First Van Cleef & Arpels for women

The crystal clear aldehyde fragrance provides the perfect beginning for First. The initial aldehydes act like a layer of clean glass, separating the rich green floral notes.
When natural light passes through the "glass" and illuminates the jasmine as the protagonist, the dry and clear scent of First is stimulated with the transparent effect of aldehydes.
The gorgeous decoration of blackcurrant buds and dihydrojasmonate brings me to Chamade. In order to emphasize the brilliance of the floral fragrance, Ellena adjusted the proportion of dihydrojasmonate methyl ester and increased the dosage beyond Eau Sauvage.
The floral fragrance of hyacinth, narcissus and lily of the valley is sweet but not greasy. The aldehydes shine until the light fades into a musky-amber-woody finish.

This perfume First, by VC&A smells exquisite. I would say it's like vintage lipstick, compact powder, and a stereotypical soap & baby wipes (Aldehydes). If I compare it to other fragrances it would be distinctive on it's own. It's also smelling like all the major perfumes, at the same time. It's a combination of Joy (Jasmine/ Rose)and 1000 ( subtle pleasant Cigarette, white floral) by Jean Patou, mixed with L'aimant (Peach, Aldehydes) by Coty, and Misia (Powdery make up/ envelope glue) by Chanel. This fragrance is rather linear because it doesn't keep changing, similar to Joy, it's mixed well. I get a hint of minty chewing gum. It's kinda reminiscent of a woman's expensive leather designer purse packed with vintage cosmetics, mint gum, cigarettes, hand wipes, possibly a book. This is the best description. It's very soft and comforting too.

I have a very old 120ml splash bottle. It could be 40 years old. The juice isn't all that dark and I'd say the fragrance hasn't spoiled into off notes, rather simmered down to its essence and lost most of its power. What remains is photorealistic honey and natural vanilla. A beautiful amber impact. And a purr of civet. I will have to hunt down my newish bottle and spray it over this old relic.

I had forgotten I had this bottle stashed away. It has stood the test of time. It doesn’t smell dated to me, it is simply classic and timelessly elegant, very French, and maybe a tiny bit boring in a well bred way (certainly compared to many of today’s offerings), and it’s undeniably lovely and a breath of spring air, a change of scenery. That is how it strikes me anyway. It truly sparkles like diamonds and develops seamlessly on my skin, unfolding, long lasting, a masterpiece of composition. I love the jasmine in it. First makes me feel like I’m having lunch in an elegant restaurant in Paris with gorgeous flower arrangements and beautifully set tables, and I have to sit up straight and behave myself, and I want to. I prefer the edt. I also have a mini of edp but it isn’t as beautiful imo as the edt.

The vintage edt is super clean and smooth. Almost like a clean baby smell, but it works. This is a soapy powdery floral with rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, orris surrounded by a subtle honey note. There's a fair amount of sandalwood too.. This fragrance is cheerful and is sure to make a good impression. I get compliments all the time on the vintage and new formulas. I only like the eau de toilette. *The eau de parfum was created later in the 90's and has more patchouli or something chypre-ish.* The eau de toilette and parfum are the original releases.

First is such a beautiful fragrance. Nothing like this out there today. It's as much a masterpiece as Chanel No. 5. And like that one starts with a flash of aldehydes. A sense that this is a special and romantic perfume. There is a clean floral air with white jasmine, hyacinth, rose and ylang ylang. This is mainly a white floral but has some green notes in it that keeps it soft and herbal for a while before it gets into the soapy and amber dry down. There is supposed to be musk or civet but I don't get it at all. Luxurious and feminine. I think that it's as good as any Chanel fragrance. Lasts all day. Great sillage though it can be a bomb if over sprayed. If you like aldehyde white florals like Chanel 5 or White Diamonds and have not tried this you will love it! The vibes I get from this perfume is RICH WOMAN LIFESTYLE! She has all the best most expensive fashions in her wardrobe, she lives in a mansion, she drives luxury cars or is driven by a chauffeur, wears pearls and diamonds. Has everything. With this fragrance on you you can feel like that kind of woman that has everything!!! Best part is it's affordably priced despite it's luxury feel. It is a soapy clean fresh and powdery floral perfume. Lasts a long time and feels so good on the skin fresh clean skin. Wear this in spring and summer. A great wedding time fragrance or for any dress up event.

I reviewed this a while ago, but feel compelled to say now how very, very beautiful First is. I love it so much. I’ve usually saved it for special occasions but I’ve been indulging in it this month - there’s something about cold weather that especially enhances its beauty and longevity. I do love carnation and this is very carnation forward on me, very spicy in winter. The longevity of First is incredible - it lasts on on my skin at least 12 hours and on fabric several days. My last application is the one I spray in air and walk through. So heavenly, perfectly blended and balanced. I’m not a floral perfume lover, although something strange has been happening lately where I find myself just LOVING florals, and craving First. I worked in downtown Dallas early in my career, at a large international consulting firm housed on two floors of a beautifully mirrored skyscraper that itself resembled a piece of jewelry. The fiancee of one of the consultants drove a black Porsche Targa stick shift and wore silk slip dresses in the dead of winter with nothing but a full length mink coat and cruel stiletto heels, not a single piece of jewelry but a five carat diamond solitaire ring. She had wild wavy long golden brown hair that looked like a body halo, and green eyes. She was heartbreakingly beautiful. She wore First. It’s that gorgeous.

Soapy aldehydic floral glory! It gets softier, and slightly powdery, on drydown. I just have a little sample vial, but I wouldn't mind owning a full bottle of this one day.

Hello from Deco Dawn, this is my review of Van Cleef & Arpels 'First' edt my bottle is from 1996. Warning do NOT overspray otherwise you will literally choke to death. 1 spray is all that is needed.
An initial explosion of white flowers, rounded, balanced, wrapped in honey, cosy, comforting are the words that come to mind. This is a beautiful fragrance to be respected and admired from the Luxury Jewellery House VCA.
I purchased a bottle of First a demonstration vintage bottle edt from 1996. It smells amazing, beautiful floral, sweet, honey, dry down is gorgeous. I read Princess Diana loved First and it was her favourite perfume, she also wore Penhaligons Bluebell, Houbigant Quelques Fleurs on her Wedding Day, Dior Diorissimo, Lanvin Arpege, these are obvious choices for a young lady. But she also wore Guerlain Mitsouko when wearing her Revenge Dress years later. The Royal Butler has said Princess Diana's favourite perfume was Hermes 24 Faubourg when it was released in 1995, 2 years before she died. First fragrance was launched in 1976. Floral, soft, elegant, beautiful, romantic, comforting, like a jewell. I love it. Highly recommended ❤

I love this perfume, it makes me feel so elegant. I don't know why but the fragrance and the bottle make me think of someone who would wear lots of Diamond Jewellery, probably De Beers Diamonds. It's definitely an Uptown Girl Fragrance. Sadly the EDP sems to be getting harder to find.

So graceful; it reminds me of my mother.

Beautiful,graceful,glamorous,noble and romantic. These are some of the words coming in my mind while smelling this. It’s one of the best flower bouquet i smelled. extremely complex and balanced to perfection. This flower bouquet is bright, fresh, clean, green, animalic, slightly powdery, slightly soapy, slightly sweet and it’s have a smooth warmth beneath it. Literally everything is in place. Harmony, balance, coordination… mesmerizingly beautiful.
It’s reminder of beauty in the world.
Longevity is very good. Sillage is moderate.

It is a masterpiece. Even the bottle is very beautiful and unique! Well worth the price.

(It’s not for everyone as it is a classic scent)
(My bottle is EDP)

After Prince Harry mentioned this was his mom's favorite perfume, I had to have it! It does give that classic Chanel No 5 musky and powdery scent, but then again Princess Diana was total class. Is not really my type of scent but I've been playing around with different perfume oils to layer with this scent and I've been to make it more to my taste. Still I'm glad I was introduce to this perfume brand and hopefully I'll be able to try other scents from Van Cleef & Arpels that is more suited for me. After all if it's good enough for the Princess, then is good enough for me :D

First smells like a heady overwhelming floral oozing honey with just a bit of aldehydes dancing on top. The dry down is a bit more bearable with more of the aldehydes coming through, but still very overpowering to my nose.

If that does it for you, you will enjoy this. To me it's too much. To my cat too, she booked it out of the room when I sprayed it on. Hard pass.

First by Van Cleef & Arpels is a green & light scent that reminds me a lot of Guy Laroche Fidji & Nina Ricci L'Aire Du Temps. I enjoy wearing this especially in warmer weather & appreciate its' green & refreshing qualities.

