Classic perfume ?

[BernieBarks]

Good morning all .
My closest friend is very much into '40s and '50s fashion and proper old school glamour .
She's had a shitty year .
I want to buy her a fabulous ,classic fragrance for Christmas .
Any suggestions ?
Thank you xxx

Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass.

I have worn this constantly since the early 70's and I am constantly asked what it is and complimented on it. (Younger generation strangely seem to particularly like it and are amazed when I tell them what it is.😁)

Only suitable though for anyone who likes lighter, florally based fragrances.
(You can buy some real brand new and sealed bargains for this on eBay 👍)

Chanel No 5
Shalimar
Miss Dior

Chanel 19

J’Adore by Dior.
Miss Dior.
Chanel Gabrielle.

Tweed, if they still make it. Chanel No 5.

Chanel No 5 is my first thought

Fracas
Miss Dior Originale
L’Air du Temps
Joy by Jean Patou, I think this is 30s but still has that old school glamour.

4711. My grandma wore it Its very affordable too.

Chanel no. 5
I was given it on my 16 th birthday and never worn anything else...now nearly 60 !

Elizabeth garden sunflowers.
The one they call blue grass smells awful.

Guerlains Jicky, any of the Chanel’s, Miss Dior.

The Chanel counter in Harrods has Les Exclusifs too if you fancy buying something classy but a little less popular.

Chanel no 5 eau premiere, I find it easier to wear than the original
If you can find the original YSL Cinema on eBay or somewhere, I think it's the most glamorous perfume and the bottle is fab (now sadly discontinued).

Quelques Fleurs
Youth Dew
White Linen
Rive Gauche
Shalimar
L'Air du Temps

Clinique Aromatics Elixir

For me, the most iconic classic perfume would be Chanel No 5 - There is a famous quote of Marylin Monroe "What do I wear to bed? Why, Chanel No 5, of course"

I’d get her

https://www.lancome.co.uk/perfume/women-s-perfume/la-vie-est-belle/la-vie-est-belle-eau-de-parfum/313013-LAC.html
La Vie est Belle Eau de Parfum, Lancôme's best-selling feminine fragrance. A declaration to the world that life is beautiful when we choose our own path to happiness.
THE SCENT: A FLORAL AMBERY GOURMAND
Our first tasty Iris, created by three of the most renowned French perfumers – Olivier Polge, Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo – after 5000 trials and over 3 years of work. A captivating, long-lasting fragrance that balances the nobility of Iris, the depth of Patchouli and an alluring Vanilla accord, creating the ultimate scent of happiness that celebrates femininity in all its forms. Iris, the signature scent of the La Vie est Belle collection, is illuminated by a bouquet of Jasmine Sambac and Orange Blossom. The gourmand Vanilla accord adds a touch of enveloping sweetness, and the heart of Patchouli amplifies its strength, potency and depth. A modern interpretation of a floral gourmand, La Vie est Belle Eau de Parfum is made to last and designed to turn heads from day to evening wear.
Top notes: Pear, Blackcurrant
Heart notes: Iris Pallida Concrete, Orange Blossom, Jasmine Sambac
Base notes: Patchouli, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Praline
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
A long-lasting eau de parfum that leaves an unforgettable trail.
Carefully composed by world-class perfumers.
Design to help women feel confident, feminine and remarkable.
An elegant, refillable bottle, crafted like a crystal smile.
THE BOTTLE: A CRYSTAL SMILE
The exquisite bottle is a re-imagined version of the legendary “Crystal Smile” designed in 1949 by Lancôme founder Armand Petitjean. A design that has long stood in the archives assumed its full significance, almost 70 years later, with La Vie est Belle. Its curved silhouette captures a smile in crystal, while the delicate wings around the neck symbolise freedom. A timeless design that reflects the inner glow of every woman who wears it.
REFILLABLE BY DESIGN

The trouble is that most fabulous, classic fragrances have been re-formulated over the years to accommodate IFRA regulations, discontinued ingredients, supply issues, or rising prices. So there’s a danger you’ll be spending money on something bowdlerised and blandified.

I’m a perfume enthusiast and would always prefer something original rather than a facsimile of an old favourite.

Depends what sort of notes she likes in a perfume. Today I’m wearing Femme by Rochas, which is a gorgeous 1940s chypre by Edmond Roudnitska. My mother used to wear it. It’s discontinued I think but you can pick up a bottle online for about £40, which is amazing value.

Otherwise, the classic Guerlains are lovely, especially Mistsouko and Shalimar.

Madame Rochas and Arpege both have the sort of lineage I think you are looking for. Ivoire de Balmain is another classic.

For a modern take on classic scents, Ormonde Jayne's Woman is gorgeous.

I have to say I'd never blind-buy fragrance - it's too personal. If you're very, very confident that you know her taste, however, I'd consider Chanel No 5, Guerlain Mitsouko, L'Heure Bleue, or Shalimar.

I agree! Your intention is very kind, but what if she doesn't like it. These things are so personal. One woman's perfume is another woman's poison.

Can’t get more classic than Jicky.

Estee Lauder Azuree is beautiful. Also Mitsouko, L’heure bleu by Guerlain. You could also look at Rive Gauche by YSL or Magie Noire by Lancôme. Sisley Eau du Soir is very fresh and pretty.

Rochas Femme was released in 1941, and post war L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci was released in 1948, and Miss Dior in 1947.

And which of those has remained unaltered since its creation, @Tomatocutwithazigzagedge?