L'Air Du Temps, from Nina Ricci was released in 1948. The perfumer behind this creation is Francis Fabron. It has the top notes of Aldehydes, Bergamot, Brazilian Rosewood, Carnation, Neroli, Peach, and Rose, middle notes of Carnation, Cloves, Gardenia, Jasmine, Orchid, Orris Root, Rose, Rosemary, Violet, and Ylang-Ylang, and base notes of Amber, Benzoin, Cedarwood, Iris, Musk, Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Spicy Notes, and Vetiver.
L’Air du Temps is a scent which has been the victim of its own success, a creation which, at the time, was so marvellously unique and masterful that it’s popularity made it commonplace for many women to wear it. Because of this, it began to get left behind and its beauty and charm all but forgotten by most. It is a warm, spicy floral scent which captivates the heart immediately, seemingly moving and swirling in the air around you. A fresh, vibrant harmony of bergamot, neroli and aldehydes radiate off the skin through the inclusion of a gorgeously smooth and comforting rosewood note. Among a typically vintage floral heart, the profile is made warmer still by an overwhelming dose of carnation, but also that slightly bitter-spicy clove note. The end result is enchanting - dry, spicy and warm, wrapping the wearer in a blanket of dense florals. I love this fragrance, I think it should continue to receive the praise it deserves. I have two bottles in my collection, a vintage EDT and the current EDP. There is a great similarity between the two, but I find where the modern formulation is much smoother and more rounded with the floral heart, the vintage is far more confident and brash in its spicy facets. Both are stunning, I often layer them together as the vintage doesn’t last long on my skin.