Rive Gauche pour Homme

It was in 1961 that the young and shy couturier founded his own house, on rue de la Boëtie, in Paris. From the start, he caused scandals, notably by posing nude for one of his fragrances, but also by encouraging women to break free from their constraints, then by creating a collection followed by a fragrance called “Rive Gauche”. It would nonetheless take until 2003 for the house of YSL to present its masculine counterpart, “Rive Gauche pour Homme”.

Rive Gauche, or Yves Saint Laurent’s interpretation of freedom

The story of Rive Gauche begins in 1966, when Yves Saint Laurent presented a ready-to-wear collection for women. It revealed free, unpredictable women. The style of the women’s clothing was sexy for the time and, above all, masculinized. This is why YSL wished to create a fragrance of the same name. “Rive Gauche”, released in 1971, is the fragrance of women, the one that gently whispers in their ear, You are free… It was nonetheless not until 2003 that the house of YSL decided to present its masculine version, “Rive Gauche pour Homme”. Like its feminine counterpart, “Rive Gauche pour Homme” is a fragrance of independence, of freedom. The “Rive Gauche” man is reassuring and self-assured, and fully embraces both his strengths and his weaknesses. In both its masculine and feminine forms, “Rive Gauche” defines itself as a lifestyle, a way of being and remaining free, whatever happens.

The fougère-woody accord of Rive Gauche pour Homme

As a nod to the release of “Rive Gauche pour Femme” and, at the same time, to the 1970s, YSL brought back into favor the fougère-woody accord, much appreciated at that time. Perfumer Jacques Cavallier was chosen to create this timeless fragrance. “Rive Gauche pour Homme” opens with the invigorating freshness of bergamot. This is paired with the aromatic notes of star anise and rosemary. The heart is also aromatic, with lavender and geranium. Clove, however, lends a stronger, much more masculine character. The base of “Rive Gauche pour Homme” is ultra virile, composed of vetiver, patchouli, oakmoss, and guaiac wood. This last ingredient brings a touch of modernity to the fougère-woody accord. The original bottle echoed the codes of its predecessor, featuring black and silver bands. Today, “Rive Gauche pour Homme” is part of the house of YSL’s “Collection des Parfums Classiques”. As such, the new bottle resembles all the others in this iconic collection. It takes the form of a clean-lined, cube-shaped glass bottle. It is wrapped with a black label, Yves Saint Laurent’s signature color, bearing the name of the fragrance. The whole conveys an ultra elegant result.

“Rive Gauche pour Femme”, the first fragrance from the house of YSL, made a mark on public opinion and contributed to women’s liberation. “Rive Gauche pour Homme” is likewise a fragrance of freedom and independence, offering men confidence and charisma.