Balahe by Leonard c1983

Balahé by Leonard was introduced in 1983, a period marked by a notable shift in the fragrance industry. During the early 1980s, the market began to embrace more complex and opulent fragrances. This era saw the rise of spicy floral orientals, which combined rich, exotic spices with luxurious floral elements and deep, sensual bases. Fragrances of this time often featured bold, assertive compositions that reflected the extravagant and dynamic style of the 1980s.

Balahé, classified as a spicy floral oriental fragrance, fit perfectly within these trends. It offered a blend of vibrant spices with lush floral notes and a warm, sensual base, embodying the era’s fascination with sophisticated and exotic scents. While it followed the general trend of the time, Balahé distinguished itself with its unique composition, carefully crafted to balance spicy and floral elements with a rich oriental base, making it a notable example of the period’s olfactory preferences.

The name "Balahé" chosen by Parfums Leonard adds a layer of exotic intrigue to the fragrance. The term "Balahé" does not have a direct meaning in widely spoken languages, but it evokes a sense of mystery and allure. It appears to be derived from a combination of phonetic elements that suggest an exotic or foreign origin. The name itself seems to conjure images of faraway places and intriguing cultures, fitting well with the fragrance’s spicy oriental theme.

In terms of imagery and emotion, "Balahé" evokes a sense of luxury and sophistication. It brings to mind a rich, opulent world where spices and florals mingle in a grand, elegant setting. The name suggests an exotic escape, adding an element of fantasy and allure to the fragrance. It implies a journey to an opulent realm where the senses are tantalized by the complexities of spicy and floral notes.

Leonard is a prestigious French fashion house founded in 1958 by Jacques Leonard, known for its high-quality fabrics and elegant designs. By the early 1980s, Leonard had established itself as a symbol of luxury and sophistication in the fashion world. Expanding into fragrances, the brand sought to capture the same elegance and refinement in its perfume offerings. Balahé was part of this expansion, reflecting Leonard’s commitment to creating luxurious and high-quality products.

In summary, Balahé by Leonard, launched in 1983, is a quintessential example of the spicy floral oriental trend of the early 1980s. The fragrance fits well within the era’s love for complex and opulent scents while standing out with its unique name and exotic appeal. The choice of the name "Balahé" adds an element of mystery and allure, enhancing the fragrance's luxurious and sophisticated character. Leonard’s reputation for elegance further complements the perfume’s rich, enticing profile.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Balahé by Leonard is classified as a spicy floral oriental fragrance for women. It begins with an aldehydic, fruity top, followed by an exotic floral heart, resting on a sweet, balsamic, powdery base. 

• Top notes: aldehydes, Costa Rican pineapple, Russian coriander, Chilean plum, Spanish mandarin orange, Hungarian clary sage, Grecian anise and Calabrian bergamot
• Middle notes: Indian tuberose, Florentine iris concrete, Dutch orchid, Egyptian jasmine, Manila ylang-ylang, Grasse garden rose and Tunisian orange blossom
• Base notes: Mysore sandalwood, Persian opoponax, Tonkin musk, Ethiopian civet, Madagascar vanilla bean infusion, ambergris and Java vetiver

Scent Profile:

Balahé by Leonard is an opulent journey of scent—layered, lush, and deeply evocative. It begins in a sparkling, almost effervescent burst, where aldehydes shimmer like light catching on crystal. These synthetic molecules, often described as “soapy” or “champagne-like,” add a radiant lift to the composition, pushing each natural ingredient forward and creating a sense of spaciousness. The Costa Rican pineapple follows quickly behind, but rather than candy-sweet, it’s tart and juicy, like biting into a just-ripe fruit under a tropical sun. Pineapple from Costa Rica is prized for its brightness and juiciness—a quality shaped by volcanic soil and humid conditions, giving it an aromatic profile that’s vibrant and full-bodied.

Then comes the aromatic snap of Russian coriander—earthy, peppery, and faintly citrusy. Russian-grown coriander has a cleaner, more herbal aspect than its Indian counterpart, which leans spicier. This herbaceous facet is mirrored by the licorice-like lift of Grecian anise, cool and green, adding a faint medicinal shimmer that feels both old-world and exotic. The Spanish mandarin orange brings its sweet zest—less tart than orange, more tender and honeyed—and balanced by the darker, winey depth of Chilean plum, which lends a velvety, jammy richness. Interwoven is Hungarian clary sage, green, slightly musky, with a soft leatheriness that hints at what’s to come in the base. The last word of the top comes from Calabrian bergamot, its sun-drenched citrus peel note adding a final flicker of light before the transition into the rich, floral heart.

