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Buttmyday – :
If you want to smell like iris and powder, then this is for you.
guncher – :
Mine is more recent batch.I wasn’t sure in the beginning if it is something I’d enjoy wearing.I am happy I own this beauty.To me it is Chanel °5,but with modern twist. for some reason this juice reminds me vintage Opium in parfum version.
neymexa – :
I first purchased this 200ml bottle when it came out around 2007. I gave it to my mother, she loved it and at the time I found it too strong. It is now back in my possession 10 years later and it is so wonderful to rediscover how warm, enveloping and glorious this scent is. It dries down to a slightly powdery but mostly warm floral with lots of wood. Loving this again. It has matured over 10 years sitting in the bottle, it smells better then I remember…did not turn.
Danehawqwlzze – :
edt on my wrist
very close to bois des iles and 1932, don’t you think? I love them all!
31 rue cambon – so warm, woody, soft like velvet, green notes, some aldehydes, soft citrus but not sharp at all. It’s simply elegant, luxurious. I feel like a queen of style wearing this!
ser-yurkov – :
True story – I accidentally stepped in front of a woman yesterday and I apologised profusely (I’m Canadian – what can I say?). The woman accepted my apology saying “its ok, but you smell so great!”. I was wearing Rue Cambon the most gorgeous Chanel exclusive – feminine, sensual, rich, elegant. Highly recommended!
barudzo – :
31 Rue Cambon smells like a very elegant woman’s house. The smells of a very beautiful dinner cooked, romantic. The smells of a bouquet of flowers and the smell of her elegant, though clean, fragrance. Freshly laundered clothes laced with iris powder… so many things going on.
All that aside, because I’m obviously confused by the imagery, this scent will always a very special place in my heart. A mature take on the modern Chypre, not like anything I’ve smelt before… apart from in that exact scenario I listed above.
muler42 – :
31 Rue Cambon may be called fragrance of the perfumer – represents the synthesis of Chanel tradition intertwined with the today trend and lifestyle.
Smelled in tester, 31 Rue Cambon welcomes you with opulent aldehyde flavors of the past, aldehydes smart mixed with modern smoking/dark (labdanum?!) ingredients that create you the feeling of being in front of a vintage perfume.
On skin also surprise you – at the beginning is like a flanker of Antaeus, then begin, one by one, to come – patcouli, ylang-ylang, iris, rose and more. It really seems as a synthesis of Antaeus, Allure Sensuelle, No. 5, Chance, but this synthesis must be viewed in the most positive way – scent has its own personality and is one of the foundation pillars in Chanel portfolio.
Both the projection and the longevity are at medium (but satisfactorily) level.
I see 31 Rue Cambon worn by a woman with intellectual preoccupations, with a developed aesthetic sense and a successful career and represents a big step forward in terms of style for Chanel, alongside Coromandel, Beige, Jersey and Sycomore.
Fragrance 10/10
Projection Medium
Longevity 8 h
albatros – :
Scent – ylang, patchouli & bergamot.
Season/Time of Day – I prefer to use this one in the colder months, during the day.
Projection – I didn’t get noticed, I didn’t get a compliment.
Longevity – I get 24hrs consistently.
sistem-po4ta – :
This is a chypre that I can handle. Overall, very weak. Should 31 be redone as an edp, I will be very tempted. The opening and first hr are sharp with bergamot but the patchouli is manageable. Several hours later, I am left with the softest floral. No one floral note stands out for me. There is Chanel dna all over this fragrance.
myrtalegalkoh – :
Beautiful, modern take on a chypre, without the standard oakmoss materials. Normally not a patchouli fan but here it’s rendered so soft and rounded that it’s stunning, not reminiscent of a head shop. I mostly read aldehydes and citrus (bergamot?) in the top notes, followed by something distinctly peppery, a touch of ylang, rose, iris and patchouli over a soft, slightly powdery amber and woody base. This and Bois des Iles are my favorites from Les Exclusifs but unlike BdI, 31RC one can be worn in any season. I can only bear wearing the sandalwood-heavy BdI in cooler weather.
