YSL In Love Again Edition Fleur De La Passion: A Vivir Report on This Cult Classic Re-Issue
Unpacking the Hype and the Reality of YSL's Passionate Fruity Floral.
Yves Saint Laurent’s "In Love Again Edition Fleur De La Passion" is more than just a fragrance; it''s a chapter in modern perfumery, a re-issue that captured hearts and became a sought-after piece for collectors. The original "In Love Again," launched in 1998, was a vibrant, joyful creation by the esteemed perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena. It quickly established itself as a benchmark for elegant fruity-floral compositions, a departure from the heavier orientals and chypres that often dominated the luxury market.
This "Edition Fleur De La Passion," released in 2005, aimed to re-capture and enhance the original''s essence, focusing on the vivid notes of passion fruit and passion flower. It was positioned not merely as a re-release, but as a celebratory interpretation, reinforcing YSL''s legacy in creating sophisticated yet accessible luxury scents. At the time, the market was increasingly gravitating towards brighter, more optimistic fragrances, and this edition perfectly tapped into that demand, offering a burst of sunshine in a bottle.
The inspiration behind "In Love Again" has always been about the thrill of new romance, the lightness of heart, and the sheer joy of living. "Fleur De La Passion" specifically elevates this concept by honing in on the exotic and intoxicating aroma of the passion flower, a symbol of love and intensity. This focus provided a fresh, yet familiar, take on the beloved original, ensuring its place in the brand''s celebrated lineage of iconic fragrances.
Among fragrance enthusiasts, "In Love Again Edition Fleur De La Passion" holds a special, almost legendary status. Its discontinuation has only fueled its mystique, turning it into a "holy grail" for many who fondly remember its unique character. It''s often discussed in online communities, praised for its masterful balance of fruit and floral notes, and remembered as a prime example of Jean-Claude Ellena''s signature touch for transparent yet impactful compositions. This reputation ensures its continued relevance, even years after its initial release.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Jean-Claude Ellena, a master perfumer renowned for his minimalist and transparent style. Known for Hermès (Terre d''Hermès), Bvlgari, and Frédéric Malle.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The fragrance opens with an immediate burst of vibrant, juicy fruits. Blackcurrant provides a tart, slightly green sweetness, while passionfruit delivers its characteristic tropical, tangy zest. Grapefruit and tangerine add a sparkling, effervescent citrus lift, creating an incredibly bright and uplifting introduction. It''s sharp, clear, and undeniably joyful, setting a high-energy tone.
As the initial fruit cocktail settles, the heart notes begin to emerge, softening the initial sharpness. The star here is the passion flower, which introduces a delicate, exotic floralcy that is both fresh and slightly creamy. It blends seamlessly with the classic romanticism of rose and the airy, clean scent of peony. The fruity notes persist, but they integrate with the florals, creating a more rounded, sophisticated bouquet that remains cheerful and vibrant.
In the drydown, "Edition Fleur De La Passion" becomes a skin scent, warm and comforting. The vibrant fruits and florals recede into a soft, clean musk base. A hint of creamy sandalwood provides a subtle woody anchor, ensuring the scent doesn''t become too fleeting. The lingering impression is one of elegant cleanliness with a ghost of the tropical fruit and delicate floral sweetness, making it pleasant and unobtrusive.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a solid 6-8 hours on skin. For an Eau de Toilette with prominent fruit and citrus notes, this is respectable.
Projects moderately for the first 2-3 hours. It creates a pleasant scent bubble around the wearer, noticeable to those in close proximity without being overwhelming.
Leaves a soft to moderate trail. It''s detectable as you move, but it doesn''t linger heavily in the air.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
This fragrance is a consistent compliment-getter. Its bright, pleasant, and generally non-offensive profile makes it widely appealing.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Uplifting and joyful scent profile, perfect for boosting mood.
- ✅ Unique and well-balanced blend of tropical fruit and delicate florals.
- ✅ Versatile for warm weather and daytime wear.
- ✅ Elegant and sophisticated, avoiding overly sweet or juvenile impressions.