As the top notes recede, Balahé opens like a silk fan—each petal a different bloom. The Indian tuberose is lush and narcotic, full of creamy white floral depth, laced with indolic intensity. Tuberose from India is especially rich and heady, cultivated in warm, humid climates that coax out its buttery opulence. It’s paired with Florentine iris concrete, which lends a powdery, cool refinement. This rare and costly material—extracted from iris rhizomes aged several years—smells not of flowers but of violet-dusted suede and pale, mineral earth. Then comes the exotic breath of Dutch orchid, rare in perfumery but used to add a humid, green-floral quality that evokes glasshouses and shadowy petals. Egyptian jasmine lends its deep, sweet sensuality, with a honeyed richness that feels bodily and warm. Manila ylang-ylang, sourced from the Philippines, offers a tropical creaminess, with banana-like undertones and a hint of custard-like sweetness that blends beautifully with Tunisian orange blossom—a brighter, more citrusy floral, edged with green freshness. At the heart of it all, Grasse garden rose reigns—a cultivated rose of extraordinary pedigree, with a fruity, velvety fullness and a peppery softness that anchors the entire floral accord in elegance.

The base is where Balahé becomes unforgettable. Mysore sandalwood, now rare and heavily regulated, brings a milky, resinous woodiness that feels sacred. Its warm, smooth character is unlike any other variety—less sharp, more soothing, like polished wood infused with incense. Persian opoponax follows—an earthy, balsamic resin with a honeyed richness that grounds the perfume in amber warmth. Tonkin musk, once derived from the musk deer but now reinterpreted with synthetics like muscone, creates an enveloping, skin-like softness that’s both sensual and comforting. A drop of Ethiopian civet adds animalic depth—unctuous, leathery, and intimate, its presence lending mystery and raw elegance. In contrast, the Madagascar vanilla bean infusion is sweet and smooth, with a spicy roundness—more than just sugary, it has warmth and weight, its profile deepened by the infusion method which captures the full aromatic spectrum of the beans. Ambergris, in natural or high-quality synthetic form (like Ambroxan), brings a marine, musky shimmer and extraordinary longevity, acting as a fixative that radiates gently from the skin. And finally, Java vetiver—smokier and more bitter than Haitian vetiver—grounds the perfume with its rooty darkness and masculine edge.

Wearing Balahé is like stepping into a room lined with velvet drapes and lacquered wood, lit by candlelight and heady with scent. Every note has been selected with an eye toward global richness—ingredients drawn from across continents, each chosen for their distinct aromatic character. The synthetics do not replace, but rather elevate: the aldehydes give lift and sparkle to the fruit, the musks and ambergris extend the floral heart, and the sweet-balsamic notes settle into a skin-like memory that lingers for hours. This is not a perfume that whispers—it sings in rich harmony.

Bottle:

The bottle for Balahé by Leonard, launched in 1983, was an exquisite creation designed by the renowned sculptor Serge Mansau. His design vision brought a unique, artistic flair to the presentation of this fragrance. The bottle, crafted in black glass, is sculpted into the elegant shape of a pebble, giving it a natural, organic feel. This pebble-like form is further enhanced by the artistic depiction of a mountain peak, adding a touch of grandeur and a sense of rugged beauty.

The bottle is adorned with a distinctive red silk cord, which ties around its neck, introducing a vibrant splash of color that contrasts beautifully with the deep black glass. This red cord not only enhances the bottle's visual appeal but also adds a luxurious, tactile element to the overall design.

Balahé was offered in a variety of sizes to accommodate different preferences and needs. For the parfum concentration, the bottle was available in three sizes: 0.25 ounces, 0.5 ounces, and 1 ounce. Each of these sizes allowed customers to choose the quantity that best suited their use. Additionally, the fragrance was offered in eau de toilette strength in three sizes: 1 ounce, 1.7 ounces, and 3.3 ounces, catering to those who preferred a lighter, more subtle version of the scent. This range of options ensured that Balahé could be enjoyed in both its most intense and more moderate forms, reflecting the versatility and elegance of the fragrance.