I’m not sure why some people seem to be anosmic to aspects of 31RC, or say it doesn’t last on skin because I easily get 8+ hours of wear from it. Sure, it may not radiate across the room but rather provides a gentle veil of scent around the wearer.
omi328Bessinepome – :
Bergamot, iris and green notes dominate, which gives this a sharpness.
It did not develop the chanel sexy undertones I love in other chanels. This one never got more interesting than the opening. Woody floral? No, it’s not. Go to Coromandel or Bois des Iles for that.
vanyasen – :
Update – continued trying to sniff this and, lo and behold, all of a sudden I could smell it.
Interestingly, I can also smell the iris in other fumes now that I wasn’t picking up before. So, thought stories like that were an urban myth, but apparently your nose has to “learn” certain smells.
Possibly the iris was blocking other elements from coming through, but I’m not sure why I wasn’t able to detect any “bergamot” or even patch or pepper before. As I noted, I have many of the essential oils this supposedly contains notes of, and I had no problem smelling them even when I couldn’t smell this at all. I suspect a heavy dose of Iso E is probably responsible.
That being said, I still get a very synthetic vibe from this. It lasts a long time, but it’s a boring time. I get no sense at all of any green, which I always notice.
I mention that not to be pedantic about what constitutes a “real chypre,” but to clarify that if you love that specific “chewy” chypric character that combines tart, bitter and floral with a certain dusty denseness that lingers just behind the sinuses, you ain’t gonna find it here.
This to me is a sweet, heavily ambered oriental with a lot of nondescript synthetic nuances that read more like that modern “mineral” note than any sense of citrus or floral. The iris is not the chalky version from Guerlain, it’s more of a smooth sweetness.
Another bland, sweet modern fume with a thin, uninteresting ambroxany drydown. It could desperately use something green to cut the flatness, but I’m guessing Chanel’s not gonna spring for galbanum even in their “exclusiv” line. Not a good sign.
Undimmist – :
Modern Chypre Heaven.
Not surprisingly, it reminds me of a Guerlain, ( until I looked carefully at the label, I was CERTAIN it was )and has an aura of highest quality.
Mitsouko does indeed come to mind, though 31 Rue Cambon has a personality all it’s own. Completely unisex, Rue is grown up fragrance at it’s best. This is sophisticated perfumery – almost a trip into the past – it is so grounded and layered. Not watery or insipid, this is a scent with meat on it and real staying power. If only more classic Chanel reformulations had these attributes… sigh. We can dream, can’t we?!
Five Stars ( Six if they sold it at the drugstore, hehe…. )
xRidiKx – :
As the most beautiful woman deserves the crown, Like the best fragrance deserves praise.
In my opinion, 31 Rue Cambon fragrance, Chanel should be crowned as the best of the best in Les Exclusifs de Chanel line because it is powerful scent with long-lasting duration and includes many properly mixed precious notes which I love, iris, patchouli, and ylang-ylang.
All I mention above, when I use this fragrance, I can imagine only a woman with jewel crown, shiny-black evening gown, little smile but engrossed eyes in her face. So, I have a plan spraying this scent the day I defend my Ph.D. thesis exam. I believe it will bring good luck and make my confidence during at time. 🙂
tropanec – :
The following comes from a rather determined patchouli hater… I LOVE 31 Rue Cambon! What is this witchcraft? What is this magic potion?
I’ve always been a white flower girl, but now I can’t stop smelling my wrist. Everything is in such a perfect balance here, just wow. It is like a Zen garden to me, not scent-wise, but an impression. Everything is at the right place. Bergamot and narcissus are sparkling, and my hated patchouli (I really dislike Miss Dior EdP and Coco Mdmsll) is simply divine here. Then iris and some flowers come and the dry down is dry, wealthy and grown-up.
