If you’re looking for a mesmerizing scent to add to your fragrance wardrobe, look no further than Givenchy. The French fashion house, riddled with history that only adds to its prestige, only formulates scents with superior ingredients. Below, we explore the best Givenchy perfumes and the history behind the scents that have helped define its fragrance legacy.

The iconic birth of the first Givenchy perfume

Hubert de Givenchy launched his eponymous fashion label in 1952, shortly followed by his first perfume, L’Interdit, in 1957. What’s interesting to note is that his very first perfume was initially created in 1954 to be gifted to his friend and muse, Audrey Hepburn. A delicate, powdery floral, it contains rose, jasmine, violet, and a blend of woods and grasses.

Hepburn wore it exclusively until three years later, when Givenchy decided he was ready to mass-produce it. Upon hearing the news, the actress playfully replied, “But I forbid you,” which only inspired the name of the fragrance (L’Interdit is French for “forbidden”).

The reformulation of L’Interdit, launched in 2018, became Givenchy’s last project before his death in March of that year. This modern version blends bright florals, including orange blossom, tuberose, and jasmine, with deep, smoky vetiver and leathery patchouli—creating the perfect contrast between light and dark. The new formulation stays true to its iconic roots by celebrating the dark pleasures of the forbidden. The contemporary L’Interdit bottle mimics the original with sleek lines and bold simplicity, making the same statement of understated luxury, while the advertising campaign stars the Audrey Hepburn lookalike Rooney Mara. Givenchy’s fragrance story of L’Interdit became legendary in perfume history, but it is also still unfolding in modern day, making it one of the best Givenchy perfumes of all time.

The success of L’Interdit has meant various additions to the range, including L’Interdit Rouge EDP, with Sicilian blood rose and spices for added sensuality; L’Interdit Intense EDP, with leathered vanilla to enhance the forbidden aromas; and L’Interdit EDT, a lighter version for daytime. Each version brings its own unique attributes to the original yet always giving the same feeling of opulence and individuality. 

The designers who redefined Givenchy: John Galliano and Alexander McQueen

In Gods and Kings, journalist Dana Thomas explores the contrasting creative visions of John Galliano and Alexander McQueen, two designers who helped define a transformative era in fashion. Both would go on to lead Givenchy: Galliano briefly took the helm in 1995 before McQueen succeeded him in 1996. Their tenures reflected the fashion house’s evolving identity, balancing Hubert de Givenchy’s legacy of elegance with a more provocative, theatrical approach to design.

In 1995, the year John Galliano took the helm at Givenchy, the house introduced Xeryus Rouge, a masculine fragrance characterized by its warm, spicy, and aromatic notes. As Givenchy entered a new chapter in its fashion history, its fragrance portfolio continued to evolve alongside the house’s enduring legacy of elegance and experimentation.

The best Givenchy perfumes for women (in our opinion)

Givenchy’s legendary fragrance history lives on in the brand’s unique range of fragrances. Givenchy perfumes are creative masterpieces that transcend time and place, giving you a unique expression of individuality. Discover two of the best Givenchy perfumes that have stood the test of time!

GIVENCHY L’Interdit

As mentioned above, the modern L’Interdit Eau de Parfum builds on the original’s legacy, pairing luminous white florals with smoky, earthy woods for a daring contrast between light and dark.

GIVENCHY Irresistible

Launched in 2020, Givenchy Irresistible is a vibrant floral-fruity fragrance that captures a playful, effortlessly feminine spirit. Juicy pear and musky ambrette create a fresh, inviting opening, while a delicate heart of rose and iris lends the scent a romantic, powdery elegance. Musk and Virginia cedar anchor the composition with a soft, woody warmth. Bright, charming, and irresistibly modern, this fragrance is an ode to spontaneity and the freedom to be yourself.

GIVENCHY Gentleman Society

Givenchy Gentleman Society Eau de Parfum is a refined woody-floral fragrance that reimagines modern masculinity with an unexpected edge. Fresh sage and cardamom introduce the scent, followed by a distinctive heart of wild narcissus, enriched with vetiver from Madagascar and Uruguay. At the base, vanilla, cedarwood, and sandalwood create a warm, sophisticated finish. Bold yet elegant, Gentleman Society celebrates individuality and the confidence to challenge convention.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Givenchy perfume?

L’Interdit remains the house’s most iconic fragrance, originally created in 1954 for Audrey Hepburn. For something different, Irresistible offers a romantic rose for women, and Gentleman Society is the pick for men, a woody-floral built around sage, narcissus, and vanilla.

Did John Galliano design for Givenchy?

Yes, John Galliano was Givenchy’s creative director in 1995, briefly, before moving to Dior. Alexander McQueen succeeded him in 1996. Their back-to-back tenures marked a more provocative, theatrical era for the house.

Why is L’Interdit called “forbidden”?

Hubert de Givenchy created the fragrance for his muse Audrey Hepburn in 1954, and she wore it exclusively for three years. When he decided to mass-produce it, she reportedly told him, “But I forbid you,” which became the name: L’Interdit is French for “forbidden.”

What does Givenchy Gentleman Society smell like?

It opens with fresh sage and cardamom, moves into a narcissus heart enriched with vetiver, and settles into vanilla, cedarwood, and sandalwood. It’s a modern, woody-floral take on masculinity.

How can I try Givenchy perfumes before buying a full bottle?

A Scentbird subscription sends each one as an 8 mL vial, about a 30-day supply, so you can test L’Interdit, Irresistible, or Gentleman Society before committing to a full-size bottle.