Fragrances don’t get more classic than Arpege. Created in 1927 by perfumers Andre Fraysse and Paul Vacher for designer Jeane Lanvin to gift to her daughter Marie-Blanche on her 30th birthday, it embodies a vintage, old-Hollywood feel that is both enduring and timeless. The name “Arpege” comes from the musical term “arpeggio”, reflecting Marie-Blanche’s love of music. Arpege is a symphonic blend of floral notes all mixed together rather than focusing on any particular one, a composition sometimes referred to as a “fragrance of 1,000 flowers”. Its top notes are Bergamot, Neroli, Peach, and Honeysuckle. Its heart is an abundance of sensual florals like Jasmine, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Lilly of the Valley, and Iris. The base notes tend to bring the almost overflowing bounty of florals to a more earthbound level with Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, and Vanilla. Arpege is a vintage favorite that I envision was worn by many women in the height of Hollywood’s golden days. And even though it’s been reimagined many times over the years, newer versions still hold true to the formula that Lanvin originally conceived and was to become endeared to women the world over. Truly one of the most defining fragrances of the early 20th century. Iconic, distinguished, and legendary.