I never thought I’d say this about patchouli… I am happy to be wrong, bowing down to 31 Rue Cambon and the mastery of the perfumer.
tibProore – :
Chanel’s most beautiful patchouli. If you don’t care for patchouli, you might as well forget about reading any further. This scent opens up with only the smallest bit of aldehydes and citrus courtesy of a bergamot orange but fairly soon it develops into an iris patchouli fragrance. I would never have imagined that iris, usually paired up beautifully with rose, could smell really good next to patchouli. This is a floral scent that becomes briefly powdery because iris and iris root gives that effect but you can hardly call this a powdery fragrance. The scent develops into an aromatic and very heady perfumy patchouli, absolutely beautiful. It’s got a lot of green notes and I wonder if this would have been even better if they had the floral note of lily of the valley. This is a green chypre without woods but with lots of patchouli. It’s a well behaved patchouli that does not smell like 1960’s patchouli smoked by hippies (i.e. the patchouli in Yves Saint Laurent Opium) or the foul patchouli in Jeanne Arthes Patchouli Sumatra or L’Artisan’s Voleur de Roses. This is not a weed. This smells like a rose trapped in a patchouli body and is undergoing a transformation. The rose patchouli scent is the classiest and most beautiful scent I have ever smelled in my entire life. Because the patchouli is potent this is a unisex fragrance. In the air on it’s own it smells like what I get when walking next to men who have patchouli based colognes. The scent lasts for days and days and has great sillage. As with so many complex long lasting scents they seem to be even more fragrant and beautiful in winter time. In the oppressive heat this fragrance would probably stink. This is much better in the autumn or winter. An elegant patchouli, a patchouli to proudly take out to dinner in public. I realize that 31 Rue Cambon was the address of most important to Coco Chanel who opened the doors for modern female designers but this scent does not evoke that period, not even that boutique. It smells too aromatic and green to smell of Paris at the time Chanel was working on her designs. I feel that it’s hard to capture the spirit of the 20’s and Chanel’s first successes into a fragrance, and really only Chanels No. 5 No. 22 and Coco Eau de Parfum (the vintage 80’s fragrance) does a better of job of transporting me to Chanel’s Golden Age. But this is really nice. If you like patchouli and or you’re curious about how patchouli can change your outlook on patchouli try this stuff. This is a lesson on how patchouli can be beautiful in a fragrance.
CHEGODAEVAKATERINA – :
I tried several samples of 31 and had to think about it before committing to a full bottle. Now I just wish I’d gotten it sooner. Absolutely gorgeous scent. Like most reviewers, 31 goes citrus > nutty/leathery > patchouli/lightly sweet with powdery notes along side the whole way. I don’t smell anything floral on myself, but a scarf worn after putting it on does smell vvvv slightly of flowers, though no specific variety. Mostly this is an extraordinarily well-blended scent that captures the best of some of my favorite notes like labdanum & patchouli. I’d call it unisex but the spouse disagrees; he thinks it’s extra feminine. Longevity is excellent on me & spouse says it’s staying v close to my skin (I can never be sure), so it looks like it’ll be good for all occasions. I agree with the other reviewers who say 31 smells chic. What’s nice is that rather than feeling like I have to dress to match the scent, I feel that 31 just makes whatever I wear seem stylish.
Luskas – :
I have this one in my collection and it definitely has a presence. Its not a “Power Bomb”. I don’t think it’s meant to be, but I definitely enjoy this scent.
master – :
Just got this new from Chanel and I can barely smell anything.
I’m getting faint musty powder and a hint of something that might be pepper.
I tested it up close. I tested it on my hand. I tested several sprays at once. I tested a tiny swidge. I tested in humidity. I tested in dry heat. I tested outside. I tested after 3 days of resting my nose. Tried it in my hair. Tried it on fabric.
There is nothing there.
I’ll just add that I have rose, ylang, jasmine, sandalwood, patch and bergamot essential oils in my play kit and they’re all coming through in full technicolor. Ditto the black pepper on my kitchen table. It’s not my nose.
I do get a faint hint of cardboard, which for me tends to be an Iso E red flag.
I will never buy another Chanel product without testing a recent batch.
A chypre, this definitely ain’t.
p.s., ironically, the tiny sample of Chanel “Le Lift” firming lotion that came with this smelled about 20 times stronger and lasted all night. A nice watery floral reminiscent of an old 90s era, blue colored Bath & Body Works spray. It was called something like April Rain. Maybe Chanel could take some tips from them. At least they register on the smell scale.
owerlord33 – :
i was very pleasantly surprised. this is lovely fragrance. As soon as I smelled it I thought it reminded me of something-then it hit me-Samsara except its nowhere near as sweet. This is “drier” version of it. Elegant, warm, sophisticated, pull out evening gown and those diamonds, fragrance. Not for wall flowers but sexy sophisticated woman
dukhalin – :
Oh, what a pleasant perfume! I tried it because members at Fragrantica inspired me as I was trying to give advice to someone else.
