Shalimar Guerlain 1986 Eau de Parfum

How often have I tried to put this fragrance into words, to describe it. Started and stopped again. It is so difficult to do justice to this masterpiece with words... How do I begin? Shalimar is not pleasing. That springs to mind. But all positive. Because who needs "pleasing water"? And the fact that we're talking about a genuine icon And with what? With good reason. I'm talking about the currently available version of the fragrance, by the way, because unfortunately I don't currently own a vintage version. And I certainly don't know what the fragrance smelled like in 1925, when it was created. Except for a few notes from Thierry Wasser in an interview. But I've known this fragrance for many, many years and according to my memory, I still recognize it immediately, or rather it basically corresponds to the scent I've had in my head since we met (and never forgot). I am referring to the eau de parfum, because I use it primarily, but in principle I mean the fragrance itself. The composition, the character of the creation itself. So I think Shalimar is one of the few fragrances that has survived a reformulation or reworking (if it has taken place - which I think it has) well and without damage. This is a great gift, because the loss of this masterpiece would have been a huge one. Of course, as with all Guerlain classics, there is this wonderful story that led to the inspiration of the fragrance. The great love story that led to the construction of the Taj Mahal, alongside the Shalimar Gardens. Epic proportions, therefore, even in the creation of this fragrance. Modesty is not an option. Think big. Don't make a mess. And there's nothing wrong with that. It just fits. Because Shalimar is opulent. Shalimar is deep. Shalimar is intense. Shalimar is unique. In short - Shalimar is big. And what makes this fragrance so distinctive? It is, as usual with master perfumers, mostly the composition itself. The interplay, the perfection, how the individual notes and elements combine, complement, underline and form contrasts. What a juice this is. My goodness. It's pure magic. They say Shalimar was "the first oriental fragrance". In my opinion, one could correctly have meant only the first WESTERN perfume with an oriental fragrance. Anyway. In any case, it IS an oriental. And what a perfume it is. Powderiness, as it is sometimes mentioned, is something I associate only very, very subliminally with this fragrance, for example. As are the floral notes. I do not perceive them as solitary and characteristically standing on their own, but as a common harmony that contributes to an overall picture. For me, much more leatheriness and smoky notes are absolutely in the foreground. Animal attraction in perfection. Erotic? Very much so. But not vulgar, but mysterious, stylishly provocative. Magical. And of course the vanilla, which never drifts into a sticky, nauseating sweetness, but remains carrying, connecting and in a certain way spicy at all times. Shalimar intoxicates, but never becomes exhausting. At least not for me. Throughout its evolution, the fragrance remains strong and present, but still personal, I think. That's why I consider Shalimar a true signature fragrance, like most of the great Guerlain classics. And now I'm back exactly where I started - I'm at a loss for words. Although I feel I still have an infinite amount to say about this fragrance, because it triggers so much in me. But sometimes silence is simply the more appropriate way to express your feelings. So I'll end simply with the words of Jacques Guerlain: "To wear Shalimar is to unleash your senses." Just one more thing. I recommend to everyone the wonderful commercial "The Legend of Shalimar" from 2013. Just like the fragrance is a masterpiece.