Lolita Lempicka Lolita Lempicka 1997 Eau de Parfum

For me, Le Premiere from 1997 will always be a very special fragrance. It was my signature scent for what felt like 100 years until it unfortunately became unavailable. I associate memories with it like no other of my fragrances.

In 1998, it was a gift from my mother, and it was love at first sight; the beautiful bottle and the novel scent captivated me. It accompanied me through difficult and beautiful times, comforted me when my beloved grandfather passed away, sweetened the day of my wedding, and after an accident, it gave me hope that everything would be alright again… Can a fragrance really do that? Yes, it can. It can amplify or soften feelings in situations, it can evoke emotions you didn't even know you were capable of.

That's why it's truly a shame that there is only the new version available, which I do like very much, but it lacks the same mystique as its predecessor. In contrast, the original started off green and herbal (not as sweet); I felt like I was wearing a dress made of ivy leaves and star anise, with violets artfully woven into my hair. The licorice I chew has a calming effect on me, and the warm woody note is perceptible from beginning to end. The longevity is astounding; for up to 12 hours, one can sense the soothing vanilla/almond blend with a hint of the finest tobacco. This is also a significant difference from the new version, as it lasts for me "only" half as long, and I miss the pipe tobacco/almond note in the base that gives it that certain something.

No, I am not giving up the search for the original yet…