Givenchy Play For Her: The Insider's Guide to the Iconic 2000s Gourmand
Why This Discontinued Gem Still Commands a Cult Following
Let's take a trip back to 2007. The fragrance world was buzzing with sweet, edible scents, and Givenchy, the house of Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy, decided to play. Not with the austere elegance of L'Interdit, but with something more playful, more modern, and decidedly more delicious. Enter Givenchy Play For Her, a fragrance that arrived in a sleek, rubberized cube with a bold red button—a design that was as much a conversation starter as the juice inside. It wasn't just a perfume; it was an accessory, a statement, a piece of millennial-era luxury that felt both chic and approachable.
Positioned as the feminine counterpart to the successful Givenchy Play For Him, this scent was Givenchy's confident foray into the booming gourmand market. It sat alongside heavy-hitters like Thierry Mugler's Angel and Viktor&Rolf's Flowerbomb, but carved its own niche with a softer, more floral-infused sweetness. It was a designer fragrance that didn't take itself too seriously, aimed at a young, urban, and fashion-forward woman who wanted her scent to be as memorable as her outfit.
The inspiration was pure, unadulterated fun. The concept revolved around the idea of a "playful" woman—confident, spontaneous, and magnetic. The scent was meant to evoke the thrill of a night out, the warmth of a shared laugh, and the comforting sweetness of a secret indulgence. It was a fragrance built for connection, designed to be noticed and commented upon. The iconic bottle, meant to resemble a portable music player (a nod to the iPod era), perfectly encapsulated this vibe of cool, portable luxury.
In the fragrance community, Play For Her developed a reputation as a "crowd-pleaser" and a reliable compliment-getter. While it may not have been the critic's darling that some niche offerings were, it earned fierce loyalty from its wearers. Its discontinuation around 2014-2015 only solidified its cult status. Today, it's a sought-after vintage find on resale markets, with fans lamenting its departure and hunting down remaining bottles. It represents a specific moment in perfumery—the peak of the sweet, edible trend—and for many, it remains the gold standard of wearable, lovable gourmands.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Olivier Cresp and Olivier Polge. Olivier Cresp is the legendary nose behind iconic scents like Angel by Thierry Mugler (co-created), Light Blue by Dolce&Gabbana, and dozens of other bestselling fragrances. Olivier Polge, son of the famed Jacques Polge, has since become the in-house perfumer for Chanel, creating modern classics like Gabrielle, Coco Mademoiselle L'Eau Privée, and the Les Exclusifs line. Their collaboration on Play For Her combined Cresp's groundbreaking work with gourmand accords and Polge's elegant, modern sensibility.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The fragrance opens with a bright, slightly tart sparkle of bergamot, quickly softened by a dewy, 'green' freshness. The pink pepper adds a subtle, effervescent warmth—not spicy, but more like a fizzy, aromatic lift. It's an inviting and energetic start that feels clean and modern.
Within 30-60 minutes, the heart blooms beautifully. The white floral bouquet takes center stage, but it's rendered sheer and airy, not indolic or heavy. The peony provides a soft, rosy creaminess, while the tiare flower (also known as gardenia tahitensis) lends a tropical, coconut-like creaminess that seamlessly bridges the florals to the coming gourmand base. This phase is lush, feminine, and incredibly wearable.
The true magic of Play For Her reveals itself in the drydown. The vanilla and tonka bean emerge, warm, sweet, and incredibly comforting. It's not a sugary, cupcake vanilla, but a soft, balmy, and slightly caramelized one. The sandalwood and white musk provide a clean, skin-like foundation, making the sweetness feel intimate and personal. After 4+ hours, you're left with a delicious, cozy, and slightly powdery skin scent that lasts for hours more.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent longevity for an EDT. Consistently lasts 8-10 hours on skin, with the sweet, musky drydown lingering even longer on clothing.
Moderate projection. It creates a lovely scent bubble for the first 2-3 hours (arm's length), then settles closer to the skin as a personal scent.
Leaves a noticeable but gentle trail, especially in the first few hours. It's the kind of scent people notice as you walk by and will ask about.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exceptionally likable and crowd-pleasing scent profile
- ✅ Perfect balance of sweet gourmand and fresh floral notes
- ✅ Iconic, durable, and travel-friendly bottle design
- ✅ Strong longevity for a designer EDT
- ✅ Versatile enough for day and night wear
- ❌ Discontinued, making it harder and more expensive to find
- ❌ The sweetness may be too much for some in warmer weather
- ❌ Not a groundbreaking or avant-garde scent—it's a perfected crowd-pleaser
Price & Value
“If you find a bottle at a reasonable price from a reputable seller, it is absolutely worth it for the quality, uniqueness, and nostalgic joy it brings. It's an investment in a piece of fragrance history.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a discontinued fragrance, batch variations are a primary concern for buyers in the secondary market. Early batches (2007-2010) are often reported to have slightly stronger projection and a more pronounced green opening. Later batches (2012-2014) may feel slightly softer and sweeter from the start. There is no official confirmation of a drastic reformulation, but natural ingredient sourcing changes over time can cause subtle shifts.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A vibrant, almost effervescent burst of citrus and spice that hints at something deeper and more opulent.
