Louis Vuitton Étoile Filante Review: A Celestial Osmanthus Scent Worth the Price?
A shooting star in a bottle, or just a fleeting flash? We break down the facts.
Launched in 2021, Étoile Filante is a relatively new addition to the prestigious Les Parfums Louis Vuitton collection. The name, which translates to 'shooting star,' sets a high expectation: a scent meant to capture a fleeting moment of pure joy and brilliance. In a market saturated with generic florals and cloying gourmands, Louis Vuitton and its in-house perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud aimed to create something different—a radiant, optimistic fragrance centered around a rare and precious ingredient: Chinese osmanthus absolute.
Étoile Filante positions itself at the apex of the luxury fragrance market. It isn't a loud, attention-seeking powerhouse like some of its collection siblings, such as Ombre Nomade. Instead, it offers a more personal, sophisticated form of luxury. It's designed for a consumer who values impeccable quality and nuanced artistry over sheer volume. The fragrance represents a modern take on the fruity-floral category, elevating it with rare materials and a refined composition that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The concept is rooted in a memory from Jacques Cavallier Belletrud's childhood in Grasse, where he was captivated by the scent of osmanthus flowers. He sought to bottle that sense of wonder and happiness. The 'shooting star' metaphor extends to the fragrance's structure: a bright, dazzling opening of strawberry gives way to a luminous heart of osmanthus, magnolia, and jasmine, before settling into a soft, musky trail. It’s a narrative of light, hope, and precious moments, translated into olfactory form.
Within the fragrance community, Étoile Filante has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful and realistic osmanthus-centric scents available. It is praised for its photorealistic strawberry opening and the high quality of its floral heart, which masterfully balances the apricot and suede facets of the osmanthus flower. While its price is a frequent point of discussion, most agree that the quality of the blend justifies its status as a top-tier luxury perfume. It's considered a 'happy scent'—uplifting, elegant, and effortlessly chic.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Jacques Cavallier Belletrud. As the in-house Master Perfumer for Louis Vuitton, he is the creative force behind the brand's entire fragrance collection. His legendary portfolio includes iconic scents like Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey and Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The fragrance opens with a startlingly realistic burst of wild strawberry. This is not a synthetic, candy-like note, but the scent of a sun-ripened, juicy berry. It's bright, fresh, and instantly uplifting, setting a joyful tone for the first 15 to 30 minutes.
As the initial strawberry flash subsides, the heart of the fragrance unfolds. The star is osmanthus, presenting its complex profile of apricot-like fruitiness and a delicate, suede-like leather undertone. Creamy magnolia and a touch of jasmine sambac add depth and a solar, white floral elegance, creating a sophisticated and luminous core that lasts for 2 to 4 hours.
In the final phase, the florals soften into a gentle, skin-like scent. A clean, high-quality white musk emerges, wrapping the remaining osmanthus and fruit notes in a soft, comforting blanket. The drydown is intimate, elegant, and lingers beautifully on skin and fabric for hours.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a solid 6-8 hours on skin, which is impressive for a fruity-floral composition. It will linger on clothing for over a day.
Projects moderately, creating a noticeable scent bubble of about arm's length for the first 2-3 hours before settling closer to the skin.
Leaves a delicate and elegant trail. It's noticeable to those who pass by you but is not overwhelming or intrusive.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
High. This is a very pleasant and mass-appealing scent profile done with exceptional quality. It frequently elicits comments like 'you smell so beautiful' or 'what is that lovely scent?'
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Exceptionally realistic and high-quality strawberry note.
- ✅ Beautifully rendered osmanthus heart with both fruity and leathery facets.
- ✅ Elegant, uplifting, and versatile for daytime wear.
- ✅ Good longevity for a fresh, floral scent.
- ❌ Luxury price point is a significant barrier for many.
- ❌ Projection is moderate, not for those who want a loud fragrance.
- ❌ Some may find the composition too linear or simple for the price.
Price & Value
“An investment piece. The price reflects the quality of the ingredients and the brand name. It's worth it if you adore the scent profile and will wear it often, but it is not a casual purchase.”
📜 Reformulation History
Launched in 2021, there are no known significant reformulations or batch variations reported by the fragrance community to date.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 25 and up who appreciate refined, high-quality fruity-floral scents. Ideal for someone with a chic, modern, and understated style who wants a signature scent that feels both happy and elegant.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer heavy, dark, or gourmand fragrances. Anyone on a strict budget or who dislikes the notes of strawberry or osmanthus. It is not a 'beast mode' fragrance for clubbing.
The Family
A collection-mate focusing on a different fruity-floral blend of lychee and peony.
Another fruity-floral in the same collection, featuring a prominent pear and jasmine combination.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a delicate osmanthus note but pairs it with tea, making it more ethereal and less fruity.
A brighter, more citrus-forward take on osmanthus with added pink pepper.
Features a similar osmanthus and jasmine combination but is creamier and more tuberose-heavy.
A simpler, more linear osmanthus scent that is lighter and has less complexity.
💡 Clone Alternatives
An 'inspired by' version aiming to replicate the strawberry and osmanthus profile at a fraction of the cost.
Another popular clone house interpretation that users report has a similar scent DNA.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its modern, fruity-floral profile with high-quality rose and lychee.
Shares an uplifting, joyful, and sophisticated character with a different scent profile.
A classic, elegant fruity-floral that is easy to wear and widely loved.
More from Louis Vuitton
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple woody base like Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 to add depth and longevity.
- A light white musk to amplify the soft, clean drydown.
- A bright citrus, like Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine, to enhance the initial fruity burst.
🏆 Final Verdict
Louis Vuitton Étoile Filante is a masterclass in modern perfumery. It delivers on its promise of a 'shooting star'—a brilliant, joyful, and beautiful experience. The fragrance is an investment, and its price is not to be taken lightly. However, what you receive is a scent of undeniable quality, from the photorealistic strawberry opening to the exquisite osmanthus heart and soft musky base.
You should buy Étoile Filante if you are seeking a signature scent that is effortlessly chic, optimistic, and refined. It is for the individual who values artistry and quality over brute force projection. If you want a perfume that makes you feel happy and put-together every time you wear it, and you have the budget for a true luxury item, this is an exceptional choice. It is not a blind buy; test it on your skin. But if it connects with you, it is a fragrance you will treasure.