First

This perfume is substantial. There's a level of class and sophistication with this that lets you know that the woman who would choose to wear this has taste and has come from a money'ed background -- or at least has really "GOOD taste" and is on the way UP. The first 30 minutes of this is almost over the top - bordering on over kill. This would probably be one of my favorite perfumes of all time - if I didn't have to power through the first 30 minutes of this. However, once this settles into the skin more, this is really fabulous on. The list of ingredients is extensive, this a super power perfume of the mid 70's and wears with a similar power to perfumes that came on the scene in the 80's and early 90's... This has a well formulated alto chord which becomes more alluring as this blends with the chemistry of the skin and the final phase of wear turns into a delicious broth -- an intoxicatingly beautiful scent that very few other perfumes arrive at. I go through phases where I will set this one aside and not wear it for awhile, then will remember the compliments that I have received from this perfume -- and I have to re-evaluate it. I have recently tried Panthere by Cartier' and this is in a similar genre to the vintage Panthere. There is a quality about this perfume that lets you know that you are dealing with someone who is not run of the mill. This has an exclusive type aura about it, it is more refined than some of the other huge commercial successes that we can name by name, just by smelling the notes of the perfume. Some would categorize this perfume as "Boss Lady" - but it is really so much more than that. This is majestic and regal. Trustworthy. Confident. This perfume shows leadership and maturity. Someone who is grounded enough to be graceful and elegant even under pressure. Someone who is cool headed, but with a warmth that allows you to know that they really "Care". I also put Rare Gold by Avon into this similar genre, because they both do fabulous things on the skin - the longer they wear. I've said it before, but it bears repeating - This is truly a "Masterpiece"! I dearly love this perfume! ------------- This is possibly the smell of classic tea, perhaps that is why it exudes such a sense of class and distinction. This is mature, possibly even matronly - other reviews have stated this. However, I was wearing this in my early 30's and received a lot of compliments on it then, but primarily wore it for more formal occasions - it was never an every day perfume for me. This could be over kill, and may make you seem if you are putting on airs if you hesitate or flinch to wear this. This is not for everyone... that's for sure. This really has to work well with your chemistry because there are so many ingredients in this that it could feel overwhelming if you are not chemically suited to wear this one. I think perfumers make a mistake trying to craft a perfume that will appeal to the masses - Perfumes, just like books - should have a target audience in mind when they are being created. This is not a perfume I would wear to say young, upbeat, trendy, fun, sporty, casual... NO. And "First" would probably not be a perfume that I would wear every day, because I like to have perfumes that reflect the mood that I'm in - or the activities that I'm doing that day. This is more formal, elegant, refined, classic, majestic, powerful, reliable, trust worthy, solid, and there is a quality of leadership in this perfume that makes this appear like it would be a good stateswoman's perfume. This is a good perfume for the first woman President to wear. This is a good perfume for the Queen to wear.

Most people would argue that all aldehydes are the same. And yet each one is different enough to warrant owning them all if you like the genre. I adore it. You have the classic (but not necessarily the best); N°5 with its soapy and powdery candle wax snuff. You have Rive Gauche; the power suit of the 70’s that looks just as good in a jumpsuit or a fancy attire. Calèche and its discreet leather background riding into the woods. Arpège and its coming of age innocence. Calandre, sipping a vermouth and lying on a shag carpet. Infini; the bohemian neighbor above Calandre. And so many many more... And then you have First! A beauty from JCE, molded after the cues of its time and a fancy for big and bold. More than aldehydic, I’d say it’s a floral chypre with aldehydes. What makes First different to me it’s just this. Take the sparkle, the waxy and shimmering aldehydes you know (and love if you’re like me) but wrap them around gorgeous and languid florals, sprinkle them with a dash of fruit, and push them onto a vat of moss, honey and animalic notes. And let them explode! First evolves into a beautifully sparkling and living creation. The aldehydes pop and shimmer, but they give way to a heady bouquet of ripe white flowers with a magnificent jasmine, powdery iris and hyacinth, while the animalic and chypre background transforms it into a chypre. Woody at times, greener and sweeter sometimes, always alive and full animal, it differs from the above classics because it ends up in a different outcome than what you’d expect. It becomes timeless and hard to pinpoint to a certain time and age. The only thing that betrays its age is the fact that it has what’s missing from most current and modern creations; beauty, elegance and panache. Current First is still very good and very affordable. I had a bottle which I drained but this review is based on a 240ml splash from around 1975/1978. And it packs a major punch! Stunning!!!

