Calandre

It’s kind of fascinating how the bottle of Calandre was inspired by the FBI headquarters towers, striking yet simple, which makes me wonder about its design story. According to Vogue Russia’s perfume columnist Serguey Borisov, who has been covering perfumes for over a decade, Paco Rabanne himself designed the Calandre bottle during a moment of intense creativity, imagining it as part of a car’s Rolls-Royce radiator. The designer even mentioned that the engine cover was more comfortable than the actual car cabin! Calandre is a true "old school" perfume of exceptional quality, and it still holds up today with its long-lasting, evolving scent when in contact with skin—not paper or other materials. The brand Marc Puig, founded in 1914 by Marc Puig himself, has a rich legacy, and Calandre continues to be celebrated globally without any risk of discontinuation. The fragrance opens with a bold combination of aldehydes, green citrus notes, and geraniums, evoking a sharp, metallic iron aroma that’s hard to forget. For those who enjoy floral scents, there’s a dirty jasmine aspect with its indole and dry rose notes—though it’s not overpowering, which is great for fans of this style. As the scent settles into its base, vetiver gives it that classic rustic charm, while musk and sandalwood add an undeniable sensuality. It’s a refined yet robust fragrance, making it easy to see why it remains a favorite among perfume lovers who appreciate intricate scents. Just be careful with how you apply it—too much can go from impressive to overwhelming!

Much appreciated for the sample, NathalieZ! The scent is so subtle and unoffending. As someone who adores florals—especially traditional aldehydes—I find this a classic that feels vintage rather than harsh. It's soft, powdery, and leaves a lingering impression, much like the way it lingers on scarves, gloves, or inside a purse.

This perfume feels a bit angular and less traditional compared to Rive Gauche, but it's still incredibly appealing. Its spicy and intriguing vibe drew me in, and I'm glad I went for it—especially since it was released before Rive Gauche, which might have inspired its creation. Overall, it's a solid winner!

Incredibly sensual and natural with that late-'60s sexiness, this fragrance feels effortlessly confident and unforced. The drydown evolves into something truly stunning, becoming even more impressive the longer it lingers on your skin. It's a scent that has drawn more than one person to compliment my aroma, making it infinitely preferable to asking, "What am I wearing?"

I’ve spent decades exploring Rive Gauche and I’ve tried every version since 1973. Calandre is incredibly reminiscent of the older Rive Gauche fragrances. It’s almost taboo for me to admit this, but I can’t stop myself from sharing my thoughts—after all, I’d even go as far as saying I prefer it! It’s almost unbelievable!