First impressions: the first whiff instantly brought me flashbacks of being a kid in the 80s- I feel like I smelt this exact DNA somewhere, either my mum's vanity table, an aunt, or in a department store, though I don't know anyone who actually owned this. The next breaths reminded me of Chanel no 5, and Salvador Dali parfum de toilette, I feel First is really similar to a cross of these 2. My mum likes this too, it's a "proper perfume" to her. My 7 year old says it smells like "a relaxing holiday" - heh, I imagine it maybe reminds him of a nice hotel room/hotel lobby smell? I'm going to try it in the office tomorrow and see how it wears! Will update.

I have a 30ml bottle of the EDT from 1993 and the bottle is very pretty, like a Unicorn Horn! From the initial spray, it seems as though it has undergone some degradation, there was a powerful alcohol smell. After two minutes or so, that dissipated and a classic chypre reared its head from the chaos; Edwardian Bouquet comes to mind. The dry down seemed so familiar, I had to search through the annals of my collection only to realise First's similarity to Ralph Lauren's Safari for women. I may be wrong, there may be remnants of the vintage Lalique I sprayed earlier in the day; but the likeness is undeniable.

Beautiful classy clean perfect for summer with a white shirt, makes you feel classy and clean, very similar to No.5 , but yet has something sparklier fresher , love it.

I read that Princess Diana used to wear this in Prince Harry’s book, Spare.

I adore how glamorous Harry’s mum was and she tended to have good taste because she wore Quelque Fleur as well.

So I ordered a sample so I can have a bit of Princess Diana’s glamour for myself even though I’ve no idea what it smells like. I will update later.

This is just so beautiful it brings tears into my eyes. It's perfect, perfect. After being disappointed with the weak performance of some of the current versions of the Chanel and Guerlain scents, First gives me a completely different experience. It's super rich and potent, soft and creamy, and yet somehow bright and clean at the same time. An olfactory heaven for a lover of soapy aldehydes.

I have a very recent bottle of EdT and, believe it or not, this is so much better than the current formulation if No 5 EdT, which I returned. The new No 5 has no staying power and was somehow overwhelmingly bitter. First EdT is a beast of a perfume. One spray will fill a room. It has a burst of sparkling, bright aldehydes and the peachy note I find in my vintage bottle of No 5 EdT (which I missed in the current formulation). It's a really lovely fresh, powdery floral and I wear it whenever I want to smell especially clean but not shower-fresh. I dislike strictly fresh aquatic scents, and this is not that, but it has an elegant soapy character. Some people will definitely find it too strong, too old-fashioned, and possibly a bit chilly, but I think the peachy note that blooms in warmer weather makes it feel affable. And my bottle was only about $35. Incredible that this kind of thing is still being made!

Musty, fusty, shouty floral mishmash; smells like funeral homes on me. One spray was a death blow and almost impossible to eradicate, lingering like the stench of undertakers. Please don't say it is for older women - what have they done to you?

After Harry mentioned in his book “Spare” that his mother used to wear “First”, I was intrigued to see what Diana used to wear.
It’s a dateless floral classic. It does remind me of my grandma but then she was a classy lady who always wore Chanel etc. can’t be bad. I enjoy it on warmer days when I’m not wearing BR540.

Well deserves a hype

Not "First" getting popular again after Prince Harry revealed his mother loved it in his book "Spare"... Well deserved second chance - the scent will never be forgotten again.

To my nose, this is the greener and slightly lighter version of Arpege from Lanvin. I wouldn’t be able to distinguish them if I did a blind test. The middle notes described in the pyramid is exactly what I get; in particular, Narcissus, Hyacinth and Carnation as well as Civet. Nothing in common with Chanel N5 (my sign frag), IMO. Amazing to see how we all have a different nose! Vintage smell tho. Apparently, a perfume that Princess Diana wore, according to Spare, but despite that, not for me.

Flowers and civet with a lot of oakmoss. Very good! Leather & aldehydes make this special. A chypre for the frigid first half of Spring.

The aldehydes make this smell slightly like Chanel No. 5 during dry down on skin, but after about 15 minutes transforms into a perfectly balanced floral bouquet with just enough aldehydes to maintain complexity. If you don’t like the soapiness of le 5, this would be a good one to try without going into another genre.

This was my signature winter perfume for years until I got into more gourmands and niche perfumes. I have a strong memory of my mother wearing it on Christmas Day for our traditional visit to the best cafe in the city for an apple pie and chocolate and then a children’s movie at the theatre downtown. I remember promising myself that I will wear it too when I grow up and I will dress up with classy clothes and high heels.

It’s a strong aldehyde scent but also warm and sweet. It opens with a splash of aldehydes and flowers but the the Otis root melts it and the honey with the musk and the sandalwood make it deep, warm, floral but spicy and sweet. It’s intoxicating and I do have a few bottles of it before the reformulation. I wear it every winter at Christmas Eve when I do my last shopping and I enjoy smelling it over a glass of brandy at the same cafe, early in the evening, before I go back home to prepare for Christmas Eve night. It’s a reminder of that day and that I kept my promise.

Well.
I tried the EdP version back 2012. Did not like it then.
But
Now
I tried the EdT version yesterday and wow.
First EdT is magic.
Soft aldehydes and flowers with some woodsy notes in the background.
I guess my skin chemistry has changes over a decade for better.
I can absolutely say worth for men to try too.
But handle with care - 1 spray goes a long way.

classic… conservative… long lasting… soapy like an overload of johnsons baby wash with the color yellow… fresh… floral… citrusy… powdery… aldehydes… can be a signature scent… safe for office or for everyday… formal occassions…

As worn by Princess Diana. Absolutely fabulous. Smells expensive, although it's actually not, you can pick up a 100ml eau de toilette for £53.85 (MyOrigines.com as at October 2023). Sublime on both women and men. Discreet. Elegant. French. Understated. Chic. I wear this - in the eau de toilette version - all the time. If you're unsure of what scent to wear, either as a woman or man, wear this. The bottle design is one of the best I've seen.

This chypre opens big with lots of notes and dries down quickly. Unfortunately there's a musty note I can't get over. It may be the vintage samples have deteriorated, or maybe it's a note that misbehaves on my skin. The weak honey note can't overcome the musty smell, and thus F. is a wash out. Pity.

I used to wear all the time and i think i wore it out. I loved it though, maybe 8 years ago. I feel like we grew out of each other.

I have a love and hate relationship with this fragrance. The Aldehydes put me off sometimes, but it's still a very nice fragrance. 2 sprays are enough.

If I came across an old mink coat that has been professionally stored I think that it would have this fragrance lingering on it. Very elegant. Certainly nothing that a shop girl or legal secretary would wear during the day.

My mom's signature scent was Chanel No 5 in the 80s & 90s, and this definitely reminds me of the old version of Chanel No 5 that she used to wear back then. I never thought I would appreciate this type of scent, but I now find myself enjoying the depth and complexity this fragrance has over modern fragrances.

Personally, I do find this brighter and more wearable than the old Chanel No 5, and I like layering it with simple modern fragrances to add depth, longevity, and character. It's not something I reach for often, but when the mood is right, this hits the spot.

I think this was Jean-Claude Ellena's first ever commercial creation, and perhaps that's why it's deemed loud, bold, and polarising.

I got my 100ml bottle from TK Maxx, and it's staying in my collection.

I used to smell fragrances like this a lot as a child back in the 70's and I whole heartedly disliked them. Sharp, green, to aldehydic. When I was a child, I thought they smelled like laundry detergent, strong soaps and grass got all mixed up. Now that I am older, I can somewhat appreciate a perfume like this, but it is far too green for me. It also smells dated to me. I disliked the 70's and the only perfume I really love from that era is Opium by YSL. I have a vintage bottle, but I associate that perfume w/ the 80's, it was all over back then, and I dreamed of owning a bottle when I was a teen. It became a signature for me in the 90's. If you like green florals and adore the 70's First is for you. I also like 1000 by Patou which is a big 70's perfume but 1000 is way more floral w/ beautiful osmanthus and violet. First reminds me to much of 24 Faubourgh by Hermes. Which didn't work for me either.

Who knows if Jean-Claude Ellena in 1976 had the real perception of having created an extraordinary and iconic perfume. Like a multi-faceted diamond, First embodies all the essential fragrances of creation: solemn triumph of sumptuous aldehydes and variegated flowers, I clearly appreciate the hyacinth and carnation, an enveloping hint of tuberose, all masterfully supported by woody accords, chypre, amber and talc, the gourmand sweetness of honey, vanilla, the impetuous animal note of civet. First is a true jewel of world perfumery, for true connoisseurs. Easily ghettoized by the mediocre people, considered an “old sciura” perfume or even defined as heavy and importable. First remains a difficult milestone to imitate and second to none. Pleasant sillage on my skin, in the hours it becomes reassuring and powdery, appreciable duration.

The most complex perfume I own, and my most successful blind buy. Classy and elegant, with the aldehydes, jasmine and warm drydown which sends comforting wafts around me. It’s so sunny! Always available at a low price somewhere, you would not regret purchasing this 70s classic.

