Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire EDT 2014 Review: A Collector's Chase
Is this discontinued limited edition worth the hunt? We break down the facts on this elusive Guerlain gem.
The fragrance world is crowded. Brands launch dozens of scents a year, many forgotten by the next season. Guerlain, a house with a legacy spanning nearly two centuries, plays a different game. When they introduce a new pillar fragrance, it’s an event. La Petite Robe Noire, first launched in its widely available form in 2012, was exactly that. It was a modern, playful, and distinctly Guerlain take on the fruity-gourmand trend, aimed at a new generation of consumers. The concept was simple and brilliant: a fragrance as essential and versatile as a little black dress.
Following its success, Guerlain began releasing annual limited editions. These were not radical reformulations but subtle variations, often in beautifully illustrated collector's bottles. The 2014 La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Toilette Limited Edition falls into this category. It was never meant to replace the original. Instead, it offered enthusiasts a fresh, seasonal interpretation and a unique bottle for their vanities. Positioned as a lighter, more floral, and greener version of the main EDT, it captured the essence of a Parisian spring. It was a snapshot in time, a collectible piece for the line's devoted followers.
The inspiration behind La Petite Robe Noire has always been the chic, effortless style of the Parisian woman. The original fragrance is a rich blend of black cherry, almond, and licorice – a dark, sweet, and sophisticated gourmand. This 2014 limited edition, however, feels like that same woman on a sunny afternoon in May. The heavy velvet dress is replaced with a light silk one. The concept shifts from evening allure to daytime charm. It’s about a walk through the Jardin des Tuileries, with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh greenery in the air, a macaron in hand. The artwork on the bottle, typically by Kuntzel+Deygas, reinforces this playful, whimsical narrative.
In the fragrance community, these limited editions are often debated. Are they a necessary purchase or just a marketing tactic? For the 2014 LPRN EDT, the consensus is that it’s a genuine, well-crafted variation that stands on its own merits. While it lacks the powerhouse performance of the original Eau de Parfum, its delicate and fresh composition is highly praised. Today, it is a sought-after collector's item. Finding a bottle is a hunt, a testament to its appeal among Guerlain aficionados. It represents a specific moment in the brand's modern history, a successful experiment in keeping a pillar fragrance exciting and new.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Thierry Wasser, the in-house Master Perfumer for Guerlain since 2008. He is the first non-family member to hold the title and is credited with modernizing the house while respecting its heritage. His other notable works include Mon Guerlain and L'Homme Idéal.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A bright, dewy burst of green notes and soft florals. The jasmine and rose are fresh and clean, not heavy. It's an optimistic and airy start.
The signature cherry note appears, but it's a tart, fresh cherry, not the syrupy version from the EDP. A crisp apple note adds to the fruitiness, while orange blossom provides a hint of sweetness.
A soft, clean skin scent. The patchouli is very subtle, providing structure without being earthy. White musk and white amber create a warm, slightly powdery, and comforting finish.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 5-6 hours on skin. This is respectable performance for an Eau de Toilette concentration.
Projects moderately for the first 1-2 hours, creating a pleasant scent bubble about arm's length.
Leaves a light, airy trail. It is noticeable to those nearby but is not overwhelming or intrusive.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ A beautiful, lighter, and greener take on the LPRN DNA
- ✅ The limited edition bottle is highly collectible
- ✅ Perfect for spring and summer daytime wear
- ✅ More unique than the widely available versions
- ❌ Discontinued and very difficult to find
- ❌ Can be extremely expensive on resale markets
- ❌ Moderate performance typical of an EDT
Price & Value
“Not worth the price for a casual user. For collectors and devoted fans, its value is subjective and may be justified.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a single-year limited edition, significant batch variations are not a known issue. The primary difference is between this and other versions of La Petite Robe Noire.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray delivers a fresh and bright burst of rose, jasmine, and crisp green notes.
As the fragrance settles, a juicy and sweet heart emerges, highlighting apple, sour cherry, and a delicate orange blossom.
The base mellows into a soft, comforting blend of white musk and amber, grounded by a subtle, earthy patchouli.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts up to 6 hours, performing comparably to some Eau de Parfums.
Offers moderate projection, creating a light personal scent bubble.
Leaves a light, noticeable trail.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Fresh and fruity scent profile
- ✅ Good longevity for an Eau de Toilette
- ✅ Versatile for spring and autumn wear
- ❌ Moderate projection and sillage
- ❌ Higher price for an EDT concentration
Price & Value
“A pleasant, lighter option with decent longevity for an EDT, but at a premium price point.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a limited edition from 2014, this specific concentration is a distinct release with no noted reformulations of this particular edition.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray delivers a bright burst of bergamot and red berries, quickly followed by a prominent, sweet black cherry and a nutty almond accord.
