Givenchy Les Parfums Mythiques L'Interdit: A Vivir Report on a Reimagined Legend
Unpacking the Legacy of Audrey Hepburn's Signature Scent for Today's Wearer.
Vivir.com readers look for facts, not fluff. Today, we''re dissecting a fragrance that carries significant history: Givenchy Les Parfums Mythiques L''Interdit. This isn''t the original 1957 creation, nor is it the modern L''Interdit line launched in 2018. We''re focusing on the 2007 re-issue, part of Givenchy''s ''Les Parfums Mythiques'' collection, which aimed to bring back classic scents with a contemporary touch.
The original L''Interdit holds a unique place in fragrance history. Created in 1957 by Hubert de Givenchy for his muse, Audrey Hepburn, it was initially a personal scent. Legend has it that when Givenchy asked Hepburn if he could commercialize it, she famously replied, ''Je vous l''interdis!'' (I forbid you!), giving the fragrance its iconic name. This story cemented L''Interdit as a symbol of exclusive elegance and forbidden allure, a private luxury made public. The 2007 Mythiques collection sought to honor this legacy, reintroducing these legendary scents to a new generation while preserving their original spirit.
In the luxury fragrance market, the 2007 L''Interdit stood as a bridge between classic perfumery and modern tastes. It positioned itself not as a trend-chaser, but as a testament to enduring style. While many brands pushed out sweet gourmands or fresh aquatics, Givenchy offered a sophisticated floral aldehyde that spoke of Parisian chic and refined femininity. It carved out a niche for those who appreciated vintage elegance but desired a formulation suited for contemporary wear, without being overtly ''old-fashioned.'' It was a nod to heritage within a brand known for both classicism and innovation.
The reputation of L''Interdit, in all its iterations, is one of timeless sophistication. The 2007 Mythiques version was generally well-received by fragrance enthusiasts who sought to experience a piece of perfumery history without having to track down rare vintage bottles. It became a point of discussion for those comparing it to the original, often praised for its faithfulness while acknowledging subtle modernizations. For many, it represented a chance to own a piece of Audrey Hepburn''s legendary style, translated into a wearable, luxurious scent that transcended fleeting trends.
The Nose Behind the Scent
The original L''Interdit (1957) was crafted by Francis Fabron. The 2007 ''Les Parfums Mythiques'' re-orchestration was performed by Givenchy''s in-house perfumery team, reinterpreting Fabron''s classic vision.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray delivers a bright burst of aldehydes. It’s sparkling, almost fizzy, with a clean, soap-like quality characteristic of classic perfumery. Beneath this shimmer, delicate peach and strawberry provide a hint of soft fruitiness, quickly followed by subtle warmth from spices and a refreshing zest of bergamot. This opening is elegant and immediately announces a sophisticated presence.
As the aldehydes soften, the true floral heart of L''Interdit unfolds. A rich, complex bouquet emerges, dominated by the powdery elegance of iris, the creamy sweetness of rose, and the intoxicating depth of jasmine. Hints of green narcissus and delicate lily-of-the-valley add freshness, while ylang-ylang contributes a luxurious, slightly tropical creaminess. This phase embodies timeless femininity, feeling opulent yet refined.
The drydown settles into a warm, comforting embrace. The floral notes recede, leaving a lingering, powdery echo, while the base notes take center stage. Smooth sandalwood provides creamy woodiness, complemented by the resinous warmth of amber and benzoin. Vetiver adds earthy depth, preventing the scent from becoming overly sweet, and a soft, clean musk rounds out the composition, leaving a sophisticated and subtly sensual trail that feels intimate and long-lasting.
Performance Dashboard
Expect 6-8 hours of wear on skin, often longer on clothing. It''s a solid performer for an EDP.
Projects moderately for the first 2-3 hours, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming aura. It then settles closer to the skin.
