I’m not going to write many reviews for “traditional” perfumes on Scent Hive unless it is really, really special. And well, Apres L’Ondee is really, really special. It’s difficult to know where to begin discussing this fabled perfume, as so much has already been poetically written in its regard. It’s been said to makes one’s heart sing, be worthy of a Pablo Neruda poem, and even bring clarity to the Tao Te Ching. How does one follow that? Simply by saying I agree, and I’ll match it with my own lyrical association.
When
I wear Apres L’Ondee I feel like I am listening to Tears For Fears’ Songs From the Big Chair. I know that I am narrowing my demographic here, but you know who you are, and you know what I mean. Every song from that album is melancholic, bewitching, and haunting; yet utterly accessible. Just like Apres L’Ondee, the fragrance named for sunlight after a rainshower. This may be sacreligious for some of you Apres L’Ondee worshippers that I am comparing this beloved perfume to an 80’s pop album. But trust me, it’s a really good album.
In all seriousness. I do love Songs From the Big Chair and I do love Apres L’Ondee. Both evoke a nostalgic longing that is at once melancholic and hopeful. There is something vintage-esque about violets and you can’t help but want to reminisce in their presence. Fortunately, Apres L’Ondee does not allow for protracted despondent reflection as the bergamot provides a green and uplifting opening and iris asserts itself at the heart with its floral edge. The vanilla base then keeps it smooth and sweet around those edges, so if you were about to cry over a broken memory, you’ve been given the softest pillow to lay your head. Apres L’Ondee is so lovely as you will read on many blogs, and as they say, it’s just heartbreakingly gorgeous.
~Decants of Apres L’Ondee are available at The Perfumed Court
Posted by ~Trish
photograph by superiphi on flickr
thefloraesthetic.com 
Oooouph, I have heard so much about this scent, and yet I have never smelled, I will state now that Guerlain and I have a really rough relationship, I’ve had more luck with their men’s scents than women’s scents. Still this one has such adoration.
Rocky for me too J. I go in and out w/ Mitsouko. Appreciate Jicky, but can rarely pull it off. Want to love Shalimar so badly, but it’s just not happening, and so on and so on…..
Apres L’Ondee though, it’s the Guerlain I can call mine 🙂
Hurrah! I’m so glad you like this one. It took me a while, I must admit, but once I came around, it got me hooked for life.
Yes, thank you so much for the hearty sample (and to Helg as well for a sweet decant). I am hooked too and will need to get myself one of the “Bee” bottles in the near future. What year is yours?
2001, I believe
I think Helg said hers was 2003. Both are excellent. I guess it’s just luck of the draw when you order from the internet though. I can’t imagine you can get them to open the box for you before they send it!
PS: How’s that Jicky working out for you? Any reviews brewing in your brain?
It is absolutely beautiful isn’t it. It was love at first sniff for me. If I had to have only one, which would be terrible, but if I did have to have only one it is likely it would be Apres L’Ondee. Well I think.
It’s the sort of thing you would save up for a long time for.
Love at first sniff for me as well. It had me at hello I guess 🙂
Glad you like it!
“melancholic, bewitching, and haunting; yet utterly accessible”> pefect for both scent and that great album (yes, I am hooked as well!)
Don’t fear on refomulations on this one: it’s still very very good (perhaps due to its own formula which allows no major tampering). If only they had respected others as much…
Hi E 🙂
Sounds like it could be a famous quote from a Perfumista Trilogy “Don’t fear the reformulation!”
Nice to know you love Songs From the Big Chair too.
Hugs,
~T