As the fragrance develops, the cherry deepens, intertwining with a rich blend of rose, distinctive licorice, and a subtle smoky tea note.
The scent settles into a warm, sweet, and earthy base, featuring creamy vanilla, tonka bean, robust patchouli, and a hint of anise and iris, rounded out by soft musk.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 8-10 hours, often detectable on skin for a full workday.
Offers moderate to strong projection for the first 2-4 hours, creating a noticeable aura.
Leaves a consistent and elegant trail, described as a 'heavy trail' by some users.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Richer, deeper scent profile than the EDT.
- ✅ Significantly better longevity and projection.
- ✅ More complex and sophisticated composition.
- ✅ Elegant and timeless appeal.
- ❌ Higher price point.
- ❌ Can be perceived as heavy or intense for some.
- ❌ Less versatile for warm weather compared to the EDT.
- ❌ Some find the cherry note artificial.
Price & Value
“Higher price is generally justified by superior performance and a more complex scent profile compared to the EDT.”
📜 Reformulation History
The original Eau de Parfum was initially released in 2009 in a limited capacity, then re-orchestrated and widely launched in 2012 by Thierry Wasser, becoming the commercially successful version.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The opening delivers a bright, intense burst of bergamot, quickly followed by the rich, dark sweetness of black cherry.
The heart develops into a sophisticated floral blend of iris and deep black rose, with a subtle, smoky black tea note adding complexity.
The drydown settles into a warm, enveloping base of patchouli, tonka bean, and creamy vanilla. The signature cherry note lingers, becoming more powdery and gourmand.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts 8-10 hours on skin, outperforming lighter concentrations.
Offers moderate to strong projection for the first 2-3 hours, becoming closer to the skin thereafter.
Leaves a noticeable, elegant trail that is present but not overwhelming.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Richer, deeper, and more intense scent profile
- ✅ Significantly better longevity
- ✅ More complex and sophisticated aroma
- ✅ Good projection for an extrait concentration
- ❌ Significantly higher price point per milliliter
- ❌ Less versatile for casual or daytime wear
- ❌ Can be perceived as heavy or too intense by some
Price & Value
“The higher price per milliliter is justified by the superior concentration, richer scent, and enhanced performance compared to the EDT.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 20-40
- Fans of fresh, fruity-floral scents
- Those who found the original LPRN too heavy
- Collectors of Guerlain fragrances
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those seeking powerful, long-lasting fragrances
- Fans of heavy gourmand or oriental scents
- Anyone on a tight budget, due to its rarity and high resale price
The Family
The original, deeper, and richer cherry-almond-licorice scent.
The most similar and readily available alternative.
A sweeter take with blueberry and cotton candy notes.
An edgier version with prominent leather and rose notes.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar fresh, peony-rose floral character with a light, pretty feel.
Offers a comparable delicate fruity-floral profile with a clean musk base.
Features a prominent candied apple note, appealing to those who enjoy the fruity aspect of LPRN.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Not a direct clone, but shares a similar whimsical cherry-licorice DNA at a more accessible price point.
A budget-friendly option that captures the playful cherry aspect, though with less complexity.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Appeals to those who like bright, sweet, and fruity scents with a green touch.
A modern, clean rose and jasmine fragrance with a similar fresh and youthful vibe.
Another lighthearted and popular fruity-floral perfect for daytime.
More from Guerlain
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple white musk oil to enhance the base and improve longevity.
- A light vanilla fragrance, like Guerlain's Spiritueuse Double Vanille, to add warmth and depth for cooler weather.
- A spritz of a citrus-heavy scent like Guerlain's Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic to amplify the fresh opening.
🏆 Final Verdict
Guerlain's La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Toilette Limited Edition 2014 is a beautiful, well-crafted fragrance. It successfully reinterprets the iconic cherry-almond DNA of the original into a sparkling, green, and floral composition perfect for spring. It's a delightful, easy-to-wear scent that embodies Parisian chic in the daytime.
However, its status as a discontinued limited edition is the defining factor. You should buy this fragrance if you are one of two people: a dedicated Guerlain collector who wishes to own a piece of the brand's history, or someone who has smelled this exact version before and fallen completely in love with it. For these individuals, the hunt and the premium price are part of the joy of ownership.
For the average consumer simply seeking a lovely fruity-floral for daily wear, this is not a practical choice. The effort and cost required to obtain a bottle are too high. A much smarter decision would be to purchase the currently available La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Toilette or explore one of the excellent alternatives from Dior or Chanel. This 2014 edition was a fleeting beauty, a snapshot of a perfect spring day, and perhaps it's best remembered that way.