Carven Le Parfum

Carven Le Parfum // Belle Belle Beauty

I may be a beauty junkie, but I also have a deep and profound love for fashion. Particularly the history of fashion. So when I found out the house of Carven, founded in 1945, was launching its only third scent, I knew I was on board to love it. I’ve been wearing it the past couple weeks and have fallen. Surprisingly though since it is quite the juxtoposition to the more masculine scents I usually love.

The founder of Carven, Carmen de Tommaso, “Madame” Carven, was short in stature, but transformed the way women looked at their wardrobe. She was free from convention but still with a great sense of style. Known for lines that lengthened the figure, she gave new meaning to the décolleté. (PS – she also invente the half-cup uplift bra in 1950.)

Her scents were “Ma Griffe” in 1946 and “Vétiver” in 1957. “Ma Griffe”, a chypré fragrance, was inspired by the grace of a light summer dress swaying in a soft breeze. The perfumer Jean Carles celebrated the launch of the fragrance by releasing thousands of samples into the skies over Paris. “Vétiver”, the father of many fragrances in its family, was born in 1957 in a salute to Philippe Mallet, Madame Carven’s first husband. “Vétiver” made an instant name for itself and continues today to enjoy great success among men.

In 2009, Guillaume Henry was asked to take over the artistic direction of the fashion House, making for a huge hit in both celebrities and buyers alike. The house now is making a splash with the launch of its third fragrance, Carven Le Parfum, made by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. It has a simple effervesance while still being very feminine.

The main notes include:

  • Mandarin Blossom
  • White Hyacinth
  • Sweet Pea
  • Jasmine
  • Ylang Ylang
  • White Sandal Wood
  • Osmanthus
  • Indonesian Patchouli

On me, the scent dries down floral and almost powdery, soft and perfect for summer. Almost as good as the scent itself, the packaging is inspired by freshness with the classic Carvan green stripe and architectural lettering.

The scent is exclusively at Saks and hits counters on Thursday. Right now through Thursday is Saks’ Spend$Some, Get$Some event – shop and receive a gift card!

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AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

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