This is classy, conservative yet lively, feminine in a traditional way, elegant yet sensual.
I’m happy that even in these modern times of dilution and cheap raw materials, Chanel can still do something good.
Especially the blending part is well-done. The blend gets better and better with hours and all notes blend in without screaching.
It has something in common with Teo Cabanel’s Oha.
I love the floral heart with ylang ylang, the slightly dirty patchouli that evolves to a clean woody edge and the black pepper is not disturbing.
It gets sweeter but never ever a candy sweet.
Beautiful.
I agree with the “coming home” feeling. It has a re-assuring vibe for lovers of chypres as if the bad times passed and beauty was restored.
Perfectly suitable for formal occasions and longlasting.
vanyoknart – :
I have found myself returning to this over and over in the last few months, and wondered why some particular situations made me reach for it unthinkingly. At last I know.
31 Rue Cambon is a scent of perfect poise. If I were an architect presenting a $250 million design to a client, I would wear this. If I were meeting a prospective mother-in-law for the first time, I would wear this. Meeting Presidents or Prime Ministers, I would wear this. If a certain situation or event demands impeccable credentials, or the idea of a certain situation or event makes me a little anxious, I wear only this, always.
Virtually every other perfume I know has its inappropriate elements for some occasions (too sexy, too green, too frou-frou, too toothless, too weird, too heavy, too spicy, too strong, whatever). Not this one. Occasions have to rise to 31 Rue Cambon, not the other way around. I feel serene when I wear it, completely at ease in any milieu. Of course, it is an extremely beautiful scent, but never showy. It is perfectly self-possessed, and endows me with what self-possession I may lack, like a Chanel-clad fairy godmother. For these reasons, in my mind, it approaches a kind of perfection.
I have always been much more of a lifelong oriental fan than a chypre fan. But no matter; I bow down to 31 Rue Cambon.
ArximMen – :
I also like to thank Xrayer for the sample, she is one of the Angels of the perfume world spreading the words of the most beautiful perfumes in this planet.
I also have Coromandel but I never get compliments on it, but I get compliments with 31 Rue Cambon.
I think miss mills words are perfect for this perfume. It’s so elegant and feminine. what a gem I wish I win the lotto and could stock up this perfume because t’s really beautiful, I don’t come across this kind of perfume very often what I mean is I’m a little sick of all the synthetic and sugary perfums that’s is coming our way every year. But 31 Rue Cambon is a diamond in the middle of rhinestones. Highly recommended.
karl53 – :
Thank you to Xrayer, who kindly sent me a generous swag of samples! This is beautiful. Classy, green citrusy chypre, something a very sophisticated woman would wear. I keep smelling my wrist, this just keeps growing into yet more beauty. I would wear this to drinks on the waterfront in summer whilst wearing a floaty white dress, sunglasses and a wide brimmed sunhat. Fresh and elegant I think are the words I am looking for. Love it.
kana_6789 – :
I can’t begin to describe how beautiful this soft, yet spicy incense perfume is. I’ll never have a bottle but can certainly wish..,
sadkovkin – :
This is becoming one of my favourite les exclusifs (along with Coromandel). 31 Rue Cambon is warm patchouli, very chic and sophisticated. I wear it to work on a cold winter’s day and it makes me feel warm and elegant for hours (spray some in your hair and you can get beautiful whiffs of it throughout the day). Very comforting scent…. one of the best chypre fragrances out on the market. LOVE IT forever and worth every cent (I bought the 200ml bottle as it is more value for money). I will never be without it!!
