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.

First is a beautiful, timeless, age irrelevant floral fragrance, youthful but sophisticated, understated but classy. Do not overspray and leave a good amount of time for the fragrance to develop on your own skin. In my opinion this is nothing like Chanel No 5. I always feel No 5 is a cold fragrance. First is warm & cuddly. Perfect to wear all year round. Notes are listed above. Expensive but you can grab a bargain on many online forums. Vintage almost/new is best. I own the gold canister that holds the vintage edt absolutely divine. Do not be put off by the "old lady" reference or opinions. My daughter is 22 and loves this fragrance. Yes it's not a syrupy, fruitchouly! First is a real love ❤️ and true love ❤️ lasts forever, a perfect wedding day choice if you don't want to smell like a thousands brides who will all be wearing Coco Mademoiselle, La vie est belle or another Contemporary mass produced concoction! Be individual! Highly recommended 🙏 .... note: a favourite fragrance of HRH Princess Diana ❤️🙏

This was my signature winter perfume for years until I got into more gourmands and niche perfumes. I have a strong memory of my mother wearing it on Christmas Day for our traditional visit to the best cafe in the city for an apple pie and chocolate and then a children’s movie at the theatre downtown. I remember promising myself that I will wear it too when I grow up and I will dress up with classy clothes and high heels. It’s a strong aldehyde scent but also warm and sweet. It opens with a splash of aldehydes and flowers but the the Otis root melts it and the honey with the musk and the sandalwood make it deep, warm, floral but spicy and sweet. It’s intoxicating and I do have a few bottles of it before the reformulation. I wear it every winter at Christmas Eve when I do my last shopping and I enjoy smelling it over a glass of brandy at the same cafe, early in the evening, before I go back home to prepare for Christmas Eve night. It’s a reminder of that day and that I kept my promise.

First is undoubtedly the most iconic classic perfume of the 1970s. The crystal clear aldehyde fragrance provides the perfect beginning for First. The initial aldehydes act like a layer of clean glass, separating the rich green floral notes. When natural light passes through the "glass" and illuminates the jasmine as the protagonist, the dry and clear scent of First is stimulated with the transparent effect of aldehydes. The gorgeous decoration of blackcurrant buds and dihydrojasmonate brings me to Chamade. In order to emphasize the brilliance of the floral fragrance, Ellena increased the proportion of methyl dihydrojasmonate, far exceeding the amount of Eau Sauvage released in 1966. The floral fragrance of hyacinth, narcissus and lily of the valley is sweet but not greasy. The aldehydes shine until the light fades into a musky-amber-woody finish. I think the success of First can be regarded as a very important achievement in Jean Claude Ellena's career.

Such a great fragrance created by my personal favorite phenomenal perfumer! - A White garden bomb! - Old school yet not dated So complex, very well blended, aldehydic white floral, clean, make-up-powder like, jasminy, musky, and a bit woody green Nothing smells like this one, It has created a niche of its own Imagine walking in a closed-indoor WHITE FLORAL GARDEN, full of different white flowers, but not your soft creamy white floral, This is sharp and piercing in a good way. Classic yet suits these modern times, though, this fragrance is meant to be worn by: - Classy distinguished ladies - Sophisticated, calm and special young ladies Confident Men can definitely pull this off. Best application periods: Autumn & Spring: perfect daytime & nighttime Summer: COLD NIGHTTIMES ONLY Winter: warm days. What a fragrance! Not the typical minimalist Jean-Claude Ellena. This is young Jean Claude - 1976, creating a complex fragrance for his mother.

First is one of the best old school perfumes that still remains a true classic. Growing up I regularly smelt this perfume on my mum. This perfume still smells the same to me several years later, and despite having so many notes blends well impeccably. This fragrance is the pure essence of elegance, sensuality, and a polished lady. Constantly reminds me of the likes of Chanel No5, but at half the price and has even stronger silage and longevity! I love Chanel No5, but unless you're lucky enough to have an old bottle, the newer formulations are really not as potent and do not last as long as before. Nonetheless, it remains a classic and I would still repurchase it. If you cannot afford Chanel No5, but would love to have a similar smell Definitely try FIRST. You will not regret it! This is a perfume lasts forever and will remain wearable for years to come. Perfect for the polished lady who loves to leave a trail of elegance. x

Once upon a time I really loved First. It was deeply satisfying and rich, one of my first grownup perfumes. It was expensive for me, so I wore it infrequently for special days and events, and I missed it very much when it was gone. I moved on to other things and never replaced it. Lately, I’ve been time traveling in my scent purchases, First being received just yesterday. I would know it anywhere. It was immediately recognizable on my wrist, like an elegant good friend you lost touch with that you’re a little bit in awe of but filled with joy to see again. My initial reaction is that First smells like a blend of Chanel No. 5 and Black Pearls, both of which I dearly love. Think about how lovely that is! I can’t wait to try it again in a few weeks after it settles a bit from shipping and has a consistent temperature. I will update and also comment then on longevity and sillage.

