La Collection Rive Gauche Pour Homme

Simply put: one of the best fresh scents in existence, and an exhilarating, sublime experience to wear. However, to no fault of the perfumer or fragrance itself, it cannot be top shelf material for me for a couple of reasons. I don't know why, but Yves Saint Laurent has seen fit to discontinue this in not only tin can version (a given) but also the square bottle "La Collection" version, in USA markets for those of you who don't already know. I had been procrastinating on getting this one for a while and had been eyeing it on the official YSL website, when all of a sudden one day the webpage that housed it was broken. I had contacted YSL directly and asked, and they told me it has been discontinued. Thankfully there were a few bottles left on Amazon so I was able to scoop one up. Because of this, how can I reliably use this fragrance, knowing that once I finish the bottle I'll either have to order from overseas or actually travel to Europe in order to get another one.? Meanwhile, YSL continues to spew out swill such as La Nuit De L'Homme Parfum, which is actually the 6th flanker of the 3rd flanker of L'homme. It's total embarrassment. Thankfully, like I said, Rive Gauche is incredible. It's long lasting (contrary to what reformulation panickers will write about it: I have a clear bottle with the light green juice from 2018) and it's sillage is inviting rather than bombastic/in-your-face, so it actually garners compliments from people who would never otherwise mention your fragrance. It has just the perfect amount of sweetness, not overly sweet like Paco Rabanne PH, and this sweet powderiness is offset by bitter, aromatic green elements like rosemary. This is reserved for special occasions, and the couple of days after getting a fresh haircut. It's seriously as close to a perfect fragrance as it gets.

My favourite fragrance. Just a whiff of this is enough to make me say "man that smells good". Smells similar to Azzaro PH, but more refined and balanced. RG takes all of the notes in Azzaro that I liked and removed the harsher, less desirable notes. It also performs significantly better than current batches of Azzaro. Most of the time I can smell this on me for 8+ and can still smell a small amount on my clothes the next day (5 sprays: 3 on the neck, 2 on the shirt in the chest). If you like fougeres or anything that evokes the feeling of a barbershop, I think you will love this one. It is a clean fougere though and won't give you the green or dirty feel of many 80s fougeres like Drakkar Noir or Paco Rabanne PH. For many people, this one evokes feelings of a man dressed in a well tailored suit, however, I think it's versatile enough to be worn casually. Having owned this La Collection version and the tin canister version I'm pleased to say this is 90% as good. No it's not as powerful as the tin and it won't last quite as long, but it smells very, very close to the same. On smell alone, I truthfully don't think I can tell them apart; the only way I can tell them apart is through longevity and power of the scent and I still get great longevity and sillage. Even if it is weaker, it still smells so so good. eBay prices are starting to get insane for the canister version and are reaching the "not worth it" territory. I'm going to save my tin canister version of RG for very special occasions and continue to use this one as my signature, everyday fragrance (though not on days when the weather will pass 32oC/90oF). Scent: 10/10 - my absolute favourite smell Projection: 8/10 Longevity: 8/10 Value: 8/10

I have got several of thr RIve Gauceh pur Homme, then the same amount of the Intense. They are and it may be age, really poor projectors. It reminds me of going to Mr Maru the Indian barber who has the statue of Ganesh and haveing my haircut while my dad talked to owner who was had become so rich he delegated the haircut to minions. It was a shop with the smell of Cossak for men, Insence sticks, while my day and Mr Maru discussed the days of the Raj, and how England and looted and stolen from the empire while dicussing the prowess of the advertising machine. It reminds me a of an Indian Ajam, (hairdresser). As a 5 year old kid I never could understand what they sould be dicussing alas, Mr Maru and my dad are long since gone. When I spray on this and many scents of the 80s like Quorum, Sybaris, Channel Egosite it trasports me back to an Indian barber. I digress, the old RIve gauche I detested and I think I now find the beauty of it it reminds me of a time where my dad was alive. I purchased the tin can versions at some considerabel cost and they lasted about 10 mins. I got the glass bottle version and this as Ton Loc said, this median is a monseter yawl! It is a very Indian scent. A lot of yoound people who I am not one of detest the masculiness of this scent. Me personally I wear it because Iit reminds of a time wear my dad was a live. Green and woody, A hint of beetle leaf and smell like a Paan shop with the guy who looks like Rajendra Kumar and about to date Hema Malini. They my dad would buy me a ice cream in the summer because Anil would have lopped a bit of my ear off and in winter a packet of fruit gums!

