Originally created by Michel Hy and Jacques Polge in 1971 for French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, it was reformulated in 2003 by Daniela Andrier and Jacques Hy.

This version is less sharp and more accessible than the previous one and, dare I say it, I like it better. In my opinion, the reformulation modernized the scent without diminishing it.

On me, it opens with a great shot of cool, sharp aldehydes. They link to a subtle metallic facet of green galbanum that’s bracing and fresh, creating a crisp edge that gives Rive Gauche a sense of excitement. It’s supported by sparkling bergamot and bright, citrusy lemon. Sweet, floral honeysuckle comes through alongside a note of soft, sweet peach. As it moves to the heart, a lush, opulent note of rose appears and softens the aldehydes. Musty geranium comes forward, bolstering the rose and amping up the floral aspect of the scent, while creamy ylang-ylang and subtle hints of jasmine, powdery iris, magnolia, gardenia, and lily-of-the-valley bloom quietly in the background. The aldehydes and florals interweave beautifully—so beautifully that I could live here all day, but I don’t want to miss a thing.

The aldehydes carry on right through to the aromatic woody base of vetiver, oakmoss, balsam wood, and musk. This rich foundation is anchored and warmed by creamy sandalwood, amber, and a soft touch of tonka bean so that the dry-down is smooth, sophisticated, and chic.

Its cool, floral scent with a metallic tang makes Rive Gauche a one-of-a-kind fragrance that speaks to the free-spirited, independent, Parisian woman. It’s a classic that transcends time and place, allowing you to have a bit of that Left Bank ’70s soul without being stuck in time.

Notes: Aldehydes, green galbanum, bergamot, lemon, honeysuckle, peach rose, geranium, jasmine, iris, magnolia, gardenia ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, oakmoss, Tahitian vetiver, musk, sandalwood, amber and Tonka bean.