Givenchy Amarige Ylang Ylang De Mayotte 2006: A Rare Tropical Elixir of Pure Opulence
Discover the intoxicating allure of this limited edition masterpiece.
Ah, Givenchy Amarige Ylang Ylang De Mayotte 2006. Just the name whispers of distant shores, of sun-drenched skin, and the intoxicating allure of the exotic. This isn't merely a fragrance; it's an olfactory passport, a meticulously crafted journey to the heart of Mayotte, an island jewel in the Comoros archipelago, where the air itself is perfumed by the majestic ylang-ylang flower. Launched in 2006 as a limited edition, this iteration of the beloved Amarige line was a bold, tropical departure, designed to capture the essence of an island paradise in a bottle. It emerged during a period when niche and limited edition fragrances were gaining traction, offering discerning consumers unique olfactory experiences beyond the mainstream. Amarige, since its inception, has been synonymous with joy, celebration, and a certain radiant femininity. This particular rendition aimed to amplify that spirit, infusing it with the creamy, narcotic sweetness of ylang-ylang, a note often associated with sensuality and tranquility.
Positioned as a luxurious, limited-edition offering within the Givenchy fragrance portfolio, Amarige Ylang Ylang De Mayotte 2006 was a collector's item from the moment it debuted. It stood apart from the more universally accessible Amarige EDT and EDP, offering a more concentrated, evocative, and arguably, more complex interpretation. Its market positioning was clearly at the higher end, appealing to those who sought exclusivity and a narrative woven into their scent. The concept was pure escapism: to bottle the feeling of standing under a canopy of ylang-ylang trees, the humid air thick with their intoxicating perfume, the sun warming your skin. It was a celebration of nature's most opulent floral, presented through the sophisticated lens of a renowned French luxury house. This limited edition wasn't just about smelling good; it was about evoking a dream, a memory of a place, or the aspiration for one.
The inspiration behind Amarige Ylang Ylang De Mayotte 2006 was a vivid, sensory tapestry. Imagine the lush, verdant landscapes of Mayotte, where ylang-ylang trees, with their star-shaped blossoms, are cultivated for their precious essential oil. The fragrance was conceived to translate the entire experience: the creamy, slightly fruity, intensely floral aroma of the ylang-ylang itself, mingled with the warmth of the tropical sun, the gentle caress of the ocean breeze, and the subtle, earthy undertones of the island's flora. It was a move away from the brighter, more effervescent Amarige to a deeper, more sensual, and profoundly floral heart. The perfumer sought to capture not just the scent of the flower, but the feeling of being immersed in its world – a world of vibrant color, languid days, and intoxicating nights.
In the fragrance community, Amarige Ylang Ylang De Mayotte 2006 holds a special place, particularly among collectors and lovers of ylang-ylang. It's often spoken of with a fond nostalgia, a testament to its unique character and its fleeting availability. While the original Amarige has enjoyed enduring popularity, this limited edition is remembered for its distinctive tropical embrace, its rich, creamy texture, and its remarkable ability to transport the wearer. It’s a scent that, when found, is cherished. It represents a particular era of Givenchy's fragrance artistry, where limited editions served as olfactory postcards, capturing specific moods and destinations. Its reputation is that of a rare gem, a deeply floral, sun-kissed elixir that offers a luxurious escape from the everyday.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Sophie Labbé. A highly respected perfumer, Sophie Labbé is known for her elegant and sophisticated creations, often featuring prominent floral notes. She has contributed to many successful fragrances for major houses, including Lancôme Idôle, Bvlgari Pour Homme Soir, and Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Essence de Parfum. Her work on Amarige Ylang Ylang De Mayotte 2006 beautifully highlights the creamy, narcotic facets of ylang-ylang.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The opening is a vibrant, juicy sweetness from the plum and mandarin, brightened by the delicate, slightly honeyed aroma of orange blossom. It’s an immediate invitation to a sunnier disposition, a cheerful greeting that hints at the richer depths to follow. It’s not sharp or overtly citrusy, but rather a soft, yielding sweetness that feels welcoming and optimistic.
