
Jean Patou's Joy, a fragrance for women, was first launched in 1930. It is preserved in its original formulation in the archives of the Osmothèque. The perfume has been reformulated several times since its launch, with some speculating that it has been reformulated a few times since its launch in 1930. The Thomas Fontaine reformulation, for instance, is said to be an improvement on the P&G version. The perfume is described as having a strong rose scent, with hints of other florals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Original Launch Year | 1930 |
| Original Creator | Henri Alméras |
| Original Brand | Jean Patou |
| Current Brand | Thomas Fontaine |
| Notes | Rose, Jasmine, Citrus, Cedar, Musk, Patchouli |
| Concentration | Eau de Toilette |
| Variants | EDT, EDP |
| Availability | Unavailable in local stores |
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What You'll Learn

Joy by Jean Patou was once the world's most expensive fragrance
Jean Patou's Joy, a fragrance for women, was launched in 1930. It is the only Patou perfume that is not intended for a strong woman. It is described as light, cute, and domestic with a powdery opening and a floral overload in the middle that opens up to a beautiful rose scent. The perfume has been reformulated several times since its launch. The original 1930 formulation is preserved in the archives of the Osmothèque.
The perfume has a strong association with memories and travel, making it special for many people. It is described as a "magic perfume" that evokes dreamy smiles and pleasant memories. The scent is unique, with a soft, floral aroma and hints of something distinct. It has a reverse pyramid structure, where delicate notes are embedded as absolutes and appear towards the end.
The reformulated versions of Joy are still highly regarded, with some preferring the newer formulations. The Thomas Fontaine reformulation, for example, was considered an improvement over the P&G version. The Eau de Parfum (EDP) and Eau de Toilette (EDT) versions also have their own unique qualities. The EDP is more intense and better suited for evening wear, while the EDT is a softer, more floral scent that can be reapplied throughout the day.
Joy by Jean Patou has left a lasting impression on the world of perfumery. Even with its reformulations and discontinuation, it remains a classic fragrance that evokes strong emotions and fond recollections.
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The perfume has been discontinued
Joy by Jean Patou, once the world's most expensive fragrance, has been discontinued. The perfume, which was first released in 1930, has since undergone several reformulations. The original 1930 formulation is preserved in the archives of the Osmothèque, donated by Jean Kerléo, formerly head perfumer at Jean Patou.
The perfume has a rich history, with fans including Vivien Leigh, and was once an iconic floral fragrance with a powdery opening and a strong rose scent. However, over time, the perfume has been reformulated multiple times, with some speculating that it was discontinued by LVMH to make way for the ''Joy' trademark to be used under Dior.
Indeed, in 2018, Dior released its own fragrance named 'Joy', which may have contributed to the discontinuation of the original Joy by Jean Patou. The Dior version is described as a jasmine-leaning, slightly citrus floral fragrance with a background of rose and a powdery dry-down. While it has received mixed reviews, some noting its generic nature, it has also been praised for its balance and wearability during hot and humid summers.
The discontinuation of Joy by Jean Patou has left fans of the scent disappointed and seeking out older bottles. Some have expressed a desire to collect vintage fragrances, including Joy, to experience the scent as it was originally formulated. The pursuit of discontinued perfumes highlights the passion and dedication of fragrance enthusiasts, who value the history and unique qualities of these scents.
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The original 1930 formulation is preserved in the Osmothèque archives
Joy, the iconic floral fragrance for women, was first introduced in 1930. Created by Henri Alméras, the perfume has been reformulated several times since its inception. The original formulation, however, remains preserved in the Osmothèque archives.
The Osmothèque, located in Versailles, France, is a unique perfume archive and museum. It houses a collection of historic perfumes, including the original formulation of Joy. The Osmothèque was founded in 1990 by Jean Kerléo, a master perfumer who was the head perfumer at Jean Patou, the house that created Joy.
The preservation of the original Joy formulation in the Osmothèque archives ensures that this piece of fragrance history is safeguarded for future generations. The Osmothèque's collection includes both modern and ancient perfumes, with some dating back to ancient times. The archive serves as a valuable resource for perfumers, historians, and fragrance enthusiasts alike.
