Smell Aversion and JPG Classique Parfum
September 7th, 2006
So I’ve been unemployed for a couple of weeks now. You’d think I’d have all the time in the world to be writing perfume reviews to keep this blog up, etc. Right. Not only have I slacked in review writing, but also have developed some sort of a smell aversion. By that I mean I have not felt like wearing perfume, and I’ve barely worn any. Not exactly sure why. Must be the hormones – I always blame everything on the hormones. Everything I’ve put on has been either way too sweet (even the universally skanky Muscs Koublai Khan!) or just too much of whatever. This is beyond devastating! But life is not fair, so instead of sulking and turning into a drama queen, I decided to challenge myself with one of the richest perfumes I’ve encountered – Classique by Jean Paul Gaultier in parfum concentration.
I’d like to emphasize this short review will refer solely to the parfum version (the strongest concentration available). The eau de parfum version of JPG Classique as well as the numerous other limited editions and whatnots have been familiar to my nose for a while, and, unfortunately, have not earned its favor. I was alerted, however, by a couple fellow perfume fanatics to try the parfum which I did promptly. This stuff could be easily called Eau de Posh – I don’t think I’ve ever smelled anything this opulent. I immediately visualize a Russian woman casually getting out of a black limousine – she’s wearing a long real fur coat (and a skimpy mini dress underneath), black glossy high-heeled, pointy-toed boots, her hair pulled all the way back into a fancy bun, her extra-thick eyelashes heavily mascaraed, and a scarlet-red lipstick burning on her lips. OK, maybe I’ve gone a bit too far but I swear that’s what Classique parfum conjures up in my fragrant brain. It’s all things posh, luxurious, deluxe. It smells of money – in the sense when it’s being squandered on endless and excessive self-pampering. Even though I truly enjoy Classique, I’m not sure I have what it takes to pull it off. Perhaps I just need to be liberated from the above images. But I honestly think if there was ever a strictly occasion-specific perfume, this would be it. I can only see myself wearing it when going out and only in cold weather. It will otherwise smother everybody around me including myself.
Classique features the notes of orange flower, mandarin, star anise, orchid, iris, ylang-ylang, ginger, vanilla, amber. All of these notes are on major steroids producing a lush, full-bodied floral oriental on a heavy vanilla base. The parfum can be purchased at Imagination Perfumery as well as Ebay.
P.S. The drydown of Classique parfum is where it utterly and unconditionally wins me over.
Image source: www.imaginationperfumery.com
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21 Comments
1. chaya ruchama | September 8th, 2006 at 5:11 am
Wow !
On major steroids?
I love your limo lady…I espy a few of this species every now and then, and I know JUST what you mean- lol !
This sounds opulent and over-the-top… not a bad thing…
Mama will keep her eyeballs peeled in search of this one for sniffage-
Don’t be blue, Inushka.
Being in limbo is awkward and can be painful, but it won’t last forever…
love you !
2. Elle | September 8th, 2006 at 6:43 am
I am obviously a sucker for the power of magical thinking. My budget is stretched to its limits right now w/ several things I *need* to get looming ahead (Guerlains, Mandarine Mandarin, boots, coats), but since you said this smelled like opulence and money, I immediately clicked on the Imagination (how appropriately named) link to find out how much it was and when I saw the deeply discounted price I spent all too much time staring at it and coming perilously close to clicking on “buy”. But, no, I didn’t – that unfortunate practical streak I have kicked in at the end. Sigh.
3. The Scented Salamander | September 8th, 2006 at 7:21 am
Huh, I need to try the parfum concentration. This one I discovered thanks to the great sillage of a lady in a department store. I had to ask and ended up buying the edp. I think I didn’t even pay attention to the parfum at the time. Thanks for the tip.
Have a great day,
H.
4. Judith | September 8th, 2006 at 8:10 am
Oh, dear–must try!! For me, the “posh-est” perfume is probably 24 Faubourg. Any similarity there? (I have never tried the JPG in any form). Thinking about the Imagination link, and remembering that they have the lovely Merveilles cream I tried last night at NM at half-price. . . .