As the top notes gracefully recede, the true magic of Amarige Ylang Ylang De Mayotte 2006 emerges. The creamy, narcotic, and intensely floral heart of ylang-ylang takes center stage. It’s a lush, almost buttery floral note, beautifully complemented by the indolic richness of jasmine, the classic elegance of rose, and the intoxicating sweetness of tuberose. The peach note adds a subtle, juicy undertone, preventing the florals from becoming too heavy. This phase is pure, unadulterated tropical bloom, exuding sensuality and warmth.
The base notes provide a luxurious, comforting embrace that allows the fragrance to linger beautifully. Creamy sandalwood weaves through the fading florals, adding a smooth, woody texture. Vanilla and tonka bean introduce a gourmand-sweet, powdery warmth, while musk provides a subtle sensuality. This stage is less about projection and more about a personal, intimate scent bubble, a warm, creamy, and subtly sweet skin scent that whispers of exotic nights and lingering memories.
Performance Dashboard
This fragrance is a true performer. On skin, it can easily last 8-10 hours, and on clothing, even longer. It's a scent that stays with you, a faithful companion through a long day or a captivating evening.
The projection is beautifully balanced. For the first 3-4 hours, it creates a noticeable aura around the wearer, drawing people in without being overwhelming. It announces your presence with elegance and warmth.
The sillage is moderate but distinct. It leaves a beautiful, creamy, floral trail that is noticeable and memorable, like the lingering scent of flowers after a warm rain. It’s enough to be noticed and appreciated, but not so much as to be intrusive.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Incredibly unique and intoxicating ylang-ylang focus.
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and a beautiful, warm drydown.
- ✅ Evokes a sense of tropical paradise and luxurious escape.
- ✅ Highly sensual and feminine, with a captivating allure.
- ✅ Beautifully blended floral heart that feels rich and creamy.
- ❌ Can be perceived as too strong or sweet by some.
- ❌ Limited availability makes it difficult to find and expensive.
- ❌ The floral intensity might not be for everyone, especially lovers of clean or minimalist scents.
Price & Value
“Given its rarity and the quality of the ingredients and composition, it's often considered worth the investment for dedicated collectors and lovers of this specific scent profile. Its value lies not just in the fragrance itself, but in its exclusivity and the experience it offers.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a limited edition from 2006, the primary concern for this fragrance is its age and the potential degradation of older juice, rather than significant reformulations in the typical sense. However, due to its age, storage conditions of any available bottles will be paramount. If you are lucky enough to find a bottle, it's crucial to check for signs of oxidation or changes in scent profile. There are no widely documented reformulations of this specific limited edition in the way one might see for a mass-market staple. Any variations would likely be due to the natural aging of the perfume oils over time.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial moments are a bright, slightly zesty whisper of neroli and petitgrain, a gentle awakening before the heart of the fragrance unfurls.
The ylang-ylang blooms in a creamy, narcotic embrace, supported by the delicate sweetness of mimosa and the lushness of gardenia. It's a full-bodied floral symphony, rich and intoxicating.
A smooth, woody foundation of sandalwood and precious woods emerges, warmed by a hint of amber. The drydown is a sophisticated, lingering embrace, a soft murmur of the opulent floral heart.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a significant 8-10 hours on the skin.
Projects beautifully for the first few hours, creating an alluring aura.
Leaves a noticeable, elegant trail.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Intensely floral and opulent
- ✅ Rich ylang-ylang focus
- ✅ Excellent longevity and sillage
- ✅ Rare and collectible
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Can be heavy for some
- ❌ Limited availability
Price & Value
“A premium price for a rare, concentrated experience.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a limited edition from 2006, batch variations are possible, though the focus on high-quality ylang-ylang essence suggests a consistent, rich profile.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The opening is an immediate, opulent wave of plum and orange blossom, richer and less citrus-sharp than the EDT. The ylang-ylang announces itself instantly, a deep, narcotic floral heart that feels almost tangible.