If you like crystal clear, sparkling florals, on a slightly powdery base, you are going to love this fragrance. I have the edt and edp of this. It is a very clean and clear distinctive floral fragrance. Unlike Chanel No.5, which some have compared it, the aldehydes are not a sharp affront to your nose, but rather an airy, gossamer cloud of powdery floral goodness. It is so well composed that it is hard for me to distinguish, though it is not an abstract floral like Chanel. Rather it is a bouquet of crystalline white flowers, particularly jasmine, daffodil, and carnation (which gives it a little bit of spice). The rose and iris are revealed as it continues to wear on. The galbanum contributes greenness and the patchouli and vetiver a little bit of earthy aromatics. The base of amber, vanilla, and musk leave a very polished finish. This is a long-lasting fragrance that can be worn anywhere but is outstanding on a breezy cool fall or spring day. That is when I particularly love this fragrance; it swirls around me in wisps of shimmery florals. The edt is lighter and more sparkly, but the edp is stronger, and has more depth. Both have fantastic projection and silage. To me this is a much easier to wear fragrance than Chanel No.5, though I love that fragrance (vintage formulas) too. I came back to add something. Interparfums is now making this fragrance. They did a fantastic job with the edp but a lousy job with the edt. It has a very tallow scent that lingers and it doesn't let up. If you are going to purchase an edt, get the vintage which is easy to recognize because it only comes in 1 or 2 ounces and the band around the cap is reminiscent of a string of large gold pearls; not the flat gold band on the new bottles. Interparfums seems to have better luck with edps and did a good job with Van Cleef edp too. I smell absolutely no difference between their version, and the vintage Van Cleef I own.

Revisiting this, yet again -- This time, two years later. This is extremely STRONG, the first 30 minutes of wear. I've been wearing lighter fragrances this past couple of years, so this is definitely a jolt. This starts with a rather bold scent that is definitely a bit off putting. I rarely like to use this term, but it has that quality of being "old lady-ish". About 45 minutes to an hour into this, this calms into a gorgeous scent that blends and melds with my chemistry. This is alluring, it really draws me in at this point. The initial blast of this spray is so intense that it makes this dry down, the pay off for enduring the first strength of this. This is the Dallas and Dynasty era power suit fragrance. It is refined and smells expensive. This is a gorgeous perfume - and has a unique, one of a kind quality about it. I love the dry down after the first 45 minutes. It is truly gorgeous. For those of you who feel that this is too strong, or too dated -- I feel that this can be softened by spraying this a few minutes before taking a shower, or bath -- then allowing the fragrance oil to open with warm water. This would lighten the notes quite a bit. This is probably why I liked this particular fragrance after the jacuzzi. This really blends well with my chemistry and hot water... like an incredibly strong and intoxicatingly beautiful tea. This is a power house fragrance - designed for the 80's, however - this is an all time CLASSIC! Truly, ageless and timeless. A great signature fragrance for someone whose chemistry really blends well with the dry down notes. This is memorable, strikingly beautiful...unforgettable - just like the song! Yes, the first 45 minutes of this are SUPER STRONG. You'll need to ramp up for that! But the dry down is definitely worth the first apparent danger!

