Ivoire de Balmain

Ivoire de Balmain: launched in 1979. Created by Michel Hy and Francis Camail of Florasynth.

This fragrance was allegedly inspired by the sight of a beautiful woman at the opera. She was dressed in pale silk, which provided a radiant contrast to the rich black tuxedos and deep carmine upholstery of her surroundings.

Please use the guide below to help you determine how old your bottle is.

• If there is a barcode on the box, this perfume dates to after 1989. 
• Starting in 1992, the Green Dot recycling symbol will appear on the box.
• From 1998-2003, a short list of ingredients are listed on the box.
• By 2004, there will be a long list of ingredients listed on the box.

Finally, review the photos below to give approximate dates for bottles and packaging.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is described as a soft fresh green fruity floral woody fragrance for women.

Original formula:

• Top notes: aldehydes, chamomile, asafoetida,, galbanum, mandarin orange, violet, artemisia, marigold, bergamot and lemon
• Middle notes: nutmeg,neroli, jonquil, carnation, cinnamon, narcissus, pepper, orris root, jasmine, Turkish rose absolute, orange blossom absolute, ylang-ylang and lily-of-the-valley
• Base notes: frankincense, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, patchouli, musk, raspberry, vanilla, oakmoss, vetiver and incense. 

Available as:

• 1/4 oz Parfum
• 1/2 oz Parfum
• 1 oz Parfum
• 1 oz Parfum in Crystal Decanter
• 1/2 oz Parfum Spray
• 1.7 oz Parfum Spray
• 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
• 3.3 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
• 1.7 oz Body Creme Parfumee 
• 8 1/3 oz Body Creme Parfumee 
• 6.8 oz Bath & Shower Foaming Oil
• 5.3 oz Perfumed Soap

Bottles:

The bottle was designed by Pierre Dinand in 1979. The bottle was manufactured by Pochet et du Courval. The plastic components were supplied by MBF Plastiques.
Please use the guide below to help you determine how old your bottle is.

• If there is a barcode on the box, this perfume dates to after 1989. 
• Starting in 1992, the Green Dot recycling symbol will appear on the box.
• From 1998-2003, a short list of ingredients are listed on the box.
• By 2004, there will be a long list of ingredients listed on the box.
• Finally, review the photos below to give approximate dates for bottles and packaging.

Limited Edition Bottle:

Gorgeous cut crystal perfume bottle manufactured by Cristalleries Saint -Louis and held 1 oz Parfum. This Crystal Decanter was from the Collection de Imperatrice and was a limited edition of only 500 examples. It  retailed for $400 in 1984.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Ivoire was reformulated in 1999 by Michel Almairac and Jacques Flori into a fruity floral woody fragrance for women..


In 2012, Ivoire de Balmain was simply named Ivoire, reformulated, repackaged and relaunched. This was to be the brand’s first launch under new licensing arrangements with InterParfums.

From Balmain:

"Ivoire, quintessence of a dream, Ivoire is a floral bouquet, as a tribute to the beauty of women. The fragrance opens with a deliciously intoxicating fruity note of mandarin and orange essence. The floral accord dresses the aerial heart of the fragrance. Its woody trail sublimate the elegance and sensuality of women."

So what does the reformulated version smell like? It is classified as a green floral chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: orange and mandarin, violet leaves
• Middle notes: ylang ylang, jasmine, rose, pepper and galbanum 
• Base notes: vetiver, cedarwood, patchouli, incense and vanilla

Available as:

• 0.15 oz Parfum 
• 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
• 3.3 oz Eau de Parfum Spray

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