The heart is a dense, velvety tapestry of white flowers. The jasmine and tuberose are more pronounced, wrapping around the ylang-ylang's creamy core. The peach note becomes a lush, jammy fruitiness that melds seamlessly into the florals, creating a profoundly sensual and warm aura.
The drydown is a luxurious, skin-hugging embrace of sandalwood and vanilla, amplified by a noticeable amber accord not as prominent in the EDT. The musk is softer, the tonka bean sweeter, resulting in a long-lasting, intimate, and slightly powdery finish that feels like a cherished memory.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptionally long-lasting, easily 12+ hours on skin, lingering on fabric for days.
Projects with a potent, dense aura for 5-6 hours before settling closer to the skin.
Leaves a heavy, intoxicating trail that announces your presence and lingers in a room.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unmatched depth and richness
- ✅ Legendary longevity and sillage
- ✅ More complex, ambery drydown
- ✅ A true vintage powerhouse experience
- ❌ Very high price due to rarity
- ❌ Can be overwhelming in modern settings
- ❌ Less versatile, best for special occasions
- ❌ Heavier, less 'fresh' than the EDT
Price & Value
“A premium, often collector's price for a more concentrated, potent, and complex formulation of the classic.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a 2006 release, this Parfum represents a specific, now-discontinued formulation. It is notably richer, denser, and more animalic in its floral heart compared to later EDT productions. Sourcing is from the secondary market, so bottle condition and storage history cause significant variation.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 25-55 who appreciate rich, floral fragrances with a sensual and exotic twist.
- Those who are confident, joyful, and embrace their feminine allure.
- Lovers of ylang-ylang, tuberose, and creamy, warm scents.
- Individuals with a vibrant, perhaps bohemian personality, who appreciate luxury and unique experiences.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Individuals who prefer minimalist, aquatic, or very fresh citrus scents.
- Those sensitive to strong floral notes or find ylang-ylang too potent.
- Conservative office environments where subtlety is paramount.
The Family
The original, iconic, and widely beloved version.
A more concentrated and richer iteration of the original.
A celebratory flanker designed for weddings.
Another limited edition from the same era, focusing on mimosa.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a warm, creamy, slightly floral and woody profile with a sensual drydown.
Known for its rich, creamy sandalwood and opulent floral heart, particularly jasmine and iris.
While more overtly spicy and dark, it shares an intense, narcotic floral character with a powerful jasmine and ylang-ylang presence.
Shares a rich, oriental floral character with a sweet, spicy, and opulent feel, though more resinous and less tropical.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Offers a strong, creamy white floral experience, though with a more pronounced tiare flower.
Often cited for its sweet, vanilla-laden, and slightly floral profile that can evoke a similar warmth, though less complex.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its warm, fruity-floral, and powdery sweetness.
A classic, bold floral with a strong, joyful presence.
For its modern, sophisticated floral bouquet, particularly its rose and lily of the valley notes.
A timeless, classic floral that embodies elegance and femininity.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Vanilla-based fragrances
- Light, creamy musks
- Sandalwood-focused scents
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Amarige Ylang Ylang De Mayotte 2006 is not just a fragrance; it's an experience, a fleeting moment of pure olfactory bliss captured from a sun-drenched island paradise. If you are a devotee of opulent florals, particularly the intoxicating and creamy allure of ylang-ylang, then this is a scent that demands to be sought out. Its performance is exceptional, its scent profile is unique and memorable, and its ability to transport you to a world of tropical luxury is unparalleled. While its limited edition status and age make it a rare find, the effort to acquire a bottle, if you can find one in good condition, will be richly rewarded. It’s a testament to Givenchy's artistry and a beautiful reminder of the power of fragrance to evoke emotion and memory. For those who cherish rarity, sensuality, and the radiant joy of a perfectly rendered floral, Amarige Ylang Ylang De Mayotte 2006 is an absolute treasure, an olfactory vacation in a bottle that will leave you feeling radiant, confident, and utterly captivating.