Organza Indecence by Givenchy c1999

 

Launched in September 1999, Organza Indecence emerged as a captivating flanker to Givenchy's beloved 1996 fragrance, Organza. The name “Organza Indecence” suggests a duality that intertwines elegance and allure. The term "organza" refers to a fine, translucent fabric, often used in formal attire, evoking images of delicate beauty and sophistication. Paired with "indecence," the name hints at a provocative twist, suggesting an enticing flirtation with sensuality and charm. Pronounced as "or-GAN-zah in-DES-ense," this intriguing combination conjures feelings of elegance, mystery, and a playful yet daring spirit.

During the late 1990s, women were increasingly embracing fragrances that celebrated both femininity and boldness. The era was marked by a desire for scents that conveyed confidence and sophistication, resonating with a generation that was redefining traditional notions of femininity. Organza Indecence encapsulated this spirit, inviting women to explore their more daring sides while still maintaining an air of grace. The name would have resonated powerfully with women of the time, suggesting that elegance and sensuality could coexist harmoniously. It invited them to embrace their multifaceted identities and express themselves through scent.

In terms of olfactory interpretation, Organza Indecence translates its name into a rich, complex fragrance that balances warmth and intrigue. Created by perfumers Norbert Bijaoui and Jean Claude Delville, it is classified as a woody oriental fragrance for women. The composition opens with a captivating burst of spices and floral notes, setting the stage for the deeper, more sensual base that unfolds. The interplay between woody elements and exotic nuances reflects the ‘indecent’ aspect of the fragrance, suggesting a daring edge beneath the surface of refined beauty. This dichotomy between grace and boldness encapsulates the essence of the perfume, mirroring the complexities of modern womanhood.

Launched at the cusp of the new millennium, Organza Indecence found its place in a market brimming with diverse and daring scents. The late 1990s saw a surge in woody and oriental fragrances, characterized by their warm, sensual profiles. While Organza Indecence aligned with the era’s trend toward rich, luxurious fragrances, it stood out through its unique combination of notes that evoked both elegance and seduction. This blend allowed it to capture the zeitgeist of a transitional period in perfumery, one where tradition met innovation, and femininity embraced boldness. Thus, Organza Indecence became not just a fragrance, but a statement of empowerment, inviting women to revel in their complexity and allure.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a woody oriental fragrance for women.

• Top notes: mandarin, nutmeg, cardamom, bergamot
• Middle notes: carnation, Ceylon cinnamon, jacaranda, rose, orris
• Base notes: cedar, patchouli, musk, Mysore sandalwood, oakmoss, labdanum

 Scent Profile:

Organza Indecence opens with a vibrant and invigorating burst of top notes that instantly draw you in. The zesty freshness of mandarin dances on the palate, its bright citrus aroma reminiscent of sun-kissed orchards, invigorating your senses with a lively, almost effervescent quality. As the mandarin's sweetness unfolds, it intertwines seamlessly with the warm, spicy embrace of nutmeg and cardamom. The nutmeg brings a comforting warmth, akin to a cozy embrace, while the cardamom adds an exotic edge, its herbal nuances evoking images of distant markets and fragrant spices wafting through the air. Finally, a hint of bergamot punctuates the introduction with its crisp, aromatic profile, evoking a sense of freshness that keeps the opening lively and intriguing.

As the fragrance transitions into its heart, you are enveloped in a rich tapestry of floral and spice notes that evoke a sense of depth and sophistication. The carnation, with its spicy, clove-like aroma, adds an alluring complexity, enhancing the warm, comforting nature of the fragrance. Complementing this is the opulence of Ceylon cinnamon, whose sweet and warm profile wraps around the floral notes like a rich velvet cloak. The jacaranda, with its soft, woody floral quality, brings a lush green aspect that feels both serene and enchanting, while the rose introduces a timeless elegance, its romantic and soft petals intermingling with the spice, creating a captivating duality of strength and gentleness. The delicate orris adds a powdery, velvety touch, enhancing the richness of the heart and contributing an air of sophistication that lingers in the background.

