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olena-boyko – :
There isn’t much to say about Monsieur de Givenchy but here it is :
It’s classic and classy
It’s simple yet elegant
It’s unpretentious yet chic in a casual way
It’s all about barber shop scents : citrus, lavender, and other aromatic herbs
A perfect case of “Less is more”
Oh and it also has a lovely sleek bottle with frosted glass.
It’s in the same league as Pour Monsieur de Chanel but Givenchy is more casual. Very nice and very pleasant especially in the warm’n hot seasons. Supposedly an EdT but more of a cologne really as it doesn’t have massive performance : projection is moderate while sillage is weak.
A simple pleasure of life to be enjoyed.
nikolai2351 – :
Was there something special here? Maybe in 1959. This was so subtle it made me wonder why this great house reissued this one. For me this was a very understated soapy-clean smell that had the longevity of aftershave.
wrcwfnkvi5e – :
Unfortunately, they have neglected the icons of previous decades and have only been led to failures that many of them are generic. They did not respect or preserve the fabulous classics. Today they only work at Very Irresistible, Play and Dalhia … A real shame
pbu377InsuffBooni – :
This is such a bitter fresh zesty beauty!!
F..k grandpa oldish thinking because this is unbelievable fresh and aged very well in its timeless composition,quiet exiting.
I just love how the Verbena and citrus fall into place ..
Good old times .. for now!
(I have the really first version of it b.t.w. )
Marinochk – :
Haven’t tried to vintage, but the current formulation might as well be an Eau de Cologne splash. Zero sillage/longevity. Horribly disappointing.
Romario89 – :
This is the missing link. No, not the one that fills the gap in the hominid evolutionary record. This one fills the olfactory gap between the Chanel Pour Monsieurs of the 1950s and the Yves Saint Laurent Pour Hommes of the 1970s. More aromatic and sharp than its predecessor, but a bit sweeter and not as in your face challenging as its successor, it acts as the perfect transitional buffer between the conservative 50s and the colorfully brash 70s. It opens with a bright, smooth mix of lemon and verbena and quickly dries down to a spicy mix of oakmoss, lavender, and carnation with the vestiges of the citrus lingering in the background. Sillage is soft and longevity is 1-2 hours per application. Yes, it is evanescent to the nose, but that only makes the experiencing of it all the more precious. This is the way class smells, people.
erurlertyb – :
Fragrance Review For Monsieur De Givenchy
Top Notes
Carnation Cinnamon Pepper Lemon
Middle Notes
Lavender Lemon Verbena
Base Notes
Sandalwood Musk Oak Moss
The guy sitting next to me on the plane on the way to Paris Fashion Week smelled of this scent. I asked him if he was wearing Givenchy’s Gentleman, but he said it’s similar and older called Monsieur de Givenchy. This is a prototype of Gentleman, but much better, simpler and fresher. This classic fragrance from circa 1959 is a citrus based cologne that has a lot of what I like in men’s colognes. It has that lemon verbena and lemony aftershave scent that I like. The fragrance contains a chemical compound citronella which is redolent with lemongrass and citruses. That barbershop smell, that lemon freshness that invigorates the skin. Sweet and sharp. At the first spritz that lemon verbena emerges and it’s to die for.
The other notes include floral notes of lavender and carnation, aromatic and spicy-floral scents that can be worn by men without feeling like they are powdery florals. The lemon is still strong and the lavender is the more dominant floral note. If you’re a guy that likes lavender, this is going to be for you. It’s an old fashioned lavender unlike the lavender notes in such modern scents like Le Male by Gaultier, though it has that same light freshness.
Further notes include spices: cinnamon and pepper. The spices match up with the lavender and carnation, a realistic green carnation. It’s almost exactly like a carnation corsage pinned on the tuxedo of a gentleman. If this fragrance was available for young guys in 1959-1960-1961, and they had the money to splurge on it, this would have made a hell of a prom night cologne.