ريف جاوش: آخر الفوجير و نهاية الابداع من ايف سان لوران أن تخاطر بانتاج عطر فوجير بروح السبعينات و الثمانينات في 2003 و ضد التيار الرائج في العطور وقتها فهو انتحار تجاري و هذا ما أقدم عليه توم فورد في هذه التحفة الفنية التي لم تلاق التقدير الا بعد انقطاع انتاجها و فشلها التجاري و لتعلن نهاية حقبة توم فورد مع ايف سان لوران لإعادة احياء الفوجير اختار توم فورد التقارب من ملك الفوجير: ازارو بوم هوم الافتتاحية هنا خليط من اللافندر و الينسون: خليط يذكرك برائحة معجون الحلاقة و مستحضرات الحلاقة الرجالية القديمة، نظيفة و تابلية مع لمسة سويتية القلب زهري من الجيرانيوم بشكل رئيسي و القاعدة عشبية خضراء ترتكز على طحلب البلوط كما هو حال عطور الفوجير، العطر خطي بدرجة كبيرة و الانتقال بين المراحل محدود و لكنه موجود كان هذا آخر انتاج عطري فني جريء و مميز من ايف سان لوران لتبدأ بعدها رحلة الانهيار: الانتقال للخيار الآمن التجاري بخط لا هوم ثم فقدان البوصلة بالكامل مع خط واي و مي سليف الذين هما مواكبة لموجة العطور الزرقاء و ما يطلبه المستمعون التي استهلكت تماما و اصبحت خالية من الابداع الأداء جيد يصل الثبات ل 8-10 ساعات مع فوحان مقبول خلال أول ساعتين يبدع في الاستعمال النهاري في الأجواء المعتدلة خصوصا الربيع، و يصلح لجميع الفصول و المناسبات ما عدا الحر الشديد، عطر آمن للعمل و يعطي انطباع بشخصية جادة و على قدر من المسؤولية لا أرى فرق جوهري بين هذا الاصدار و اصدار العبوة المعدنية و لا يمكن ملاحظة الفروقات البسيطة الا بالمقارنة المباشرة التقييم 4.75/5

This is a beautiful fragrance. Lavender on top, and the oakmoss, geranium and patchouli makes a very nice dance in the drydown. Great, luxurious feeling, clean and perfectly tailored fragrance? Yes. In my regular rotation? Absolutely. In my top 10 fragrances for life? Definitely not. It's not essential imo. I said it's a solid frag, but there are several solid green fougeres around, so not so unique. Still a must for a 50+ bottles growing collection, but not one of those frags that is in the "10 frags must buy to start a collection". But for sure a must try, at least. Still, a love for me, but don't feed the sharks! Indeed, its discontinuation, summed to the overhyping of this one on Fragrantica and BN (because of just a few posters who post a lot) will probably lead to its price tag skyrocketing on ebay. That said, keep in mind that over $100 there are better options in that category and that despite that "vintage looks cool", it's not obviously better than current offerings. There are great (if not greater alternative) currently in production, and this style exists since 150 years and will always exist, possibly with even more stunning fragrances compared to this one currently on the market or to be issued in the future. Will probably not please younger crowds. Spring/Fall days, 30+

Had to buy one bottle of this, since I ran out of my "vintage" can - which I got with only maybe 10ml left, from a friend who was not wearing it anymore. First full wear: compared to the original, the opening is indeed less sharp, more green/herbal and less anised. The lavender on this version is also more round, you don't get the quasi-harshness of the original, which is a little more barbershoper-y. If you know the first formulation, maybe you'll tend to "search" for the more sharp opening, but the more round and, why not, less old-schoolish green accord on this formulation does not dissapoint. Half an hour later, both versions are 90~95% identical, being the original more soapy and this, more herbal; I do get some oakmoss in the drydown, but there is less patchouli, making it less powdery. Overall, this is one of the best reformulations I have smelt on a perfume; it seems that longevity and projection were not affected also. Still getting used to the opening, but i think I was biased with the original one... the fern fantasy accord on this is something very convincing but new to me, so think I need more time to get used to it. 9 out of 10, for now

I was recently in London, staying at a hotel very near the houses of parliament in Westminster, and every morning I would walk across St. James Park in the crisp winter air and pass the hatted, frock-coated men going to their offices and chambers. They all smelled the same: a rich, cool, well-rounded cloud of anise-geranium barbershop-y goodness. It took some poking around these forums to figure out what fragrance-group I was smelling, but once I did I decided I needed to find myself a bottle of something similar. The London men smelled classic and refined, but also clean, timeless, and effortless. I found Rive Gauche recommended a lot, and bought this version blind. It's not as round as how I remember those moving clouds in St. James Park (something tells me they weren't wearing mainstream designer scents) but this is close enough for now, and it's certainly delicious and long lasting. The one thing that bugs me is a slightly bitter, dry note that might be the Oakmoss, which I normally love. I'll definitely be wearing this in the cooler months to find out how it holds up, but so far I'm pleased.

