Vetiver pour Elle Guerlain 2004

The thread in the forum / Women's Fragrances / Women-Compatible Vetiver Fragrances has stirred me. "Vetiver pour elle" hasn't been tried by me in a long time; it leads a rather inconspicuous existence in my collection. But how did the fragrance even end up there?
LVMH has always sought original distribution strategies, and starting in 2003, Guerlain produced fragrances that were exclusively reserved for air travelers, with sales occurring only in (worldwide) duty-free shops. Guerlain produced "Precious Heart" (2003) followed by "With Love" (2004). Clearly a success for Guerlain, but also for the operating companies.
In 2004, the operator of the French shops 'AELIA' ordered an exclusive fragrance from Guerlain, which was to be sold only at their airports in Charles de Gaulle and Orly: "Vetiver pour elle" was offered very selectively there in 2005.
The bottle and the beautiful cap correspond to its predecessors, and the perfume has a delicate green hue. A branch of leaves was etched into the back of the bottle. The bottle is a little eye-catcher.
I would describe the scent as dry, bitter, and very spicy. The opening can be declared as sporty and fresh, with a hint of vetiver detectable. At first, there is the impression that the fragrance would dissipate very quickly. This impression is certainly due to the unintended comparison with the classic (men's) "Vetiver." But as with many Guerlain fragrances, it turns out quite differently here. The scent does not dissipate; instead, it becomes darker, deeper, and spicier. During my testing (on the back of my hand), I established a familiarity with another Guerlain fragrance. It took me a long time to realize what "Vetiver pour elle" reminded me of, but eventually, it hit me like a ton of bricks: "Winter Delice." Here, too, the spicy, bitter base note prevails.
"Vetiver pour elle" is - as the name suggests - created for female users. I do not perceive it as feminine at all. Anyone who enjoys the classic men's "Vetiver" - regardless of whether male or female - will find the acquisition of VPE to be a good decision. Even when worn in combination, it develops a curious scent evolution.
The fragrance was advertised in the common French beauty journals, and due to the very limited access, a certain (intentional) desirability developed. Air travelers passing through the Paris airports suddenly became very popular. That’s how I came across this fragrance in the summer of 2005. In winter 2007, "Vetiver pour elle" was included in the 'Les Parisiennes line.' Now presented in the bee bottle and balloon spray. In 2005, I paid about 44 euros for the 50ml spray; now the more exquisite version with 125ml costs a whopping 185 euros. One would have to be an LVMH shareholder!
In any case, I thank you for the impetus to engage with this fragrance again. It is not as inconspicuous as it seems.

Perhaps a small word about retail products. It is well known that travelers, especially air travelers, are in a particularly consumer-friendly mood. Rising sales figures confirm this. So it was only natural to follow this trend. LVMH was the first to jump on the bandwagon, and its best horses in the stable (Dior, Givenchy, and Guerlain) produced special products for this market. All major companies have now recognized this enormous market. Notably, miniature sets are offered in elaborate packaging for good, expensive money. Makeup and care products can also be found in combo sets.
Guerlain produced the following fragrances for the retail market in addition to "Vetiver pour elle."
"Precious Heart," "With Love," "Colours of Love," "Lights of Champs-Elysées," "Vol de Nuit Evasion," "Aqua Allegoria Bouquet No.1," "Aqua Allegoria Bouquet No.2"