The original Joy perfume was an expensive and luxurious fragrance. It was once the most expensive perfume in the world, and its creation involved the use of rare and costly ingredients. Over the years, the perfume has undergone reformulations, with the latest versions being more affordable and accessible.
The preservation of the original 1930 formulation of Joy in the Osmothèque archives allows for a comparison between the different iterations of the fragrance. Fragrance enthusiasts and experts can study and analyse the changes in ingredients and scent over time. This provides valuable insights into the evolution of perfumery and the impact of changing trends, regulations, and consumer preferences on fragrance formulations.
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The scent is described as floral with hints of jasmine and rose
Joy by Jean Patou is a perfume that was first created in 1930. It has since been reformulated several times, with some speculating that it has been reformulated "a few odd times" since its initial release. The scent is described as floral with hints of jasmine and rose. One review states that the perfume "starts with a fizzy, stemmy neroli, then a few minutes later bursts into roses tangled with full-bodied..." Another review describes the scent as having "a powdery opening, then floral overload in the mid that opens up to the most delicious and real rose that I have ever smelt".
The original 1930 formulation of Joy is preserved in the archives of the Osmothèque, donated by Jean Kerléo, formerly head perfumer at Jean Patou. This version of the perfume is likely to differ from the modern formulation, with one reviewer noting that the current formulation is "not what it was before".
Joy by Jean Patou has also been released in different concentrations, including Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum. The Eau de Toilette version is described as having a "harsher", "stronger", and "more dominant and powerful" scent, at least initially, while the Eau de Parfum is described as having a softer, more floral scent.
In addition to the floral and rose scents, some reviewers have also noted the presence of jasmine in the perfume. One reviewer describes the scent as having "too much civet", but after 20-30 minutes, it became "much more indolic jasmine" and was more pleasant. Another reviewer describes the scent as "jasmine-leaning, slightly citrus floral with a background of rose and a creamy, powdery dry-down".
The perfume has also been described as having a powdery, musky, and patchouli scent. Some reviewers find the scent to be too strong or overwhelming, while others appreciate its unique and classic fragrance.
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The Thomas Fontaine reformulation is an improvement on the P&G version
Joy by Jean Patou has undergone several reformulations since its release in 1930. One of the most notable reformulations is the Thomas Fontaine version, which is said to be a significant improvement over the P&G UK version.
The Thomas Fontaine reformulation of Joy perfume is highly regarded by many fragrance enthusiasts. It is described as a much better formulation than the P&G version, bringing the scent closer to its original glory. The P&G version, produced by Procter and Gamble after acquiring the Jean Patou brand, was not well-received by some, who found it to be a "terrible" interpretation of the classic fragrance.
The Thomas Fontaine version is crafted in France, and while it may not excel in sillage or longevity, it offers a delightful olfactory experience while it lasts. This reformulation is often sought after by those with fond memories of the original scent, including those who wore it for special occasions, such as weddings.
The Fontaine version is described as having a unique and magical scent, with a soft, mostly floral fragrance that develops over time. It opens with a powdery note, followed by an abundance of floral scents, including the iconic rose, which is a prominent feature of Joy. This reformulation captures the essence of the original Joy, which was once known as the most expensive fragrance in the world, and holds a special place in the world of perfumery.
The Thomas Fontaine reformulation of Joy by Jean Patou is a testament to the art of perfumery, preserving and enhancing the iconic fragrance. While it may not be as widely available as other versions, it is sought after by those who appreciate its improvement over the P&G version and its closer resemblance to the classic, beloved scent of Joy.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Joy by Jean Patou has been reformulated several times since its release in 1930. The original formulation is preserved in the archives of the Osmothèque.
The different reformulations of Joy by Jean Patou include the EDT versions from 1998 and 2003, and the EDP version from 2004. There is also a Thomas Fontaine reformulation, which is said to be an improvement on the P&G version.
Yes, there are differences between the vintage and current formulations of Joy by Jean Patou. Some people prefer the vintage formulation, while others find the current formulation to be an improvement. The vintage formulation is described as having a stronger jasmine scent, while the current formulation is described as having a more prominent rose note.









































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