Je Reviens Couture

I knew this was going to be different from the original fragrance after reading all the reviews, but I didn't expect it to be such a wild departure. Was this how Je Reviens really smelled at that time it was created or was supposed to smell? Honestly, though recognizable in a way to Je Reviens, I still find it very different from its namesake; so much so that it might as well be a different fragrance. The original formula wears like a soft, romantic, slightly powdery, very floral ladylike fragrance with a little bit of aromatic spice on top. Whereas this is a femme fatale with indolic florals, cool aldehydes, and underlying spice. It is so much richer and deeper than the original formula, which is a surprise considering that this formula list only half the ingredients as the original. Yet the overall result is a very sexy, alluring fragrance that is deep and heady. I can understand why some might be disappointed who were expecting this to be a fresher version of the original, as I originally thought it was, as this is not that. But judging this on its own merits it is a gorgeous creation. As far as being dated, or old fashioned, it is definitely of its time, in the same way that Arpege or Chanel No. 5 are, and like them is still very wearable even today. Sadly, unlike those fragrances, this masterpiece has been discontinued. So, if you are looking for a faithful reintroduction of the original version, you're not going to find it here. Just stick to the original version. There are plenty of bottles floating around out there. But if you're looking for something that's different from the original, and so daring and rich it's almost decadent, and that performs beautifully too, then this might be your jam. I highly recommend it. Thanks, Churinl, for the sample. I've since bought a bottle.

This 2004*Couture* re-issue of 'Je Reviens' by the house of Worth is absolutely superb, the higher concentration of good quality ingredients in this eau de parfum *Couture* edition harkens back to the era of sophistication Charles Worth was famous for in the early days of the art deco period. Unfortunately production of this modern offering from the esteemed house of Worth was very short lived surviving for about 4-5 years before being unceremoniously discontinued, in fact I believe only a few batches of this now scarce blue/green elixir were ever produced, perhaps too costly to perpetuate the fragrance that heralded the magic & elegance that was the brainchild of Charles Frederick Worth & the parfumeur Maurice Blanchet. I found this eau de parfum very close to the older & more vintage formula of the original parfum presented in the cobalt blue flacon made by the glass works of Lalique et Cie, all seems in order from this latest re-issue with the rose, jasmine, jonquil & lilac floral absolutes nestled on a base of high quality white musc, vetyver & santal, sillage & longevity are amazing while still retaining the earlier grandeur, aura and beauty of the original!. Parfait! Long Live ~Je Reviens~May you always return!!! edit: It appears a 'NOS' limited supply has recently surfaced in France or Italy, I do believe production has stopped for the present time???

Bottom line on top: you need to give this at least 30 minutes to experience the entire scent. First impression: aldehydes, coriander, lemon and ylang ylang. The coriander and lemon make the first sniff a little sour and sharp to my nose. After about 5 minutes the sweet yellow florals, Ylang Ylang and narcissus, show up, then the orange blossom. At this point it becomes recognizable as Je Reviens, and the Vetiver and Tonka develop to balance the sweetness of the yellow and white florals. At the 15 minute mark I sense the jasmine and musk, which add an animalic touch to the mix. It's not overwhelming, but adds to the complexity. Finally, rose and violet make an appearance at the 30 minute mark. I really like the fragrance and its complexity once it dries down, although I can see how some people might be turned off by various stages along the way. By comparison, the current Je Reviens EDT is flat and pale. I should note that the EDT has oakmoss while Couture doesn't, and anyone familiar with a vintage version of the original might miss that in the Couture version. Note on the packaging: I think the bottle is a beautiful representation of art deco building design, however the cap fits poorly and just rests on top of the bottle.

I never got to smell the original Je Reviens, but the current Couture version is absolutely beautiful nonetheless - it contains everything you’d want from an old school floral, whilst making it easily wearable today. There’s a contrast of flowers here; on the one hand you’ve got the beautifully delicate harmony of jasmine and orange blossom, with their bright, soapy facets amplified by a generous dose of aldehydes. To contrast this, a trio of jonquil, narcissus and ylang combine to create the most addictive buttery smooth base you can imagine, allowing the brighter white florals to glide through the air with unspeakable grace. I love this scent, I only discovered it in recent months but already it’s a firm favourite and it makes me even more keen to smell the original. If you love vintage-style florals then you simply cannot go wrong with this, especially for the price.

I already own 2 near-full bottles of vintage Eau de Colognes of Je Reviens, and they are superb, full power and beautiful. Because I don't want to use up such potions of history, I bid on a full bottle of the new Couture, so that I can use it more freely. I now have it, and it is slightly different, but as it is supposed to be a replica of the original Je Reviens I would expect it to be somewhat different, as my vintage bottles have had a good few years to mellow. But different doesn't mean worse, because it, too, is just as beautiful. I'm not sure it lasts as long as the vintage, but then, maybe it hasn't fully settled from it's journey. Given a week or two will probably sort that out, and then I'll post an edit accordingly. I love this perfume as much as my Shalimar.