The citrus, spices and florals settle down and the driest part of the fragrance is oak moss, sandalwood and musk. They are very typical of men’s colognes of the period but I would classify this cologne as an Oriental Fougere. The lavender is distinctive of fougeres and the sandalwood of Orientals. The musk is quiet and in the background even the slightest bit powdery, allowing the sandalwood to take over.
This fragrance exudes class and maturity, sophistication and intellect. It smells like a man in a suit or tuxedo with salt and pepper hair, he speaks with a British accent and is devilishly handsome. The men that come to mind: Hollywood actor James Mason or Sean Connery. This is a James Bond cologne! Classic, easy to wear, light, and fresh. I liked this fragrance and would love to smell it on other guys.
vovko11 – :
A beautiful lemon lightly framed by perfectly balanced spices. It’s absolutely perfect; unfortunately, it’s also very ephemeral, gone within half an hour even after a large application. The (vintage) EDT is so weak that I sometimes smell the ethanol before the fragrance; nevertheless, it is my favourite cologne.
The bottle is a beautiful thing too.
Melzw922Bessinepome – :
Let me be very direct without any fluff………this is a timeless and awe-inspiring aromatic citrus masterpiece. Wearing this will engulf you in a cloud of class, elegance and sophistication. Vintage is best, but the current version still maintains the voice of the past.
crazykot – :
I recently ran into a full never open original tester of this wonderful fragrance , It was in a very old perfume shop and the gentleman told me this was among the last of the vintage formula , I plan to enjoy this masterpiece during the Canadian summer.
Thanks,
alexhahter – :
I first tried this in 1977, when I was 12 years. My bigbrother bought it and wanted my opinion and he gave me permission to use it once in a while. Fresh, Sharp citrus opening and a very well blended spicy middle. I still have a vintage 60 ml, and i only use it sparingly. Absolutely wonderfull.
y31 – :
What a stunning fragrance. I recently had the opportunity of blind buying a 30 year old sealed bottle of this masterpiece and based on some of the reviews on here decided to go ahead and do so. From the very first spray, this one just makes you smile. As many others on here have already mentioned, it has the oakmoss feel of Chanel’s beautiful and underrated Pour Monsieur, with a slightly stronger citrus tinge lurking around in the opening. It’s a shame Givenchy appear to have discontinued this one, as I certainly don’t feel its old age means it smells too dated or ‘old-school’ by any means. Very glad I got the chance to acquire this one, and I strongly recommend anyone to give this a try if the opportunity ever arises.
Sokol55 – :
Fifth and final vintage sample in its brown box.
First off freshly sliced lemon and lavender…a classic, clean, sharp cologne opening. Then the most beautiful spicy, floral nomfest (sorry I cannot think of anything sensible to say here, it is truly scrumptious (I love pepper and cinnamon) and what on earth are they doing with modern fragrances?
Wait, I think I prefer this to the mostly green Givenchy III (which by the way, after my bath is still in the crook of my arm which I washed well). Oh the musk is kicking in now. This is heavenly. Thank you Givenchy for this amazing aromatic fougere!
banderlog007 – :
@b701gk
Test out Chanel egoiste 🙂 🙂
Tausnourabawnas – :
I love this scent so much. My great-uncle used to wear it, and when he died, and my parents asked me if there was anything of his I wanted to have, I asked for the bottle of his perfume and got it.
The Parfums Mythiques reformulation smells completely synthetic and has none of the magic of the original.
I bought a very expensive bottle of the original on ebay a couple of weeks ago, and was not disappointed. Still, there is something very little missing. It goes away very quickly, and smells just the tiniest bit slight. I wish it had an ever so slight powdery aspect to it. Or some amber. Or some more cedar. I don’t know. Would love to have an organ of ingredients and be able to fiddle around with them.
But I have to believe there might be an even greater perfume out there. Is there?