5. Marina | September 8th, 2006 at 8:16 am
How spooky it is to see you describing my typical arrival at a Nouveau Riche Russian Night Club way back when…No, just joking! It can’t be me, I’d never wear scarlet-red lipstick, it makes my lips look thin!
Classique parfum sounds very appealing!
6. violetnoir | September 8th, 2006 at 10:33 am
Hey, I love it! I had the EdP, but got tired of it. However, your description of the parfum leaves me swooning…I wouldn’t mind being that posh woman from time to time.
Hugs!
7. Victoria | September 8th, 2006 at 10:34 am
I can exactly imagine this! Actually, my mom wore Classique when it was first released, and while she is rather far from the image you painted, whenever I smell Classique, I think of elegance and furs. I absolutely must try the parfum version now.
8. Jennifer | September 8th, 2006 at 10:55 am
Had a roommate who wore the edp wonderfully yet at the same time because I associate the scent with her I just can’t imagine myself wearing it.
9. Sara | September 8th, 2006 at 1:00 pm
lovely review! so glad you are enjoying the parfum version–it’s the only one I’ve ever worn/liked. I’m not glamourous or posh in any way but at least my fragrances are!!!
10. Victoria O | September 8th, 2006 at 4:58 pm
Oh no! I must try this now. Thank you! I think!
11. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 5:26 pm
Thanks, Chaya! Appreciate your bright and cheerful personality!
12. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 5:32 pm
Elle, you need to try this. Can’t guarantee it’ll be a love but you never know.
13. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 5:36 pm
Helene, parfum is definitely superior.
14. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Judith, it’s not really like Faubourg but it’s sort of that rich and opulent and definitely much, much sweeter. I know, I’ve seen that cream, too.
15. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 5:41 pm
Marina, LOL!
16. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 5:43 pm
Robin, all that self-pampering sounds really good.
17. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 5:46 pm
Victoria, Classique is just very Russian in my perception, for some reason.
18. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 5:54 pm
Jennifer, what a bummer! But I know what you mean.
19. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 8:45 pm
Sara, all thanks to YOU!!
20. Ina | September 8th, 2006 at 8:45 pm
Victoria, I think you’ll love it.
21. Aromascope » Viva L&hellip | July 10th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
[...] Jean Paul Gaultier Classique busts in (literally) with its curvy shape, giving everybody kisses and leaving bright red lipstick stains (she never goes by Classique alone to make sure everybody knows she’s Jean Paul Gaultier’s). Poison immediately shoots venomous glares at Classique while stomping the floor with her super high heels and blinding everybody with her shimmering purple halter dress of a rather indecent length. Meanwhile, in the midst of such steaminess, Madame Fracas and Lady Joy repose in the corner, both in utter shock over such impudent, non-ladylike behavior. They’ve lived, they’ve loved and been loved, they’ve endured, and they’ve seen it all but this? Quel horror! Nevertheless, they’re smiling, perpetually exuding the most pleasant, friendly demeanor, while, in reality, there’s an argument going on between them. The nature of the argument consists of who’s the headiest. It looks like they’ll never agree – which is only to be expected as both possess enough headiness to out-heady them all. Shalimar floats through the room gracefully performing an occasional belly dance on demand. She feels quite out of place in this room void of Heavy Orientals. Paloma Picasso and Cabochard seem to have formed quite a companionship sipping wine and smoking endlessly. Both sturdy feminists, they also seem to be engaged in a heated discussion, completely disregarding everybody else. Patou 1000 is the best dressed of the night, no doubt, wearing a luxurious white silk dress, a string of pearls, and a sparkling golden bracelet. She’s composed and placid, keeping occasional company to her cousin Lady Joy (only to be ignored by her). Black Orchid and Donna Karan Gold pass the time at the bar utterly inebriated. They’re here only to put in an appearance. Black Orchid’s outfit is rather striking – a wild mix of “80s meet 60s”. She indulges in exuberance, clearly. Donna Karan Gold has a bit more class, although still revealing a bit too much, showing off her bulky golden jewelry (literally and figuratively). Overall, it’s quite an impressive gathering. However, there’s a certain forced, stifling air that’s undeniably quite irritating for the ones present (although they try hard to hide it). You can witness regular glances at the clock and certain uneasiness. Well, these are Divas, after all. They each need their own, unshared audience and praise. [...]