This fragrance belongs to another time. Green and cold, to my nose almost the same as Chanel Cristalle. I love its discreet personality. No sugar here, just green ice and powder at the dry down. Beautiful and graceful

I smile when I think of First, it's perfume is innocently elegant and very pretty. I wore it 24yrs ago when I was really young. It was only when a guy at work told me I smelt "old lady-ish" that I considered, with regret, he was right. But there is no denying how pleasant this old school floral is, on your classy older auntie ;)
I'd be curious to try the offshoots of this one to see if there's a fresher twist that's wearable

Just hair-spray-ish aldehydes, sadly. My chic grandmother wore this in the 70s and either my memory has enhanced the depth and beauty of the original or the current version is flattened beyond recognition. It smells exactly like the perfume the groomer used to spray on my dogs before I asked them to stop. It's not an unpleasant smell, but it's not what I want to smell like.

It’s pleasant. Similar to Chanel No 5 and Lanvin Arpege for sure. Much less sparkly than those though. For me, the 70’s fragrances full of hyacinth, narccisus and oakmoss actually smell more dated than some from the 20’s and 30’s. So no I don’t personally like it as much as the other two classics. Not sure if it’s just my nose, but classic fragrances with hyacinth have a sweaty vibe. Maybe this has to grow on me more. But it lacks the fresh zing effect of No. 5 and is more earthy and dry.

This is definitely a scent reflective of its time, heavy on the aldehydes, aka “old lady.” However, this is a lovely scent. It makes a statement, definitely mature, and loses that powdery/cloying/choking note you get from Chanel. I am not a fan of this type of perfume, but I don’t mind this at all. It is a clean and not powdery floral, and that’s hard to find. If they would tone down the aldehydes a tad more this would be less dated and a remarkable floral. It isn’t something I would wear but I am not mad about doing a blind buy. I might wear it around the house some night to myself when I feel like indulging in chocolates and watching reruns of Dallas or something for a Throwback Thursday. 😂

I think that because I am so familiar with Chanel no 5 (I've worn it for 30 years) it surprises me that some find this similar. Chanel no 5 to me is sort of classy but more a blending with your skin type of scent. It is floral and powdery but it's probably the neroli that makes it at least on me, sexy, together with the vanilla and musk which is barely noticeable but effective in it's portraying sensuality. Now this beauty is a grand dame. This beauty, although not puritanical, thanks to the civet note, to me is not overtly sexy. It is deep in the florals, but definitely not easy to come by florals, maybe the adelhydes play a part in this. This fragrance could have been created for royalty in my opinion. It is sumptuous, classical, a slight hint at sensuality. I cant describe it fully. I dare not purchase a edp, this is deep enough and I only used two sprays. It feels classy, rich (money and ingredient wise) like you have the means to have upper crust class and the sense to present yourself as such. Wearing this makes me want to break out my pearls, black silk blouse and red lipstick. Just absolutely gorgeous and for the asking price, a phenomenon.
P.S. I love that although this is a vintage scent it doesn't have a musky dry down. I kind of hate that lol, it's a deal breaker for me, the only one I allow that on is Chanel. The dry down gives me a lot of amber, rose and oakmoss, lovely.

This masterpiece could be a morning version of Chanel 5. Just by wearing it, you are immediately sent in another era dominated by romantism and innocence. And then suddenly your humble jeans and white shirt transformed into silk night gown. This light but rich in ingredients perfume is classy and aristocratic. Allow your self to feel like a queen even for a while.

Once upon a time I really loved First. It was deeply satisfying and rich, one of my first grownup perfumes. It was expensive for me, so I wore it infrequently for special days and events, and I missed it very much when it was gone. I moved on to other things and never replaced it. Lately, I’ve been time traveling in my scent purchases, First being received just yesterday. I would know it anywhere. It was immediately recognizable on my wrist, like an elegant good friend you lost touch with that you’re a little bit in awe of but filled with joy to see again. My initial reaction is that First smells like a blend of Chanel No. 5 and Black Pearls, both of which I dearly love. Think about how lovely that is! I can’t wait to try it again in a few weeks after it settles a bit from shipping and has a consistent temperature. I will update and also comment then on longevity and sillage.

A classic in its own right and I really don’t have much to add. It’s timeless, yet has that oldfashioned air of luxery that many modern perfumes lack. It’s completely devoid of anything cake-like, synthetic fruity-sweet or overpowering gourmand, so if that’s what you’re after this will probably leave you disappointed. First is almost completely seamless and that in itself is an accomplishment, considering how many notes have been put into it. It isn’t a love here, but that has more to do with personal preferences and taste than its qualities and I understand why it is still a stable on so many grown up ladies’ vanities.

Jean-Claude Ellena is one of my favourite perfumers, and for this reason, I was keen to sample First, the first (obviously) fragrance offered by Van Cleef & Arpels. And what an excellent start. First is a big, aldehydic floral, surprisingly different from M. Ellena's now-signature transparent watercolour style. I have a vintage miniature from the 1990s (I think). It pays tribute to vintage greats from decades earlier than its release. In particular, First reminds me a little of Arpège, Joy, No. 5 and Madame Rochas, but is a little less refined than the likes of Chanel. However, it is ultimately really good stuff.

First opens with fresh citrus notes bolstered by bright, soapy aldehydes. Some fleeting sweetness is given by the raspberry note, perhaps with some peach. As it develops, the big floral heart emerges. Wonderfully powdery and old-fashioned, it is a rich, well-blended bouquet. A white floral accord leads the way, with indolic jasmine and a waxy hyacinth-tuberose accord most prominent. Polleny narcissus and slightly sweet rose round it out, with a soft hint of carnation adding spice. The soapiness fades as the indolic florals develop, becoming more carnal than clean, paving the way for the mossy, animalic drydown.

The prominent oakmoss note of the drydown leads First into chypre territory, bolstered by earthy, woody notes. It is very animalic, salty and leathery, with some sweet amber-vanilla notes, perhaps enhanced by honey, complementing it beautifully. It somehow avoids becoming murky, as can happen in such complex, old-fashioned chypres. It fades to a slighty sweet musky-amber skin scent. Sillage is moderate and longevity pretty decent.

Old school femininity on a grand scale, masterfully delivered. Maybe too animalic for my taste, but it is still excellent from initial spray to final fade. First class. 4/5.

I loved this scent since ages. My grandmother had it but she never let me wear and passed it to my mother. My mother allowed me to spray it but very very rare, kind of only for special occasions. This is such an amazing beauty that is rich, solid, unique and very beautiful. The bottle is also vintage along the smell to be vintage and enchanting. Floral notes in this one are opulent, vivid that recalls kind of spring gardens. This is complex but each and every minute you get the feel of new note. Luxury in this one reminds me of some iconic fragrances like Madame Rochas, Chamade, Channel No. 5. This is deep, dark, sensuous with long lasting longevity and the enormous silage. Cozy, resplendent scent that makes me go mad about it. To balance the oomph, there are green, floral, woody and animal blends. There are superb aldehydes on top with the delicious flowers in heart and oakmoss and animal civet notes in dry down with the sandalwood and vetiver. This is not just beautiful but also a bold creation that is absolutely gem. This is a must have in perfume collection for sure!!

My sister-in-law wears this as her signature scent. She's classy, a boss lady, had a coming out, wears fur coats to Christmas..you know the type, old money. It smells fantastic on her and fits her so well. I asked her what it was and bought it. Sadly, I could not pull it off, I now will have another reason to hug her when I see her.

Holy Moly! I blind bought this based on a number of rave reviews. They were right. This is one powerhouse of a perfume. Why is it so affordable?

I received it last night. This morning I sprayed a test strip and put it on the vanity counter as I got ready for work. It didn’t take long for First to rise up and insist I wear it today instead of Perry Ellis Woman, the next fragrance up in my normal rotation. PEW didn’t stand a chance!

I can’t describe exactly what is ringing my bells. Maybe it is just the Whole Package. I am well into the middle notes, and every single one warms my heart. I’m pledging to myself that I will allow the base notes to fully develop before I respray. Now I’m off to secure a backup bottle. Like I said at the beginning…

Holy Moly!

This definitely seems to be the inspiration for (vintage) Amouage Gold Man. ‘First’ leans ever-so-slightly feminine, due to more emphasis on the floral aspect, but they are *very* similar throughout. There isn’t much else to say, that is how close they are. I’m a 36 year old man, and I really enjoy wearing this.

Note: My bottle has a batch code date of 2002.

Today a friend gave me an older (I think) mini of the EDP that her father gave her, because she wasn’t interested and thought maybe I’d want it. At first I was like IDK this is probably way too conventionally feminine for my taste, but it turns out it works pretty well on me and I’m a 33 year old male. It’s very potent. I was honestly surprised - to me it feels like I’m just wearing another men’s fragrance from the 80s-90s, that’s still wearable with confidence today. I gotta wear it more but so far I can see this in my rotation when I’m in the mood for a more throwback vibe.

