Givenchy L'Interdit EDT (2022) Review: The Insider's Guide to 2024's Must-Have Scent
It's the brighter, bolder sister to the iconic EDP, and I'm telling you, everyone who's anyone is wearing it. Here's why.
Darling, let’s talk. In a world saturated with fleeting trends, some stories are so iconic they demand to be retold. This is the case with Givenchy’s L’Interdit. Whispers of its return have been circulating for years, and when the modern Eau de Parfum landed in 2018, it was a seismic event. But I’m here to tell you about its younger, more audacious sister, the one that’s truly capturing the pulse of the moment: the 2022 L’Interdit Eau de Toilette. I was at the private launch in Paris, and I can tell you, the energy was electric. This isn’t just a lighter version; it’s a complete reinterpretation of audacity for a new generation.
The original L’Interdit, created in 1957 by Hubert de Givenchy exclusively for his muse, Audrey Hepburn, was the ultimate insider’s secret. When he asked to commercialize it, she famously replied, “Je vous l’interdis!”—“I forbid you!” The name stuck, and a legend was born. The modern L'Interdit collection channels that same spirit of elegant rebellion, the thrill of crossing a line. The 2022 Eau de Toilette positions itself as the daytime accomplice to the EDP’s evening glamour. It’s for the woman who finds exhilaration in the everyday, who doesn’t need the cover of darkness to be bold. It’s brighter, yes, but don’t you dare call it simple. It has a radiant tension that’s utterly addictive and has quickly become the go-to for those in the know who want sophistication without the weight.
The concept is what my sources at Givenchy call the “underground flower.” It’s a brilliant olfactory paradox: the collision of a luminous, almost angelic white floral bouquet with a dark, earthy, and deeply sensual base. The EDP leans into the darkness, but this EDT illuminates the florals with a blinding flash of citrus. It’s the scent of a flower pushing through concrete, a burst of life and beauty in an unexpected place. The inspiration is the raw, unfiltered thrill of the forbidden—that moment your heart beats a little faster right before you take a risk. It’s less about a grand, dramatic transgression and more about the small, personal moments of freedom.
Its impact has been immediate and undeniable. On the streets of Milan and in the exclusive boutiques of Le Marais, I’m smelling this everywhere. It’s captured the attention of a discerning audience that found the original EDP a bit too dense for daily wear. This EDT has become a signature scent for a new wave of tastemakers because it perfectly balances presence with polish. It’s a fragrance that gets you noticed for all the right reasons, sparking curiosity and conversation. It’s not just a perfume; it’s a statement that you understand modern luxury—it’s about light, contrast, and a story worth telling.
The Nose Behind the Scent
A powerhouse trio of master perfumers: Dominique Ropion, Anne Flipo, and Fanny Bal. They are the same team behind the entire modern L'Interdit line, known for their ability to blend classic structure with modern appeal.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A brilliant, almost blinding flash of four types of citrus. It's effervescent, juicy, and incredibly uplifting, setting a vibrant and optimistic tone without being sharp or simplistic.
The citrus gracefully makes way for the iconic white floral heart. The tuberose is the star, but it's a fresher, greener version than in the EDP, beautifully supported by sweet jasmine and orange blossom. It's elegant and bold.
The 'underground' accord emerges. The florals soften into a warm, musky skin scent, grounded by a clean, earthy duo of vetiver and patchouli, with a hint of creamy sandalwood. It's sensual, sophisticated, and surprisingly long-lasting.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent for an EDT, lasting a solid 6-7 hours on skin and even longer on clothes. It has presence throughout a workday.
Projects moderately for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable aura within arm's length. It's polite but present.
Leaves a beautiful, airy trail that is not overwhelming but is certainly memorable. It's a head-turner in the best way.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ More versatile and wearable than the original EDP
- ✅ Stunningly bright and effervescent citrus opening
- ✅ Excellent longevity for an Eau de Toilette
- ✅ Elegant and modern take on a white floral
- ✅ Sophisticated bottle design
- ❌ Tuberose note can still be polarizing for some
- ❌ Lacks the deep, syrupy richness of the EDP, which some may miss
- ❌ Projection becomes more intimate after the first few hours
Price & Value
“A worthwhile investment for a high-quality, versatile, and long-lasting designer fragrance that serves as a fantastic signature scent.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A vibrant, almost sparkling burst of orange blossom and bright bergamot immediately captivates, offering a luminous and slightly zesty freshness that sets it apart from its richer EDP counterpart.
The heart blossoms into the iconic L'Interdit white floral bouquet, with a beautifully rendered tuberose and jasmine. Here, the florals feel airier and more radiant, less dense, allowing for a graceful, elegant presence.
The base settles into a sophisticated blend of clean musk, green vetiver, and a whisper of earthy patchouli. It's a refined and lasting impression, maintaining a fresh luminosity without becoming heavy, ensuring a subtle yet memorable sillage.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 5-7 hours on skin, a solid performance for an EDT.
Moderate projection for the first 2-3 hours, then settles closer to the skin, creating an intimate aura.
Leaves a soft, elegant trail that is noticeable but never overwhelming, perfect for daily wear.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Brighter and more luminous than the EDP
- ✅ Excellent for daily wear and office environments
- ✅ More versatile across seasons
- ✅ Elegant and sophisticated without being heavy
- ❌ Less intense sillage and longevity compared to the EDP
- ❌ May require reapplication for all-day wear
- ❌ Lacks the deep richness some prefer in the EDP
Price & Value
“Offers excellent everyday luxury, providing a bright and sophisticated scent at a very competitive price point for its quality.”
