Our take
What does Arpège smell like?
Created in 1927 for Jeanne Lanvin, reportedly as a tribute to her musically gifted daughter, Arpège takes its name from music and is built the same way: its notes unfold rather than announce themselves. The opening fizzes with aldehydes, softened by velvety peach and bright bergamot, giving that soapy shimmer typical of the great interwar floral aldehydes. The heart gathers rose, jasmine and lily of the valley into a seamless bouquet where no single flower takes the lead. The base is where it gains depth: creamy sandalwood, restrained vanilla and dry vetiver hold everything together with a woody, almost felted finish. Less famous than some of its peers, it shares their abstract sophistication.
When to wear it
Cool days, the office or dinner out; it suits lovers of classic florals who enjoy a slightly aloof kind of elegance.
It belongs to the Floral, Powdery family. Arpège is one of 1 creations by Lanvin in our encyclopedia.
