
Vent Vert, a fragrance by Pierre Balmain, has been described as a green perfume with a unique scent. The original 1947 version by Germaine Cellier is said to evoke the scent of freshly cut grass, with notes of leather, citrus, and flowers. Later reformulations by Calice Becker, such as the 1990 and 1999 editions, have been described as sweeter and richer, with additional notes of orange blossom, lemon, lime, basil, rose, and musk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Green, grassy, floral, bitter, sweet, citrus, woody, clean, fresh, young, lively, rich, complex, intense, unique, feminine |
| Base notes | Leather, orris, amber, violet, oakmoss, sandalwood, musk |
| Other notes | Orange blossom, lemon, lime, basil, rose, galbanum, lily of the valley, freesia, hyacinth, tagetes, ylang-ylang, iris, sage, vetiver, soap, neroli, jasmine, narcissus, dirt, citrus juices |
| Variants | 1947 original, 1990 reformulation, 1991 edition, 1999 reformulation |
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What You'll Learn

Vent Vert's scent is described as green and floral
Vent Vert, meaning "green wind" or "breeze" in French, is a fragrance by Balmain for women. The scent is described as green and floral, with notes of young green grass, flowers, moss, and citrus. It is said to be soft, fresh, and elegant, like a "breath of fresh air in a tiny bottle."
The original Vent Vert, created by Germaine Cellier and released in 1947, has been reformulated several times, with the most notable versions being the 1990 and 1999 editions. The 1990 version, by Calice Becker, is described as rich and glass-like, with equal parts floral and grassy notes. It features a crisp rose at its heart, surrounded by pepperiness, sappiness, cut grass, muguet, and crushed leaves.
The original 1947 version has been described as having a very prominent leather base, with a butch scent reminiscent of shiny black leather combat boots. This version is said to be full, deep, and vital, capturing the scent of freshly cut grass.
The newer versions of Vent Vert, while still green and floral, are said to be less similar to the original. Some describe them as heavier and sweeter, with a stronger emphasis on the floral notes. However, the green notes are still present, with some describing the fragrance as a sweet-ish green with notes of grass and citrus.
Overall, Vent Vert is a unique and complex fragrance that has captivated many with its fresh and elegant take on green and floral notes.
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The original 1947 version is considered a masterpiece
The original 1947 version of Vent Vert is considered a masterpiece by many. It is a green floral fragrance with a unique smell that has been described as "the greenest fragrance in the world". The scent is said to be full, deep, and vital, capturing the scent of freshly cut grass. It has also been compared to a cool, dark evergreen forest, with notes of grass, earth, and moss. The complexity of the perfume, with its intense, beautiful, and elegant freshness, adds to its allure.
The original Vent Vert was created by Germaine Cellier and released in 1947. It has been described as having a very prominent leather base, with a butch scent reminiscent of shiny black leather combat boots. The reformulation, on the other hand, was done by perfumer Calice Becker and relaunched in 1990. The new version includes notes of greens, orange blossom, lemon, lime, basil, rose, galbanum, lily of the valley, freesia, hyacinth, tagetes, ylang-ylang, violet, oakmoss, sandalwood, sage, iris, amber, and musk.
While the new version has its own charm, it is noticeably different from the original, with a heavier and sweeter scent. The original Vent Vert is highly sought after by those who appreciate its unique and iconic character. It has become a collector's item, with vintage bottles prized by fragrance enthusiasts.
The complexity of the original Vent Vert's composition, with its intricate use of bases and individual oils, contributes to its status as a masterpiece. The successful fragrances of the past, like the original Vent Vert, are often characterised by their complex and breathtaking structures. The reformulation, while skillfully edited by Becker, could not fully capture the essence of the original, which remains unparalleled in the fragrance world.
The original Vent Vert by Balmain continues to be revered as a masterpiece in the realm of perfumery, with its intricate composition, unique scent profile, and enduring appeal to those who have experienced its magic.
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The 1990 reformulation is described as rich and glass-like
The Vent Vert fragrance by Balmain, first released in 1947, has undergone several reformulations over the years, including in 1990 and 1991. The 1990 reformulation, in particular, has been described as "rich and glass-like." This version of the perfume is said to possess a unique character, combining elements of florality and grassiness.
The 1990 reformulation of Vent Vert is noted for its complex composition, which includes a variety of floral and citrus notes. The fragrance opens with a burst of zesty citrus fruits, including lime, lemon, and bergamot, complemented by the freshness of chlorophyllized greenery. This initial impression then gives way to a heart of hyacinth, neroli, freesia, jasmine, and violet, creating a complex and multifaceted floral bouquet.
