Lalique de Lalique
Lalique (2001)

Lalique de Lalique Eau de Parfum by Lalique (1992/2001) is the debut perfume from Lalique re-imagined as a less-expensive eau de parfum, foregoing the usual crystal package designed by Marie-Claude Lalique, but still retaining much of the Sophia Grojsman-penned composition. The fragrance therein has the usual aldehyde and fruity-musky materials contemporary of late 80's and early 90's commercial feminine-market perfumery, mixed with Grojsman's famous "Hug Me" accord, usually being two parts iso e super or sylvamber, two parts hedione, one part methyl ionone, and two parts galaxolide or romandolide. This accord was the hallmark of her designer works, and it is here, albeit in smaller amounts. I could definitely stand being around someone wearing this, but have no desire to be around such a person, necessarily. I'm reminded of a fallen Hollywood star when I smell this, like a golden-era diva that went from top billing to guest star appearances on daytime TV, still caked-up in makeup, over-acting her lines to prove she's still got it.

What this means for the layman is the big aldehyde "woosh" and fake fruity pear/berry/peach accords that typically define the "drugstore Jezebel" smell of the era, are then tagged out for a transparent and warm glow of white floral fruity-musky essences, that while not necessarily high-quality in smell, do lend themselves to be more inviting than the typical fragrance of this type suggests. The trace rose and iris materials, plus the trace woody materials, really just become background static to the aromachemical ballet on display, from the aldehydes on down to the hedione and musks. There is a lot of vanilla here to smooth all the sharp edges off, but I would not call this a vanilla fragrance by any measure of the term. Performance is very impressive, as I'd expect from the perfumer's powerhouse style, although some may perhaps call this cloying too; this is especially true if oversprayed. Chanel No. 5 (1921) this is not, but it certainly lingers in the air as if it is, and that may be part of its problem; an ostensibly French perfume coming across as impudently American. The outrageously-fake French accent used by John Cleese is this.

The older 1992 bottles of this did have the last generations of real Mysore sandalwood oils being used in commercial French perfumery, and likely more jasmine sambac or rose oil too, giving the perfume version the proper gravitas that the bottle commanded it have, and there is no fault on Grojsman's part, working her aromachemical magic around those materials to make something that probably smelled conventional for the time, but of extraordinary quality as one might associate with a name like Lalique during their inaugural foray into perfume. By 2001, the brand had become quite successful as a perfume label, and with a round of IFRA restrictions plus cost-prohibitive supply-side issues with materials like Mysore sandalwood, it's understandable this eau de parfum reformulation had to come. Part of me misses when hollowed-out attempts at resplendence like this were the norm, as they are a far cry better than today's fruity saffron blobs; but then I'm reminded of how fake tan used to turn orange when overapplied by the same people who wore stuff like this too, and am glad they're not. Neutral

Lovely, rich, black and white Bogart and Bacall romance...don't wear it if you're not brave enough!
Floral, heavy, but not too, becomes one with the wearer...sentimental and longing...fabulous.

There's an old drag queen phrase: She's trying too hard but not hard enough. It means that, unless you're going to really work hard and be good at something, it's better to not try than to be unimaginative or dull.

That's what I kept thinking when I wore Lalique. It's a soapy, sparkling aldehyde that wants to smell classy, but it's built on a structure of cheap-smelling fruity floral cliches (that over-used peach, that cheap-shampoo strawberry, dull fake rose, and cheap clove meant to simulate carnation). It's not Sophia Loren in a ball gown, it's Katy Perry in a prom dress.

That being said, it's not awful. It just isn't trying quite hard enough. But that bottle is gorgeous, though...

This is a floral like no other floral I've tried. With most fragrances, I can see a similarity in others. Not with Lalique. I get peach - I know it's not a listed ingredient, but that's what I get, along with pear, berry, jasmine and vanilla. When I tested Lalique for the first time, I thought it was okay. I tested it again and fell in love with it, testing a few more times before buying the beautiful 100ml bottle of it. I would class this as a summer/spring fragrance, but am delighted to read my countrywoman Bloodorange's opinion that it is more suited to cooler weather - which means I will be wearing this little beauty all year round!

If one were a Disney princess, living in an enchanted castle and dressed in the finest silks and satins, I would imagine that this would be their signature scent. The bottle design itself needs no introduction as it has been designed by the one and only Rene Lalique, one of the most talented and renowned glassware artists of the 20th century.

Soft, feminine and elegant this fragrance exudes beauty and style. It is a scent that will not disagree with any age group, whether it be young or old. Lalique will never offend as its fragrant aroma highlights your charm and inner radiance.

The initial application is one of sheer beauty as the gardenia and black currant blend into a soft and soothing scent. Like a fresh bunch of exquisite and beautiful flowers this scent has the ability to conjure up romantic thoughts and sweep you off your feet. The most desirable aspect of this fragrance was the warmth in the drydown, which became a soft vanilla and musk. The combination of these two scents, which remained very close to the skin, made the experience even more intimate.

I would recommend this fragrance as one that is best worn during the Fall and Winter months, as it has a certain aura that is so comforting during harsh and unpredictable weather. Lalique is such a light, romantic and enchanting fragrance which is a must-buy for every woman that is searching for something to release their inner beauty.

It is not so good, It is not so bad. I think is neutral fragrance.