As the fragrance settles into its base, a warm and earthy foundation emerges, enveloping you in a comforting embrace. The robust notes of cedar lend a dry, aromatic woodiness that grounds the composition, evoking the image of an ancient forest. Interspersed with the cedar, patchouli brings a deep, earthy richness, its rich, almost sweet scent echoing the essence of the forest floor, enhancing the fragrance's complexity. The warm musk creates a sensual undertone, inviting and enveloping, while Mysore sandalwood adds a creamy, buttery smoothness that wraps around the other notes like a warm shawl on a chilly evening. Oakmoss contributes an earthy, damp quality reminiscent of rich woodland soil, enriching the fragrance with an organic, grounded feel. Finally, labdanum, with its resinous sweetness, adds a luxurious touch, leaving a lingering warmth that resonates long after the scent has settled, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness.

Together, these notes weave an intricate narrative of warmth, elegance, and complexity, inviting the wearer into a world of enchanting contrasts that is both alluring and sophisticated. The balance of brightness from the top notes, the floral-spicy heart, and the deep, woody base creates a harmonious journey, embodying the essence of Organza Indecence as a truly captivating woody oriental fragrance.

Bottle:

This exquisite creation is housed in a stunning sculptural bottle designed by Serge Mansau, which echoes the elegance of the original Organza bottle while introducing unique and artistic elements. The bottle features a harmonious blend of clear and frosted glass, lending it a luxurious and ethereal quality. The frosted glass is elegantly ribbed, mimicking the delicate draping of a flowing organza robe, which beautifully captures the essence of the fragrance it contains.

Manufactured by the renowned Pochet et du Courval, the bottle not only serves as a vessel for the scent but also as a work of art that enhances the overall experience of Organza Indecence. Its graceful curves and tactile textures invite touch, drawing you closer to the allure of the fragrance within. The interplay of light on the glass surfaces creates an enchanting visual effect, as if the bottle itself is alive, reflecting the spirit of femininity and sophistication that Givenchy embodies. This sculptural masterpiece not only elevates the perfume but also stands as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship behind the creation of Organza Indecence.

Product Line:

The Organza Indecence product line exemplifies Givenchy's dedication to luxury and the sensory experience of fragrance. The collection offers an array of sizes to cater to individual preferences, including a 100ml Eau de Parfum Spray, a more intimate 50ml Eau de Parfum Spray, and a delightful 5ml Eau de Parfum Miniature. Each of these offerings is meticulously crafted to encapsulate the alluring essence of Organza Indecence, allowing wearers to immerse themselves in its woody oriental charm, whether they prefer a generous spray or a travel-sized option.

In 2000, the allure of Organza Indecence expanded with the introduction of a complementary bath line, designed to enrich the experience of the fragrance and provide a holistic approach to beauty and self-care. Packaged in the same elegant sculptural containers that inspired the original fragrance, this bath line featured a 100ml Bath Gel Tube, a 100ml Moisturising Cream, and a 50ml Body Cream Jar. Each product was infused with the signature scent of Organza Indecence, allowing users to envelop themselves in its warm and sensual notes, enhancing their daily rituals with a touch of luxury.

The bath gel gently cleanses while imparting the fragrance, leaving skin feeling refreshed and delicately scented. The moisturising cream and body cream, with their rich, nourishing textures, offer hydration and softness, while ensuring the captivating scent lingers on the skin throughout the day. Together, these products create an indulgent experience that celebrates the femininity and sophistication embodied by Organza Indecence, transforming everyday moments into a sensorial escape.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The original Organza Indecence fragrance, launched in September 1999, captured the spirit of its time with its unique woody oriental profile. However, despite its initial allure and the artistry behind its creation, the fragrance faced an untimely discontinuation within just a few years of its release. This decision came as a surprise to many fans who had embraced the scent for its bold character and sensual undertones, often finding it a captivating companion for both day and evening wear.