Why this one doesn't receive the love reserved for Chanel No. 5 and the likes, I will never understand. Especially given the less than acceptable performance of the present day N5 EDP (and EDT, for me). To each their own, of course, but it makes me sad to see this one sidelined. I have the present day formulations of both EDP and EDT of First. EDT is more effervescent, with a larger throw if you may. The EDP is deeper, darker, more sensuous and definitely more long lasting. For all the yesteryear scents that lost their punch because of restrictions, I don't know what magic trick they've use on this one because it gets the civet and oakmoss notes rather pitch perfect - easily comparable to vintage formulations of itself, and others like Estee Lauder's Knowing, Boucheron EDP, Shalimar and the likes. Stunning! This is Hollywood but cozy, black and white and yet resplendent. Floral, green, animal, woody - blended and balances with oomph. But by someone with a delicate hand. Sparkling aldehydes on top, gorgeous florals (particularly jasmine and hyacinth) in the mid - but quickly enough it dries down to the beautiful base - oakmoss, a slightly animal civet note, some vetiver and sandalwood. A truly bold and beautiful creation. Sure this is nowhere near what Ellena's works are known for today - in fact it seems he was admittedly going for crowd pleaser when creating this one - but he achieved that with grace and beauty. This is your 80s floral-aldehydic-chypre done to perfection, and hasn't lost its charm even today. It performs a few hours less than the original formulation, but honestly I'm not complaining. The EDT gets me about 4-5 hours and the EDP 6-7. Much longer on clothing. Absolute gem, much like the jewel the bottle is based on. Highly recommend <3

First is such a beautiful fragrance. Nothing like this out there today. It's as much a masterpiece as Chanel No. 5. And like that one starts with a flash of aldehydes. A sense that this is a special and romantic perfume. There is a clean floral air with white jasmine, hyacinth, rose and ylang ylang. This is mainly a white floral but has some green notes in it that keeps it soft and herbal for a while before it gets into the soapy and amber dry down. There is supposed to be musk or civet but I don't get it at all. Luxurious and feminine. I think that it's as good as any Chanel fragrance. Lasts all day. Great sillage though it can be a bomb if over sprayed. If you like aldehyde white florals like Chanel 5 or White Diamonds and have not tried this you will love it! The vibes I get from this perfume is RICH WOMAN LIFESTYLE! She has all the best most expensive fashions in her wardrobe, she lives in a mansion, she drives luxury cars or is driven by a chauffeur, wears pearls and diamonds. Has everything. With this fragrance on you you can feel like that kind of woman that has everything!!! Best part is it's affordably priced despite it's luxury feel. It is a soapy clean fresh and powdery floral perfume. Lasts a long time and feels so good on the skin fresh clean skin. Wear this in spring and summer. A great wedding time fragrance or for any dress up event.

I reviewed this a while ago, but feel compelled to say now how very, very beautiful First is. I love it so much. I’ve usually saved it for special occasions but I’ve been indulging in it this month - there’s something about cold weather that especially enhances its beauty and longevity. I do love carnation and this is very carnation forward on me, very spicy in winter. The longevity of First is incredible - it lasts on on my skin at least 12 hours and on fabric several days. My last application is the one I spray in air and walk through. So heavenly, perfectly blended and balanced. I’m not a floral perfume lover, although something strange has been happening lately where I find myself just LOVING florals, and craving First. I worked in downtown Dallas early in my career, at a large international consulting firm housed on two floors of a beautifully mirrored skyscraper that itself resembled a piece of jewelry. The fiancee of one of the consultants drove a black Porsche Targa stick shift and wore silk slip dresses in the dead of winter with nothing but a full length mink coat and cruel stiletto heels, not a single piece of jewelry but a five carat diamond solitaire ring. She had wild wavy long golden brown hair that looked like a body halo, and green eyes. She was heartbreakingly beautiful. She wore First. It’s that gorgeous.

This is truly a masterpiece of Ellena! I own this in a vintage EDT from the 90s and a Parfum from the beginning of the 80s. 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.

