Givenchy Ange Ou Demon Le Parfum Review: The Discontinued Gem Worth The Hunt
A deep dive into the customizable, dual-bottle fragrance that became a cult classic.
In 2015, Givenchy took a creative risk. In a market saturated with predictable flankers, the house launched Ange Ou Demon Le Parfum, accompanied by a mysterious vial named 'Accord Illicite'. This wasn't just another fragrance; it was an interactive concept. It offered wearers the power to customize their scent, shifting it from sophisticated floral-leather to a dark, provocative elixir with a single drop. This two-part system was a bold statement, blurring the line between mainstream designer accessibility and niche artistry.
Positioned as the most luxurious and sensual member of the Ange Ou Demon family, Le Parfum was a departure from its predecessors. While the original 2006 EDP was famous for its polarizing saffron-lily accord, Le Parfum forged a new identity around a heart of Sambac jasmine and supple leather, grounded by a rich base of amber, vanilla, and patchouli. It targeted a discerning consumer, one who sought depth, performance, and a touch of theatricality in their fragrance wardrobe.
The concept was a fragrance of duality, perfectly embodying the 'Angel or Demon' name. The Parfum itself represents the 'Angel'—a radiant, yet assertive, floralcy. The 'Demon' is the Accord Illicite, a concentrated tincture of the base notes designed to amplify the scent's darker, more carnal facets. This innovative approach allowed for a personalized scent experience, a feature that was—and still is—rare in the designer space.
Its discontinuation has only cemented its legendary status within the fragrance community. What was once an intriguing new release is now a highly sought-after collector's item. It is remembered not just for its beautiful scent but for its daring concept and exceptional quality. For those who own it, it’s a treasured gem; for those who seek it, it represents a pinnacle of creative designer perfumery that is increasingly hard to find.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Lucas Sieuzac and Evelyne Boulanger. Sieuzac is the nose behind complex scents like Amouage Jubilation XXV and Creed Royal Oud. Boulanger has created for niche houses like L'Artisan Parfumeur, showcasing a flair for unique compositions.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A bright, yet deep opening. Juicy tangerine and sweet orange blossom provide an initial burst of light, but the presence of jasmine and a smooth leather accord is immediately noticeable, preventing it from being a simple citrus floral.
The heart of the fragrance. The citrus notes recede, allowing the rich, heady Sambac jasmine to bloom fully. It intertwines with a supple, non-smoky leather note, creating a sensual, sophisticated push-and-pull between floral and animalic.
A long, luxurious finish. The base is a warm, enveloping blend of amber and creamy vanilla, with earthy patchouli adding depth. The white musk gives it a skin-like warmth. With the Accord Illicite, this phase is much darker, with amplified leather and a smokier vanilla.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional. Lasts a full 10-12 hours on skin, and can linger on clothes for days. A true powerhouse performer.
Projects strongly for the first 3-4 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble. It settles closer after that but remains easily detectable.
Leaves a heavy, alluring trail that is guaranteed to be noticed. It's captivating without being aggressively loud.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique customizable concept with the Accord Illicite.
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and sillage.
- ✅ Luxurious and complex scent profile that feels niche.
- ✅ A bold, statement-making fragrance that stands out.
- ❌ Discontinued and very difficult to find.
- ❌ High price on the resale market.
- ❌ Can be overpowering if not applied with a light hand.
- ❌ The leather-jasmine combination can be polarizing.
Price & Value
“For collectors and die-hard fans of the scent, it's a worthy investment. For casual buyers, the price is prohibitive. The quality is undeniable, but the value is subjective due to its rarity.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variations are widely reported for this fragrance during its production run. The primary concern for buyers today is the age and storage condition of remaining bottles on the resale market.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray opens with a bright burst of tangerine and a delicate, sweet orange blossom, offering a fresh yet complex introduction.
As it settles, the heart reveals a rich blend of creamy Sambac jasmine and a distinct, smooth leather accord, adding depth and a sophisticated edge.
