Cleopatra's Boudoir: Eve Reve by Rigaud c1957

Eve Reve by Rigaud: launched in 1957. Created by Mario Rigaud.

Eve Reve was lauded by French writer Louise de Vilmorin as “the Fragrance of Paradise”. It was named by Vilmorin because it is as female and as alluring as Eve.

Fragrance Composition:

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

Top notes: green lime, aldehydes, honeysuckle, bergamot and orange
Middle notes: honey, gardenia, ylang ylang, galbanum, lily of the valley, lilac, jasmine, Bulgarian rose
Base notes: labdanum, vetiver, benzoin, oakmoss, cypress, sandalwood, patchouli, cedar, musk, ambergris

I bought a vintage sample of this perfume and my first impression was that it is a light floral chypre with a sweet facet on a powdery and woody base. A burst of zesty citrus and nose tickling aldehydes are the first notes to appear, then a honey-like note surrounds a light floral bouquet of lily of the valley, lilac, jasmine and soapy Bulgarian rose. Green notes of galbanum, cypress are layered over powdery labdanum and ambergris Fuzzy oakmoss and woodsy notes of cedar, patchouli and sandalwood are married to balsamic benzoin and rich musk on a dry, dusty note of vetiver.

Officiel de la couture et de la mode de Paris, 1968:

"éve réve, whose name rhymes already delicate. Its citrus notes are given by bergamot and orange, on a heady base and tender woody Chypre."

News-Journal, 1967:

"Three great fragrances by the House of Rigaud -

Eve Reve, for long years a mere dream "in the making ... when finally finished possessed those great qualities of lastingness, emotional content and precise refinement of taste. Rigaud felt only a poet could weave its meaning into a name. Madam De Vilmonin called it Eve Reve ... in French "the dream of Eve." As the moments drift into hours eve Reve will continue its enchanting purpose to please. Parfum 1/4 oz., $10. 1/2 oz., $15 Parfum Purse Spray, $7.50 Eau de Parfum, 2 oz., $6 Eau de Parfum Spray $10.

Among the few great houses of France who have been following one unbroken trail of scent from the start, the House of Rigaud has a firm and charming foot-hold in history. Rigaud has captured the imagination of a lively Paris, and Europe, since its beginning in the romantic days of the Second Empire. You are cordially invited to visit our store and choose your favorite fragrance.

Eau de Kananga is a distinctive imported cologne for the man who asks for something better. Vigorous, rigorous and attractive, it owes much to the essence of the Kananga tree which flourishes in only certain countries of the Far East. To this is added herbs, spices and the brisk clarity of lemon. Eau de Kananga is a great, new refreshment for the modern man. Eau de Kananga $7.50 to $20. Travel Spray, $7.50 and Deluxe Spray $10.

Un Air Embaume is a very special brand of understated elegance--it's very quietness is an enormous distinction. Created by Henri Rigaud, it has taken great hold on the women of fashion. Un Air Embaume should never be judged from the bottle ... after a few moments on the skin (give it at least three) its warmth and charm are revealed. And it will continue to last remarkably long... outstaying more aggressive perfumes by hours. Perfume $10 to $25. Perfume Purse Spray $7.50. Eau de Perfume $6 and $10."