Veroneelpisse – :
This is borderline unisex. Lots of green notes. I can also get some strong floral. It’s a strong scent but isn’t my favourite in the les exclusifs range. However, not bad at all. Please note, I tested this on a card, It might be better on the skin.
pirat72 – :
I am at a lost for words to describe this. At this point my soul is crushed. As I watch a loved one drowning and all they have to do is stand up. So I spray this on, and it touches the innermost part of my soul. Many arrows are slung in my direction as of late, and it is as if Mademoiselle Chanel herself handed this bottle to me spiritually and said “wear this”. Tis odd, but those reading this who are the real fragrantistia’s will know of what I speak. Fragrance is a magic elixir. Chanel has been there all my life, first 5, always 5….22, 19, others and now this. It is not Calgon who takes me away, but Chanel. What a gift from God she was….anyone who works for her beloved Chanel line is blessed to have the privilege to do so.
pont – :
This is a masterpiece. Floral unisex chypre wrapped in suede. Compliments. Non-linear. Extremely elegant. It’s complex and dry but it’s soft and smooth. It’s delectable but it’s neither sweet nor edible. This is love. This is the way scent is supposed to be.
tousiacyboata – :
Every time I put it on, I fall in love. Getting the ylang big time today. Intoxicatingly gorgeous. A real spell of protection against a particularly stressful day at work.
Alexsbk1991 – :
This cologne is powerful but subtle.
I feel it like an older fragrance, comfortable, maybe close of Mitsouko.
Bien qu’adorant les créations de J. Polge (Egoïste !), je n’ai pas eu de coup de foudre pour 31 rue Cambon.
Je le trouve trop proche d’un Chypré de type Mitsouko quoique plus doux.
Autant préférer l’original…
Dosid – :
There are perfumes -splendid perfumes- which can be analysed, explained and deduced.
And there are perfumes where something magical happens.
The combination of notes in 31RC causes my senses to purr from excitement.
A semi skinscent with a capital S. A tempting impression of chic elegance, returning again and again. An allusion almost of sweat, but not quite.
This is how I want perfume to be: indescribable.
senseyandrey – :
31 Rue Cambon feels like coming home. So easy to wear, comfortable and understated.
It’s beautiful, well blended and fits me like a glove. The ylang-ylang in here is reminiscent of the Chanel no.5 EDT but my favourite notes in this scent are the iris, patchouli and labdanum combination.
In the opening, I get a sour green note with patchouli, ylang ylang and a bit of iris. An hour later, the iris and rose notes dominate. The dry down is all labdanum.
I like pepper but it doesn’t have a feature in this one; whatever role it’s playing in this medley, it plays it in the background and well.
My only wish is that the patchouli stuck around longer.
That aside, I think I’ve found my signature.
zhukevich – :
I wrote a review for 31 Rue Cambon which was wasn’t very positive initially, but now I want to say that I was inexplicably, horribly wrong. Initially it struck me as being too spicy, woodsy, almost masculine. I dismissed it right away, and banished it to my graveyard of fragrances. After reading Luca Turin’s glowing review of 31 Rue Cambon and Bois des Iles, I knew I had to give it another try. The second time around, I began to appreciate its exquisite, old-world beauty. It transports you back to another era, of elegance and refined beauty. Everytime I would wear it, it made me straighten my back and walk with more confidence. Compared to Bois des Iles, the sillage and lasting power are greater, whereas Bois de Iles wears more like an Eau de Cologne. Truly a masterpiece and I am glad to have fallen in love with it now!
Avenger_84 – :
So everyone knows that Gabrielle Chanel purported the whole “A woman shouldn’t smell like flowers, she should smell like a woman” thing to sell/describe Chanel No 5. Okay.
I think that Chanel 31 is the No 5 for the 21st century. Truthfully the whole perfume is so well blended and so stylized that it’s hard to exactly tell what I’m smelling, but to me it smells like class and a million bucks. And it just SMELLS SO DAMN BEAUTIFUL!!!
31 is pretty linear, admittedly. It smells like soft aldehydes, velvet, citrus and bergamot, iris, patchouli, woods, and ylang ylang, they all come in at one time or another, or last throughout.
31 has good longevity, nice silage–not too much and not too little. I was lucky enough to get a pre-2014 bottle of this stuff so it’s nice and potent.
And it is one of those perfumes that seem made for dressing up and special occasions. I can’t think of anything else that smells like this, and it really is worth every penny.
This was the perfume that made me take a long look at my collection, and sampling in general, and I was like, “Why would I waste my time with OK perfumes, and the unknown, when I could just be wearing Chanel 31?”