The drydown becomes a warm, enveloping embrace of white musk, earthy patchouli, and a luxurious combination of amber and vanilla, leaving a long-lasting, sensual trail.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 10-12 hours on skin, often longer on clothing.
Strong projection for the first 3-4 hours, then settles to a moderate radius.
Leaves a noticeable, heavy trail, making its presence known without being overpowering.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Richer, deeper scent profile
- ✅ Excellent longevity
- ✅ Complex and multifaceted
- ✅ Strong, elegant projection
- ❌ Premium price point
- ❌ Can be too heavy for some
- ❌ Less versatile for warm weather
Price & Value
“The higher price is justified by its exceptional longevity and luxurious, complex scent profile.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A bright and zesty burst of tangerine, complemented by a subtle sweetness of red berries, creating an immediate fresh impression.
The heart unfolds into a luminous blend of orange blossom and a lighter, more ethereal sambac jasmine, retaining the floral core of the line.
Settles into a clean, soft embrace of white musk, a hint of creamy vanilla, and the gentle warmth of cashmere wood, offering a delicate and approachable finish.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 3-4 hours, requiring reapplication for extended wear.
Offers moderate projection for the first 1-2 hours, then becomes a close skin scent.
Leaves a soft, intimate trail, less pronounced than the Le Parfum.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Lighter and fresher interpretation of the scent.
- ✅ More versatile for daytime and warmer weather.
- ✅ Lower price point than the Le Parfum.
- ✅ Less intense, suitable for office or casual settings.
- ❌ Significantly shorter longevity compared to Le Parfum.
- ❌ Less complex and deep than the Le Parfum.
- ❌ Requires frequent reapplication to maintain presence.
- ❌ May lack the signature intensity desired by fans of the EDP.
Price & Value
“A more accessible price point for those seeking a lighter, everyday wear version of the Ange Ou Demon Le Parfum scent profile.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women 25+
- Individuals who enjoy bold, statement fragrances
- Fans of leather, dark florals, and amber scents
- Someone with a confident, sophisticated, and slightly mysterious style.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer light, fresh, or aquatic scents
- Daytime or office wear
- Beginners in the fragrance world, as it can be overpowering.
The Family
The original 2006 Eau de Parfum that started the line.
A much lighter, fresher, and more popular flanker with tea and cranberry notes.
A softer, more delicate Eau de Toilette version of the original.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar deep, sensual vanilla and white floral DNA, particularly in older formulations.
Evokes a similar dark, sophisticated, and ambery-sweet feeling.
A bold composition of jasmine and vanilla with a warm, powerful base.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Often cited as an inspiration/clone that captures the dark jasmine and leather essence.
A European clone house that offers a direct interpretation of the Ange ou Demon Le Parfum scent profile.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who appreciate classic, complex orientals with leather and vanilla.
For wearers who love bold, statement-making white florals.
Offers a similar rich, ambery, and complex profile with a different spice blend.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple, non-sweet vanilla fragrance to amplify the creamy base.
- A single-note sandalwood scent to enhance the woody, smooth facets.
- A light touch of a rose fragrance to create a unique 'floral leather' accord.
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Ange Ou Demon Le Parfum & Accord Illicite is a modern masterpiece of designer perfumery. It is bold, complex, and brilliantly conceived. The ability to customize the scent's intensity with the Accord Illicite sets it apart, offering a level of personalization rarely seen on a department store shelf.
This is a fragrance for making an entrance. It's for the person who dresses with intention and whose fragrance is a final, essential accessory. The blend of luminous jasmine, supple leather, and warm amber is both timeless and edgy. Its performance is undeniable, lasting through any evening event with a captivating sillage.
While its discontinued status makes it a difficult and expensive pursuit, it remains a benchmark for creative excellence. If you are a serious fragrance collector or someone who deeply loves dark, sensual scents and you find a bottle, it is an unequivocal purchase. It’s more than a perfume; it’s an experience and a piece of fragrance history.