For other lovers of this amazing perfume, could you please give a word of advice to someone new to this community:
Which other perfumes communicate that total high class and elegance and still friendliness? Whether discontinued or not?
It rarely happens that there is a scent that has a lot of manly character but still doesn’t alienate anyone.
Perfumes I love and consider perfect are:
Armani Prive – Bois d’Encens
Comme des Garcons – 2 Man (very similar to Bois d’Encens)
Penhaligon’s – Iris Prima
Monsieur de Givenchy – only the original one with oakmoss etc.
other great scent experiences have included, Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier – Pomme d’Ambre (these are little amber blocks you put in a wooden box as a room scent. But it is AMAZING and transporting)
I know these are all unrelated, but they are also scents that have transported me without being too personal, too idiosyncratic. Everyone would agree they are great. And they don’t have that crazy note of urine that so many perfumes have (still don’t know why) or that animalistic side that just isn’t appropriate in every situation.
Please advise what else I should be trying and looking out for.
Many thanks,
GK
prodigy – :
It’s a very rare occasion i can say that i love a frag but this one i do. A classic, a masterpiece.
Zabotinigor – :
I bought this blind, getting a slightly vintage spray bottle in 100ml size. I’m not sure when it was made, but it predates the latest bottle design.
This starts out with a fresh and clean citrus accompanied by some floral notes (like carnation). Into the dry down, it gets a bit peppery. Lemon pepper. I don’t really get sandalwood but I do get some oakmoss and maybe some musk, and definitely lavender as the drydown progresses.
Sillage is fairly close once the dry down gets some aging. Longevity is OK, better than most modern day citrus focused fragrances. This is definitely quite suitable for the warmer months, but it could even go as an office fragrance year round.
Someone said this is somewhere between Chanel Pour Monsieur and Dior Eau Sauvage. Well, I don’t have the latter, but I’m getting an idea of what it would be like. I was on the hunt for a vintage Eau Sauvage, but I think I’ll rest now. I quite like this. 🙂
faicifisylymn – :
i wish i could smell this, i read Freddie Mercury wore it.
where can i test this or buy a sample?
bibandvl – :
WARNING STRICTLY REVIEWING VINTAGE VERSION…refined masculine fragrance..modest sillage and a real retro feelinG
shares the same vibe of Capucci 1967 or YSL PH 1971 and to a certain extent to Loewe PH vintage, a scent for grown ups masculine types well over their 30’s, so teen age party goer you’ve been warned, this scent is actually the opposite of the fad of the moment aka Onemillionkilotonsspicebombs
лехаш – :
Monsieur de Givenchy is one of my all time favorites they made a stronger long lasting version of this scent in the late 1980s I beleive. Clean elegance it is impossible to go wrong with this fregrance. The addition of oak moss seems to blend many fragrances very well I feel
sever182 – :
A very traditional aromatic, like YSL PH, vintage rochas pour monsieur. It doesn´t get much better than this.
vintage 9/10
mikeau – :
I’ve been on the forums now for a short while and am learning all kinds of things about scents and frags. This one was fun to pick up due to the history. I like having a timeless fragrance in the collection from the 1950’s. Reminds me of a lighter version of Armani Eau Pour Homme. They share a lot of ingredients in common. The MdG is a bit lighter overall.
I have the tall frosted bottle with the angular cap. Don’t care for it. I realize that companies are trying to stand out on their own with the packaging, but I really just like many of the more simple/plain bottle designs. This does not detract from the quality of the juice and I enjoy this one.
ericrico has the best description on this frag. He has very elloquently expressed the feelings this cologne inspires.
PR_SPb – :
it may be dated, but what a nice fragrance.the citrus with that sweet dry down, very very elegant…a pleasing clean masculine scent. just picked up a 30 mil splash bottle and was very impressed with just the presence of scent, people use the term timeless..and this truly represents that. promply put this into a nice atomizer..takes a few sprays..but like this one. i could see how this could be a signature scent of someone noteable.
very classy scent, seems to be one that you can generously apply and not overwhelm people., the scent is very pleasing and very manly…take a whiff..
