Classique: The very first perfume by the enfant terrible of fashion. Released in 1993 by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Classique is meant to reflect JPG's haute-couture creations: sensual, offbeat, and above all ultra-feminine.
Released in 1993, “Classique” is Jean-Paul Gaultier's first perfume. While “Classique” represents the feminine ideal, it is nonetheless a daring fragrance. One should not forget that its creator is nicknamed the enfant terrible of fashion, and that his creations oscillate between provocation and nonconformity. Shaped like a haute couture bust, the bottle is the perfect representation of a woman wearing, for the occasion, a lace bustier. Both oriental and floral, “Classique” is a creation signed by Jacques Cavallier.
Classique, a great success signed by Jacques Cavallier
Jacques Cavallier was born in Grasse, the son and grandson of a perfumer. After working for Quest, Jacques Cavallier was hired by Firmenich. Today, Jacques Cavallier is the in-house perfumer for the house of Louis Vuitton. Jacques Cavallier likes to work with quality raw materials, especially florals. Nevertheless, he is known as a versatile perfumer who likes to innovate. Jacques Cavallier was recognized for his work in 2000, winning the master perfumer award, then in 2004, winning the international perfume award, the François Coty prize. Regarding “Classique”, Jacques Cavallier stated that the brief was woman, the great values of femininity, and that the challenge was immense, because everyone expected to see an anecdotal perfume… What appealed to him was embodying an extremely feminine woman with a lot of character. Jacques Cavallier is also responsible for magnificent fragrances such as Nina Ricci's Nina, Givenchy's Pi, and Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey.
A bouquet of spicy flowers at the heart of Classique
For Jean-Paul Gaultier's first perfume, the composition opens on citrus, ultra-fresh notes of lemon and bergamot. These then combine with orange blossom, the sun-kissed, luminous flower par excellence. The heart of “Classique” is thus ultra feminine, combining jasmine, rose, tuberose and ylang-ylang. These floral tones are quickly heightened by ginger, which lends the “Classique” woman a strong personality. Ginger is an herbaceous plant with fleshy rhizomes. Native to China, ginger has been used since time immemorial. Ginger has medicinal and aphrodisiac properties. In perfumery, ginger gives off tones close to pink pepper, both spicy and sweet at once. It is generally used in spicy or oriental perfumes. Finally, the base of “Classique” is sensual and warm thanks to the presence of vanilla, amber, and cedarwood.
“Classique” is Jean-Paul Gaultier's first perfume. Ultra feminine, it describes an exceptionally beautiful, sensual woman with a strong personality. For the composition, Jacques Cavallier chose to pair a bouquet of white flowers with spices. A magical result!