Parfum d'Ete by Kenzo c1992

Parfum d'Été by Kenzo: launched in 1992. Created by Christian Mathieu of IFF/Tamaris S.A.

The name means "Perfume of Summer" in French, summer just happens to be Kenzo's favourite season.

"Parfum d'Été" by Kenzo indeed captures the essence of summer with its fresh and vibrant fragrance. It's fascinating how the name reflects Kenzo's fondness for the season. The blend of notes in this perfume must evoke images of sunny days and blooming flowers, making it a perfect choice for those who want to carry the spirit of summer with them all year round.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fresh, aquatic green floral fragrance for women. Its top notes represents the dawn - green, sappy, a cactus flower; its middle note is warm and floral - hyacinth, freesia, narcissus, peony, rose and jasmine; while the base notes for dusk are the richer accords of amber, musk, moss, sandalwood and iris.

• Top notes: green sap notes, cactus flower, bergamot, galbanum
• Middle notes: orange blossom, lily of the valley, rose otto, jasmine, peony, narcissus, freesia and hyacinth
• Base notes:  vetiver, musk, amber, iris, sandalwood and oakmoss

"Parfum d'Été" by Kenzo is a beautifully layered fragrance that captures the essence of summer in its fresh, aquatic, and green floral notes. Here's a breakdown of its olfactory profile:

• Top Notes: The fragrance opens with a refreshing burst reminiscent of the dawn. Green sap notes and the crispness of cactus flower intertwine with the citrusy brightness of bergamot and the resinous quality of galbanum, creating an invigorating and vibrant introduction.

• Middle Notes: As the scent evolves, it transitions into a warm and floral heart that exudes the essence of a sunlit garden. Orange blossom, lily of the valley, rose otto, jasmine, peony, narcissus, freesia, and hyacinth blend harmoniously, offering a bouquet of delicate and aromatic blooms that evoke the fullness of a summer day.

• Base Notes: The fragrance settles into a comforting and grounding base that represents the tranquility of dusk. Vetiver lends its earthy richness, while musk adds depth and sensuality. Amber contributes warmth, while iris and sandalwood offer a velvety smoothness. Oakmoss provides a subtle hint of greenness, completing the olfactory journey with a touch of natural elegance.

Together, these notes create a multi-faceted scent experience that evokes the vivid imagery of summer from dawn to dusk, making "Parfum d'Été" a timeless and evocative fragrance for women who appreciate the beauty and vitality of the season.

"Parfum d'Été" by Kenzo was available in various sizes and formulations to cater to different preferences and needs. Here's a list of the options it was offered in:

• 0.25 oz Parfum Spray
• 0.25 oz Parfum Spray Refill
• 0.17 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

These variations in size and formulation provided consumers with flexibility in how they could enjoy the fragrance, whether they preferred the concentrated richness of a parfum or the lighter, more diffusive quality of an eau de toilette.

 

Expanding beyond just perfume and eau de toilette, the original version of Parfum d'Été by Kenzo offered a comprehensive range of bath and body products, catering to various preferences and needs. Here's a list of the additional products available:

• Soap
• Body Lotion
• Shower Gel
• Deodorant Stick
• Deodorant Spray

Furthermore, to address the preferences of health-conscious consumers, by 1998, the scent was also made available in formulations that catered to specific needs:

• Vitamin Enriched Body Lotion
• Vitamin Enriched Shower Gel
• Alcohol-Free Fragrance

These additional options allowed consumers to indulge in the fragrance experience of Parfum d'Été not only through perfumes but also through their daily grooming and skincare routines, ensuring they could enjoy the scent in various ways while meeting their individual lifestyle choices.

Bottles:

The presentation of Parfum d'Été by Kenzo reflects a thoughtful blend of nature-inspired design and timeless elegance, perfectly capturing the essence of the fragrance itself. Here's a detailed description of its original packaging:

• Bottle Design: Designed by Serge Mansau in 1992 and produced by Pochet et du Courval, the bottle is a work of art in itself. Crafted from frosted glass, it mimics the delicate texture of a finely veined leaf, adorned with tiny dewdrops that glisten in the light. This design not only evokes the imagery of a fresh summer morning but also embodies Kenzo's aesthetic of harmonizing natural elements with refined elegance.

• Box Design: The vintage bottle is presented in a turquoise box, adding a pop of color that complements the fragrance's theme of summer. The box features grass-like embossing, further enhancing the connection to nature. Additionally, it bears the round Kenzo seal, signifying authenticity and luxury.

• Packaging: To protect and showcase the beauty of the leaf-shaped bottle, it comes encased in a clear, embossed plastic case. This packaging not only adds a layer of sophistication but also allows the intricate details of the bottle to be appreciated from all angles.

Overall, the packaging of Parfum d'Été is a testament to Kenzo's vision of capturing the essence of summer through a harmonious blend of natural inspirations and precious craftsmanship. It serves as a fitting vessel for a fragrance that embodies the delicate balance between the ephemeral beauty of blossoms and the enduring allure of precious essences.

Below is a 5 ml miniature version of the bottle from my own collection.

The vintage deluxe purse size Parfum Spray bottle is a frosted stylized leaf shape, without any molded decoration, instead, it is fitted with an atomizer which is refillable. This 7.5 ml purse bottle is presented inside of a gorgeous frosted resin leaf box that imitates the leaf design from the original Mansau leaf design bottle. Today, it is uncommon to complete set of the spray and leaf box. Shown below are photos of the bottle and refill bottle from my own collection.

The vintage deluxe purse size Parfum Spray bottle, with its frosted stylized leaf shape and refillable atomizer, is a unique and elegant rendition of the original design. Paired with the gorgeous frosted resin leaf box that mimics the leaf design of the original Mansau bottle, it creates a stunning presentation that reflects the artistry and attention to detail synonymous with Kenzo fragrances.

The fact that it's uncommon to find the complete set of the spray and leaf box adds to its rarity and value, making it a coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts alike.  

Parfum d'Ete has been reformulated and repackaged and may not smell the same as the original vintage version. However, it is quite easy to tell the difference right off the bat. The new bottles are very simple, leaf shapes, clear glass, with no molded details. The boxes are white with a vivid green leaf motif on the front. See the example below.

It's not uncommon for fragrances to undergo reformulations and repackaging over time, often due to changes in regulations, availability of ingredients, or shifts in consumer preferences. While these updates may bring about differences in scent and presentation, some enthusiasts may still prefer the original vintage versions for their distinct qualities and nostalgia.

The contrast between the original vintage packaging, with its intricate leaf-shaped bottle and unique details, and the newer, more minimalist design is evident. The simplicity of the clear glass leaf-shaped bottles and the white boxes with vivid green leaf motifs on the front creates a modern and fresh aesthetic, which may appeal to contemporary consumers.

For collectors and enthusiasts, being able to distinguish between the original vintage version and the reformulated version is important, as they may seek out specific editions for their personal collections. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND PARFUM D'ETE PERFUME BY KENZO