Givenchy L'Interdit

Givenchy L'Interdit Eau de Parfum Review: A Modern Tuberose Icon

Dominique Ropion, Anne Flipo, and Fanny Bal reimagine a classic for a new generation.

By James Whitmore, Fragrance News Reporter · · Updated

James covers releases, brand news, and industry shifts in fine fragrance. Former beauty desk editor; trained nose since 2014.

When Givenchy revived the legendary L'Interdit in 2018, the fragrance world took notice. Originally created for Audrey Hepburn, the name itself—French for 'forbidden'—carries a legacy of elegance and rebellion. The new L'Interdit Eau de Parfum is not a mere reissue; it is a bold reinterpretation that speaks to today's woman while nodding to its glamorous past.

This modern version swaps the original's aldehydic floral structure for a lush, tuberose-forward composition that feels both familiar and daring. With a team of three perfumers—Dominique Ropion, Anne Flipo, and Fanny Bal—Givenchy has crafted a scent that is at once creamy, sweet, and slightly animalic, wrapped in a sleek black bottle that screams luxury.

In this review, we break down the notes, performance, and overall appeal of L'Interdit EDP, using verified data from Fragrantica and our own testing to give you an honest, factual assessment.

4.0 Overall
Longevity
0.0
Projection
0.0
Sillage
0.0
$115-$195 USD (80ml EDP)
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter

Accords

white floral tuberose sweet citrus woody patchouli vanilla fruity animalic

Notes Pyramid

Top
PearBergamot
Heart
TuberoseOrange BlossomJasmine Sambac
Base
PatchouliVanillaAmbroxanVetiver

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity

6-8 hours

📢 Projection

Moderate – projects well for the first two hours, then settles closer to the skin.

💨 Sillage

Moderate – leaves a noticeable trail within arm's length, but not overwhelming.

When to Wear

🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterBest
💕 date night📌 evening wear✨ special occasions

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.0
⏱️ Longevity
4.0
💨 Sillage
3.8
💰 Value
4.1
💌 Compliment Factor 0.0/5

7.5/10 – The sweet, creamy tuberose often draws compliments, especially in cooler weather. Some may find it too sweet for daytime, but for evenings it's a crowd-pleaser.

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Beautiful, high-quality tuberose note that feels both lush and modern
  • ✅ Good longevity (6-8 hours) for an EDP
  • ✅ Versatile for evening wear and special occasions
  • ✅ Elegant, iconic bottle design
  • ❌ May be too sweet for those who prefer green or fresh florals
  • ❌ Moderate projection – not a beast mode fragrance
  • ❌ Some users report a synthetic edge from ambroxan in the drydown
  • ❌ Price point is high for the size (80ml)

Price & Value

$115-$195 USD (80ml EDP)

“Premium pricing typical for designer niche-leaning releases. Value is fair given the quality of ingredients and brand prestige, but budget-conscious buyers may want to test before committing.”

📜 Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported. Consistency across batches is generally good, though some users note slight differences in tuberose intensity depending on production year.

The Family

L'Interdit Intense
L'Interdit Rouge
L'Interdit Absolu
L'Interdit Eau de Toilette Givenchy

Explore More

🔍 Similar Fragrances

Givenchy L'Interdit (original 1957)
Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium
Valentino Donna Born in Roma Valentino
Carolina Herrera Good Girl
Dior Poison Girl

💡 Clone Alternatives

No well-known clones; the unique tuberose-ambroxan blend is difficult to replicate at lower price points.

❤️ You May Also Enjoy

Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower
Robert Piguet Fracas
Diptyque Do Son
Byredo La Tulipe

🧪 Layering Ideas

🏆 Final Verdict

Givenchy L'Interdit EDP is a successful modern reinterpretation of a classic. Its creamy tuberose and ambroxan base offer a compelling balance of tradition and trend. While not groundbreaking, it delivers reliable performance and high compliment potential for evening wear. A solid choice for tuberose lovers seeking a contemporary, wearable option.

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GivenchyL'Interdittuberosewhite floralambroxandate night fragrancewomen's perfume2018 release