The Guerlain dynasty has always been deeply attached to horses. As proof, Jean-Paul Guerlain was himself an outstanding trainer and an accomplished rider. It was by drawing on this passion that he created one of his first perfumes: Habit Rouge. Since its release in 1965, this masculine fragrance has been considered an olfactory legend. In 2023, Habit Rouge continues to make headlines. It returns in a new, even more intense derivative: Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé.
The Guerlain house is among the oldest names in the entire history of perfumery still in operation. It must be said that it has to its credit numerous olfactory legends of extraordinary longevity. Among them, Guerlain's iconic Habit Rouge was created in 1965. In 2023, it is once again honored by the house, in an even more intense version, as if straight out of the secret reserve of Guerlain's perfumers. Here is our review of Guerlain's Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé.
Olfastory’s review
Guerlain's Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé, a nod to Jean-Paul Guerlain
Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé invites us to revisit the history of the house and rediscover Jean-Paul Guerlain's love for horses. Indeed, he was an accomplished rider and an outstanding trainer. It is thanks to this that he created Habit Rouge, the first amber and oriental perfume in history. For it, he drew on the image of a rider's red coat floating in the air, as he gripped the reins of a thoroughbred. The result was an autumnal, unsettling breath, blending the sensuality of leather and the allure of tobacco.
Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé highlights the full duality of man
Guerlain's Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé is not merely an invitation to rediscover the past and the inspiration of Guerlain's perfumers of old. It also pays tribute to man in all his duality. The one who wears this perfume displays a controlled instinct. He is like an urban man rediscovering his natural instinct through contact with the animal. Guerlain's Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé perfectly embodies man's mastery over the horse's spirit. This fragrance is a statement of boldness and elegance. It is brilliantly orchestrated and could almost be likened to a high-flying feat!
Guerlain's Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé, a more refined perfume than ever
Guerlain's Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé takes on new accents of spirits. Created by Thierry Wasser and Delphine Jelk, it is like an exceptional vintage, more refined and powerful than before. At first, it captures attention with a fresh, peppery blend of bergamot and ginger. Iris gives it a floral, timeless elegance. This is brightened by orange blossom. Note that this ingredient recalls the neroli previously used in the first version of Habit Rouge. Finally, the timeless trio of leather, vanilla and patchouli resurfaces in its base notes.
Guerlain gives the Habit Rouge line a new bottle
Another new feature: Habit Rouge has lost its original bottle. Now, Guerlain's Habit Rouge - Rouge Privé comes in a more imposing case, like a heavy, very masculine glass cube. As you may have recognized, this is also the bottle used for the L'Homme Idéal collection. However, to echo the name of this perfume, it is now entirely dressed in red. This gives it a bold elegance, like a symbol of spirit and passion!