Alesia_58 – :
A classic – to some dated, to those who can appreciate, timeless. An incredible work of classic, masculine fragrance with wonderful blended essence of superb quality ingredients! I am referring to Vintage Eau de Toilette. It is a landmark scent and, while reserved, a quintessential creation in 1959. Chanel Pour Monsieur came just four years before in 1955. It was the “benchmark” – Hubert de Givenchy created his own wonderful bottle that expresses balance, class, and a true gentlemanly vibe. You must be a fan of French-styled fragrance to appreciate this fully. It is of sheer quality – the notes have superb depth for an Aromatic Citrus (Chypre), but it is never loud or intrusive. For Vintage EdT, I have a tremendous amount of respect and enjoy each wearing. Nice attire is mandatory. Original Vintage EdT is simply outstanding. No rating, just pure admiration…
I was able to acquire a pristine, Vintage, 100ml bottle of the Monsieur de Givenchy in Super Concentrate (“Haute Concentree”) formulation as well. This is really nice. Shamus1 gives a great review – sharing both feel and a better classification, a “citrusy chypre”. In the Super Concentrate formula, there is a rich base of moss and a nice touch of civet with smooth, elegant sandalwood – but not overdone. This wears like a classic watch…it is dependable, shows sophistication and will definitely tell others around you that you have a style all to yourself. Not a fragrance for the mainstream – and I never have been part of that. Since a young age, I’ve enjoyed classic scents. This is extremely good and I appreciate every nuance. Different than the standard concentration EdT, but actually wonderful in a blended wearing (not directly applied on top of one another – just a couple of sprays on my forearms of this while wearing the Vintage, Original formulation and it is mesmerizing). Worn separately, different vibes – as well as together.
It is not loud, but it is very distinct. One spray on the back of my hand from about 2 inches away. Where it sprayed heavy, there is more focused scent (and deeper moss, musk and more sharp citrus & herbs)…where it “misted”, the note separation is wonderful. This is very good to discover. Excellent to note as I will apply this (in a full wearing) at least 6-8 inches away for a couple of shots and then a focus shot on my wrists. This is, traditionally, a spring/summer scent. However, the “Super Concentrate” formula is definitely a year-round fragrance. It is laden with moss and depth of herbs. The top notes are there and very rich, but the depth of the base notes (moss, musk and a very nice and traditional gentleman’s sandalwood) are what allow this scent to last. I actually see this being wonderful on cooler spring/fall days – and even wet weather (but not too cold). The subtleties would be lost – like the beautiful herbal lemon verbena, slightly pungent carnation-clove, fragrant (but slightly bitter) sage, fresh masculine lavender and touch of cinnamon with a pinch of warm pepper (along with the light dash of civet) are all notable. The entire composition exudes confidence and what a European gentleman is all about – with an aire of sophistication. Proper attire and confidence required. It does wear close to the skin, but in warm weather – this breathes on your skin and has very nice presence.
Intelligent, reserved, and refined masculine fragrance that shows wonderfully. There is a time and place where MdG would be perfect…I can think of many. Relaxing on a weekend (or dressing up in proper attire on a weekday), reading a novel turning actual paper pages (not using a tablet or electric device), watching a classic movie (black & white, foreign, arthouse), listening to live jazz in an upscale bistro…
**Update** – Bought last formulation in squat 100ml spray bottle prior to Les Parfums Mythiques release. It is a tester, with the description written on the back: “WOODY CITRUS: Freshness of Lemon and Bergamot, elegance of Lavender and Sandal wood.” A brief, but perfect description – a distinguished scent for a gentleman. With sandalwood becoming a more precious commodity, we see houses going to other ingredients…in Monsieur de Givenchy, Les Parfums Mythiques has gone to Hinoki Wood. I wanted to get the older, last bottling of the very close to Vintage formula – and I am very happy I did.