- ✅ Distinctive passion fruit note that stands out from other fruity florals.
- ❌ Discontinued and extremely difficult to find, leading to high secondary market prices.
- ❌ Longevity, while respectable for an EDT, might not satisfy those who prefer all-day wear without reapplication.
- ❌ Projection is moderate; not for those who want a strong, commanding presence.
- ❌ May not appeal to those who prefer heavier, richer, or more traditional fragrance genres.
Price & Value
“Worth the investment for dedicated collectors or strong enthusiasts, but poor value for casual buyers due to scarcity and high secondary market pricing.”
📜 Reformulation History
For "In Love Again Edition Fleur De La Passion" specifically, there are no widely reported batch variations within its limited run. However, the original "In Love Again" (1998) did undergo reformulations, leading to discussions about vintage vs modern batches of the standard release. This specific 2005 edition is a distinct interpretation.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 20-45
- Cheerful, elegant, and vibrant personalities
- Those who appreciate fresh, uplifting, and sophisticated fruity-floral fragrances
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Individuals seeking very heavy, gourmand, or intensely formal fragrances
- Those who dislike prominent, tangy fruit notes
- People who prefer deep, oriental, or highly complex scents
The Family
The iconic predecessor, sharing core DNA but with subtle differences in emphasis.
Occasional re-releases of the original in different bottles, sometimes causing formulation confusion.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a vibrant, cheerful fruity-floral blend with peony, rose, blackcurrant, and peach, offering a similar effervescent feel.
A popular, fresh floral-fruity scent that captures a similar clean, sparkling, and feminine elegance, though less tropical.
Offers a similar sense of lightness and understated sophistication with delicate fresh and fruity floral notes.
Its crisp, refreshing, and bright character shares the uplifting mood and warm-weather suitability, despite being more citrus-dominant.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Offers a complex, sweet, and fruity-floral profile with a similar feminine, slightly exotic sweetness at a budget-friendly price.
A widely available and affordable option that shares the sparkling, fresh, and elegant fruity-floral vibe.
Many Zara floral-fruity releases, including Tuberose variations, offer bright, contemporary, and affordable takes on the genre with juicy fruit openings.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
A delicate, optimistic fruity floral with a sophisticated freshness.
A classic, radiant floral bouquet with prominent fruit notes, offering elegance and luminosity.
A fresh, aquatic floral that shares the refreshing, uplifting, and warm-weather appeal.
A juicy, sweet, and fresh fruity floral that captures a similar naturalistic fruitiness.
More from Yves Saint Laurent
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple white musk
- A sheer vanilla fragrance
- A light citrus cologne
- A subtle woody base (e.g., sandalwood or cedarwood oil)
🏆 Final Verdict
Final Verdict: Why You Should Buy It
Yves Saint Laurent''s "In Love Again Edition Fleur De La Passion" is a jewel for those who appreciate the artistry of a truly uplifting fruity-floral. It’s a testament to Jean-Claude Ellena’s ability to craft scents that are both effervescent and refined. This fragrance isn''t just a pleasant smell; it''s a mood enhancer, a bottled burst of spring and summer joy that carries an air of sophisticated playfulness.
While its discontinued status makes it a challenge to acquire, its unique blend of tangy passion fruit, juicy blackcurrant, and delicate passion flower, rose, and peony, grounded by soft musk and sandalwood, offers an experience few other fragrances can replicate. It manages to be both vibrant and elegant, youthful yet mature, making it incredibly versatile for warm-weather daytime wear.
For the collector, the enthusiast, or anyone who holds a nostalgic connection to the original "In Love Again," this "Fleur De La Passion" edition is a worthy pursuit. It represents a specific moment in YSL''s fragrance history, a beautifully executed interpretation that continues to be celebrated. If you can find it at a price you deem reasonable, and you crave a scent that radiates positivity, charm, and understated luxury, then adding this cult classic to your collection is a decision you won''t regret. It''s an investment in a piece of fragrant art that truly lives up to its name.