Rive Gauche (for women)

SedNonSatiata

It's true: the reformulation does not do justice to the original. I wore Rive Gauche for a while a long time ago, and finally got sick of it., yet I still appreciate its unique character. I have about 1/4 left in an old bottle and was able to compare the new and old side-by-side (left arm, right arm). What is unique about the original is that it manages to be fresh and heavy at the same time. The rose dominates, yet I discern other notes especially green notes, each clear and distinct. In the new Rive Gauche, all the notes blend in a nondescript floral mush. There is nothing unpleasant about it, but nothing special, either. While I no longer want to wear it, i miss the gutsy, classic Rive Gauche!

Epilogue; I washed off both arms, but the old formula RG refuses to go away! Now that's the tenacious beauty I remember!

The bottle design was and is still a favorite of mine!

Carla

It's a sentimental walk down memory lane with this BoHo chic scent of the 70's, however, Fords's recreation of this classic is disappointing. The previous incarnation was an organic, free spirit scent emitting the silvery dusty feeling from the aldehydes mixed with two of my favorite blossoms, gardenia and magnolia which created an aura of peace. The harmony and strength I feel has been lost in the 2003 version.

Ester

Maybe it’s the worst reformulation I’ve ever seen. Metal notes were the main thing in this perfume. But these woody accords make this scent heavier, not softer. There’s no harmony anymore.
After smelling this perfume today I thought - that’s exactly what happens when you try to please everyone - no one will like you, you will loose your identity and you won’t be able to find harmony in yourself.

glitteralex

I loved the fact that the initial aldehydic, metallic blast was almost intolerable. I find the reformulation BLAH.

For the record, I am not reform-phobic; I love both the original and new Senso by Ungaro, and all the versions of Joy and Chanel #5. Without the shattering aldehydes, Rive Gauche is not itself...

BTW, if you enjot RG (by Jaques Polge & Michael Hy), try Calandre by Paco Rabanne. It was created a year prior in '69, by the same perfumer (Hy), and was a very similar and groundbreaking 70s scent.

Leesee

I have never owned a bottle of the original Rive Gauche, but I just today received a bottle of the newer version and have been wearing the scent all evening. It had a disconcerting opening note, sort of moldy-floral, but now the scent reminds me of Chanel No. 19 and Calandre, both of which I adore. It is also very much its own scent: a little old-fashioned, a little modern, neither sweet nor tart, and elegant in a way that so few non-niche scents seem to be these days. Very nice.

nodi88

well...well...where can i begin....i am speechless when it comes to rive gauche...it's simply perfect...at least for me...it makes me happy optimistic and delighted...i know it's weird i never thought a perfume would affect my feelings and emotions that much...but it's true...rive gauche can comletely change my mood...it's perfect for everyday use in winter and fall especially on rainy cloudy days and for special occasions in summer and spring since it's kinda strong and heavy for hot and warm weather....so for everyday use in spring i'd recommand rive gauche fraicheur and in summer rive gauche light is a great choice....

Jalutschka

There is only one negative things I can say about this fragrance, I can smell a very unpleasant top note which reminds me of sour cucumber and vinegar, but when this one is gone, Rive Gauche becomes an abstract rose perfume which I quite like. I love the Haute Couture name of the perfume, its metal bottle and the timeless elegance of the composition which is still very good, in spite of the top note and the reformulation.

Scent lover

Nice one! It is quiet, stays close to skin but lasts a long time. I'd say its like a perfume containing masculine notes which are well softened and added a feminine beauty by a woman who carries it.

PR

I tried this 'Rive Gauche' immediatelly after YSL 'Y' and it rendered the first one in a better light.. not as bad as 'Y', but the same smell group for me - unwearable

Althea

I hope I will never have to smell this again... I went to wash my wrist, but no, it stayed there the whole day, so tumbs up for staying power. My collegue bought it through internet without knowing what it would like, trusted the review. We were both shocked...blee. I could smell nothing but cinnamon the whole time and it was so strong that I couldnt get rid of headache.

Maryel

I doubt there is a woman who could say anything negative about this fragrance. It really is one of a kind. I can still drift back to memories of high school with the perfectly balanced floral and woody notes. *sigh* All the wonderful reviews here makes me want to order a small vial of it to have for a loving reminder of how perfect a fragrance can be.

a bit vintage

When I was a kid, my mom belonged to a 'beauty club' via mail, and this came in one of her kits. I wore this in my teen years and felt very sophisticated! I would love to be reacquainted w/ this to see if I have the same feelings for it!

Nuppu

Gentle, powdery and soft, but stands out from other perfumes. Classy and one of my all time favourite alltouhgt the huge number of old and new fascinating scents. This one is always good to come back.

Halvah

A very classic floral aldehyde, the top note is so fresh and the finish is so "French", really. It's elegant, and very well-done, altough it seems to be simple and right for everyday use. However, I have a problem with this: in a few hours it becomes rather similar on my skin to Moschino's Cheap & Chic which I don't like at all:(

guest_marijana

Suitable for wearing it during the day and for evening. This gentle, feminine powdery scent is one of my favourite. It is old fashioned in a way, but I like it

takemyhusbandplz

I'd rate this 3.5 lippies. I'm not sure which version I sampled but I really enjoyed Rive Gauche. This is a very classic type of fragrance. It seems to have an oaky powdery finish. It makes me think of a cool day & warm quilts but, also reminds me of cashmere & pearls too. It really is a fragrance that you could wear anytime. It's soft and casual enough for office wear, but sophisicated enough for formal times. Rive Gauche lasts quite awhile on the skin too; about 6 hours. I don't think I will purchase a bottle, as I have similar scents. Nevertheless this is a very well done scent.

elgab89

My mom used to wear it in the 80s. They have reformulated the scent. It is still a lovely aldehyde.