A century ago, in 1917, François Coty launched "Chypre", a fragrance that became legendary and turned the world of perfumery on its head. The formula of this complex and sophisticated fragrance marked a turning point by introducing an unprecedented combination of citrus fruits, flowers, woods and amber notes. This blend has influenced generations of perfumers, inspiring iconic creations such as Guerlain's Mitsouko, Robert Piguet's Bandit and Miss Dior Esprit de Parfum Original.
At a recent conference at the Osmothèque, enthusiasts rediscovered this legendary fragrance, whose formula has not been marketed since the 1950s. For Jean Kerléo, Honorary President of the French Perfumers' Society, "Chypre" is the "golden number" of perfume, a perfect balance between elegance and sensuality. Its complex notes, combining bergamot, rose, jasmine, patchouli, oakmoss and cistus labdanum, make it a unique and elitist fragrance, less commercial and more cerebral than the others.
Today, chypre continues to fascinate and challenge young designers, seducing a global audience with its timeless, mysterious elegance. The fruity notes add a new facet to these creations, which aim to add modernity and addiction to this mysterious accord.
Similarly, due to regulatory restrictions, oak moss has been restricted or replaced by synthetic notes such as Evernyl, which continues to play its role as a second skin for exceptional persistence.