BoofNinfete – :
I seem to be the only one that smells a strong lineage between Chanel 5 edt and 31 rue Cambon (see my previous review from a year ago below. And yes, I convinced myself and I am now a proud owner of a 31 rue Cambon 75ml bottle).
If Chanel 5 is the Grand Dame, Eau Premiere is the exuberant, sparkly, but well brought up grand-daughter (I have this image of Rose in Downton Abby) and 31 rue Cambon is the well-bred, perfectly mannered, but approachable and warm daughter (to keep with the Downton Abby analogy, this would be Cora). I really like all three, but somehow 31 rue Cambon is my current favourite. The absence of aldehydes and of civet may give it less complexity, but I still feel wrapped in a warm cloud of classy indulgence. A perfect fall fragrance.
—————–
Previous review
I tried this one today in Heathtrow. Starts with an off putting musty smell but then, after about 10 minutes, it changes completely on my skin and becomes this warm, sort of ambery (even though amber is not listed) and very enveloping smell. However, I am not sure I would purchase it as, on my skin, it bears a striking similarity with Chanel no5, Eau de toilette.
As an aside, I find the no5 EdT and EdP to be completely different. I love the former and loathe the latter.
I gather that 31 rue Cambon was developed way after Chanel no5 and, while retaining an old fashion structure and projection, it is somewhat more… Blended and polished?
The longevity is amazing BTW. After more than 10 hours (most of them spent in a plane) I can still smell the dry down. It is now become a soft and slightly sweet wood, amber and patchouli presence. Very comforting and elegant. Very classic Chanel.
So now, I am convincing myself that really, maybe, it is worth a purchase after all. LOL
… Apologies to all for my rather rambly review. Blame it on sleep deprivation.
vavilin.mikh – :
To my nose, this smells like a mix between Bel Respiro and Coromandel, with a pinch of 28 La Pausa’s pasty iris thrown in for good measure.
It also does smell somewhat similar to 1932, although this one’s heavier and has more patchouli.
The similarity to 28 La Pausa is most noticeable the first few minutes as the iris is really prominent then.
As soon as it begins to dry down the iris seems to leave the picture which makes me a little sad since I’m simply in love with that note!
We already have 28 LP and N18 though, so I guess I should stop complaining.. 😉
The bergamot, green notes and a soft patchouli/labdanum quikly rules out the iris.
The rose and pepper remain subtle throughout it’s development.
The creamy and exotic ylang ylang gently increases in strength, blending beautifully with the green notes.
Actually, it smells a bit like a more fresh, peppery and green version of Myrrhe&Delires by Guerlain at this point, which is a compliment, since I really like that one.
I’m not saying 31 Rue Cambon isn’t unique though, because it is, it’s just something about these different components that keep reminding me of those scents!
This is a lovely, chic and classy perfume that no doubt, could be very beautiful on the right person.
However, since I already have and love the ones mentioned earlier, this isn’t a priority for me at the moment.
This is actually one of the best Les Exclusifs when it comes to lasting power and projection though, which of course is a huge plus!
Some of the ones that I love dearly, such as Bois des Iles, Cuir de Russie, Bel Respiro and 28 La Pausa seem strong at first blast, but then- nothing.
It really frustrates and saddens me, because I would really like to smell them for much longer!
It might just be my nose playing tricks on me, but I wear my scents first and foremost for myself, therefore it’s really annoying still.
This doesen’t seem to be a problem with 31 Rue Cambon though, which is a great thing if you like it!
The most “concentrated” Les Exclusifs as far as I can tell besides this one, is N22, Coromandel, Sycomore, Jersey, Beige, Misia and 1932.
N18, 28 La Pausa, Eau de Cologne, Bel Respiro, BdI, CdR and Gardenia on the other hand, are all pretty soft I must say, which irks me big time!
I can understand that N18, 28LP, EdC and BR is probably supposed to be this way, but why BdI and CdR?!
Does not make any sense.
bomoLonduby – :
Today is the first time since I wear 31 Rue Cambon occasionally, that I realize the close relationship with 28 La Pausa. I wouldn’t say that they’re in the same vain, but besides the big iris note that they share, there definately is also some vetiver in 31 RC. It’s more evident on paper than on skin, but suddenly felt like 28 LP with added patchouli, labdanum and bergamot. funny…
Hmmm I like it very much…and the more often I wear it, the less I find it melancholic..