This perfume is substantial. There's a level of class and sophistication with this that lets you know that the woman who would choose to wear this has taste and has come from a money'ed background -- or at least has really "GOOD taste" and is on the way UP.

The first 30 minutes of this is almost over the top - bordering on over kill. This would probably be one of my favorite perfumes of all time - if I didn't have to power through the first 30 minutes of this. However, once this settles into the skin more, this is really fabulous on.

The list of ingredients is extensive, this a super power perfume of the mid 70's and wears with a similar power to perfumes that came on the scene in the 80's and early 90's...
This has a well formulated alto chord which becomes more alluring as this blends with the chemistry of the skin and the final phase of wear turns into a delicious broth -- an intoxicatingly beautiful scent that very few other perfumes arrive at.

I go through phases where I will set this one aside and not wear it for awhile, then will remember the compliments that I have received from this perfume -- and I have to re-evaluate it.

I have recently tried Panthere by Cartier' and this is in a similar genre to the vintage Panthere.
There is a quality about this perfume that lets you know that you are dealing with someone who is not run of the mill.
This has an exclusive type aura about it, it is more refined than some of the other huge commercial successes that we can name by name, just by smelling the notes of the perfume.

Some would categorize this perfume as "Boss Lady" - but it is really so much more than that.
This is majestic and regal. Trustworthy. Confident. This perfume shows leadership and maturity. Someone who is grounded enough to be graceful and elegant even under pressure. Someone who is cool headed, but with a warmth that allows you to know that they really "Care".

I also put Rare Gold by Avon into this similar genre, because they both do fabulous things on the skin - the longer they wear.

I've said it before, but it bears repeating -
This is truly a "Masterpiece"!
I dearly love this perfume!

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This is possibly the smell of classic tea, perhaps that is why it exudes such a sense of class and distinction.

This is mature, possibly even matronly - other reviews have stated this.
However, I was wearing this in my early 30's and received a lot of compliments on it then, but primarily wore it for more formal occasions - it was never an every day perfume for me.
This could be over kill, and may make you seem if you are putting on airs if you hesitate or flinch to wear this.

This is not for everyone... that's for sure.
This really has to work well with your chemistry because there are so many ingredients in this that it could feel overwhelming if you are not chemically suited to wear this one.

I think perfumers make a mistake trying to craft a perfume that will appeal to the masses -
Perfumes, just like books - should have a target audience in mind when they are being created.

This is not a perfume I would wear to say young, upbeat, trendy, fun, sporty, casual... NO.
And "First" would probably not be a perfume that I would wear every day, because I like to have perfumes that reflect the mood that I'm in - or the activities that I'm doing that day.

This is more formal, elegant, refined, classic, majestic, powerful, reliable, trust worthy, solid, and there is a quality of leadership in this perfume that makes this appear like it would be a good stateswoman's perfume.

This is a good perfume for the first woman President to wear.
This is a good perfume for the Queen to wear.

A classic. First is a feminine and sophisticated fragrance. However, I find it very mature for my taste. It shares some vibes with White Diamonds which I find a granny scent.

This fragrance is amazing! Don’t blind buy if you don’t like Chanel №5 or 24 Faubourg - it’s from the same playbook. It’s very well blended and harmonious. Not something you’d wear every day, unless you’re waaaay passed mid-fifties and don’t give a damn about what other people think. I’d use a cliché and call it a masterpiece!

A soothing, mature scent; I can see it being a great choice for a formal event that you really don’t want to attend, but have to anyway to keep up appearances. I have a mini vintage bottle of the EDP; I get a nice big whiff of what smells like licorice at the very beginning before the soapy aldehydes come in. A bit later on it becomes powdery and gains just a hint of sweetness. During this time, it fades to a skin scent before talking a slightly animalic turn. It’s very well blended and unlikely to offend unless you bathe in it. I would definitely buy this again down the line.

Such a great fragrance created by my personal favorite phenomenal perfumer!
- A White garden bomb!
- Old school yet not dated

So complex,
very well blended,
aldehydic white floral,
clean,
make-up-powder like,
jasminy,
musky,
and a bit woody green
Nothing smells like this one,
It has created a niche of its own

Imagine walking in a closed-indoor WHITE FLORAL GARDEN, full of different white flowers, but not your soft creamy white floral,
This is sharp and piercing in a good way.

Classic yet suits these modern times, though, this fragrance is meant to be worn by:
- Classy distinguished ladies
- Sophisticated, calm and special young ladies

Confident Men can definitely pull this off.

Best application periods:
Autumn & Spring: perfect daytime & nighttime
Summer: COLD NIGHTTIMES ONLY
Winter: warm days.

What a fragrance!
Not the typical minimalist Jean-Claude Ellena.
This is young Jean Claude - 1976, creating a complex fragrance for his mother.

Big vintage aldehydes and indescribable florals. A lot of notes meld together, the way the they mixed it back in the 1970s. Respect the perfumer and the era this perfume held court, but I can’t imagine ever wearing First.

The Aroma of Tea by Michaël Dudok de Wit 2006

Having fond memories of using the tester on myself as a youngen, I thought Id spoil myself for my 36th birthday, and buy a big bottle. As soon as I put it on my skin, it honks of Lilly of the valley and is unbearably sweet. The dry down is musk and then it just stays a loud Lilly of the valley perfume that fills the whole room and will not stop being "loud" even after scrubbing my arm with all manner of detergents. I think that this is indeed a perfume for an OLDER woman, say 50 plus, and one who adores Lilly of the valley.

I dont get any flowers, or any aldehydes, nothing fruity or floral in anyway.... this to me smells like baby freshly washed baby with johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, lathered up in baby lotion and oil, and freshly powdered bum in a nice clean diaper..... yes seriously all I get is the smell of baby soap and baby powder.


Anytime a perfume has powdery scent it compelling overpowers everything else for me.

I have a vintage 70s splash bottle. This is a fresh aldehydic scent which blooms into a fresh green yellow floral chypre on my skin. It definitely smells of hyacinth and narcissus and civet the whole way through. It's equal parts No5, No 19 and L'air du Temps on me and also reminds me of vintage Valentino. I would like to try the modern formula for comparison at some point.

This is a very elegant fragrance of the old school ilk. It is a beautiful year-round floral that is does honor to the VCA brand. It doesn't really "remind" me of anything else other than it is classy and not similar to any of the current fragrances on the market. I ordered the latest (2021) version, and, although it smells very similar to the vintage version, the lasting power and silage are not that great. I have to reapply often.

I'm mostly into orientals but this has become my go-to floral aldehydic fragrance. I've never smelled the original but this smells gorgeous and I appreciate the faithful inclusion of civet, which so often gets left out of modern reformulations. I own both the EDT and EDP; the biggest difference in their composition is that the EDT is sweeter and features spice notes that actually remind me a bit of Opium, though this phase doesn't seem to last that long on me. I was hoping they would be more apparent in the EDP but instead it is drier and emphasizes more of the musky, woodsy basenotes - still lovely nonetheless and I don't need more than two sprays since this stuff projects like a demon. Compared to Arpege, First is less creamy and spicier with a warm honey note, and the animalic character doesn't evoke dirty underwear like Chanel No. 5, which i like but wouldn't dare wear in public. I can't believe how affordable this stuff is for how nice it smells, and if you're a vintage lover I'd say this is a must-own.

The dry down is beautiful… the first 45 minutes it’s very strong and spicy but nice still….I love it at the dry down the most. it’s like at the beginning it’s mad at you and then it settles on your skin like it’s in love with you.

Well….. this kind of thing must just be in my DNA, I do love a green base, and I couldn’t tell you why or where it started.
I don’t find it excessive or intimidating, just elegant and beautiful. I’m also not usually an over-sprayer. Maybe I should be.

First is a real jewel of perfumery. A timeless, elegant and exquisite masterpiece that matches the jewelry of Van Cleef and Arpels.

Soft and polished aldehydes full of light and charm. Ripe fruits that makes you feel inside a baroque fruit bowl for a couple of minutes until the opulent band of flowers enters the scene. Narcissus, roses, jasmines, tuberoses, lilies, dance wrapped by the now soft sunny fruits and powdery aldehydes.

Each flower has a moment to shine and show it’s beauty before the other appears and then everything melts in a heavenly dance.

However the base keeps the flowers from being too pungent with a background of herbs, mosses, a modest yet obscure and very dirty civet, sublime sandalwood, sensual amber and a light vanilla pod.

First to my nose has the best of Chanel N5, Joy and Arpege without trying to be either. It’s pure class, refinement and elegance with light and darkness, cleanliness and dirtiness in a unique way that makes it such an exceptional experience.

Not for the fainted of heart, not for the candy-chocolate lovers, not for those who swear by the current ambroxan juices.

First will also dress you up with style and chic elegance. You will feel totally out of place wearing a T-shirt and sneakers or sandals with it. It’s gorgeous air will always invite you to feel and look elegant, powerful and totally self confident of your class and impeccable taste.

