I like clove and usually enjoy the pairing with its cousin carnation. A great example for that is vintage Coty L'Origan, a perfume rich in character and plot twists. Caron also have the classic Bellodgia, a perfume that's all about carnations in the sun. I don't have a truly vintage sample of Poivre on hand (it was launched in 1954), so I can't tell if the chemical-medicinal aura I get is a result of an extremely poor reformulation. I can't truly dislike it: my grandfather was a dentist and Poivre smells exactly like his hands. A couple of weeks ago would have been my grandpa's 100th birthday, and since I don't have any Old Spice around here, Caron will have to do.
The late dry-down of Poivre offers some an improvement. It's sweeter, woodsier, and frankly smells a little more expensive. Caron Poivre is worth sampling, of course, but if you have clove issues it'd be wise to stay far far away.
Different sources list different notes: red pepper, black pepper, clove, carnation, ylang ylang, opoponax, sandalwood, vetiver, oakmoss. Or: pepper, clove, geranium rose base, jasmine, tuberose, carnation bouquet.
Caron Poivre extrait de parfum ($100, 7.5ml) is available from Caron boutiques around the world; also at Luckyscent.
Vintage Caron Poivre ads (circa 1955) from an onine auction.
I love Poivre, it might be my favourite Caron fountain scent. Got mine seven years ago in Brussels. I got the impression that it was rarely requested and when the SAs asked which sample I would like to get with my purchase, I asked for Coup de Fouet. When they filled the sample vial with it, they spilled some and got marveling at how nice it was.
ReplyDeleteI really need to give the CdF version another sniff. It's been a while.
ReplyDeleteI got Poivre last Christmas. It was given to me by my sister also living in Brussels. I fell in love with it the moment I had it.
ReplyDeleteThe sad part is that Coup de Fouet is probably discontinued. Last time I was in the NYC boutique no Coup, though there was Poivre and I did buy it. That was perhaps a year ago. Caron are a strange company that don't have an efficient, or it seems any, PR. You never know what is going on with them.
ReplyDeletePoivre is one Caron I have not tried. Thank you for the update on this. There is one Caron review I am waiting for especially, however. I will see if you can get to it.
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