I'm having a YSL reformulation appreciation week and Rive Gauche is a fragrance which I've always had love for. It is quite simply one of the greatest aromatic/fougere fragrances ever created, and I don't say that lightly. My only minor criticism of the original formula was the oakmoss coming on a little strong when first applied. However, there's no such problem here with the modern version as you'd expect but this does make it somehow a paler brew, longevity is definitely effected. Other than that, this is every bit as good in terms of the soft lavender, powdery geranium and woods with a hint of star anise it's pretty special stuff. Progressing well you get a few stages as it dries down revealing some hidden depth, problem is the few times I tried it I found the longevity okay but certainly and notably not as good as the original. Still brilliant and well worth getting if you want to glimpse the spirit of the original. I'm in the market for Rive Gauche (Intense/Extreme?) partly because I've never tried it and I think a spicier hit would be welcome.

I bought la collection version(clear bottle) because i have the vintage tin can but i want to keep it for very special occasions. if an old fan close his eyes and smell this version he will say for sure "this is rive gauche". for me the reformulation is for the 90-95% identical to the vintage, slightly differences are in the opening, more green and less spicy in the new one. the major differences are in the performance. on my skin the vintage is not beastly but the performance is very good, in the reformulated version sillage and longevity are inferiors, not so much but enough to be detected. i love in a big way the original and im very satisfied of the la collection version, i still prefer the original because of the performance and a more rich scent but the new one has the same character and i truly recommend the purchase. grazie a tutti! my vote: 8,5 in one word: barbershop

This is a fantastic fragrance and in my opinion the best of the YSL lineup. Longevity is incredible, lasting days not hours. Sillage is equally impressive at several feet of projection. An extremely masculine scent opening with anise and bergamot, then fern with hints of lavender, cloves and geranium leaves. The dry down brings a wonderfully balanced oakmoss, vetiver and light patchouli underpinned by gaiac wood and slightly animalic white musk. This is an exquisite scent that balances between clean and dirty. No one note is overpowering and the combination is simply fantastic. The woody-musk character is absolutely delicious. Well blended and sexy, at €60, this is a complete steal. It projects a very sophisticated masculinity without being grossly overbearing. A masterpiece for sure, and a modern classic fougere. Highly recommended. This review is for the reformulation.

Old vs. New. I have both the black tin can as well as the newer glass bottle with black sides. These are 95% similar. The main differences are well described in the notes breakdown although I do get star anise from the new version just not as much. I would say the main difference is that the new bottle is brighter and fresher while the old is a deeper woodier fragrance. The older bottle also has a more mossy undertone. This may come as a surprise to many but not only does the newer bottle have a slightly more powerful sillage but also lasts a bit longer as well. All-in-all I prefer the opening of the new one and the drydown of the old one. These fragrances are VERY similar and if all you can get is the newer version then imo it’s not worth dropping big bucks to get an older one. Subjectively, this is a perfect barbershop (shaving cream) aromatic fougere. 10 out of 10

Very similar to Penhaligon Sartorial. Has that same green pickle note in it, there has to be a tinge of sandalwood in this. But not as prominent in this as Sartorial, thus a bit more favorable in my view. A nice fougere, but still doesn't crack my top five of Fougere Royale, BDJ, vintage Armani Eau Pour Homme, Bon Viveur, and Polo Green Cosmair. Coming back to this critique several weeks later. Stand by what I said above, except that it does crack my top threshold of barber scents. The difference between Rive Gauche and At the Barber and Sartorial, which i would say smell very similar, is that this lasts on me for a solid eight hours. My normal knock on fougeres and chypres is their longevity. But this is right up there with BDJ for lasting power. Love it! Almost worth the hype and markup.