This perfume First, by VC&A smells exquisite. I would say it's like vintage lipstick, compact powder, and a stereotypical soap & baby wipes (Aldehydes). If I compare it to other fragrances it would be distinctive on it's own. It's also smelling like all the major perfumes, at the same time. It's a combination of Joy (Jasmine/ Rose)and 1000 ( subtle pleasant Cigarette, white floral) by Jean Patou, mixed with L'aimant (Peach, Aldehydes) by Coty, and Misia (Powdery make up/ envelope glue) by Chanel. This fragrance is rather linear because it doesn't keep changing, similar to Joy, it's mixed well. I get a hint of minty chewing gum. It's kinda reminiscent of a woman's expensive leather designer purse packed with vintage cosmetics, mint gum, cigarettes, hand wipes, possibly a book. This is the best description. It's very soft and comforting too.

First is a fairly typical 1970s floral aldehydic perfume, mostly notable as one of Jean-Claude Ellena’s earliest (now legendary) creations. In order to love First, you must also love other grand aldehydic fragrances such as Chanel No 5, Givenchy Ysatis, Hermes Caleche, Paloma Picasso etc. I’m not saying that these scents are overly similar, however, the present-day kids are likely to consider them ‘matronly’, ‘soapy’, ‘pungent’ and whatnot. As to First, the trick is to apply it with a very light hand: just 1-2 sprays will be more than enough. If applied correctly, the soapy aspect of First quickly vanishes, and the wearer is left with a regal floral bouquet: hyacinth, carnation, narcissus, lily of the valley, jasmine... There are hints of green and animalic notes in it, but it’s mainly a lush floral fragrance. Fantastic and timeless.

Who knows if Jean-Claude Ellena in 1976 had the real perception of having created an extraordinary and iconic perfume. Like a multi-faceted diamond, First embodies all the essential fragrances of creation: solemn triumph of sumptuous aldehydes and variegated flowers, I clearly appreciate the hyacinth and carnation, an enveloping hint of tuberose, all masterfully supported by woody accords, chypre, amber and talc, the gourmand sweetness of honey, vanilla, the impetuous animal note of civet. First is a true jewel of world perfumery, for true connoisseurs. Easily ghettoized by the mediocre people, considered an “old sciura” perfume or even defined as heavy and importable. First remains a difficult milestone to imitate and second to none. Pleasant sillage on my skin, in the hours it becomes reassuring and powdery, appreciable duration.

Holy Moly! I blind bought this based on a number of rave reviews. They were right. This is one powerhouse of a perfume. Why is it so affordable? I received it last night. This morning I sprayed a test strip and put it on the vanity counter as I got ready for work. It didn’t take long for First to rise up and insist I wear it today instead of Perry Ellis Woman, the next fragrance up in my normal rotation. PEW didn’t stand a chance! I can’t describe exactly what is ringing my bells. Maybe it is just the Whole Package. I am well into the middle notes, and every single one warms my heart. I’m pledging to myself that I will allow the base notes to fully develop before I respray. Now I’m off to secure a backup bottle. Like I said at the beginning... Holy Moly!

VINTAGE EDT - Beautiful Floral Aldehyde Chypre. Aldehyde blast on opening is fabulous with the moderate sweet fruits balancing. Core florals provide ongoing moderate natural sweet but never stray into sugariness. Complexity of the white florals with the touch of spicy carnation and regal orris along with deeply feminine rose here are beautifully done. Honeyed sandalwood and musk anchor the richly dense florals with perfect midweight grounding. Just enough natural civet and vetiver/oakmoss to ground this into rich, complex, herbal deep green fabulousness in the base without overwhelming things with anything dirty. A really excellent vintage floral chypre with a great aldehyde overlay. Drydown is smooth, dense, silky, and woody green sensual loveliness.

Have Wanted This Perfume For Such A Long Long Time & Now I Have It!! It's Just Absolutely Gorgeous,& Already It's Now A Firm Favourite!! In My option it deffo doesn't smell anything like Chanel No.5!! A lighter version of YSL Rive Gauche which I happen to also adore!! & Both these perfumes are wore by Joanna Lumley who has really gorgeous taste in her Perfumes!! Today is my First day trying out this Van Cleef & Arpels Gem,& Already I'M soooooooooo in love with it!! I have every single Perfume listed if you this you'll deffo like/love this one also!! & by heck it isn't half true!! This Perfume is Green Floral Heaven to me,& I will deffo put this edp I have to the test in the next comming few days!! But already it's looking good indeed!!