The heart blossoms with a creamy, intoxicating floral bouquet, richer and more rounded than its EDT counterpart, with the orchid taking center stage.
A lingering, sensual embrace of creamy vanilla, warm tonka, and a deeper, more pronounced woody and earthy base, exuding a captivating allure.
Performance Dashboard
Impressive, easily lasting 10-12+ hours on skin.
Bold and noticeable projection, creating a significant scent bubble for the first 5-6 hours.
A luxurious, enveloping sillage that leaves a memorable impression.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Intensified, richer scent profile
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and projection
- ✅ More opulent and sensual drydown
- ✅ A true statement fragrance
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Less suitable for everyday wear in warmer climates
- ❌ Can feel heavy for those sensitive to sweeter notes
Price & Value
“The elevated price reflects the richer concentration and superior performance, a worthwhile splurge for true lovers of the scent.”
📜 Reformulation History
While the core DNA remains, some users have noted subtle shifts in the intensity of the vanilla and patchouli over the years, but always maintaining its signature opulence.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A more potent burst of citrus and spice, with an immediate hint of the floral heart and a richer, almost syrupy sweetness.
The floral bouquet becomes lusher, intertwined with a more prominent, almost gourmand licorice note that adds depth and intrigue.
A deeply sensual and lingering base emerges, with amplified vanilla and tonka, a creamier sandalwood, and a richer musk, underscored by a subtle earthiness from the patchouli.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional, easily lasting 12+ hours on skin.
Assertive and noticeable projection for a significant portion of its wear.
A captivating and strong trail that leaves a memorable impression.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Intensified sweetness and depth
- ✅ Remarkable longevity
- ✅ Noticeable projection
- ✅ More complex and addictive
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ Less suitable for warm weather
- ❌ Can be overpowering if oversprayed
Price & Value
“The enhanced concentration and performance justify the premium investment for those seeking a statement scent.”
📜 Reformulation History
While the core DNA remains, slight nuances in the intensity of the licorice and patchouli might be noted across different production years, but the overall richness is consistent.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women in their 20s to early 40s who enjoy sweet, feminine scents
- Those with a playful, approachable, and modern style
- Gourmand lovers who prefer their sweetness balanced with fresh florals
- Anyone seeking a signature scent that is likable and memorable.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who despise any sweetness in fragrance
- Fans of stark, dry, or purely woody/oceanic scents
- Individuals looking for a formal, black-tie appropriate perfume.
The Family
A richer, more concentrated version with amplified sweet and floral notes, released after the original.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares the sweet, floral, and explosive crowd-pleasing DNA, though Flowerbomb is patchouli-led and more intense.
Another iconic sweet gourmand with iris and patchouli, offering a similar level of widespread appeal and longevity.
Focuses even more heavily on the caramel and orange blossom gourmand aspect, for those who love the sweetness of Play.
A lighter, more berry-focused take on the sweet floral genre, capturing a similar youthful, playful vibe.
💡 Clone Alternatives
A well-regarded indie clone that aims to capture the original's sweet, floral, creamy profile at a fraction of the vintage price.
Marketed as a dupe for a similar scent, its combination of peony, vanilla, and musk hits many of the same comforting, sweet notes.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For the love of lavender and vanilla done in a sophisticated, modern way.
Shares the sweet, tonka bean heart but with a more seductive, heel-shaped bottle attitude.
For those who enjoy the gourmand base but want it darker, with coffee and a more nocturnal vibe.
A modern, airy rose and musk that appeals to the same audience seeking a fresh yet feminine signature scent.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A clean, sheer musk (like Glossier You) to amplify the skin-scent drydown.
- A citrus-forward fragrance (like Atelier Cologne's Pomélo Paradis) to brighten the opening for summer.
- A deeper vanilla or amber scent (like Sol de Janeiro '71) to make the gourmand base even richer and creamier for evening.
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Play For Her is more than a discontinued fragrance; it's a time capsule of an era and a testament to the power of a perfectly executed, feel-good scent. It represents a moment when luxury fashion houses embraced playfulness without sacrificing quality. While it may not be the most complex or artistic fragrance on the shelf, its genius lies in its impeccable balance and undeniable charm.
You should buy it if you're a gourmand lover seeking a classic, if you have fond memories of the late 2000s fragrance scene, or if you simply want a scent that is guaranteed to make you (and those around you) smile. It's a wearable piece of joy. Hunting down a bottle is an act of fragrance devotion, and for those who connect with its sweet, floral warmth, the search is utterly worthwhile. In a world of ever-changing trends, Play For Her remains a beloved constant—a playful, pretty, and profoundly comforting signature.