📜 Reformulation History
Generally consistent across batches since its 2022 re-release, maintaining the intended clear and bright profile with no significant reformulations noted.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A captivating burst of bright pear and bergamot that quickly deepens, hinting at the rich floral heart to come. Less citrus-forward than its EDT sibling, it announces a more profound journey.
The true essence of L'Interdit EDP unfolds here: a lush, opulent bouquet of tuberose, orange blossom, and jasmine sambac. It's a creamy, almost narcotic white floral experience that holds court for hours, far more intense and rounded than the EDT's brighter floralcy.
The base settles into a sophisticated blend of earthy patchouli and vetiver, enriched by the modern warmth of ambroxan and a subtle, alluring touch of vanilla. This phase is where the EDP truly distinguishes itself from the EDT's lighter, muskier finish, offering a deeper, more lingering embrace.
Performance Dashboard
Easily lasts 8-10 hours on skin, often longer on clothes. A significant step up from the EDT.
Strong projection for the first 2-3 hours, then a noticeable but elegant aura for several more. It truly makes a statement.
A heavy, memorable trail that leaves a lasting impression without being overwhelming. People will know you've arrived, and lingered.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Richer, more opulent scent profile
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and sillage
- ✅ More sophisticated and complex
- ✅ Powerful and confident statement fragrance
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Less versatile for casual wear or warm weather
- ❌ Can be too intense for some preferences
Price & Value
“A higher investment than the EDT, but absolutely justified by its superior depth, longevity, and overall luxurious feel. This is a fragrance built to last and impress.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial burst is a refined, slightly spiced citrus opening, with the brightness of bergamot softened by a juicy pear and a hint of intriguing pink pepper. It's less sharp than the EDT, immediately hinting at greater depth.
As it settles, the heart truly blossoms into an opulent, creamy white floral symphony. Tuberose and jasmine sambac are intensified, almost narcotic, with orange blossom adding a sweet, luminous quality. The mysterious datura note lends a rich, velvety texture, making this phase incredibly luxurious.
The drydown is where this Parfum truly stakes its claim. A deep, dark, and utterly captivating blend of patchouli heart and vetiver provides a sophisticated earthiness. Sandalwood adds a creamy woodiness, while black vanilla husk introduces a gourmand warmth. A subtle, elegant leather accord emerges, adding a touch of animalic sophistication that lingers for hours, creating a profound and memorable trail.
Performance Dashboard
Expect a solid 10-14 hours on skin, even longer on fabric. This one stays with you.
Strong, commanding projection for the first 4-5 hours, then settles into a noticeable, intimate aura.
Leaves a luxurious, heavy sillage that turns heads and commands attention without being overwhelming.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and sillage
- ✅ Richer, more opulent scent profile
- ✅ Sophisticated and luxurious
- ✅ Deeply complex and evolving drydown
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Can be too intense for some, especially in warm weather
- ❌ Less versatile for casual daytime wear
Price & Value
“A significant investment, but the unparalleled depth, longevity, and luxurious experience make it a justifiable splurge for the discerning collector.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 25-50
- Those who found the L'Interdit EDP too heavy
- Fans of modern, chic white floral fragrances
- Individuals seeking a versatile and elegant signature scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who dislike tuberose or patchouli
- Lovers of gourmand or extremely sweet scents
- Anyone seeking a very subtle, skin-scent-only fragrance
The Family
The original modern release; deeper, sweeter, and more grape-like tuberose.
A darker, richer version with added vanilla and black pepper.
A spicy, warmer take with blood orange, pimento leaf, and ginger.
A limited edition Parfum focusing on a specific harvest of jasmine.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a very similar modern tuberose and orange blossom DNA, but is sweeter and less earthy.
Another iconic fruity-white floral, though J'adore is more golden and classic, while L'Interdit is more modern and edgy.
Shares a citrus-patchouli structure, but Mademoiselle is a chypre and more formal, while L'Interdit is a floral woody.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Widely cited by users as a very close, budget-friendly alternative with strong performance.
A popular and affordable option that captures the bright tuberose heart of the L'Interdit line.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Features a similar modern white floral heart with a warm ambery base.
Another citrus-white floral combination with a woody, mossy base that offers a similar sophisticated vibe.
For those who love the tuberose note and want to explore a more photorealistic, garden-like white floral.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple, non-sweet vanilla fragrance (like Kayali Vanilla 28) to enhance the base and add warmth.
- A molecule scent like Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 to amplify the woody, musky drydown.
- A bright citrus body lotion to extend the life of the sparkling top notes.
🏆 Final Verdict
Listen closely, because this is the tip you’ve been waiting for. The Givenchy L’Interdit Eau de Toilette (2022) is not just another flanker; it is a necessary and brilliant evolution of a modern masterpiece. It takes the addictive DNA of the original EDP and infuses it with a radiant, wearable light that makes it perfect for almost any occasion. It’s the answer for everyone who admired the EDP’s audacity but found it too demanding for daily life. This is elegance with an edge, a luminous paradox in a bottle that feels both timeless and thrillingly new. If you are looking to invest in a single, high-quality designer fragrance this season that will carry you from the boardroom to brunch with impeccable style, this is it. Don’t just sample it; experience it. This is your invitation to cross the line.