L'Interdit

Creation

L'Interdit was secretly created in 1954 and was worn only by actress Audrey Hepburn, to whom it was given as a gift by Hubert de Givenchy, who had dressed her. For this, he called on a laboratory in Grasse, Roure Bertrand Dupont (nowadays Givaudan), who started with a base of aldehydes, reminiscent of the smell of soap, frost, and freshly cleaned sheets, which lifts and enhances floral scents, and became a popular ingredient in perfumes of the 1950s. In those years, perfumers also often used bouquets of scents, whereas nowadays the notes are more linear. L'Interdit thus includes tonka bean in the base note. Olfactologist at Givenchy, Françoise Donche notes that “without being sulphurous, L'Interdit evokes a passionate seduction. The mischievous side of the top notes turns out to be quite sensual in the end, the carnation is not so demure and the clove, a burning spice, brings a clearly intoxicating touch.” It is part of the “floral aldehyde” family.

In 1957, Hubert de Givenchy decided to market the perfume, to which Audrey Hepburn replied: “But I forbid you”. The star finally lifted his ban and participated in this to give the name to the perfume.

Success

L'Interdit quickly became successful with 4000 sales in its first days; a promising figure considering, at the time, it was only sold in France.

References

References

1. Roff, Connie. "Hubert de Givenchy".
2. "L'Interdit Givenchy perfume - a fragrance for women 1957".
3. "L'Interdit (original) by Givenchy (1957) — Basenotes.net".
4. "Hubert De Givenchy - Fashion Designer {{!}} Designers {{!}} The FMD". [[Fashion Model Directory]].
5. "aldehydes". fragrantica.com.
6. "Aldehydes-and-their-role-in-perfumery". de-kruiderie.nl.
7. Figaro, Madame. (2014-09-18). "1957, L'Interdit de Givenchy".