Givenchy Very Irresistible Soleil D'Ete: Your Summer Scent Report
When Givenchy launched Very Irresistible in 2003, it marked a significant moment for the house, aiming to capture a modern, vibrant femininity. It moved beyond the classic, opulent florals of its past, embracing a more contemporary, sparkling rose. Building on this success, the brand regularly introduced limited-edition flankers, each offering a fresh perspective on the beloved original.
Among these, Givenchy Very Irresistible Soleil D''Ete, translating to ''Summer Sun,'' emerged as a cherished seasonal release. It was designed to encapsulate the essence of a bright, carefree summer day, offering a lighter and more luminous interpretation of the core Very Irresistible DNA. This particular flanker, likely released around 2007, quickly became a favorite for those seeking a sophisticated yet easy-to-wear warm-weather fragrance.
The concept behind Soleil D''Ete was clear: take the signature rose and star anise accord of the original and infuse it with sunshine. The goal was to create a scent that felt like a vacation in a bottle—radiant, joyful, and effortlessly chic. It aimed to be the perfect accessory for beach days, garden parties, and leisurely summer evenings, without ever feeling heavy or overwhelming in the heat.
Despite its limited release, Soleil D''Ete garnered a loyal following within the fragrance community. Its reputation today is that of a sought-after discontinued gem, often discussed on forums and collector''s groups. Many remember it fondly as ''the perfect summer rose'' from Givenchy, a testament to its unique ability to blend the brand''s elegance with seasonal playfulness. It remains a benchmark for what a successful summer flanker should achieve: a familiar comfort with a refreshing twist.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Building on the creative vision of Dominique Ropion, Sophie Labbé, and Carlos Benaim, the original perfumers of Very Irresistible, Soleil D''Ete was crafted by Givenchy''s in-house team to embody the line''s spirit with a summer twist. Their collective expertise ensured the flanker maintained the brand''s signature elegance while introducing a lighter, sunnier profile.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The fragrance opens with a vibrant burst of Bergamot and a juicy Cassis, immediately setting a bright, fresh tone. The signature Star Anise from the original Very Irresistible provides a subtle, intriguing spicy-sweet twist, preventing the opening from being overly simplistic. It''s an invigorating and cheerful start, capturing immediate attention.
As the top notes mellow, the heart of the fragrance blooms. The iconic Rose and delicate Peony take center stage, creating a lush, romantic floral bouquet. This is beautifully complemented by the creamy, tropical warmth of Frangipani and the sweet, clean aroma of Orange Blossom, which together evoke a sun-drenched garden. The mid-phase is where the ''Soleil D''Ete'' truly shines.
The drydown settles into a soft, comforting embrace. A gentle Vanilla provides a hint of sweet warmth, expertly balanced by a clean, ethereal Musk. A subtle touch of Cedarwood offers a light, woody anchor, ensuring the base remains elegant and grounded without ever becoming heavy. The lingering scent is a delicate, warm floral whisper, perfect for close encounters.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts approximately 5-6 hours on skin. As a summer Eau de Toilette, it performs as expected for its concentration and intended use.
Projects moderately for the first 1-2 hours, creating a pleasant scent bubble. After that, it becomes closer to the skin.
Leaves a soft, noticeable trail during its initial projection phase. It''s discreet and elegant, not overwhelming.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
A pleasant and approachable scent that often garners compliments for smelling ''nice'' or ''fresh.'' It''s generally well-received and inoffensive.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Uplifting and cheerful summer floral scent profile
- ✅ Light and refreshing, perfect for warm weather
- ✅ Elegant interpretation of the original Very Irresistible DNA
- ✅ Not cloying or heavy, even in high heat
- ✅ Evokes a sense of vacation and carefree days
- ❌ Limited longevity, requiring reapplication for all-day wear
- ❌ Soft projection that becomes a skin scent relatively quickly
- ❌ Discontinued, making it difficult and expensive to find
- ❌ Value for money is diminished due to secondary market pricing
Price & Value
“If found at or near its original retail price, it offers good value for a unique summer scent. On the secondary market, the value is primarily for collectors or those deeply nostalgic for the scent, as the price often exceeds its performance.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 20-40
- Individuals with a cheerful, optimistic personality
- Those who appreciate light, uplifting floral fragrances
- Anyone seeking a non-heavy, elegant summer signature scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer strong, long-lasting fragrances with heavy projection
- Fans of gourmand or oriental scent profiles
- Formal evening events where a more opulent scent is desired
The Family
The original, lighter concentration version of the flagship scent.
A richer, more intense and longer-lasting concentration of the original.
A deeper, more oriental-floral interpretation with patchouli and vanilla.
A bolder, more opulent version with a stronger rose and plum accord.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a bright, elegant floral character with a focus on white florals and a sophisticated lightness suitable for warm weather.
Known for its clean, bright floral bouquet that feels fresh and uplifting, much like Soleil D''Ete''s approach to summer florals.
A delicate, fruity-floral scent with a lighthearted and airy feel, making it a popular choice for easy, everyday summer wear.
💡 Clone Alternatives
While not a direct clone, it captures a similar fresh, aquatic-floral lightness that evokes a casual, sunny day feel. Less complex but shares the overall vibe.
Focuses on a solar floral accord with a fresh, airy quality. It offers a modern interpretation of sun-kissed florals without being heavy.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its quintessential fresh, citrusy, and aquatic summer vibe, appealing to those who love light warm-weather scents.
A cheerful, light, and easy-to-wear floral fragrance that shares a youthful and optimistic spirit.
An elegant fruity-floral with a sophisticated lightness, appealing to those who enjoy refined yet approachable scents for spring and summer.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple white musk fragrance to enhance clean freshness
- A light vanilla body mist or lotion to add a touch of creamy sweetness
- A citrus-focused body oil or spray to amplify the bright opening
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Very Irresistible Soleil D''Ete is more than just a summer flanker; it''s a fragrant memory of sun-drenched days. While its performance metrics—longevity and projection—are moderate, this is by design. It''s an Eau de Toilette crafted for the heat, meant to be a refreshing veil rather than a commanding presence. It delivers a beautiful, cheerful floral experience that is both elegant and approachable.
For those who loved the original Very Irresistible but desired a lighter, more playful version for warm weather, Soleil D''Ete is a perfect fit. Its blend of sparkling citrus, signature rose, and creamy solar florals makes it an uplifting and genuinely pleasant scent. However, its discontinued status means acquiring it now requires dedication and a willingness to pay a premium. If you value unique, nostalgic summer scents and can find it at a reasonable price, it''s an excellent addition to your collection. It’s a purchase for the mood it evokes, the memories it holds, and the sheer joy of wearing a truly beautiful, bright floral.