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Monday, March 13, 2006

Le Dix - Balenciaga

Le Dix is a classic floral aldehyde, and the first created by Cristobal Balenciaga. Le Dix was first released in Paris in 1947. Le Dix is French for "ten," named for his salon at No. 10, Avenue Georges V.

I just discovered this beautiful scent very recently. It does have that "perfumey" smell, but that is attributed to the aldehydes giving it a more old fashioned feel. Sometimes I think "perfumey" translates to sophisticated and elegant, don't you?

All of my favorite perfumes contain bergamot, and my favorite base includes sandalwood, musk & amber. So it's no wonder I fell quickly for this one.

"Delicately flowery, Le Dix unveils a fresh top note of bergamot and lemon.
The heart blooms graciously with an accord of ylang ylang, rose and lily of the valley. This refined bouquet ends in a finale of iris, civet, musk and vanilla. Woody notes of sandalwood and vetiver give the fragrance extra elegance and self-confidence." - Perfume.com

Notes:
Scent Type: Floral - Aldehyde
Top Notes: Aldehydes, peach, lemon, bergamot, coriander
Heart Notes: Jasmine, rose, orris, lilac, lily of the valley
Base Notes: Vetiver, sandalwood, musk, amber, tonka bean, benzoin, Peru balsam

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wore and loved Le Dix many years ago; no violet in the notes, as far as I know, but it had a lovely, wistful, violet aura about it. I bought it again a couple of years ago and it smelled quite different; sadly, I couldn't wear it. I'm wondering whether this scent, like so many other classics, has been "reformulated" -- a euphemism, in my book, for butchered in the name of modernization. Any info on this?

Victoria said...

Hi, yes it has been reformulated. You can see the difference in the two sets of notes on the review. The civet has been removed for sure. Sadly, I have never had the opportunity to smell the original.

L' Homme Vert said...

This 1947 classic is one of my all time faves, if you can obtain a well cared for flacon of the original Parfum grab it and guard it zealously.
The years will have diminished the aldehydic zing, no big deal as the true beauty of this gem is contained within the heart and base.
Luscious lashings of Rose, jasmine, orris, golden ambers and animalic civet eventuate with the most hedonistic base of violet & lilac powder bolstered by high potency nitro musks.
I am oblivious to the reformulation, although many reviewers have been kind enough to say that the integrity of this offering remains intact.
A classic masterpiece to be sure, search for that 'Vintage' bottle I can assure that you will not be disappointed !

Victoria said...

Wow, thanks for that post. Sounds wonderful. You have me longing to wear this one tomorrow.

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