Leaves a soft, elegant trail. It''s not a beast mode sillage, but it''s present enough to be noticed by those in close proximity without being intrusive.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
While not a universally recognized ''compliment magnet'' in the way modern gourmands are, those who appreciate classic perfumery often recognize and compliment its sophistication. It tends to garner compliments from people who appreciate elegance and discernment in fragrance.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Elegant and sophisticated scent profile that stands apart.
- ✅ Timeless appeal, a true classic re-envisioned.
- ✅ Good longevity for an Eau de Parfum.
- ✅ High-quality ingredients and blend, reflecting its luxury heritage.
- ✅ A piece of fragrance history, wearable for today''s connoisseur.
- ✅ Unique character, not easily mistaken for other fragrances.
- ✅ Versatile for various elegant occasions.
- ❌ Can be perceived as ''old-fashioned'' or ''mature'' by those accustomed to modern trends.
- ❌ The aldehydic opening might be too sharp for some.
- ❌ Not a ''safe blind buy'' due to its classic profile.
- ❌ Limited availability compared to mainstream releases.
- ❌ Premium price point may be a barrier for some.
Price & Value
“For collectors, enthusiasts of classic perfumery, or anyone seeking a truly elegant and historically significant scent, L''Interdit from the Mythiques collection is absolutely worth the investment. Its quality, complexity, and unique character justify the price. However, if you are new to classic aldehydic florals, try before you buy.”
📜 Reformulation History
The ''Les Parfums Mythiques L''Interdit'' from 2007 is itself a reformulation and re-orchestration of the original 1957 perfume. Givenchy aimed to modernize the scent slightly while retaining its core identity, adapting it to contemporary regulations and ingredient availability. As a specific re-issue, significant batch variations within the 2007 Mythiques line are not widely reported. It is important to distinguish this 2007 version from the completely different ''L''Interdit'' line launched in 2018, which is a modern white floral tuberose scent.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 30 and above who appreciate classic, elegant, and complex floral aldehyde fragrances.
- Individuals with a refined, sophisticated, and timeless personal style.
- Those who value fragrance history and seek scents that tell a story.
- People who prefer a polished, understated luxury over fleeting trends.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those sensitive to strong aldehydic openings or classic fragrance profiles, which some perceive as ''old-fashioned.''
- Individuals who exclusively prefer modern, sweet, gourmand, or very fresh and light scents.
- Younger demographics seeking overtly trendy or playful fragrances.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares the iconic aldehydic floral profile, though L''Interdit is often considered softer and less sharp.
Another classic aldehydic floral with a similar elegant, timeless vibe.
A legendary floral, often compared for its classic, rich floral bouquet and historical significance.
A sophisticated aldehydic floral, sharing the same grand, elegant style.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its green, sophisticated, and elegant floral character.
For lovers of bold, classic, and complex fragrances with significant presence.
For those who appreciate rich, statement-making white florals with a touch of vintage glamour.
Another classic aldehydic chypre, offering a similar level of refinement and timeless appeal.
A bright, aldehydic floral with a powdery, elegant finish, resonating with a similar aesthetic.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Light musks
- Soft woody notes (sandalwood or cedar)
- Subtle amber accents
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Les Parfums Mythiques L''Interdit (2007) is not just a fragrance; it''s a piece of history, re-presented for the modern connoisseur. If you seek a scent that transcends trends, embodying timeless elegance and sophisticated femininity, this is a compelling choice. It offers a unique journey through sparkling aldehydes, a rich floral heart, and a warm, woody base – a profile rarely found in today''s market. This fragrance is for the individual who appreciates classic perfumery, understands the allure of heritage, and desires a signature scent that speaks volumes about their refined taste.
It’s an investment in quality and a statement of style. While it may not appeal to every palate, for those who connect with its elegant narrative, L''Interdit is an indispensable addition to a curated fragrance wardrobe. It''s a tribute to Audrey Hepburn''s enduring grace, bottled and ready for you to make your own mark.