Michelle
Balenciaga (1979)

Michelle could be considered a milestone on the timeline of modern perfumery. It's fascinating to experience it as the olfactory midpoint between the green, earthy chypres that were popular in the decade preceding its release, and the roaring, overflowing and sweet florals of the 80s. It begins with aldehydes and a dewy, verdant chord, soon growing ever more peach lactonic as gardenia quickly materializes. To my nose, the gardenia is most forward, with the tuberose a refined and mildly camphorous cohort to the gardenia's milky, thick blooms. There is buttery quality to this floral interior, and an inherent spiciness: clove, cinnamon. Soon, suggestions of grass, earth, and woods slowly advance over time. It is soon evident that a vetiver is imparting this through the floral heart. Growing more mossy and grassy, Michelle also sheds a corporeal glow, a musky swell from beneath the layers, sweetened with a layer of vanilla.

It could very well be that Michelle was a predecessor to explorations in niche narcotic white florals of the 21st century. I pondered as to whether in a blind test, how even a seasoned nose would identify it. Would they assume it is something from Serge Lutens or Frederic Malle? It is this liminal approach by Francoise Caron that makes Michelle outstanding, as if it is an olfactory watermark of shifting tides. I find this often in certain perfumes, where they present a flux in technique and in trends. As a matter of fact, we can find this in a few of Caron's compositions—Choc de Cardin, R de Capucci, and the magnificent Le 3e Homme de Caron, her collaboration with Akiko Kamei. It would behoove a lover of gardenia and tuberose to get acquainted with Michelle.

The most striking thing about this classic scent from the house of Balenciaga is how perfectly balanced it is. Creamy white florals (tuberose, jasmine) lie on a base of subtlely mixed spices (cinnamon, ginger, perhaps even fenugreek??). This is very feminine, but softly so.

A true masterpiece from 1979. A shame it is discontinued, but you can find it easily on Ebay. Don't hesitate to purchase. It's very affordable and very worth it.

This is the most beautiful of all of the Balenciaga fragrances for women. Yes, it has a hint of jasmine, white flowers, cinnamon, and spice. It is very feminine and sexy. This is the kind of frag people never get tired of smelling. Wonderful !

This was my first fragrance bought for me by my father at the tender age of 11...i have fond memories and remember it to have a hint of cinnamon and spice...