Meffi – :
YlangYlang and Patchouli in a soft mix. Nice,skinclose and lasts on my skin 10 hours +. Its a come-and-hug-me-scent.
YlangYlang och Patchouli i en mjuk mix. Trevlig, hudnära långlivad doft, mer än 10 timmar. Det är en kom-och-krama-mig-doft.
rolexreplica46496 – :
I don’t know why I can’t like patchouli scents.
Usually when I smell one, I immediately think: this is nice! They’re warm and alluring, inviting, comforting. But then suddenly they begin to feel strangely sweet and cloying, and seem to stay in my nose forever, absolutely impossible to get rid of.
I really want to like this, because it IS a nice scent. A good choice for a sunny autumn day. I enjoy the opening of this very much. But then the patchouli takes control…
I dislike sweet fruitchoulis like new Miss Dior and Coco Mademoiselle, but it doesn’t seem to work for me in modern chypres like this either. I wish it would, but I guess I’ll just have to stay with the old school, mossy chypres instead. There are enough to choose from.
shvital – :
My husband who is almost as new to fragrance as I am having lived next door to my grandma who is fragrance averse suffering instant headaches at 20 feet, smelled this and got all excited!! He likes it best for himself after smelling different male colognes recently. I can’t blame him. We are going to get a bottle to share!!
dmitriynort – :
I love the Exclusifs line. 31 was admittedly a little off-putting at first due to the strength of the aldehydes and citrus, but very shortly dried down to a wonderfully exotic scent. The patchouli is more harem than head shop and the iris tempers the heat. If Coromandel was a little more feminine, it would be a lot like this. It also reminds me of Paco Rabanne- La Nuit, only more suitable for daytime encounters!
PekSonnaAtono – :
Second wearing: I am dying of lust for this. I struggle with Chanel. I was in Macy’s today trying No. 5. It vanished on me, like so many Chanels do.
But this!
It’s rich. I’m wearing about 1/3 of a ml, which would be a lot for some frags and not enough for others. Pungent citrus topnotes were soon gone, and now it’s a thick floral, and although it’s called a chypre, I agree with folks who say that, lacking oak moss, it’s not exactly a classic chypre. There’s a pungent little waft of patchouli that cuts the heavy floral nicely in a way that makes me think a bit of pine.
I keep taking really deep breaths, because breathing with this on is such a pleasant experience!
It will likely be the next decant I buy. This and 1000 are my favorite florals; complex and not too sweet.
ziro4ka88 – :
31 RC is another timeless, breathtaking Chanel masterpiece. I am excited by the genius of juxtaposition between the intense, tart bergamot and bitter, dusty patchouli. The bergamot seems to last and last, yet this is in no way a light and citrusy eau de cologne.
31 Rue Cambon retains an other-worldliness in every sense of the word. Smelling this, I am transported to someplace in Europe in the 20’s or 30’s that only a woman of Coco Chanel’s stature would ever be able to visit. I feel like Chanel has let me into her world when I smell this ravishing scent.
At times I am tempted to say that it’s old-fashioned, like No. 22 or No. 5, but there is something cutting-edge or modern about it too, more so than any of the other Les Exclusifs I have sampled. It contains the Chanel-aide but without the aldehydes that can cause some to perceive Chanel perfumes as outdated (I said other people “perceive”, but I do not find Chanel outdated no matter what perfume we are talking about!).
This perfume takes me to airy summer gatherings at exclusive chateaux in the French countryside, behind sun-bleached wooden fences and wrought-iron gates. Stylish. Classy. Relaxed.
I purchased a bottle!
yug252 – :
Need.To.Buy.This.Now.
Gorgeous, modern chypre.
I’m amazed how this does not have oakmoss but it is definitely chypre.
Can’t say I love the openning, but the middle and the dry down is perfect (IMHO). Easy signature fragrance for me. I’m not an iris-lover and although I detect the iris, the pepper and labdenum change it. I also don’t find it powedery, and that’s good because I’m not a powder-lover either. Do try it!
marshal56 – :
31 Rue Cambon fo