The richness of the 1990 Vent Vert is further enhanced by the presence of galbanum, a resinous gum with a sharp, green aroma. This ingredient serves as the central pillar around which all the other elements revolve. The result is a scent that is both crisp and warm, with a unique character that sets it apart from other fragrances.
The 1990 reformulation also exhibits a judicious editing of its composition, showcasing bold choices that make it distinctive and invigorating. It is described as having a "maximalist collection of flowers" and a "whoosh of aldehydes," contributing to its overall richness and intensity.
While the 1990 Vent Vert may not fully capture the greenness of its predecessor, it stands as a unique fragrance in its own right, offering a sophisticated and complex olfactory experience. It is a testament to the skill of its perfumer, Calice Becker, who undertook the challenging task of reformulating a classic scent.
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The 1999 version is considered a disappointment
The 1999 version of Vent Vert is considered a disappointment by some. The fragrance was originally created by Germaine Cellier and released in 1947. It was later reworked to appeal to modern sensibilities, with a relaunch in 1990 by perfumer Calice Becker.
The 1999 version by Becker is considered a disappointment because it is thought to not live up to the original. The original version had a very prominent leather base and was described as "butch" and smelling like "shiny black leather combat boots". In comparison, the 1999 version is said to be heavier and sweeter, lacking the top notes of the original.
The new version is described as having a strong, bitter, slightly perfumey green scent. While the bitterness does calm down after a few minutes, giving way to citrus notes and orange blossom, it is still considered disappointing by those who were fans of the original.
Some people have tried to remedy this by adding ingredients such as galbanum and violet leaf essential oils, but this has resulted in an overly green scent. The 1999 version is also criticised for not fully capturing the greenness of the spring breeze, with its maximalist collection of flowers and zesty citrus fruits.
Overall, while the 1999 version of Vent Vert may have its own merits, it is considered a disappointment by those who were fans of the original fragrance created by Germaine Cellier.
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The scent is compared to a cool, dark evergreen forest
The scent of Vent Vert is compared to a cool, dark evergreen forest. It is a green fragrance, with notes of fresh and damp grass clippings, moss, and citrus. The original 1947 version by Germaine Cellier is described as a masterpiece, with a very prominent leather base. The 1990 and 1991 reformulations by Calice Becker are said to be disappointing in comparison, with a heavier and sweeter scent. However, the new versions are still described as invigorating and distinctive, with a rich and glass-like fragrance that is equally floral and grassy.
The 1990 and 1991 reformulations of Vent Vert have a different scent profile than the original 1947 version. The new versions are said to be sweeter and heavier, with a stronger focus on floral notes. The original version, on the other hand, is described as having a very prominent leather base and a more butch scent.
The new versions of Vent Vert are described as having a rich and glass-like fragrance, with a sharp focus on galbanum. The scent is said to be equally floral and grassy, with notes of hyacinth, neroli, freesia, jasmine, and violet. There is also a zesty combination of citrus fruits, including lime, lemon, and bergamot. The 1991 version is said to have a strong, bitter opening that calms down after a few minutes, making way for the citrus and floral notes to shine.
The original 1947 version of Vent Vert, on the other hand, is described as having a very prominent leather base. It is said to smell like shiny black leather combat boots, with a more masculine scent. This version is also described as having a bygone, coutured, oiled, and bitter scent, with notes of galbanum and violet leaf essential oils.
Despite the differences in the scent profiles, both the original and reformulated versions of Vent Vert are described as having a green fragrance. The new versions are said to have grassy and floral notes, while the original version is described as having a more intense and complex greenness, like freshly cut grass.
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Frequently asked questions
Vent Vert is a green floral fragrance with notes of citrus, orange blossom, lemon, lime, basil, rose, galbanum, lily of the valley, freesia, hyacinth, tagetes, ylang-ylang, violet, oakmoss, sandalwood, sage, iris, amber, and musk.
The original Vent Vert fragrance is described as having a very prominent leather base, smelling like "shiny black leather combat boots". The newer versions are said to be sweeter and heavier, lacking the distinctive leather base of the original.
Reviews for Vent Vert are mixed. Some people love the fragrance, describing it as "intense, beautiful", "elegant, fresh, rich, complex", and "invigorating and distinctive". However, others are disappointed, particularly those who were fans of the original 1947 version, feeling that the new formulations do not live up to the iconic original.
Some similar fragrances to Vent Vert include Miller et Bertaux no. 3, Gobin Daude Sous Le Buis, Sisley Eau de Campagne, and Diptyque Virgilio.











