I really like what Black Swan has written here. I absolutely agree. There is a good reson why some fragrances have been made for such a long time, because time is the best test of quality. People don ́t have time to wait for anything and that is a sad thing. I am really disappointed from most of the modern scents which are fresh, and sweet and usually very similar and sometimes even annoying. It is so exciting to smell something so different and classical with its own development. I like when the fragrance changes during its stage. It is one of the pleasures of using quality perfumes. I must also admit that it is very similar to Chanel No.5 for me which I like too. The real difference is just the price, which is absolutely matchless.

I knew a woman who worked in Wall Street some years ago. She was intelligent, smart, beautiful, and determined. This was her perfume. No need to rehash what Jean Claude Ellena has done with Frederic Malle and Hermes, in his signature "aquarelle" style, ghostly wisps of odor floating on air, beautiful but fleeting and devoid of "form." This one has big-boned "form." Everything here is over-the-top. This is perfumery in the grand manner. There is an excess of aldehydes, flowers, woods, and a menacingly animalic dry-down caused by civet. This is a perfume for intimidation. More dense than Chanel No. 5, and less joyful than Joy, with the bite of "1000." A chypre calibrated to catch one's attention, and frighten. It is a masterpiece!

I am wearing vintage Van Cleef & Arpels First, perfume. I can’t write a Novella about fragrance but I can straight up tell you what I like. the first 5 minutes I get a whiff of peach and a support layer of civet, or that earthy, animal scent that I adore in vintage Chanel No. 5 Cologne. After 10 minutes I get green, beneath florals. it’s making me think Joy, now old jasmine. This is not a girls perfume and it very much seems like a throw back to classic women’s fragrances of the 1950s. then soapy, mossy. This is good stuff. Elegant and not smelling 1970s to me at all. it’s love.y in the vintage perfume version, and my husband will hate it. ( smile). if it doesn’t smell like Ivory soap then it stinks.

I have been enchanted by this perfume since I was 16. I worked in a shop that the owner gave me a big bottle and told me to spray it in the air every couple of hours..it was wonderful. She had bottles for sale and I bought a bottle of my own. It took me awhile to get through the bottle because I only used it for special occasions. I take issue with "this smells like old lady" isn't it more of a "when this came out ladies fell in love with it and they still love it even though they have grown older"? I feel it is disrespectful if my opinion matter. This is a TRUE perfume...solid, rich, very unique, beautiful. 22 years after smelling it for the first time, I am still enchanted.

I was a sixteen when I first sniffed First at a department store. It smelled of mink coats, coiffed hair and red lipstick. It remained in my mind as the epitome of glamour and femininity. It remained in my mind as the definition of "perfume" and it is the one that 'set the bar'. I never grow tired of it. I can only say that of a tiny handful of fragrances. I can go weeks, months, years even, without wearing it yet, the moment I smell it, I fall in love all over again. It is timeless. You can dress up or dress down and it never fails to lift my spirits surrounding me in a sense of wellbeing. Aldehydic, indolic chypre. The quintessential strong femme soignée vibe.

Aldehydic sonnet to green jasmine, all sunshine, couture fittings and champagne air. Smells violently expensive compared to its actually cost, jasmine stems ropped around by curls of pearls and the most expensive sparkle under the fire of a monotonous sun like Baudelaire put it in his Parfum Exotique. It spangles. Makes natural street urchins like me mind their manners and stop slouching in its presence. Interesting this Jean-Claude Ellena pre-code Ellena, even at his earliest stage he turns the baroque into restraint, maxi to mini (-malism) via polish and luster. Devoid of calendar date stamp, this is a complete classical, a true orphan of time.

Shop My Drawers/Declutter Project #3: First Goes on all powerful adelhydes and civet, not a single hint of honey or sweetness. It smells like heavy silk satin feels. It's been changing through the day. Well blended florals are emerging and coming and going, but the velvet of adelhydes and carnation is most present to me, and winding through it the civet always. I'm worried I over sprayed, because it projects beautifully, know this kind of thing is divisive and the antithesis of 21st century gourmands, but honestly it's just so beautiful. Verdict: KEEP ALWAYS. Can't believe I considered anything else for a moment.

