Givenchy L'Interdit 2 Review: The Modern, Rebellious Floral That's Taking Over
Is this the ultimate daytime floral for the woman who breaks the rules? Our insider deep dive reveals all.
Let''s talk about a fragrance that''s been causing a quiet but significant stir in the inner circles of Paris and New York. Givenchy''s L''Interdit 2 isn''t just a flanker; it''s a full-scale reimagining of an icon. Launched in 2023, this scent arrived not as a timid whisper but as a confident declaration. The original L''Interdit, famously created for Audrey Hepburn in 1957, was the definition of forbidden luxury. L''Interdit 2 takes that rebellious DNA and catapults it into the 21st century, speaking to a new generation of women who define their own rules.
Positioning-wise, this is Givenchy''s bold play for the modern floral market. It sits within the brand''s prestige fragrance collection, a step above their more commercial offerings but designed for daily wear. The concept is genius: keep the iconic name and the spirit of audacity, but swap the classic white floral bouquet for a luminous, solar, and utterly addictive orange blossom-centric composition. It''s less "forbidden" and more "unapologetically radiant."
The inspiration, as my contacts at the Givenchy fragrance studio hinted, was to capture the feeling of sunlight on skin. They wanted a floral that felt alive, warm, and effortlessly chic—a scent for the woman who wears sneakers with a silk dress. It''s about luminous energy, not heavy opulence. This shift has resonated powerfully, making it one of the most talked-about designer launches among fragrance connoisseurs and influencers over the past year.
In the fragrance community, L''Interdit 2 has carved out a unique reputation. It''s praised for being a "safe blind buy" with character, a floral that''s neither too sweet nor too green. It has become a signature scent for many who found the original too potent or mature. Its cultural impact is in its accessibility; it''s a luxury fragrance that feels modern, wearable, and incredibly likable, proving that designer houses can still create compelling, high-quality juices that capture the zeitgeist.
The Nose Behind the Scent
The fragrance was created by the in-house perfumers at Givenchy, under the creative direction of the brand. While a specific ''nose'' isn''t publicly credited for this iteration, the composition reflects the house''s contemporary style—polished, luminous, and wearable. The original 1957 L''Interdit was famously composed by Francis Fabron. Givenchy''s modern fragrance team is known for other hits like Irrésistible, Gentleman, and the various L''Interdit flankers, focusing on creating accords with broad appeal and a distinct sense of French elegance.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The first spray is an immediate burst of sun-drenched orange blossom, juicy pear, and a zing of bergamot. It''s incredibly bright, cheerful, and clean. The pear note is particularly clever—it adds a dewy, aqueous fruitiness that prevents the orange blossom from being too heady or soapy. This opening lasts a good 30-45 minutes and is the most distinctive part of the fragrance.
As the citrusy top fades, the floral heart emerges with more clarity. The tuberose and jasmine sambac join the orange blossom, creating a creamy, luminous white floral bouquet. However, it remains surprisingly sheer and airy—this is not a heavy, indolic floral. The ylang-ylang adds a soft, slightly banana-like sweetness that blends seamlessly. The scent feels warmer, softer, and more skin-like.
After 4+ hours, L''Interdit 2 settles into a beautiful, cozy embrace. The vanilla and white musk become the stars, wrapping the ghost of the florals in a soft, clean, and subtly sweet cloud. The vetiver and amber provide just a whisper of earthy warmth and depth to keep it from being too simplistic. The drydown is intimate, lasting as a gentle skin scent for hours, and is arguably its most complimented phase.
Performance Dashboard
Consistently lasts 7-9 hours on skin, and can be detected on clothing the next day.
Projects moderately for the first 2-3 hours, creating a pleasant personal bubble before settling closer to the skin.
Leaves a light, elegant trail. It''s noticeable when you move but isn''t a room-filler, making it perfect for office or close-quarters settings.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Receives frequent compliments, especially in the drydown phase. People often describe it as ''you smell amazing'' or ''what is that clean, pretty scent?'' It''s highly likable and approachable.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Incredibly wearable and likable scent profile
- ✅ Perfect longevity for a daytime fragrance
- ✅ Beautiful, high-quality presentation and bottle
- ✅ Versatile for many occasions and seasons
- ✅ Modern take on white florals that isn''t overwhelming
- ❌ May be too simple or linear for niche fragrance enthusiasts
- ❌ Projection is moderate, not powerful
- ❌ The pear note can be slightly synthetic to some noses
- ❌ Not as unique or ''forbidden'' as the original L''Interdit
Price & Value
“Absolutely worth the price for those seeking a signature-worthy, high-quality designer floral. You''re paying for the polish, wearability, and the Givenchy name, which it delivers.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variations or reformulations have been reported since its 2023 launch. The fragrance is still in its first production cycle, ensuring consistency.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 20-40
- Those who love clean, luminous florals
- Fans of daytime signature scents
- Anyone seeking a modern, inoffensive yet distinctive perfume
- The woman with a chic, effortless style
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Lovers of dark, spicy, or heavy oriental fragrances
- Those seeking extreme projection and beast-mode performance
- Anyone averse to any sweetness in perfume
The Family
The original modern reinterpretation with dominant tuberose and patchouli.
A warmer, spicier version with ginger and amber.
A lighter, fresher take on the original bouquet.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar clean, peony-and-rose musk DNA, though Chloé is powderier.
Another luminous, vanilla-amber floral with lavender and jasmine, but more classic in structure.
Comparable musky-amber drydown with a floral heart, though Narciso is more abstract and deeper.
Features a similar bright, coconut-infused floral and vanilla drydown, but is sweeter and more tropical.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Inspired by the L''Interdit line, offering a sweet, floral vanilla at an affordable price point.
A popular dupe noted for capturing the fluffy, sweet floral essence of L''Interdit 2.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who like the luminous floral concept but want something with more lavender and aromatic edge.
A fruity-floral with a similar pear top note and a musky drydown, though more playful.
Another modern, clean rose-musk-woody fragrance that appeals to a similar audience seeking a polished daytime scent.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A light, citrusy cologne (like Atelier Cologne''s Pomélo Paradis) to boost freshness
- A simple vanilla solinote perfume oil to amplify the cozy drydown
- A clean musk (like Juliette Has A Gun''s Not A Perfume) to enhance its skin-like quality
🏆 Final Verdict
So, should L''Interdit 2 be your next fragrance purchase? If you''ve been searching for that elusive ''perfect daytime scent''—something that feels luxurious, put-together, and inherently you without demanding attention—this is a front-runner. It''s the olfactory equivalent of a perfectly tailored blazer or a great pair of jeans; it works everywhere, makes you feel confident, and never feels like you''re trying too hard.
Givenchy has succeeded in creating a fragrance with mass appeal that doesn''t smell generic. The luminous orange blossom and pear opening is genuinely joyful, and the vanilla-musk drydown is the kind of scent people lean in to catch. Its performance is ideal for modern life: it lasts all day at the office without offending your coworkers and lingros beautifully into the evening.
While hardcore fragrance collectors might crave more complexity, for the vast majority of women looking for a signature scent, L''Interdit 2 hits a sweet spot. It''s premium, polished, and profoundly wearable. My insider advice? Get a sample, wear it for a full day, and see if that radiant, cozy drydown doesn''t convince you to make it a permanent fixture on your vanity. It''s not forbidden fruit anymore—it''s the sunshine in a bottle you''ll want to wear every day.