Definitely on the female side but it is so precious and perfect that I would suggest it to anyone who appreciates elegance in one of it’s purest forms.

Sexy and flirty? No, powerful and perhaps intimidating but will always make you smile and feel empowered and nothing is more attractive than a self assured person.

I knew a woman who worked in Wall Street some years ago. She was intelligent, smart, beautiful, and determined. This was her perfume.

No need to rehash what Jean Claude Ellena has done with Frederic Malle and Hermes, in his signature "aquarelle" style, ghostly wisps of odor floating on air, beautiful but fleeting and devoid of "form."

This one has big-boned "form." Everything here is over-the-top. This is perfumery in the grand manner. There is an excess of aldehydes, flowers, woods, and a menacingly animalic dry-down caused by civet.

This is a perfume for intimidation. More dense than Chanel No. 5, and less joyful than Joy, with the bite of "1000."

A chypre calibrated to catch one's attention, and frighten.
It is a masterpiece!

I just got this one, and it's true, it reminds a little of Chanel N5, but in my opinion, there is a green layer that reminds me of N19. It's not that 5 and 19 were poured together in a can to get this one, because the drydown is completely different than Chanel's, but I suppose that was the trend back then when it was created. After a few hours of wearing it, I can say that I love First. I got the hints of jasmine and hyacinth, and the civet note is calm enough, providing a nice balance between florals and aldehydes.

first impression was....meh...one more want to be no5...but when you spend some time with this....you discover the glory ! there is a glorious greeness that lays beneath and is very elegant! i love this one and its gr8 for spring!

This beautiful perfume is an absolutely classic chypre that exudes elegance . It performs BEAUTIFULLY compared to the current Chanel #5 and is a fraction of the cost of the poorly performing Chanel product that barely lasts two hours max . I love the depth and complexity of this chypre that Is rarely found this day and age . It starts out strong, but in a few minutes it becomes a rich and lovely scent that lingers many hours on my clothes. ( I do not spray on my skin because I do not care to have chemicals in my blood stream. )

In my opinion, it is crazy to spend money on a watered down Chanel product that is missing the complex notes and scent stabilizers that ensure longevity .

This scent is a true elegant classic and is underrated and a fantastic buy as well.

A classic. I have a splendid bottle of th EDP just because I am a collector, like I have Arpege, Caleche, Chanel n.5 and the ones in the family. This is a must have for all perfumistas, even if you don't wear it.
I don't wear it often, but i like to spritz it from time to time just for "rehearsal", as I call it. I love to go through the notes just for reminder, as this very complex aldheidic contains many notes very well blended and it's like going back to school! Yes it's like a school as this a JC Ellena creation, and we all have a lot to learn from. I'm not going to list the notes (let's sum it up as a lady-like soapy, aldheidic, powerhouse chypre), but take my piece of advice: get it for your collection, the nowadays low pricetag is worth hundred times the lesson.

Beautiful!! Simply a luxury white flowers soap. Aldehydes in here are very gentle. I don't see this scent too similar to chanel 5 . This is much elegant and likeable for me.

VINTAGE EDT - Beautiful Floral Aldehyde Chypre. Aldehyde blast on opening is fabulous with the moderate sweet fruits balancing. Core florals provide ongoing moderate natural sweet but never stray into sugariness. Complexity of the white florals with the touch of spicy carnation and regal orris along with deeply feminine rose here are beautifully done. Honeyed sandalwood and musk anchor the richly dense florals with perfect midweight grounding. Just enough natural civet and vetiver/oakmoss to ground this into rich, complex, herbal deep green fabulousness in the base without overwhelming things with anything dirty. A really excellent vintage floral chypre with a great aldehyde overlay. Drydown is smooth, dense, silky, and woody green sensual loveliness.

Why this one doesn't receive the love reserved for Chanel No. 5 and the likes, I will never understand. Especially given the less than acceptable performance of the present day N5 EDP (and EDT, for me). To each their own, of course, but it makes me sad to see this one sidelined.

I have the present day formulations of both EDP and EDT of First. EDT is more effervescent, with a larger throw if you may. The EDP is deeper, darker, more sensuous and definitely more long lasting. For all the yesteryear scents that lost their punch because of restrictions, I don't know what magic trick they've use on this one because it gets the civet and oakmoss notes rather pitch perfect - easily comparable to vintage formulations of itself, and others like Estee Lauder's Knowing, Boucheron EDP, Shalimar and the likes. Stunning!

This is Hollywood but cozy, black and white and yet resplendent. Floral, green, animal, woody - blended and balances with oomph. But by someone with a delicate hand. Sparkling aldehydes on top, gorgeous florals (particularly jasmine and hyacinth) in the mid - but quickly enough it dries down to the beautiful base - oakmoss, a slightly animal civet note, some vetiver and sandalwood. A truly bold and beautiful creation. Sure this is nowhere near what Ellena's works are known for today - in fact it seems he was admittedly going for crowd pleaser when creating this one - but he achieved that with grace and beauty. This is your 80s floral-aldehydic-chypre done to perfection, and hasn't lost its charm even today. It performs a few hours less than the original formulation, but honestly I'm not complaining. The EDT gets me about 4-5 hours and the EDP 6-7. Much longer on clothing.

Absolute gem, much like the jewel the bottle is based on. Highly recommend <3

this perfume reminds me of Knowing from estee lauder and chanel no5 . it's a very strong scent one spray will do the magic . elegant , classy , for me it's for winter only
this is the first perfume i bought when i was in Paris

This is class and elegance in a bottle. I find this to be a chypre/floral aldehyde fragrance. It is a unisex cologne in today's standards. This reminds me of Amouage Gold man. Expensive smelling but inexpensive. My mom used this in the late 70's which really impressed me. These days she considers it a masculine leaning fragrance. I started using this recently in covid times. I have the edp. Next l will buy the edt which has more greens that l like better. Great find!

Lovely old-school floral chypre with noticeable hyacinth. It has Class written all over it.
Update: kind of bitter though for my taste, very bitter and a bit "dusty". It reminds me of L'air du temps, which I can't tolerate

I'm reviewing the current EDP version.

Simply exquisite. Even though it's considered a floral aldehyde, to me, this is a chypre. I got so much of that dark, slightly humid oakmoss that I simply couldn't help but lightly associate this scent with Chanel's Cristalle EDP.

Lots and lots of bitter hyacinth, narcissus, oakmoss and an ever so slightly sweet honey just to round off the really bitter edges and give you a better overall experience. The aldehyde didn't come off as strong or sharp to me - quite the opposite. What I got was a lightweight, translucent aldehyde that made me think of a jewelry piece that features one single diamond, elegant and stunning in its' simplicity.

The floral component was also rather obvious but certainly nowhere near as strong as the chypre. I reckon, I'd personally wear this scent during the summer because this particular dark and cold mossiness is just a perfect refreshment remedy.

Another thing I'd recommend is to first take a look at the EDP because it's much, much deeper and richer in the overall experience, and you also get the best oakmoss there.

Delighted with my experience.

Revisiting this, yet again --
This time, two years later.

This is extremely STRONG, the first 30 minutes of wear. I've been wearing lighter fragrances this past couple of years, so this is definitely a jolt.

This starts with a rather bold scent that is definitely a bit off putting. I rarely like to use this term, but it has that quality of being "old lady-ish". About 45 minutes to an hour into this, this calms into a gorgeous scent that blends and melds with my chemistry. This is alluring, it really draws me in at this point. The initial blast of this spray is so intense that it makes this dry down, the pay off for enduring the first strength of this.

This is the Dallas and Dynasty era power suit fragrance. It is refined and smells expensive.

This is a gorgeous perfume - and has a unique, one of a kind quality about it. I love the dry down after the first 45 minutes.
It is truly gorgeous.

For those of you who feel that this is too strong, or too dated --
I feel that this can be softened by spraying this a few minutes before taking a shower, or bath -- then allowing the fragrance oil to open with warm water.

This would lighten the notes quite a bit. This is probably why I liked this particular fragrance after the jacuzzi. This really blends well with my chemistry and hot water... like an incredibly strong and intoxicatingly beautiful tea.

This is a power house fragrance - designed for the 80's, however - this is an all time CLASSIC! Truly, ageless and timeless. A great signature fragrance for someone whose chemistry really blends well with the dry down notes.

This is memorable, strikingly beautiful...unforgettable - just like the song!
Yes, the first 45 minutes of this are SUPER STRONG. You'll need to ramp up for that! But the dry down is definitely worth the first apparent danger!

Wow! This has to be the best hyacinth floral I've ever smelled. Intense and green hyacinth supported by soapy aldehydes. Musky civet and oakmoss round it out. This classic can be bought for such a low price. Don't pass it up. Pure sophistication.

