An Ode to a Lost Flame: A Definitive Review of Givenchy's Organza Indecence Eau De Toilette Du Desert
Revisiting the limited-edition masterpiece that set the standard for gourmand orientals.

In the grand tapestry of perfumery, certain threads shimmer with a brilliance that time cannot diminish, even long after they have been cut from the loom. These are the discontinued masterpieces, the olfactory legends whispered about in hushed, reverent tones among collectors and connoisseurs. One such legend is Givenchy's Organza Indecence, and more specifically, its ephemeral and exquisitely rare iteration, the Eau De Toilette Du Desert. To possess a bottle is to hold a fragment of history, a testament to an era when major design houses dared to be audacious, complex, and unapologetically sensual. This is not merely a fragrance; it is an artifact, a warm, spicy ghost of perfumery past that continues to haunt the imaginations of those who long for its return.
The story begins not in the desert, but in 1999, with the launch of the original Organza Indecence Eau de Parfum. A departure from its more classically floral predecessor, Organza (1996), Indecence was a bold, voluptuous oriental. It was a symphony of cinnamon, plum, and vanilla, wrapped in the most decadent woods, a fragrance that felt both comforting and dangerously seductive. It captured the hearts of many, becoming a signature scent for a generation of women who embraced its confident warmth. Then, to the dismay of its devoted following, it was unceremoniously discontinued. The outcry was significant, a testament to the profound connection one can form with a scent. In response to this lament, and as part of a series of limited editions that celebrated the brand's heritage, Givenchy released the Organza Indecence Eau De Toilette Du Desert around 2002.
This was not a mere dilution of the original but a thoughtful reinterpretation. The name itself, "Of the Desert," evokes a different kind of warmthβnot the humid, gourmand heat of a spice-filled kitchen, but the dry, radiant heat of sun-scorched earth and ancient woods. It was positioned as a collector's piece, a fleeting mirage offered to those who understood its lineage. The concept stripped back some of the original's overt sweetness, focusing instead on a drier, woodier, and more transparently spicy character. It was Indecence viewed through a veil of shimmering desert air, its core identity intact but its expression more ethereal and refined.
Today, the Eau De Toilette Du Desert is what one might call a 'unicorn' in the fragrance world. Its scarcity has elevated its status from a beloved scent to a coveted treasure. Discussions on fragrance forums speak of it with a unique blend of nostalgia and desire. It represents a golden age of mainstream perfumery, a time before endless flankers and market-tested pleasantries became the norm. To review this fragrance is to perform an act of olfactory archaeology, to unearth a creation that teaches us about the artistic possibilities within a commercial bottle and to understand why its absence is still so profoundly felt.
The Nose Behind the Scent
While this limited edition was an in-house Givenchy creation, it is a direct descendant of the original Organza Indecence (1999), a masterpiece composed by the esteemed perfumers Jean-Claude Delville and Norbert Bijaoui. Their original creation set the benchmark for spicy-woody orientals of the era.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The fragrance opens with an immediate, sophisticated cloud of dry, aromatic Jacaranda wood, intertwined with a clean, earthy patchouli. It is a bold and unconventional opening that forgoes citrus for an immediate immersion into its warm, woody character.
After 30-45 minutes, the heart reveals a radiant cinnamon bark note, which is spicy and authentic rather than sweet. A subtle, jammy accord of dried plum emerges, providing a perfect counterpoint to the dry woods and lending a nuanced, sensual sweetness.
In its final phase, from 2 hours onward, the scent settles into a sublime skin scent. The woods and spices soften into a glowing ember of smooth, resinous amber and a touch of non-gourmand vanilla, leaving a lasting impression of sophisticated, sensual warmth.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a respectable 6-7 hours on the skin, which is quite good for an Eau de Toilette concentration from this period.
Projects moderately for the first 1-2 hours, creating an elegant and noticeable scent bubble without being overwhelming.
Leaves a subtle yet distinct trail that is alluring and sophisticated. It invites discovery rather than announcing its presence forcefully.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
This is more of a personal indulgence than a crowd-pleasing compliment magnet. However, its uniqueness often elicits intrigued comments like, 'That is an incredible scent, what is it?' from those with discerning taste.
Pros & Cons
- β An exceptionally beautiful and unique spicy-woody composition.
- β A masterpiece of balance and refinement.
- β Represents a golden era of creative perfumery.
- β Highly coveted and prestigious among collectors.
- β Elegant, sensual, and deeply comforting character.
- β Extremely rare and discontinued, making it nearly impossible to find.
- β Exorbitant prices on the secondary market.
- β Lighter and less potent than the original Eau de Parfum, which may disappoint some.
Price & Value
“For the average consumer, it is not worth the price or the hunt. For the dedicated fragrance aficionado and collector, it is a priceless piece of olfactory art, and the cost is relative to its rarity and historical significance.”
π Reformulation History
As a one-off limited edition, significant batch variations are not a known issue. The primary point of comparison is its difference from the original 1999 Eau de Parfum and the later, heavily reformulated 'Les Mythiques' version of Indecence.
Who It's For
β Ideal For
- Fragrance connoisseurs and collectors (30+)
- Admirers of classic spicy-oriental and woody fragrances
- Individuals with a refined, confident, and sophisticated style.
β οΈ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer light, fresh, aquatic, or very sweet gourmand scents
- The very young or those new to complex fragrances
- Casual, everyday office wear due to its distinctive and sensual character.
The Family
The original, richer, and more gourmand 1999 masterpiece that inspired this edition.
The original 1996 floral fragrance from which the Indecence line spun off.
A later, post-2007 reformulation in the heritage collection, widely considered inferior to the original versions.
Explore More
π Similar Fragrances
Shares a pioneering spicy, plummy cedarwood DNA, though it is more austere.
Possesses a similar warm, spicy, and woody-fruity character, but with a brighter, more effervescent feel.
Another masterful cinnamon-centric fragrance with ambery, woody depth.
π‘ Clone Alternatives
Often cited by users as an accessible alternative inspired by the original Organza Indecence EDP.
An indie interpretation aiming to capture the essence of the original EDP, focusing on the plum and spice.
β€οΈ You May Also Enjoy
For its classic, complex, and spicy-amber oriental structure.
For its opulent blend of sandalwood, jasmine, and warm oriental notes.
For those who desire an even more intense and unapologetic spice experience.
More from Givenchy
π§ͺ Layering Ideas
- A high-quality sandalwood oil to amplify the creamy woody base.
- A simple, linear vanilla fragrance (like Guerlain's Spiritueuse Double Vanille) to enhance its gourmand facets in the deep drydown.
- A single spray of a soft musk fragrance to create a more sensual, personalized skin scent.
π Final Verdict
Givenchy Organza Indecence Eau De Toilette Du Desert is not a practical fragrance to recommend, but a piece of art to be admired. It is an olfactory time capsule, capturing a moment when a luxury house produced something so daring, so evocative, and so beautifully constructed. To purchase it today is an act of devotion to the art of perfumery itself. It is for the individual who curates their collection not just for daily wear, but for the preservation of beauty. Its enduring legend is a testament to its quality. If one seeks a warm, dry, spicy wood fragrance that whispers of sensuality and intelligence, and is willing to embark on the collector's quest, this forgotten gem is the ultimate prizeβa true masterpiece in a bottle.