LOUIS VUITTON
IMAGINATION
2021
PERFUMER
Jacques Cavallier
Ambroxan
Black tea
neroli
cedarwood
Bergamot
ginger
cinnamon
‘The unprecedented attraction of amber and tea for imagination to take flight. Imagination. The key to the audacity, success and drive of the creatives who make the wildest dreams a reality. An immaterial energy that is nurtured by travel and experiences that forge a new state of mind. A creative impulse that has always guided Jacques Cavallier Belletrud. With an over-generous dose of Ambrox, perfumery’s white gold, the Master Perfumer reinvents the amber-like accord to express a sensual and contemporary masculine elegance. Its contrasts appear upon contact with noble citrus and black tea from China extracted with CO2, a magical ingredient that carries within it the soul of travel. With Imagination, the spirit rises, escapes and conquers new paths of freedom.’ – Louis Vuitton
Not only one of the most popular Louis Vuitton fragrances, but one of the most popular fresh niche fragrances in general. At least, among men, Imagination is one of the ‘it’ fragrances at the moment. I’d tried it some years ago and thought it was nice, but slightly underwhelming. Which was my overall feeling of Louis Vuitton at the time, but I must say that I’ve grown to appreciate the collection more and more over time. With that being said, I figured it was time to revisit and properly review, Imagination.
Short conclusion: I still think it’s on the generic side, but I can definitely appreciate more now. It wouldn’t be among my first picks for a fresher Louis Vuitton, but I can see why this is such a mass appealing, universally loved ‘easy reach’ type of fragrance. If I had a bottle in my collection, it would get plenty of wears, especially to the office.
What I get more than anything from Imagination is a mix of watery notes with a metallic tinge. It’s bright, aromatic and I can almost taste the metal. Yet, it’s not as harsh or sharp as many aromatic or mineralic fragrances. It’s really well executed.
In my initial first impression, ginger jumped out as a stand out note. This time around, I felt it was less clear. Obviously citrussy, but less distinct ginger.
There’s a subtle sweetness and a subtle floral heart, but the initial impression is that of some drops of citrus juice in ice cold water. Almost has an iced tea quality to it.
Overall, not the most memorable or intriguing fragrances, especially for the Louis Vuitton price point, but one of the better freshies nonetheless. Which is still how I feel about most of the fresher Louis Vuitton fragrances; I went with Pacific Chill in my collection and it’s hard to recommend given its price and common scent, but at the same time, it’s one that I happily reach for all the time.