Happy 20th Anniversary Lanvin Eclat d’Arpege
A fragrance cult favourite is celebrating a major milestone this month. French luxury brand Lanvin’s Eclat d’Arpege is turning 20 years old, something that less than 3% of perfume launches achieve. In fact, this scent has become an insider favourite in recent years enjoying a resurgence in sales through ecommerce sites and word-of-mouth.
The history of the Lanvin fashion brand, said to be the oldest French fashion house, is truly spellbinding. At the young age of 22, Jeanne Lanvin decided to launch her own hat shop following an apprenticeship in a popular millinery boutique. She secured a small space on the corner of Boissy d’Anglas and rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in 1889 and quickly gained a loyal following. Surprisingly, it was the birth of her daughter Marguerite that inspired her to design clothing for babies and children. Jeanne’s clients were so taken by the charming outfits, they asked her to design clothing for their children.
Paris is known for its couture fashion and much of that renown can be attributed in part to Jeanne Lanvin. In 1909, she was invited to join the prestigious Syndicat de la Couture, securing her place in the rarified world of high fashion. He collections and creations were worn by celebrities, debutantes and society’s top echelon.
The original Arpege by Lanvin, a floral aldehyde fragrance for women launched in 1927. It was composed by Paul Vacher and Andre Fraysse using the latest synthetic ingredients, a revolutionary advance in perfumery made famous by Coco Chanel’s No. 5. The name came “Arpege” came from Jeanne’s daughter who was passionate about music. The word is a musical term “arpeggio” meaning music notes. Arpege featured notes of aldehydes, lily-of-the-valley, peach, honeysuckle, neroli, bergamot, jasmine, ylang-ylang, iris, coriander, rose, lily, geranium, camelia, sandalwood, amber, vetiver, musk, benzoin, vanilla and patchouli. It was awarded the Hall of Fame Award at the 2005 Fifi Awards in New York City, the fragrance industry’s Academy Awards.
Seventy-five years after its launch, perfumer Karine Dubreuil-Sereni set out to reimagine Arpege for a new generation of fragrance enthusiast. She reworked the formula into a floral-fruity version that is delicate, fragile and angelic. It opens with green lilac and Sicilian lemon before revealing wisteria blossom, peach blossom, red peony, airy green tea leaves, amber and woods. She recommended incorporating the French term “eclat” which translates to ‘dazzling effect’ or ‘brilliance’. Tweny years in, the scent remains a favourite worldwide. Happy birthday, Eclat d’Arpege.
Lanvin Eclat d’Arpege is available in Canada at thebay.com
Christine Donaldson
April 18, 2022 at 7:57 amNeroli 💗 Rose ❤️
Sounds beautiful
Brenda Elkins
April 16, 2022 at 8:31 amArpege by Lanvin has been a favorite of mine from early adulthood. I remember the first time I experienced this fragrance and the sophisticated woman who wore it. I must have complimented her so much on her fragrance that she bought me a bottle for my 20th birthday. It was a transition from the sweeter fragrances of my youth to a classic perfume. I must now experience Lanvin Eclat D’Arpege to celebrate another 20th birthday. It promises to be very special.
September Dee
April 15, 2022 at 10:36 amI’ll have to try this one. You had me at green lilac and Sicilian lemon.
Linda L
April 15, 2022 at 9:52 amHappy “brilliant” 20th birthday Lanvin Eclat D’ Arpege! 💜
Anna Roszak Robinson
April 15, 2022 at 8:58 am💜💜💜💜💜