The limited lifespan of Organza Indecence reflects the volatile nature of the fragrance market, where trends and consumer preferences can shift rapidly. Although the fragrance resonated with many women, it struggled to maintain a lasting presence among a sea of competing scents, each vying for attention in a crowded marketplace. In a world increasingly leaning toward lighter, fresher compositions, Organza Indecence’s richer and more opulent nature may have felt out of sync with evolving tastes.

As the years passed, the discontinuation of Organza Indecence transformed it from a beloved scent into a rare collector's item, sought after by perfume enthusiasts and Givenchy loyalists alike. Its scarcity added to its allure, creating a sense of nostalgia for those who cherished the fragrance and remembered the emotions it evoked. The unique combination of its notes and the artistry behind its packaging ensured that, although Organza Indecence may no longer be available on the market, its legacy endures in the hearts of those who experienced its captivating charm.

2007 Reformulation & Reissue:

In 2007, Organza Indecence made a triumphant return as part of Givenchy’s prestigious Les Mythiques collection. This revival, however, came with a caveat: the original formula was reformulated, necessitating the replacement of one of its natural ingredients with a synthetic alternative. This change was driven by evolving regulations set forth by the European and International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which have increasingly influenced how fragrances are crafted. While the reformulated version aimed to retain the essence of the original scent, many enthusiasts noted that it fell slightly short, capturing a close likeness but not quite achieving the same olfactory signature.

By 2013, Organza Indecence was heralded as “a distinctly rich and sensual oriental fragrance.” The marketing emphasized its sophisticated blend of cinnamon and fresh spices fused with the exotic depth of jacaranda wood, patchouli, amber, and musk. This enticing description highlighted the fragrance's character as one that evokes warmth and allure, resonating with the timeless themes of femininity and seduction.

According to Givenchy’s own presentation, the concept behind Organza Indecence focuses on "timeless sensuality," celebrating women who embody daring confidence and an enchanting allure. The fragrance is portrayed as a tribute to the multifaceted nature of femininity, emphasizing how it expresses unique sensuality through its complex composition. Classified as a woody spicy fragrance, the re-edition balances the contrasting elements of velvety softness and untamed wildness, built around key notes of jacaranda wood, cinnamon, and patchouli.

Fragrance Composition:

• Top notes: cinnamon, tangerine
• Middle notes: jacaranda wood, plum
• Base notes: amber, patchouli

Scent Profile:

The reformulated Organza Indécence opens with the warm and inviting scent of cinnamon, its spicy aroma wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. As you inhale deeply, the sweet, slightly woody nuances of this aromatic spice dance on your palate, evoking memories of freshly baked pastries and comforting winter evenings. Intermingling with this warmth is the bright and zesty note of tangerine, whose citrusy freshness adds a playful lift to the composition. The juicy sweetness of the tangerine creates a vibrant contrast, refreshing the senses while complementing the rich spiciness of the cinnamon, reminiscent of sun-drenched orchards on a bright day.

As the fragrance evolves, the heart reveals itself with the enchanting scent of jacaranda wood, its smooth and creamy profile enveloping you in its embrace. The delicate, floral undertones of this exotic wood evoke images of lush blooms and serene landscapes, creating a tranquil ambiance. This is beautifully paired with the luscious aroma of plum, which introduces a succulent, fruity depth. The plum note brings a juicy richness, reminiscent of ripe fruit drizzled in syrup, balancing the composition with its sweetness while adding a hint of tartness that heightens the allure of the fragrance. Together, these middle notes weave a tapestry of sensuality and sophistication, inviting you to linger a little longer.

As the fragrance settles, it unfurls into a warm and grounding base composed of amber and patchouli. The amber note radiates a soft, golden glow, enveloping you in its resinous sweetness, akin to a gentle hug. Its warmth is both comforting and indulgent, evoking images of flickering candlelight and lush textiles. Meanwhile, the earthy and woody tones of patchouli emerge, adding an alluring depth and complexity to the scent. The rich, slightly sweet undertones of patchouli create a captivating contrast, enhancing the overall richness of the fragrance and leaving a lingering trail that is undeniably sensual. Together, these base notes anchor the fragrance, leaving you with an impression of warmth, sophistication, and timeless elegance.

