L’Air du Temps is an iconic feminine scent.
Said to be the first spicy floral scent created, it took a detour from the Leather/Chypre scents of the time that were meant to make a statement.
Meaning “The Spirit of the Times”, it reflects the optimism and positive energy that followed the end of WWII, representing peace, love, and freedom.
This symbolism is revealed in the softness and purity of the scent, as well as the interlaced doves that adorn the perfume bottle, created by Rene Lalique in 1951.
L’Air du Temps was created in 1948 by perfume Francis Fabron, and featured notes of Carnations, Gardenia, Rose, Jasmine, Iris, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Peach, Rosewood, Neroli, Clove, Rose de Mai, Ylang Ylang, Orchid, Lily, Ambergris, Musk, Vetiver, Benzoin, Moss, and Cedar.
It was reformulated sometime in the late 80’s or early 90’s, noticeably changing, but still maintaining its lightness and romantic essence.
The composition today is made up of Carnation, Gardenia, Centifolia Rose, Grasse Jasmine, Mysore Sandalwood, and Iris.
It is said that Francis Fabron used a synthetic note, called Benzyl Salicylate, which rounds out the floral bouquet’s potency perfectly. Today, this ingredient is heavily regulated and not used often.
L’Air du Temps is an elegant floral scent with an ever-so-slightly soapy essence, that gives way to the gentle depth of the Sandalwood. It boasts a gentle, playful energy that works well in both casual and formal occasions. It defies the ages by maintaining a classic elegance that has always been sought after.
In 2023, the House of Nina Ricci worked with Porcelain and jewelry artist Alix D. Reynis to create L’Air du Temps X Alix D. Reynis, a new interpretation of the classic scent. Working with master perfumer Sonia Constant, Alix created this new scent as an ode to her love of Musk, and her affection for the original L’Air du Temps perfume. This new L’Air du Temps is made up of Neroli, Aldehydes, Heliotrope, Jasmine Sambac, White Musk, and Vanilla, and is inspired by the pure softness of Porcelain. The Porcelain theme continues with this version being housed in a white matte bottle meant to look like Porcelain.
Nearly 80 years later, L’Air du Temps has stood the test of time. It is still made today, in both the Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum, and can be found at Parfumerie Nasreen in Seattle!