Revisiting this after retiring it from my private collection of fragrances for about five years. This is a luxury fragrance. It goes on strong and can wear fairly mature... so spray this about an hour before you plan on being in the car or elevator with someone. I still LOVE this fragrance. It is so rich and alluring... elegant - and warm. Definitely one that you want to try, if you haven't already. This is a fragrance that requires more panache' to carry off. If you are drawn to the naive, girly, sugary sweet fragrances that line the walls of the Body Shop and Victoria's Secret-- you may find that this is NOT your thing. You may have had to survive the 1980's - or have a depth as if you did -- to truly appreciate this particular perfume. It is lovely. But requires more substance - it has a depth that can make it seem as if you are attempting to wear your mother's or grandmother's fragrance - unless you can step into the initial power of this one. I still love and adore it - Taking a break from this one only makes me respect is all the more. Although this goes on rather strong like a full bodied 1980's perfume - I really enjoy this dry down - it is truly spectacular - a complete symphony and work of art! Love this!

The refraction of aldehydic particles onto bright yellow flowers like jonquil, mimosa, ylang-ylang is what I feel as First EDT hits my skin. This early JCE is extraordinarily maximalist for the approach he would cultivate later in his career, but First's effervescence underpinned with a salacious civet is a testament to his burgeoning genius. A sunny, yet incontinent jasmine (you can trust that no ChatGPT can "think" that up) gives a daring pungency, with a pinch of cassis adding to a mid-stage interlude, while in no way detracting from the overall splendor from all the busty, lusty flowers spilling all over. Lathered, honeyed, and powdered, it's a glorious and noble decadence that would leave modern sensibilities incredulous. Why on earth would anyone, let alone a WOMAN, wear this? There isn't a trace of sweetness. This man wears it to annihilate the status quo and wear it as an olfactory talisman to ward off the flattened boredom of "norminess." I find First to be cheerful yet rascally: it isn't venom itself, but it carries a venom in the event that circumstances warrant it. The dry down is spectacularly indecent, and I agree with others who say that one spray goes a long, long way.

So I took the plunge and ordered the EDP based on what I read here. The jury is still out - I have to wear it some more before I can make a pronouncement. Initial impression though is that they haven't totally massacred the scent through reformulation. It is still very recognizable. It's interesting: both my daughters told me it reminds them of Niki de Saint Phalle, which was another love of mine during the eighties and which I've also recently reacquired. It never occurred to me to put the two together.In my mind they are very different scents. If anything, First has somewhat of the same vibe as Chanel 19 (another favorite) because of the hyacinth and narcissus. So I compared notes and what do you know - First and Niki indeed have many in common. Edit - Ok, so I finally had the chance to sample the EDT and compare it to the EDP that I already own. Well, no contest here. I find the EDT so much more wearable. The EDP is just too much for me - even one small spray . I feel like the EDT gives me the space and breathing room to really enjoy the scent, even if it is slightly less rich. I will try to trade my EDP or simply just order a new bottle of the EDT since it's so affordable.

If you are a true floral lover and you can get your little paws on a well kept vintage, this is literally what I think Heaven might smell like. Its not chock full of musk which I truly appreciate at least in this creation. This is my opera scent to the max. It's true lux in liquid form. I feel not only polished but opulent. I can't say that about the newer formula but I got a vintage by accident and my eyes rolled back in my head it was so lovely. It's not sexy per se, but there's a note that reminds me of sex, period, lol. It must be the civet, cute little animal but she is not playing. The way that note pulls everything together like a symphony, amazing, to me quite literally. If you love vintage scents, this is a must try, even if you just try the minis, totally worth the try. note: I have the Amouage Gold which they say is similar to this. I had to get it because I thought it must be amazing because it’s expensive and similar to First. I’ll never do that again. To me it isn’t similar at all. I like it, but I LOVE First, there's the difference. second note: the newer formula comes off a bit more chypre which actually I love so I'm not mad at the newer bottles either.

