Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire 2: A Review of the Modern, Edgy Little Black Dress
From Parisian Chic to a Darker, More Intriguing Fantasy
In the world of fragrance, few names carry the weight and heritage of Guerlain. For over a century, the house has been synonymous with French luxury, crafting scents that are as much works of art as they are personal adornments. In 2009, they introduced the world to La Petite Robe Noire, a fragrance that captured the timeless elegance of the little black dress—chic, classic, and undeniably Parisian. It was a gourmand floral, a sweet and playful ode to cherry liqueur and almond. But in 2012, Guerlain decided to tell a different story. They unveiled La Petite Robe Noire 2, a fragrance that dared to ask: what if the little black dress wasn't just for a gala, but for a secret rendezvous in a dimly lit jazz club?
This wasn't merely a flanker; it was a reinvention. Where the original was bright and flirtatious, LPRN2 was dark, mysterious, and introspective. It shifted the narrative from a daytime stroll along the Seine to a moonlit adventure. The launch positioned it as the 'edgier' sister, appealing to a woman who embraced complexity and a touch of rebellion within her elegance. It was a bold move for a heritage house, signaling that Guerlain could speak to a modern, more nuanced sensibility without sacrificing its signature artistry.
The inspiration behind La Petite Robe Noire 2 is a fascinating departure. It draws from the concept of 'noir' in its cinematic sense—think smoky rooms, whispered conversations, and a sense of intrigue. The scent is designed to evoke the texture of black velvet, the bitterness of dark chocolate, and the smoky allure of incense. It's a fragrance that feels more like a mood than a simple accessory; it's for the moments when you want to feel enigmatic, powerful, and deeply sensual.
Within the fragrance community, La Petite Robe Noire 2 has carved out a distinct and loyal following. It's often praised as the 'thinking person's' gourmand, a scent that offers depth and sophistication where others might offer mere sweetness. It has a cult status among those who find the original too saccharine, celebrated for its unique almond-incense-patchouli accord that is both comforting and challenging. It stands as a testament to Guerlain's ability to innovate within its own legacy, creating a fragrance that is unmistakably part of the family yet boldly stands on its own.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Thierry Wasser, Guerlain's in-house Master Perfumer. Appointed in 2008, Wasser is the guardian of Guerlain's legendary heritage, responsible for maintaining classics like Shalimar and Mitsouko while creating modern masterpieces. His style is known for its elegance, complexity, and emotional depth. Other notable creations under his tenure include Mon Guerlain, L'Homme Idéal, and the re-orchestration of many classic Guerlain fragrances.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The first spray is a startling, almost photorealistic burst of bitter almond and cherry pit. It's not a sweet, candied cherry, but the dark, aromatic heart of the fruit. This sharp, slightly medicinal opening is intriguing and unconventional, supported by a tart red berry nuance. It's an immediate statement: this is not a shy fragrance.
Within the hour, the sharpness softens and melts into the heart. The smoky tea and licorice notes emerge, weaving a veil of intrigue over the almond. The Turkish rose is not a fresh bouquet, but a dried, velvety petal infused within the blend, adding a soft, powdery floralcy that tempers the bitterness. The scent becomes warmer, more intimate, and deeply complex.
The final act is where La Petite Robe Noire 2 reveals its true, comforting soul. The incense and patchouli provide a resinous, earthy foundation, while the tonka bean and vanilla wrap the entire composition in a soft, creamy, and subtly sweet embrace. The bitter almond never fully disappears but becomes a ghostly whisper within a cloud of sophisticated, skin-scent warmth. It's a drydown that lasts for hours, feeling like a second skin—mysterious and utterly addictive.
Performance Dashboard
Excellent longevity, consistently lasting 8-10 hours on skin and even longer on clothing. The deep, resinous base notes ensure it remains perceptible as a intimate skin scent well into the next day.
Moderate projection. It creates a personal scent bubble of about an arm's length for the first 2-3 hours before settling closer to the skin. It's not a room-filler, which suits its intimate character.
Leaves a light, elegant trail. People passing by might catch a whiff of something warm and intriguing, but it won't announce your arrival from down the hall. The sillage is subtle and sophisticated.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Incredibly unique and complex scent profile for a designer fragrance
- ✅ Superb longevity and evolving drydown
- ✅ Elegant, non-intrusive sillage perfect for close encounters
- ✅ High-quality ingredients that feel luxurious on skin
- ❌ The bitter almond top note can be polarizing and challenging for some
- ❌ Not a versatile, all-season, all-occasion scent
- ❌ The bottle design, while sleek, is less iconic than the original LPRN bottle
Price & Value
“Absolutely worth the price for those who connect with its unique character. You are paying for Guerlain's masterful blending and a distinctive scent that stands apart from mainstream releases.”
📜 Reformulation History
There is discussion in the fragrance community about potential subtle shifts in the balance of the bitter almond note over the years, possibly due to IFRA restrictions on certain aroma chemicals. However, no drastic reformulation is widely reported. The core identity of the fragrance remains intact in modern batches.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
Oh, the very first spritz of this EDP is like biting into the juiciest, darkest black cherry, perfectly ripe, with that sophisticated whisper of bitter almond that just makes your senses zing! It’s not just fruit; it’s a confident, sparkling invitation, a burst of joyous gourmandise that instantly lifts your spirit, far richer and deeper than its EDT counterpart.
As it settles, the true heart of La Petite Robe Noire EDP unfurls. The roses — Bulgarian and Turkish, mind you — bloom with an opulent, velvety richness, like a secret garden at dusk. They dance with a playful, slightly mysterious licorice and a wisp of smoky black tea, creating a beautiful tension. It’s elegant, it’s alluring, it’s like a knowing glance across a crowded room, with the rose being much more pronounced and luxurious here.
