like a brilliant artistic work of diamond jewelry from the house of Van Cleef & Arpels, First is a luxurious opulent fragrance for the elegant sophisticated refined woman, and you need not be born into high society either. The Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in my local area in Palm Beach has so many goodies it's beyond belief. This has class and old money written all over it. The Parfum is a deeper richer concentration than the spray bottle in the gold-honey-yellow liquid. This is a burgundy colored reddish rose with so much going on that I hardly know where to start. All I know is that this beautiful perfume has changed my life. I wore it to a friend's wedding anniversary party yesterday. It was a crowd pleaser. Enchanting. A regal perfume. Grace Kelly as Princess of Monaco comes to mind. Audrey Hepburn at the Embassy Ball in My Fair Lady comes to mind. Jackie Kennedy in a beautiful evening gown and hair made up, diamond earrings and necklace, holding a dinner at the White House. The opening notes at the first spritz of First is fruited with the juicy ripe and fruit booze scent similar to Femme by Rochas. I get plenty of peach, bergamot orange, black currant syrup, cassis and a delicious fruit mélange like a fine French wine from Bordeaux. This is a really enjoyable opening despite the aldehydes which come off as super old fashioned perfumy. The first few notes doesn't seem to match with the rest of the fragrance. The fruits are almost too much but they gradually convert into sweet soapy florals. The heart is a heady bouquet of pretty roses, orchids, tuberose, hyacinth, ylang ylang, jasmine and carnation. Each floral note is discernable to my nose. The big rose is quite obvious but she is gracefully accompanied by the equally showy jasmine and carnation. The 3 big floral notes in any woman's perfume: rose, jasmine and carnation. These are romantic florals. It makes me think of a considerate lover's gift of flowers to his sweetheart. Or a husband to his wife. Sure they are mature florals but you know what? They do not come off as old lady or Church lady. These are youthful sweet feminine florals for the romantic girl. A princess who loves flowers. I was briefly reminded of such florals beauties as Beautiful by Estee Lauder only that was more green floral whereas this is sweet and subtle, powdery, a tad like Chanel No 5 which it is inevitably compared to and strangely sometimes like Chloe Narcisse. This is a glorious floral queen. A honey note is the star here. The honey captures the flowers in it's warm deliciousness. The amber scent is mingling with amber goo and the result is intoxicating. The sandalwood is fragrantly beautiful. The vetiver is the only green touch here and it's really quite nice. The vanilla note is stronger than the civet although at times I could sense a musky animal thing going on. It's like a fur coat with a lot of beautiful jewelry hanging over it. A sort of old grand dame with a slick young new makeover. This is so amazing that I was unable to hold back how happy I was to receive this gift as a perfume from an old friend in Palm Beach Florida. Thank you Kent. This is a glamorous and million dollar fragrance for the woman who can look good in evening gowns and has the right venue to show it off: gala dinner, black tie formal evening affair, wedding, fancy dinner and so forth. This is so so beautiful. I'm glad that I can enjoy these fragrances at my age (I'm in my early 30's) and this is not an awkward age for me at all. I can still wear the perfumes of girly sweetness (fruity florals or gourmands) from when I was in my 20's and I can wear mature more sophisticated classics such as this one. They all smell great on me and others have enjoyed smelling it on me. This is one glorious piece of perfumery. I will miss it when I've used it up. Divine!!!!

My latest obsession is vintage scents... not vintage concentrations, but having a nice collection of perfumes that have been around for awhile (sometimes a century in the case of Guerlain). So I grabbed this in EDP and EDT. The EDP came first. I like it, but really.... I don't think I could tell the difference between First EDP and the current EDP of Chanel No. 5 I don't get any single strong/particular note... which is sad because this has a ton of notes I like/appreciate (I love vintage notes) but that also means it's well blended. For me, I wish the honey, aldehydes, raspberry, orris, tonka, civet, moss etc.... really stuck out, but they don't. Same with No. 5 EDP. But it does smell like the vintage scent I've been craving lately, so I like it!

I got the EDT version a few weeks ago, and immediately proceed to order EDP too. But, there is no separate article for EDP as I can see? Anyway, I like EDP more, it's classy, deep, floral, and elegant, and the most important, works great with my skin chemistry. I bought it based on how it smells on other person, never tried it on myself before, but since I already have the five choices in "People who like this also like" (First EDT, Shalimar EDP, Poison, Paloma Picasso EDP, and L'Air du Temps), I knew this is my cup of tea. It's nothing like Chanel N5. EDT reminded me more of N19 because of the green crispy notes, but EDP is warming and cozy, but still deeper and more feminine. I will try to find the Parfum too, to complete the collection.

I was thinking about tracking down some vintage Chanel No. 5 parfum or extrait, but then I thought, I'll just have a wee snifferoo of my First parfum that I haven't touched for years. Well no, it's not really a dupe, but it certainly does "remind me of" No. 5 and satisfies a lot of the cravings. There's enough overlap in notes to give a very similar vibe. There's enough of Joy by Patou in here too, if that's what you're in the mood for. AND I can afford the parfum. Win! It's nice to discover it's created by Jean Claude Ellena - I already like his Hermes offerings.

can anyone tell me if this fragrance has a strong hyacinth vibe as i can't really deal with it. i used to work with the terminally ill and when one of the patients died you could tell when you entered the house because you would be hit with the strong scent of hyacinth so anyone who could help me out it would be greatly appreciated p.s i also was very attached to the people i worked for and as soon as i smelt it i was devastated i can cope with a small dose of hyacinth just not a huge blast that never fades.so help me if you can guys xx

I am quite surprised how well this scent has been preserved amidst so many horrible reformulations of classic scents. It still is a classic floral aldehyde that sparkles elegantly and has nice longevity ( WOW ) . On top of that it is a bargain price for the quality. There are few perfumes made as well as this, especially for the quality . I think I will buy a back up before it risks reformulation . Beautiful , feminine and elegant for a high end scent that is unbeatable these days ( found affordable on the Bay ) .