• 0.25 oz Parfum
• 0.5 oz Parfum
• 1 oz Parfum
• 1 oz Eau de Toilette
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette
• 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette
• 6.7 oz Eau de Toilette

Fate of the Fragrance:

Balahé by Leonard was discontinued around 1993, marking the end of its production. Despite no longer being available from official retailers, enthusiasts and collectors can still find old bottles of this fragrance through various online marketplaces. These vintage bottles offer a glimpse into the elegance of the past, allowing those who missed out on the original release to experience the unique blend of spicy floral oriental notes that Balahé was celebrated for. The continued availability of these old bottles is a testament to the lasting appeal and desirability of this classic fragrance.

Miss Balahe:

In 1996, Miss Balahe was introduced.

• Top notes: orange blossom, bergamot, freesia, lily of the valley, cyclamen
• Middle notes: tuberose, jasmine, rose, syringa
• Base notes: musk, vanilla, amber, heliotrope

Miss Balahé opens with a refreshing and delicate array of top notes that immediately captivate the senses. The fragrance begins with orange blossom, which imparts a bright and sweet floral aroma, evoking the feeling of a sunlit garden in full bloom. This is harmoniously blended with the crisp and zesty scent of bergamot, which adds a touch of citrus brightness, enhancing the initial impression with its invigorating freshness. The freesia introduces a light, peppery floral note, adding a subtle, airy quality that complements the other top notes. Lily of the valley contributes a fresh, green floral scent with its delicate, dewy aroma, reminiscent of spring mornings. Lastly, cyclamen offers a soft, watery floral note with a hint of sweetness, rounding out the top notes with a gentle, refreshing finish.

As the fragrance evolves into its heart, the middle notes reveal a rich and luxurious floral bouquet. Tuberose dominates the heart with its opulent, creamy aroma, creating a lush and intoxicating floral presence that exudes elegance and sensuality. This is complemented by the heady, sweet scent of jasmine, which adds a warm, exotic depth and enhances the overall floral richness. The classic rose introduces a timeless, romantic aroma, with its velvety, deep floral notes adding a touch of sophistication. Finally, syringa (lilac) brings a soft, airy floral scent with a hint of freshness, providing a subtle, yet elegant finish to the heart.

The base notes of Miss Balahé offer a warm and comforting conclusion to the fragrance. Musk provides a sensual, earthy quality with its soft, animalic notes, adding a layer of intimacy and depth. Vanilla infuses the base with a rich, creamy sweetness, creating a warm, indulgent aroma that lingers gently. The deep, resinous scent of amber introduces a golden warmth, adding a luxurious, balsamic touch to the base. Lastly, heliotrope offers a powdery, slightly sweet floral note with a hint of almond, rounding out the fragrance with a soft, elegant finish.

Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend that transitions smoothly from a bright and fresh introduction to a lush, floral heart, and finally to a warm, comforting base, making Miss Balahé a sophisticated and memorable fragrance.

Eau de Balahe:

In 2015, Eau de Balahe was released as a light fruity floral fragrance for women.

•  Top notes: tiare, raspberry
• Middle notes: jasmine 
• Base notes: vanilla

Eau de Balahé offers a captivating olfactory experience with its light, fruity floral composition. It begins with an enticing blend of top notes that immediately capture attention. The fragrance opens with tiare, which infuses the scent with a creamy, exotic aroma reminiscent of tropical gardens. Tiare’s sweet, velvety notes evoke images of lush, sun-drenched flowers, adding a touch of luxurious, floral richness. This is harmoniously paired with the bright, juicy scent of raspberry. The raspberry introduces a fresh, fruity sweetness with a slight tartness, creating a lively and invigorating contrast to the creamy tiare, and giving the fragrance a playful, vibrant opening.

As the fragrance transitions to its heart, the focus shifts to a single, striking note: jasmine. The jasmine imparts a rich, intoxicating floral scent that is both warm and sensual. Its deep, heady aroma envelops the senses with a sense of elegance and sophistication. The jasmine heart adds a touch of timeless romance, smoothly bridging the fruity top notes with the comforting base.

The base of Eau de Balahé concludes the fragrance with a warm, creamy finish. Vanilla offers a rich, indulgent aroma with its smooth, sweet scent. The vanilla base adds a comforting, gourmand touch that lingers gently, providing a soft and soothing end to the fragrance. Its creamy sweetness blends seamlessly with the floral and fruity elements, creating a well-rounded and elegant composition.

In summary, Eau de Balahé delivers a delicate, light-hearted fragrance experience. The combination of tiare and raspberry in the top notes introduces a fresh and exotic opening, while the jasmine heart provides a rich floral depth. The warm vanilla base ties everything together, offering a sweet and comforting finish that enhances the overall light and fruity floral character of the scent.

 

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