And the drydown? Ah, this is where it truly captivates. It melts into your skin with the creamiest tonka bean and the softest vanilla, a comforting hug that lasts for hours. There’s a subtle, almost anise-like warmth and an earthy touch of patchouli that grounds it, keeping it from being *just* sweet. It’s the lingering memory of a perfect evening, sophisticated and utterly unforgettable, with a depth and complexity that the EDT only hints at.
Performance Dashboard
Impressive longevity, easily lasting 8-10 hours on skin, sometimes more – a significant upgrade from the EDT.
Strong, noticeable projection for the first 3-4 hours, then settles to a moderate, inviting bubble. You'll definitely be noticed.
Leaves a beautiful, memorable trail that draws compliments without being overwhelming, a true signature scent aura.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Richer, deeper, and more intense scent profile compared to the EDT
- ✅ Excellent longevity, truly lasting power, superior to the EDT
- ✅ More complex and sophisticated character
- ✅ Great sillage that leaves a captivating trail
- ❌ Can be too sweet or heavy for some preferences
- ❌ Less versatile for warm weather wear than the lighter EDT
- ❌ Higher price point compared to the EDT
Price & Value
“The higher price tag is absolutely justified by the EDP's enhanced richness, depth, and superior performance compared to the EDT, making it a worthwhile investment for fragrance lovers.”
📜 Reformulation History
Yes, like many popular Guerlain fragrances, La Petite Robe Noire EDP has undergone reformulations since its 2012 release. While the core DNA remains, some users report variations in the intensity of the cherry and almond notes, and slight differences in overall richness and longevity across different batches, sometimes making older batches more sought after.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
From the first spritz, a rich, almost syrupy black cherry envelops you, deepened by the unmistakable, gourmand bitterness of almond. It's less bright than the EDT, immediately more dense and luxurious, hinting at the depth to come.
As it settles, the heart blooms with an opulent Turkish rose, a velvety curtain for the intriguing blend of intense licorice and smoky black tea. This phase feels like a clandestine meeting in a dimly lit, elegant salon, full of warmth and mystery.
The true magic unfolds in the drydown, a long, lingering embrace of creamy tonka bean and rich vanilla absolute. Resinous incense weaves through, adding a spiritual, almost meditative quality, while deep patchouli anchors it all with an earthy, sophisticated hum. It's a scent that stays with you, a comforting, elegant whisper hours later.
Performance Dashboard
An exceptional performer, easily lasting 10-14 hours on skin, sometimes even longer on clothes.
Projects strongly for the first 4-5 hours, creating a noticeable, yet refined aura around you.
Leaves a luxurious, heavy trail that is both memorable and enchanting, without being overpowering.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unrivaled depth and richness compared to the EDT
- ✅ Exceptional, all-day longevity
- ✅ Luxurious and noticeable sillage
- ✅ More complex and opulent scent profile
- ✅ Feels incredibly special and high-quality
- ❌ Significantly higher price point
- ❌ Can be too heavy for casual daytime wear or warm climates
- ❌ Less versatile for a wider range of occasions
Price & Value
“A premium price point, but absolutely justified by its unparalleled depth, richness, and extraordinary performance. An investment in pure indulgence.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women (and adventurous men) 25+, who appreciate niche-like complexity in a designer bottle
- Introverts and contemplative souls who enjoy scents with a narrative
- Those with a signature style that leans towards dark academia, minimalist chic, or vintage-inspired fashion
- Gourmand lovers seeking a less sugary, more aromatic interpretation
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who exclusively love fresh, clean, or aquatic scents
- Anyone seeking a loud, party-friendly fragrance
- People with a strong aversion to bitter almond or licorice notes
The Family
The original, sweeter gourmand floral with prominent cherry and licorice.
A leather and patchouli-focused flanker, even edgier and more rock'n'roll.
A limited edition offering a greener, more floral and chypre-inspired twist.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a prominent almond note, though Dior's is sweeter, creamier, and less smoky.
Occupies a similar 'dark gourmand' space, but YSL is far sweeter, with prominent coffee and vanilla.
For the incense, honey, and woody facets, though Bois d'Argent is more unisex and less gourmand.
A Guerlain sibling with a similar powdery, honeyed warmth, though more floral and less almond-focused.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Often cited as a close dupe for the almond-incense-patchouli core at a fraction of the price.
A concentrated oil impression that captures the key accords with good longevity.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who love the smoky, comforting, and slightly gourmand drydown of LPRN2.
Shares a bold, unconventional structure with contrasting sweet and earthy elements.
A similarly dark, woody-vanilla scent with a sandalwood heart for a cozy vibe.
For the appreciation of a modern, slightly androgynous take on a classic perfume structure.
More from Guerlain
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple vanilla solinote perfume oil to amplify the gourmand base
- A crisp, clean musk to lighten the opening and add transparency
- A citrus-forward cologne (like Guerlain's own Aqua Allegorias) sprayed over the top for a brighter, more diffusive effect
🏆 Final Verdict
Guerlain's La Petite Robe Noire 2 is not a fragrance for everyone, and that is precisely its greatest strength. In a market saturated with safe, crowd-pleasing scents, it dares to be different. It is a fragrance of contrasts: bitter and sweet, smoky and creamy, intellectual and sensual. You should buy it if you are tired of the obvious and crave a scent with a story—a scent that feels like a secret you carry with you.
It is an investment in a mood, a piece of olfactory art that transforms with you throughout the day. It offers the prestige and quality of Guerlain in a uniquely modern, wearable package. For the woman (or man) who sees the little black dress not just as an outfit, but as an armor of intrigue, La Petite Robe Noire 2 is the perfect fragrant companion. It’s the scent of a confident, complex individual who doesn’t need to shout to be remembered.