Good one, I love this! I had success blind buying the 3.3oz EDT for $25. "First" is not like No.5 but I would say it IS similar to Arpege, and maybe some old EL scents I can't identify. However, I have a 5ml decant of Arpege that I like to smell from time to time, but I can't wear it. Arpege is way too retro and acrid, like some overdone woman going to the opera in a fur stole. Actually I have found fancy Superstitious by Frederic Malle to give the same vibe! "First" is cleaner and much less jarring to smell than those two. It smells like expensive Estee Lauder makeup from the 90s and also like a La Prairie scrub I used to have.

The clean hyacinth, narcissus, and oakmoss make it slightly greener than others like Arpege, but to me it's far from a green scent. Huge dose of aldehydes here, and yes, civet. It's not green like Eau du Soir, which others have mentioned below. EDS has no aldehydes, but arguably shares common ground with First as a soapy floral with a little spice. Anyway- the VC&A is 100% worth picking up if "classics" are your thing!

first represent old fashion in a bottle , I tried very hard to like it I give it so many chances but iT doesn't fit me by any way , its a classic and too old smell of aldhehyds .
very strong longevity.

A fine aldehydic potion. Where White Diamonds uses aldehydes to showcase lilies and Ysatis uses aldehydes to showcase ylang ylang, Van Cleef & Arpels First uses aldehyde accord in the top notes to frame and highlight a green and fresh hyacinth. Very "ladies who lunch". I'm impressed.

Aldehydic sonnet to green jasmine, all sunshine, couture fittings and champagne air.

Smells violently expensive compared to its actually cost, jasmine stems ropped around by curls of pearls and the most expensive sparkle under the fire of a monotonous sun like Baudelaire put it in his Parfum Exotique. It spangles.
Makes natural street urchins like me mind their manners and stop slouching in its presence.

Interesting this Jean-Claude Ellena pre-code Ellena, even at his earliest stage he turns the baroque into restraint, maxi to mini (-malism) via polish and luster. Devoid of calendar date stamp, this is a complete classical, a true orphan of time.

I simply can't with this perfume. The civet spoils it all. I run into this expensive bottle, but can't give it another use rather than toilet spray...

First is a fairly typical 1970s floral aldehydic perfume, mostly notable as one of Jean-Claude Ellena’s earliest (now legendary) creations. In order to love First, you must also love other grand aldehydic fragrances such as Chanel No 5, Givenchy Ysatis, Hermes Caleche, Paloma Picasso etc. I’m not saying that these scents are overly similar, however, the present-day kids are likely to consider them ‘matronly’, ‘soapy’, ‘pungent’ and whatnot. As to First, the trick is to apply it with a very light hand: just 1-2 sprays will be more than enough. If applied correctly, the soapy aspect of First quickly vanishes, and the wearer is left with a regal floral bouquet: hyacinth, carnation, narcissus, lily of the valley, jasmine... There are hints of green and animalic notes in it, but it’s mainly a lush floral fragrance. Fantastic and timeless.

I blind bought this based on the many ravishing reviews... shouldn’t have.

Yes, it has a lovely hyacinth note. But that is about all I like, and I do not feel it all the way through. Most of all this feels like a men’s cologne from the 60:s or 70:s. And that does not make me happy. In my opinion, I don’t think they could make good men’s fragrances back then. At least not any that I knew of. But since late 80:s and early 90:s, it has been a different story; I bought beautiful men’s perfumes for my late husband. Van Gils, example.A warm one. But favourite: Kenzo for men!!!
Ok, that was a total sidetrack!! Anyway, I have to give First away. Too cold, not feminine, not nice to me. Too strong. Does not even help to layer it with something else. Disaster!!

PS: Actually I like some men’s perfumes on myself. And these days, my sons and their friends smell so gorgeous!!

summer test, skin

feel:
powdery, dry, talc, citrus - the pith, smooth, soap type clean. not lush type. this lasts for ages.

i think it must be the dryness in these sorts of smells, i dont love them, i only semi like them.

people speak about how beautiful aldehydes are (i think its these scents that cause me issues) - i only really like one scent with that note. the rest i dont really care for.
its taken me so long to be able to translate what people are meaning when they review these scents -- i suppose one must think of First, chanel number 5, ... others in that category as layered with dry talc citrus.

you cant read these scents as you do the scents in the last few years...
floral isnt a garden floral, green isnt a fresh green (usually) honey isnt honey, its not the real honey scent. citrus isnt like the juice you may have tasted or smelled when opening a fruit, expect citrus pith - that white stringy stuff, or the peel its self, and dry as the sahara - the dry talc powder (prada d'orangier has this in a 'linen' way, chloe; love chloe is dry too, its beautiful but not on my skin..really)
i have the same trouble with anything from the 90's and past, yellow florals, most of the classic chanels, heaven help me with Arpege - its very hard to pick the notes within the 'old skool perfumy feel'. its generational i guess.

A very interesting scent, very nicely made, its worth trying every few years as your tastes WILL change.

This is stunningly beautiful Eau de Parfum. It doesn't remind me of any other fragrance. It's unique and extremely feminine. It makes me feel like a gorgeous and unstoppable woman, and, therefore, I am. That's the magic of a spectacular composition. Highly recommend!

I'm always tempted to buy First for myself, but I can't. This is how my mother smells like. So I enjoy samples that a very astute sales lady gave me.
When aldehydes were a height of fashion, good number of women couldn't wear the most famous one, N°5, for numerous reasons. For example, it turns acid on my mother. It has also lost that touch of animalistic funk somewhere in reformulations that makes perfumes so addictive.
First didn't.
Everytime I wear it I'm surprised just how good it is and faithful to its original form. The opening has nothing bombastic, it doesn't makes a statement, that's not the point. It was not built for speed, but comfort. Elegant, understated, you easily forget you're wearing it, but people around you feel its presence. There is something very intimate and undeniably sensual in its greasy flowers, touch of honey and that dear, dear civet. Or whatever does civet's job these days.
Classic or old lady-ish, who cares? If you like aldehydes, complex vintage florals, First is probably one you will never forget or regret.

i own both current versions edt and edp.as another reviewer mentioned they did a good job with the reformulation,i smell pretty much the sme scent like i used to a my 20s because i was very impressed of how alla the ingrentients of this jem blended on my skin in almost perfect harmony.i wish young women should give this a try..asfor old lady perfume comments i say tha if they think so superficially because they used to synthetic no perfume situation of our times and have no problem smelling more or less the same they definetely should pass this jem and stick to spinelless creations that have no personality..

I am wearing vintage Van Cleef & Arpels First, perfume. I can’t write a Novella about fragrance but I can straight up tell you what I like. the first 5 minutes I get a whiff of peach and a support layer of civet, or that earthy, animal scent that I adore in vintage Chanel No. 5 Cologne. After 10 minutes I get green, beneath florals. it’s making me think Joy, now old jasmine. This is not a girls perfume and it very much seems like a throw back to classic women’s fragrances of the 1950s. then soapy, mossy. This is good stuff. Elegant and not smelling 1970s to me at all. it’s love.y in the vintage perfume version, and my husband will hate it. ( smile). if it doesn’t smell like Ivory soap then it stinks.

I love Jean-Claude Ellena and could not wait to try this, but a few sprays and I felt the back of my throat burning. It's harsh, unrelentingly. I know so many love it in the way I love No 5, Eau du Soir - classic aldehyde with beautiful bones. But it's the fragrance equivalent of sandpaper on me. Definitely not my cup of tea.

I am so glad I tested this before buying. It opens with a blast of aldehydes, then comes the powerful civet note, within an hour it settles into a pleasant narcissus scent maybe with some hiacynt and carnation. I'm sorry but this is not my cup of tea. This is EDT and a single spray is enough to fill a room. And when I recall that someone said it was similar to 5-th Avenue... However I do agree it is a nice alternative to Chanel №5.

First perfume by Van Cleef Arpels is a very classic, elegant perfume that gives you the air of confidence.
The first time I wore this fragrance was on a girls night out with my friends a few years ago.it stood out all night and received lots of compliments and I could still smell it on me in the morning. So please go ahead and try it. but, remember to keep in mind that with all the reviews, no one body chemistry is the same, like a fingerprint.
You need to introduce the fragrance to your body ( Not your sister, mother or friend's body ). Even with all the fragrance chart: first notes, second notes and base notes will smell different on everybody. Only your body and nose will choose your fragrance. So don't be afraid to try it on your body.not on a card.
I wish you all the best.