I just received mini Parfum and mini EdT of this. I allready had big bottle of EdP-version, and there is something like strong musk or civet, or some sort of powdery note (I like civet), that is too much. But how I love Parfum and EdT; they are really beautiful. I don't know if my mini's are old or new version, but I think EdP is current version. I did like a little that EdP, but I love Parfum and EdT. I wonder when that EdP-version has come. I think that all vintages are edT-versions. Is the edP some newer release? I am so happy I got these two different versions. They are now in the top of my best perfumes.

i own both current versions edt and edp.as another reviewer mentioned they did a good job with the reformulation,i smell pretty much the sme scent like i used to a my 20s because i was very impressed of how alla the ingrentients of this jem blended on my skin in almost perfect harmony.i wish young women should give this a try..asfor old lady perfume comments i say tha if they think so superficially because they used to synthetic no perfume situation of our times and have no problem smelling more or less the same they definetely should pass this jem and stick to spinelless creations that have no personality..

A soothing, mature scent; I can see it being a great choice for a formal event that you really don’t want to attend, but have to anyway to keep up appearances. I have a mini vintage bottle of the EDP; I get a nice big whiff of what smells like licorice at the very beginning before the soapy aldehydes come in. A bit later on it becomes powdery and gains just a hint of sweetness. During this time, it fades to a skin scent before talking a slightly animalic turn. It’s very well blended and unlikely to offend unless you bathe in it. I would definitely buy this again down the line.

Today a friend gave me an older (I think) mini of the EDP that her father gave her, because she wasn’t interested and thought maybe I’d want it. At first I was like IDK this is probably way too conventionally feminine for my taste, but it turns out it works pretty well on me and I’m a 33 year old male. It’s very potent. I was honestly surprised - to me it feels like I’m just wearing another men’s fragrance from the 80s-90s, that’s still wearable with confidence today. I gotta wear it more but so far I can see this in my rotation when I’m in the mood for a more throwback vibe.

To me, this is a very classic scent. It's very fresh, powdery, not overbearing but still noticeable. I was apprehensive at first because I'm usually not a big fan of florals unless they have the aforementioned powder quality (like violets) but this change my mind. It's sad that some view this as an old lady perfume because I'm in my early 20s (sophisticated taste, maybe?). I envision a classy woman who wears white wrap dresses and a classic Chanel flap bag as her go-to style wearing this perfume. Perfect for the daytime and intimate evening dinners.

This fragrance is all the proof anyone needs that quality is not a function of price. Smells better than many fragrances I have that cost three or four times as much. Great dry clean chypre (Or green floral?), very classic, utterly unlike popular scents today. Helps give me a break from my patchouli addiction. The narcissus and hyacinth do not make this flowery because the oakmoss offsets them. Just lovely, a fragrance for all times and occasions. If a niche house gave this a ridiculous name and charged $275 a bottle, people would rave about it.

Oh, this is climbing up the stairs of my Classic Aldehydes Tower as the years go by. Honestly, I am no longer a big fan of No5, I like L'Air du Temps but I find it too soft-hearted sometimes, Le Dix is hmmm a bit acidic, blah blah...while First is a pure grower. And I am growing older along with it I guess.. The civet and especially the honey note are very prominent on my skin. So it is elegant and sparkly but also veeery warm and cosy. Winter love. AND I had no idea this is a 40-year-old J.C. Ellena composition, wow that explains a lot. <3

NOOOOOOO please dont tell me this is being discontinued. I have the edt. This is a beautiful green aldehydic floral scent. Aldehydes are in the same realm as chanel n5 but this goes in the green direction and is a beast. Whereas, n5 goes in the more smoother floraly sandalwood direction. If a need a bombastic aldehyde and kick and n5 is too subdued I go to this. This is definitely in my top 10 for life but I dont see everyone liking this. Gotta stock up if its being discontinued. A true masterpiece by Jean Claude Ellena.

I adore First. I use to like Chanel no. 5 in the past. And for me this smells more as the vintage no. 5, particulary in the drydown, than the no. 5 they sell today. Very beautiful with heavy silage and a outstanding longevity. I don't like aldehydes much, but the aldehydes here are also beautiful and fresh. If you love vintage Chanel no. 5, try this one, it is almost the same. And far better than the currant one. And this is only the eau de toilette! What a perfomance! I wonder how heavy the eau the parfum will be.

I bought a bottle, a newly produced one and I liked it a lot. But today I got my hands on an old bottle with a metal holder (10 years old). Now, there is a large difference between the 2. The old one lasts and lasts. Clearly the civet is doing it’s best to strenghten the other notes and this is working very well. Usually the light flowery scents are not my favourite ones. This is an exception. It’s a very well blended scent to me, including some soapyness. It’s beautiful, classic and classy: I prefer the old blend.

And this is my signature for winter. Definitely the classiest perfume EVER made (next to Chanel No5). It smells like vintage, elegant lady, a little vamp maybe. Fell in love with it the first time I smelled it. I was in Lisbon in some small perfume boutique in the city center when I saw a small tester bottle. So I bought that one and when I went out from the store I put this on me. In the next moment I knew this will be my signature perfume and got to have the big bottle!