ETAT LIBRE D’ORANGE
500 YEARS

2019

PERFUMER
Cecile Matton

Cardamom
Saffron
Bergamot

Turkish Rose Absolute
Bourbon Geranium
Oud

Patchouli
Amberwood
Suede

‘For twelve years, Etat Libre d’Orange has been celebrating enlightenment through an awareness of beauty, goodness, sensitivity and intelligence. Our house has welcomed humankind in all its forms, as long as they try to contribute to The Perspective – the Renaissance concept of three dimensions in art which allowed for more realistic and profound depictions. And this perspective can be interpreted to extend beyond paintings. Five hundred years ago, merchants confronted the two established orders :the Red (priests) and the Black (soldiers). They created a third path, cleansed of dictates, for the proliferation of the arts – and perfume. Etat Libre d’Orange honors the sons and daughters of the Renaissance by offering a trail of insight and alliance for their skin. Think of Lucifer – from the Latin roots, lux (light) and ferre (to hold) – the shining one, light-bearing, like Venus when appearing as the morning star. Half a millennium to wear on the skin, and in its wake the majestic memory of the rose, the power of spices and the sense of something precious. The story of mankind delivered to you in a perfume.’ – Etat Libre d’Orange

500 Years was released as part of a trio from Etat Libre D’Orange that I don’t think is talked about much (500 Years is probably the most prominent one of the line).

As with most Etat Libre D’Orange, this is interesting, but I’m not sure if I would ever want a full bottle of it to wear regularly. It’s a sweet and spicy rose. A common style you’d think, but somewhat uniquely executed here.

People compare it to Tom Ford Noir de Noir and Amouage Lyric Woman, which I can see, but it’s not identical. This is a soapier, brighter rose with a syrupy texture. Behind it are leather, spices (I’m guessing some cumin); it comes across Middle Eastern inspired to my nose.

There’s a slightly off-putting, vegetal-like latexy touch in 500 Years that keeps it from being a love for me.