So I took the plunge and ordered the EDP based on what I read here. The jury is still out - I have to wear it some more before I can make a pronouncement.
Initial impression though is that they haven't totally massacred the scent through reformulation. It is still very recognizable.
It's interesting: both my daughters told me it reminds them of Niki de Saint Phalle, which was another love of mine during the eighties and which I've also recently reacquired. It never occurred to me to put the two together.In my mind they are very different scents. If anything, First has somewhat of the same vibe as Chanel 19 (another favorite) because of the hyacinth and narcissus. So I compared notes and what do you know - First and Niki indeed have many in common.
Edit - Ok, so I finally had the chance to sample the EDT and compare it to the EDP that I already own. Well, no contest here. I find the EDT so much more wearable. The EDP is just too much for me - even one small spray . I feel like the EDT gives me the space and breathing room to really enjoy the scent, even if it is slightly less rich. I will try to trade my EDP or simply just order a new bottle of the EDT since it's so affordable.

So many notes, no many reviews, so many different perspectives on this perfume, what comes about more is that its an aldehyde, white floral, slightly sweet perfume with green and fresh feelings, one that is soapy and floral.
I am afraid this might be too matronly as some may say, too floral and green in the lines of let's say Gres Cabotine, a green floral perfume I just do not like at all.

I just put this on today for the first time in about a year. I liked it when I got it, wore it a couple of times, and then it sat for a long time amongst the many other bottles I have. Something wonderful seems to be happening with my skin! Previously, my skin seemed to devour any perfume I put on, here for a moment, gone within an hour. I must admit I felt cheated - it was like I could enjoy the top and middle notes, but the dry downs always eluded me. Anyway - today I gave the EDP another try, and it is really glorious. So soft and classic, with a touch of the aforementioned No. 5, but - dare I say it - better than the current No. 5 EDP. It's not that they are identical, just vaguely similar. However, First is more full bodied than the CURRENT No. 5 EDP, definitely less abstract, and while just as sophisticated, somehow prettier and more feminine. I plan on wearing this more often this spring, any time I feel the desire to appear sophisticated and pretty, maybe with a good pair of jeans and a Chanelesque style jacket! This is just my cup of tea - well blended, lovely white flowers with just a touch of a metallic rose and some musk to anchor it all. Given the cost, I could spray with wild abandon, but the thing is, I don't have to, because it lasts and lingers without beating you over the head. If you are new to "classic" perfumery and want to break out of the fruitchouli and gourmand rut, give it a try. It's worth the inexpensive price to see what all the fuss is about with the old-school fragrances those of us at a certain age remember and love!

interesting scent for sure.edp and very chic-a little goes a long way- drydown is very classy.

This is a beauty in its own right. Can't compare with Chanel N°5 because the concept is totally different. Chanel is sharp aldehydes in your face type of perfume, anyone with a basic perfume knowledge can spot it right away. But this is a much subtle, optimistic and natural kind of aldehydes.
My review is based on a vintage dab on bottle I won on eBay, along with another vintage EDT spray and a lovely mini for a ridiculous price, a great bargain!
Once you passed the aldehyde blast, I mostly get a cool jasmine balanced with a powdery iris and a metallic rose. There's some tuberose lingering but its creamy, sweet notes are against a metallic, and sharp carnation. It all dries down into a very well balanced chypre scent that contrast and evolve with the wearer skin warmth. It works beautifully on my dry skin, as most chypres do. Oakmoss is quite prominent at this stage but is masterly paired with a creamy, indulgent real sandalwood. A true gem often overlooked. It's another great creation of Jean-Claude Ellena, one of his best creations, if not the best. Perfume houses don't do perfumes that can match this.
And for Chanel N°5 fans, this is not a next of kin at all, nothing to do the one with the other except for the aldehydes. This is a classy, elegant type of scent that won't steal the attention from the wearer, unlike Chanel N°5, this perfume is all about balance and pleasing oneself. N°5 is another stunning composition that I really love and admire, but is unsuitable for wearing on a daily basis. First is an all time rounder that I might relate to Chanel N°19, Chamade and YVSL Rive Gauche.

If you like crystal clear, sparkling florals, on a slightly powdery base, you are going to love this fragrance. I have the edt and edp of this. It is a very clean and clear distinctive floral that smells wonderful, especially in winter and early spring. Unlike Chanel No.5, which some have compared it, the aldehydes are not a sharp affront to your nose, but rather an airy, gossamer cloud of powdery floral goodness. It is so well composed that it is hard for me to distinguish, though it is not an abstract floral like Chanel. Rather it is a bouquet of crystalline white flowers, particularly jasmine, daffodil, and carnation (which gives it a little bit of spice), with a hint of rose. The galbanum and vetiver adds a little greenness and aromatics, and with the dry down of amber, vanilla, a hint of earthy patchouli, and a slightly anamalic musk, combine into a very polished finish.

This is a long lasting fragrance that can be worn anywhere, but is outstanding on a cold winter day outdoors. That is when I particularly love this fragrance; it swirls around me in wisps of shimmery florals. I use the edt in the day because it is lighter and the edp for the evening when I want more depth. Both have fantastic projection and silage. To me this is a much easier to wear fragrance than Chanel No.5, though I love that fragrance (vintage formulas) too.

I came back to add something. Interparfums is now making this fragrance. They did a fantastic job with the edp but a lousy job with the edt. It has a very tallow scent that lingers and doesn't go away. If you are going to purchase an edt, get the vintage which is easy to recognize because it only comes in 1 or 2 ounces and the band around the cap is reminiscent of a string of large gold pearls; not the flat gold band on the new bottles. Interparfums seems to have better luck with edps and did a good job with Van Cleef edp too. I smell absolutely no difference between their version and the vintage Van Cleef I own.

This can be a unisex fragrance or for the career oriented feminist woman. It's different and very nice indeed but brings out something manly as well. Not my cup of tea.

This is not like Channel No 5, other than it being a classically made feminine fragrance.

The aldehydes are in there and prominent. Along with flowers and a slightly powdery, musky base. Not a sweet one. Neither is it fruity. It is classic and well blended.

My teenage daughter said I smelt really nice. Something to ponder on if you think it's for old ladies. However, it is a sophisticated scent which I think is better for those who enjoy ones which have aldehydes and a vintage feel.

When someone isn't familiar with scents other than the pink sweet sparkly recent designer or celeb fragrances, they may not enjoy it. But my daughter, who loves Paco Rabanne scents, loved it. And she's quick to tell me I smell like their grandma! Which didn't happen this time.

My bottle is a vintage one.

Smells very much same as Chanel no 5 EDP for fraction of cost. This one is a bit more happy while Chanel is darker. Definitely a keeper.

To me, this is a very classic scent. It's very fresh, powdery, not overbearing but still noticeable. I was apprehensive at first because I'm usually not a big fan of florals unless they have the aforementioned powder quality (like violets) but this change my mind.

It's sad that some view this as an old lady perfume because I'm in my early 20s (sophisticated taste, maybe?). I envision a classy woman who wears white wrap dresses and a classic Chanel flap bag as her go-to style wearing this perfume. Perfect for the daytime and intimate evening dinners.

Can anyone tell me which is more civety or ha smore prominant civet, the EDT or the EDP?

First VC&A
One spray to inner elbow
summer test, cool and a bit windy

First impressions:
A juicy (not in the modern wet fresh sense) white flower i thought lily but possibly incorrectly, mature perfumyness.

Smelling up close to skin is a bit nicer, i get a mature aroma (yesteryear's mothers and grandmothers floral sort). And not surprisingly I have smelled this on older ladies, which is a generational thing more than anything.

Aldehydes - dont really like these, alot ive smelled are of their time and to me not sensual and lovely as others report them to be. I am being open minded and trying.

This is absolutely a complex scent, its performing very well, very decent sillage, well priced (No5 can do one).My best advice would be have a look at similar scents and check how you fare with those.

EDIT: just reading down, yes i could agree with those likening it to No5 and rive gauche. aldehydes and the powderyness. There is that floral mix of perfumes made back in the 80's or 90's I cant explain what that mix is as i havent had experience with those indiviual notes- i dont think. Got to respect the lasting power above some of today's offerings by big brands

This fragrance is all the proof anyone needs that quality is not a function of price. Smells better than many fragrances I have that cost three or four times as much. Great dry clean chypre (Or green floral?), very classic, utterly unlike popular scents today.

Helps give me a break from my patchouli addiction. The narcissus and hyacinth do not make this flowery because the oakmoss offsets them. Just lovely, a fragrance for all times and occasions. If a niche house gave this a ridiculous name and charged $275 a bottle, people would rave about it.

I can see why for some this is an "old lady" perfume... I get the powdery note on first spray is intense ( I PERSONALLY LOVE IT).... This stays pretty linear on my for most of the day until I start sweating( surprisingly I wear this mostly in the summer); that's when I get the I just soaked in a rose petal bath with lily of the valley and ylang ylang oil... Fresh, soapy and classy.

I've just got a mini bottle of this fragrance from Ebay and unfortunately I am not very impressed. I love vintage fragrances but all I can smell here is old incense.
L.E. i realise now why I don't like it: civet. It's really blocking anything else for me, all I can feel is civet.

Disclaimer!! Do not be put off by comparisons to Diva....This smells NOTHING like Diva!