A scent for those who understand that less is more, elegance and taste has been refined and that scent is part of your “wardrobe” or attire. Understated and one of the best Citrus Aromatic scents ever created in an excellent composition. While many have stated that this is similar to other classic masculine scents, or fills a void between Chanel Pour Monsieur (1955) and ___________…fill in the blank. To me, it is unique and incredible unto itself. This is not as bold as another great citrus aromatic/woody/chypre scent, in YSL Pour Homme (1971) nor is it as herbal as Eau Sauvage (1966). Not comparing – but noting so many differences within the genre. One could never confuse any of these for another. A composition of purity and refinement…in all of its formulations and concentrations.
1977Lex – :
This is classic sophistication with muted notes and a heady citron and sandalwood presence. It lasts forever and that is a very good thing. Givenchy fragrances for men are distinctive and this beauty started it all. It may have been created in 1959 but it is a timeless scent. Recommended for any occasion.
hem355Bessinepome – :
For eight years I had been deprived of my sense of smell due to sinuous infection. I would smell by opening my mouth and like a snake sensing the air with the blade of my tongue. Then entering my sixteenth year I recovered. But having been dispossessed of my olfactory sense for so long when my sense of smell returned to me, it came back with a staggering intensity. All odours manifold stronger than before, I was disturbed at the very hint of scent and smell became a problem. I shunned Eau de Colognes they were all too overpowering, until a day when I in passing came across Monsieur de Givenchy, it was the first aftershave I was able to use. Today all my Eau de Colognes are insubstantial in character as though, they are not really there. They serve a purpose for each has a state attached to it, they are bottled moods. Each having been used over time for particular situations, they attune one; and have become synonymous with a situation. Thereby automatically setting one into the right state of mind merely through their fragrance changing the private sphere that is ones world. None more so than Monsieur de Givenchy. This transparent sea blue liquid; produced in 1959 have a fingerprint smell that has always reminded me of the Mediterranean, ex-girlfriends, beaches, sunshine and blue ocean. When it became increasingly difficult to obtain in the perfumeries, it was as if some states of being; no longer was available to me. I had lost a part of what I identify with myself and had become unable to conjure forth the memories connected with its scent. It is for this reason; of uttermost importance, when first applying a new Eau de Cologne; that one is happy, energetic and preferably located in a place which one would like to remember, for the memory; will stay with you, for as long; as it’s available in the shops.
dwi343Diobtetty – :
Monsieur de Givenchy is basically a cross between Chanel Pour Monsieur and Eau Sauvage, but it does what it does right and smells timeless and classy. Lasts a good while, too.
Luckily the Mythic version didn’t really f*ck anything up – it just made the fragrance last a little longer, which is OK with me! 🙂
P0larBeer – :
A reformulation of this classic babrershop-masculine fragrance a-là Chanel Pour Monsieur. The apotheosis of old-fashioned discreet elegance. Mannered but not affected. To be absolutely avoided if you don’t like the genre. I do.
Long story made short: to fully understand where we are now, we have to know where we came from! (I think I’ve already heard this one)!
Rating: 8/10
zhenskayav – :
love it bought it 1973 – my scent me myself i
sashajulia – :
Imagine mixing Chanel Pour Monsieur with Cologne 4711 and just a hint of pepper, and you have MdG: a timeless classic. Just about everything about it is perfect: just the right amount of citrus to make it refreshing, just the right amount of chypre-like bitterness to give it an edge, and just the right amount of concentration to produce good sillage without blowing people out of the room. MdG is so classic and elegant, it could anyone seem like Cary Grant. If I were to give this a label, I’d have to call it a citrusy chypre. I hope Givenchy makes this forever.
bazilio63 – :
For nearly fifty years this has been one of my favorites and suitable for all occassions and climates. Unfortunately, it is now hard to find in American stores.