A beautiful green-floral chypre. I bought a travel sprayer because I've been craving narcissus notes, and this does not disappoint. It's very much in the complicated mossy-woody floral school of perfumery that I love, from a time when women didn't want to smell like big gooey desserts all the time. It's crisp, clean, and aldehydic--this part makes me think of certain Estee Lauder frags of yore, like the original pre-Malle Private Collection and Estee, even a bit of White Linen--but it's not exactly the same. The jasmine is most dominant on my skin (it's a good one, reminiscent of the jasmine in Joy almost), but it never gets even remotely indolic, and the narcissus and hyacinth are more soapy than earthy, too. I promised myself I wouldn't buy any more full bottles of perfume for a long time, but if I use the rest of this travel sprayer, I might bite the bullet. It's reassuring that the reformulation is as good as it is, especially in light of how much oak moss is in the base. I'm sure it's synthetic, but this smells persuasive to my nose. It also reminds me a bit of Eau du Soir, by Sisley, another aldehydic floral chypre that seems to be holding its own over time.

This review is for the bottle at Neiman Marcus San Francisco, December 2016. When I smelled First, I burst out laughing and said "this smells like the 80s!!" It does. It has a generic "perfume in an elevator and women are wearing shoulder pads" scent which is even beyond the aldehydes. This "generic 80s smell" is like the top of the top notes. The aldehydes take center stage for a solid 10 minutes, maybe 15. Then the rose heart, which was hinted at, is unveiled, and on me, that's all I get for a very, very solid 9 hours. First never goes anywhere else on me. The drydown is just a soft, aldehydic rose. I was initially excited to smell the aldehydes and then I was intrigued by the rose - the rose reminds me very much of YSL's Paris (circa 2005). I would like to wear this with dark blue jeans and a top, because I like wearing heavy hitters casually. However, while this scent initially intrigued me, it hasn't held me. My dreams of blue jeans and a classy perfume probably won't be realized. I'll stick to Ma Griffe & Chanel No. 5 for that! I will note that the talk of civet has me quite intrigued, and I'll try hunting down some vintage to see the differences.

Hello from Deco Dawn, this is my review of Van Cleef & Arpels 'First' edt my bottle is from 1996. Warning do NOT overspray otherwise you will literally choke to death. 1 spray is all that is needed. An initial explosion of white flowers, rounded, balanced, wrapped in honey, cosy, comforting are the words that come to mind. This is a beautiful fragrance to be respected and admired from the Luxury Jewellery House VCA. I purchased a bottle of First a demonstration vintage bottle edt from 1996. It smells amazing, beautiful floral, sweet, honey, dry down is gorgeous. I read Princess Diana loved First and it was her favourite perfume, she also wore Penhaligons Bluebell, Houbigant Quelques Fleurs on her Wedding Day, Dior Diorissimo, Lanvin Arpege, these are obvious choices for a young lady. But she also wore Guerlain Mitsouko when wearing her Revenge Dress years later. The Royal Butler has said Princess Diana's favourite perfume was Hermes 24 Faubourg when it was released in 1995, 2 years before she died. First fragrance was launched in 1976. Floral, soft, elegant, beautiful, romantic, comforting, like a jewell. I love it. Highly recommended ❤

Beautiful,graceful,glamorous,noble and romantic. These are some of the words coming in my mind while smelling this. It’s one of the best flower bouquet i smelled. extremely complex and balanced to perfection. This flower bouquet is bright, fresh, clean, green, animalic, slightly powdery, slightly soapy, slightly sweet and it’s have a smooth warmth beneath it. Literally everything is in place. Harmony, balance, coordination... mesmerizingly beautiful. It’s reminder of beauty in the world. Longevity is very good. Sillage is moderate. It is a masterpiece. Even the bottle is very beautiful and unique! Well worth the price. With each spritz of *First,* a world of elegance unfurls, Like a graceful ballet through the senses, soft and surreal. Florals spin through the air, like silk upon the breeze, A dance of subtle power, yet delicate in its ease. It's a symphony of sophistication, each note played with care, A scent that whispers of grace, a story of elegance rare. So when I wear *First,* my steps seem to glide a little higher, As if I carry a secret. (It’s not for everyone as it is a classic scent) (My bottle is EDP)

