Vivre Molyneux 1971 Eau de Toilette

Despite the title, I must admit I have never encountered Vivre before. And yet, I am immediately transported back to the 70s; Vivre simply feels familiar to me.

I am greeted right away by a well-known aldehyde-bergamot note, and as was customary back then, some green and herbal elements follow closely behind. At first, one might think of Alliage, but Vivre takes a turn towards a floral parade, and since the aldehydes remain very present, the scent now reminds me of a stronger version of No.5. It is especially this heart note that evokes that familiar feeling of "I know this." And it’s not just the Chanel scent; it also brings to mind Madame by Rochas, a hint of Miss Dior, a pinch of Rive Gauche, and similar perfumes that seem to be related to Vivre. Feminine, slightly soapy-powdery, and in an elegant yet understated way, it is distinctly feminine.

Only as it develops does the perfume acquire a truly independent note, as myrrh and a soft, light leather now take the lead, giving Vivre more volume and making it noticeably more expansive, robust, and expressive.

If there is such a thing as an olfactory zeitgeist, the decade of the intriguing 70s is very well captured in Vivre.