Bottles:

The bottle design for the re-release reflects Givenchy's historical aesthetic while offering a contemporary twist. With its luxurious rectangular form and a slight pink sticker adorned with transparent caps, it captures the brand's elegance and sophistication. The fragrance is available in a single size of 3.4 FL.OZ. as an Eau de Parfum natural spray, making it a refined addition to any perfume collection and a nod to its celebrated heritage. The reimagined Organza Indecence stands as a testament to Givenchy's commitment to celebrating and redefining feminine allure through the art of perfumery. 

 The 2007 version of Organza Indécence was elegantly presented in a striking lavender box adorned with a multitude of Givenchy’s iconic Gs logo, creating a sense of luxury and brand recognition. This packaging reflected the fragrance's rich and sensual character while offering a visually appealing experience right from the first glance. The bottle itself featured a rectangular lavender label that harmonized with the box, creating a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic.

By 2014, the packaging underwent a refined transformation, shifting to a more understated yet equally elegant presentation. The new box was designed in a soft beige, accompanied by a matching label, which highlighted a singular gold Givenchy Gs logo, a choice that conveyed both sophistication and simplicity. The bottle was updated to feature a rectangular off-white label with a delicate gold border, further enhancing the luxurious feel of the fragrance. This evolution in packaging not only reflected changing design trends but also reaffirmed Givenchy's commitment to timeless elegance, ensuring that Organza Indécence remained a standout piece in any perfume collection.

In 2024, Organza Indécence is still available for purchase on the Givenchy website, continuing its legacy in the same elegantly designed bottle introduced in 2007. However, Givenchy has informed me that the fragrance will no longer be produced, and what is available in the only remaining stock. Once it's gone, it's gone for good. This iteration remains a celebration of the essence of femininity, crafted to honor women who possess an innate understanding of the art of seduction. The Givenchy website encapsulates this sentiment beautifully, describing the fragrance as "an homage to women who understand the power of seduction." This powerful messaging resonates with the brand's long-standing dedication to celebrating women and their multifaceted identities.

The fragrance composition is rich and evocative, featuring deep spice notes, succulent plum, and earthy woods that together create a tapestry of olfactory allure. The blend exudes a feminine sensuality that is both confident and bewitching, capturing the essence of a woman who is self-assured and captivating. Each note plays a vital role in the overall experience: the spices provide warmth and intrigue, while the plum adds a luscious sweetness, balancing the earthy richness of the wood notes. This harmonious combination results in a scent that is both inviting and complex, inviting wearers to embrace their seductive power.

This latest version of Organza Indécence not only continues the tradition of celebrating feminine allure but also reaffirms Givenchy's commitment to quality and craftsmanship in perfumery. The continuity of the bottle design, with its sleek lines and luxurious aesthetic, further enhances the fragrance's appeal, making it a striking addition to any collection. As it graces the shelves in 2024, this reformulated Organza Indécence stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Givenchy's artistry, inviting a new generation of women to experience its timeless charm and seductive essence.

In a side-by-side comparison, the original Organza Indécence from 1999 presents a more intricate and layered experience, where the interplay of spices, florals, and woods creates a richly textured fragrance that unfolds beautifully over time. Its complexity invites you to explore its depths, revealing different facets with each wear. The reformulation, while reminiscent of the original's warmth and sensuality, offers a more straightforward and streamlined experience. The focus on fewer elements results in a fragrance that feels fresher and more contemporary, with an emphasis on warm spices and smooth woods.

Ultimately, while both formulations celebrate femininity and sensuality, the original Organza Indécence feels like a rich tapestry of notes that invites exploration, whereas the 2007 reformulation offers a chic, modern interpretation that is approachable and easy to wear, reflecting changes in fragrance trends and regulations over the years.