Rencently bought a bottle from YSL counter in a department store, batch code indicates Feb 2016 production. Clear glass bottle. Not great performance from this one, getting poor longevity and projection. I have a sample of the vintage which lasts and projects well. A great scent as others have said very clean masculine and versatile. The votes above would indicate a long lasting frag, maybe the black la collection bottles were. The new clear la collection bottle seems to be weak, but some below have said the clear bottle performs well for them. Seems to me to be a bit of a roulette with different batches on this one. Found the same sampling Platinum Egoiste another similarly versatile frag, some bottles it lasts and projects others low projection and gone in an hour or 2.

I am just loving this fragrance (been testing it 3 weeks running now)!! I've requested my wife to gift this for my birthday (in about 2 months). Here in London, UK it costs £62 for the 80ml bottle (La Collection). This fragrance reminds of my childhood. Its strong on Lavender and the definition of "powdery" but in a lovely masculine way. According to the tester bottle, the notes are Lavender, Geranium, Patchouli, Vetiver and Guaiac wood. I just CANNOT stop sniffing my wrists. A masterpiece of sorts. The link to my childhood is that it reminds me of Yardley's Lavender talcum powder, but guys DO NOT let that put you off. I have not tried the original Rive Gauche (black and silver cylindrical tin) so cannot A/B which is better. Can't wait to get this beauty.

Amazing manly for mature men especially good for working or daily basis . The fragrance has barbershop smell clean well groomed kind of shaving foam smell really really good one guys . This thing does smell quite a bit like barbershop or like really nice expensive shaving cream that pretty much it . İt is really nice shaving cream fragrance but it goes a little bit beyond that as well as a very masculine timeless clean fragrance that does it so well it has a very nice high quality ingredient does not smell synthetic whatsoever !! Longevity is amazing after 12 hours you can get the smell and even though after having shower ı can get the smell. You should buy it in my opinion if you like barbershop smell ,ım sure you will not regret it .

Tried this today, there are some similarities between this and the original, but differences also. Dry down both of them are 90% similar but the opening of the original rive gauche is more richer, sweeter and i get the shaving foam vibe on the original more than the new collection, which i love. It's because the star anise which is absent in the new formulation i think. If you find the metal can bottle of the original, don't hesitate, just buy it! Longevity and sillage is awesome on the original. Reformulation has also good longevity but sillage ist eh not so good. And reformulation is more dry during all phases and i smell a bit pepper though it is not listed on reformulation. Original: 9/10 Reform: 7/10

Currently wearing this and let me say (IMO) this really does live up to the hype if barbershop fougeres are your thing. No particular note jumps out as hyper dominant. It’s a very well balanced cohesive fragrance that exudes class and maturity (without being too old school, not that old school is bad, it’s just not like that). To me, it’s very timeless and elegant but not pretentious. It could be dressed down and worn beautifully, BUT if you decide to dress up and give it a wear, you’ll feel like a million bucks. For those that refuse to purchase this due to the rarity price tag, go for “River Fougere” by Dua fragrances. It’s almost identical to Rive Gauche and lasts significantly longer

Never had the chance to try / test / own the original Rive Gauche so it's pointless for me to try comparing RG with this edition. My, this one smells amazing! In my opinion this is an amazing barbershop-like fragrance. This EDT smells masculine, fresh and ultra clean. I'd wear this one casually, for the office, when I go out or even for a date with my wife. Could be MY signature scent in the near future. La Collection RG Pour Homme will complete my arsenal of barbershop fragrances (along with Platinum Égoïste, Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme, Prada Amber Pour Homme and Azzaro Pour Homme). Next purchase: M7 Oud Absolu!!

Love it. Projection is HUGE and longevity is way over 10 hours. I wear 1 single spray to the chest under a shirt and a hoodie and people can smell it 2 feet away. It smells smooth, clean and masculine. Lavender is definitely in there, but it's not sharp as when you put dried lavender flowers under your nose, in RG it's almost creamy, really smooth. And then there is some woody stuff in the background and this gives it a bit of a kick, it makes it spicy. I have never smelled the original version so I can't compare them. For me it's easily 8/10, do yourself a favor and go check it out.

It was a surprise for my husband without testing it. I bought it because of the reviews here. He fell in love immediately. He was absolutely impressed by it. It is really an amazing fragrance. Very masculine and powerful. I haven ́t tried the original version, but this is gorgeous. I have also Rive Gauche for women and I must say that there is obviously relationship between them. I can feel some similarity. But both really beautiful. This is the smell of a modern gentleman, I don ́t think it is dated. I must agree that it ́s a timeless classic.