The story of Givenchy
Hubert de Givenchy presented his first collection in Paris in 1952, bringing an aristocratic, pared-back and graphic elegance to couture. His friendship with Audrey Hepburn, whom he dressed both on and off screen, became one of the most celebrated collaborations in fashion. In 1957 he founded his perfume company and launched L'Interdit, which, according to house lore, was first reserved for the actress before being offered to the public. The house joined the LVMH group in the late 1980s. In fragrance, Very Irrésistible marked a generation in 2003 with its fresh, anise-tinged rose. Gentleman, a name that goes back to a 1970s masculine, was reinvented in 2017 around iris. L'Interdit was reborn in 2018 in a modern version, followed in 2021 by the spicier L'Interdit Rouge, confirming the name as the house's central pillar.
An olfactory signature
Givenchy loves the contrast between light and shadow. L'Interdit places radiant tuberose, orange blossom and jasmine over a dark base of vetiver, patchouli and ambroxan; L'Interdit Rouge adds ginger, blood orange and pimento. Gentleman pairs powdery iris and orange blossom with patchouli, black vanilla and a refined leather. Very Irrésistible and Irresistible play a lighter rose, anise-tinged or fruity, over soft musk. Across the range, polish and poise matter more than volume.
Which Givenchy perfume to choose?
For a woman who loves white flowers with a hint of mystery, L'Interdit is the heart of the range; L'Interdit Rouge makes it spicier and more flamboyant. Very Irrésistible suits lovers of fresh rose, while Irresistible appeals to those who prefer a more modern fruity, musky rose. For men, Gentleman is a refined iris woody floral, ideal for evenings.