My First EDP finally arrived. I have been craving it lately and I got it for a song on Ebay. It's a 2 oz. tester bottle. It has all the fragrance notes written on the back of it...interesting. Anyway, I don't think it's the original formula. I had the black canister back in the late 80's. My current bottle doesn't smell quite the same, so I'm sure it's a reformulation. That's ok though, because I still like this soapy, sparkling aldehydic gem. It actually smells better on me at night time, after it fully dries down. It reminds me of a perfume my mother wore in the 70's, that I was never able to find again. It was some kind of musk oil by Dana. She loved it, and it smelled great on her. For some reason, I imagine Doris Day wearing First. First has this sunny disposition like Doris Day. I kind of wish that I had gotten the parfum dab version instead though, because when you spray this, it's very hard to control, and you end up with a lot of fragrance on you. I'll try to use it sparingly for that reason. At any rate, I'm so glad to have this little sweetie back in my perfume collection!!

Good one, I love this! I had success blind buying the 3.3oz EDT for $25. "First" is not like No.5 but I would say it IS similar to Arpege, and maybe some old EL scents I can't identify. However, I have a 5ml decant of Arpege that I like to smell from time to time, but I can't wear it. Arpege is way too retro and acrid, like some overdone woman going to the opera in a fur stole. Actually I have found fancy Superstitious by Frederic Malle to give the same vibe! "First" is cleaner and much less jarring to smell than those two. It smells like expensive Estee Lauder makeup from the 90s and also like a La Prairie scrub I used to have. The clean hyacinth, narcissus, and oakmoss make it slightly greener than others like Arpege, but to me it's far from a green scent. Huge dose of aldehydes here, and yes, civet. It's not green like Eau du Soir, which others have mentioned below. EDS has no aldehydes, but arguably shares common ground with First as a soapy floral with a little spice. Anyway- the VC&A is 100% worth picking up if "classics" are your thing!

I'm always tempted to buy First for myself, but I can't. This is how my mother smells like. So I enjoy samples that a very astute sales lady gave me. When aldehydes were a height of fashion, good number of women couldn't wear the most famous one, N°5, for numerous reasons. For example, it turns acid on my mother. It has also lost that touch of animalistic funk somewhere in reformulations that makes perfumes so addictive. First didn't. Everytime I wear it I'm surprised just how good it is and faithful to its original form. The opening has nothing bombastic, it doesn't makes a statement, that's not the point. It was not built for speed, but comfort. Elegant, understated, you easily forget you're wearing it, but people around you feel its presence. There is something very intimate and undeniably sensual in its greasy flowers, touch of honey and that dear, dear civet. Or whatever does civet's job these days. Classic or old lady-ish, who cares? If you like aldehydes, complex vintage florals, First is probably one you will never forget or regret.

I'm mostly into orientals but this has become my go-to floral aldehydic fragrance. I've never smelled the original but this smells gorgeous and I appreciate the faithful inclusion of civet, which so often gets left out of modern reformulations. I own both the EDT and EDP; the biggest difference in their composition is that the EDT is sweeter and features spice notes that actually remind me a bit of Opium, though this phase doesn't seem to last that long on me. I was hoping they would be more apparent in the EDP but instead it is drier and emphasizes more of the musky, woodsy basenotes - still lovely nonetheless and I don't need more than two sprays since this stuff projects like a demon. Compared to Arpege, First is less creamy and spicier with a warm honey note, and the animalic character doesn't evoke dirty underwear like Chanel No. 5, which i like but wouldn't dare wear in public. I can't believe how affordable this stuff is for how nice it smells, and if you're a vintage lover I'd say this is a must-own.