First is bursting with aldehydes - light, airy and bright soapiness with just a touch of dark. Classic sophistication.

Diva is a heavy musty rose that sinks to the bottom and stays there, not letting you up for air.
Diva compares more to Apercu.

I've never worn this myself, but it's been the signature of my grandmother for as long as I can remember.

That's not to say that this is an old lady fragrance per se, but I will say that it definitely has that element of class and sophistication to it, but without overdoing the "powdery-ness" like a lot of classic scents, that gives them a certain "theatre makeup" smell.

The reason I remember this so well is, that when I went to visit my grandparents for the holidays I was usually dropped off at my granny's workplace, a bank. Oftentimes this was about one hour before she had finished work and so I sat beside her and played some games.

Now, her fragrance ALWAYS was the strongest, most distinctive scent I could detect in that entire office. It was warm, loving, welcoming and soft and very, VERY unique.

Silage and longevity are formidable, I don't remember my granny reapplying it throughout the day even once.

It is a thoroughly beautiful fragrance for classy women. A Chanel for people who don't like the real Chanels (most Chanels don't agree with me and are too "stuffy" for my taste).

Works well as a daytime scent, but also as a "big night" perfume, if you normally wear light scents to the office.

Edit: I was at the perfume store yesterday and tested it again just for fun. The tiny - minuscule really - amount that came onto my finger when spraying lasted for the REST OF THE ENTIRE DAY - and that was only the EdT. I had quite forgotten just how strong it was. So a word of advice and warning: use sparingly.

Does this smell like Cabotine of Gres?

Revisiting this after retiring it from my private collection of fragrances for about five years. This is a luxury fragrance. It goes on strong and can wear fairly mature... so spray this about an hour before you plan on being in the car or elevator with someone.

I still LOVE this fragrance.
It is so rich and alluring... elegant - and warm.

Definitely one that you want to try, if you haven't already.

This is a fragrance that requires more panache' to carry off. If you are drawn to the naive, girly, sugary sweet fragrances that line the walls of the Body Shop and Victoria's Secret-- you may find that this is NOT your thing.

You may have had to survive the 1980's - or have a depth as if you did -- to truly appreciate this particular perfume.

It is lovely.
But requires more substance - it has a depth that can make it seem as if you are attempting to wear your mother's or grandmother's fragrance - unless you can step into the initial power of this one.

I still love and adore it -
Taking a break from this one only makes me respect is all the more.
Although this goes on rather strong like a full bodied 1980's perfume - I really enjoy this dry down - it is truly spectacular - a complete symphony and work of art!

Love this!

Oh my, narcissus, civet, hyacinth, jasmine, oakmoss, what a combination. I have placed this on my must have right away..
I cannot believe I missed this one, I love white flowers and musks, this one is sure to not dissapoint.

A vintage scent, i bought it after reading a glowing review in here. It’s a wonderful floral fragrance, very retro and classic. It began with a warm big hug of flower bouquet and mellowed into a delicately soft bed of amberish jasmine on my skin. It’s a love for me .

Definitly a vintage perfume .
I like it only in the dry down - it gets better .. i cant believe its transformation from the first initial spray !! Which was ghastly !
It does smell v classy
& is Very very soapy to me .
Morphs into something nice - not amazing .. just passibly nice as it still smells bitter and pinchy .
7/10

I am new to aldehyde parfum but have been wearing some aldehyde perfumes that are so beautiful that I have to talk about it I like Chanel No 5 Maroussia and First Van Cleef & Arpels. This is my favorite aldehyde floral parfum. Expensive smell and very womanly O my God so beautiful. The bottle is so pretty! Smell at first of aldehydes fresh and with many sweet fruit notes mandarin orange peach currant and raspberry then I smell honey is floral with white flowers of narcissus tuberose jasmine also has carnation and rose flowers that are soft powdery and soapy clean floral the perfume is not spicy or too dry is always fresh and clean smell like expensive soap when dry is a musky scent with sandalwood and amber very gorgeous last so long and has a glamorous very rich smell I love this parfum and wear it with formal dress for formal event

I really like what Black Swan has written here. I absolutely agree. There is a good reson why some fragrances have been made for such a long time, because time is the best test of quality. People don´t have time to wait for anything and that is a sad thing. I am really disappointed from most of the modern scents which are fresh, and sweet and usually very similar and sometimes even annoying. It is so exciting to smell something so different and classical with its own development. I like when the fragrance changes during its stage. It is one of the pleasures of using quality perfumes.
I must also admit that it is very similar to Chanel No.5 for me which I like too. The real difference is just the price, which is absolutely matchless.

Another gorgeous and elegant classic - like pearls - but like pearls - always in style but not seen very often anymore. I actually like that because these days you can make a unique statement wearing pearls and perfumes like this. It's sad that people view these things as "old lady". Maybe the old ladies have better taste. I'm 46 and don't consider myself old in the least but I prefer the classic perfumes to the sweet, sugary trendy ones, and my simple pearl or diamond stud earrings to the cheap blingy jewelry trends any day. Something to keep in mind with these classic perfumes - they were made to be efficient and to last, unlike the current ones that are over sprayed and gone in an hour. You only need one spray. Spray it on a wrist and rub your other wrist and neck and you're good to go all day. Also, give it 10 minutes or so. I hate the initial notes, but once the dry down starts, it is gorgeous, subtle, and long lasting.

I just received mini Parfum and mini EdT of this. I allready had big bottle of EdP-version, and there is something like strong musk or civet, or some sort of powdery note (I like civet), that is too much. But how I love Parfum and EdT; they are really beautiful. I don't know if my mini's are old or new version, but I think EdP is current version. I did like a little that EdP, but I love Parfum and EdT.
I wonder when that EdP-version has come. I think that all vintages are edT-versions. Is the edP some newer release?
I am so happy I got these two different versions. They are now in the top of my best perfumes.

My First EDP finally arrived. I have been craving it lately and I got it for a song on Ebay. It's a 2 oz. tester bottle. It has all the fragrance notes written on the back of it...interesting. Anyway, I don't think it's the original formula. I had the black canister back in the late 80's. My current bottle doesn't smell quite the same, so I'm sure it's a reformulation. That's ok though, because I still like this soapy, sparkling aldehydic gem. It actually smells better on me at night time, after it fully dries down. It reminds me of a perfume my mother wore in the 70's, that I was never able to find again. It was some kind of musk oil by Dana. She loved it, and it smelled great on her. For some reason, I imagine Doris Day wearing First. First has this sunny disposition like Doris Day. I kind of wish that I had gotten the parfum dab version instead though, because when you spray this, it's very hard to control, and you end up with a lot of fragrance on you. I'll try to use it sparingly for that reason. At any rate, I'm so glad to have this little sweetie back in my perfume collection!!

Paulidoodle - do you have the vintage or the current reformulation? EDT or EDP?
Looking to purchase but have only my (wonderful) memories of the vintage to go on. Haven't had the opportunity to sample the current version and thinking of buying it blind....
TIA

Have Wanted This Perfume For Such A Long Long Time & Now I Have It!! It's Just Absolutely Gorgeous,& Already It's Now A Firm Favourite!! In My option it deffo doesn't smell anything like Chanel No.5!! A lighter version of YSL Rive Gauche which I happen to also adore!! & Both these perfumes are wore by Joanna Lumley who has really gorgeous taste in her Perfumes!! Today is my First day trying out this Van Cleef & Arpels Gem,& Already I'M soooooooooo in love with it!! I have every single Perfume listed if you this you'll deffo like/love this one also!! & by heck it isn't half true!! This Perfume is Green Floral Heaven to me,& I will deffo put this edp I have to the test in the next comming few days!! But already it's looking good indeed!!

Hi, can someone tell me if the Edt as good as the edp?
Is it like Rive Gauche or is it like Arpege?
I love Rive Gauche but not Arpege.
I am looking for similar to No.5 which some of the reviews said this is similar.
Thanks!

A classic animalic-aldehydic-floral, on the style of the elegant vintage perfumes that have become legends.

It's beautiful and very very elegant and smells of class and wealth and good taste.

--

I own a sample. To later compare with the other classic perfumes in the same vein.

I adore First. I use to like Chanel no. 5 in the past. And for me this smells more as the vintage no. 5, particulary in the drydown, than the no. 5 they sell today. Very beautiful with heavy silage and a outstanding longevity. I don't like aldehydes much, but the aldehydes here are also beautiful and fresh. If you love vintage Chanel no. 5, try this one, it is almost the same. And far better than the currant one. And this is only the eau de toilette! What a perfomance! I wonder how heavy the eau the parfum will be.

I used to wear this when I had a serious job and worked in New York. Now that I live in Oregon and have a more casual lifestyle it doenst sit as well. I might get chased out of the Whole Foods if I wore it in there. It reminds me of a perfectly polished well groomed woman of the 1950's 60's. Pearls, red lipstick, cashmere, and in control. Betty Draper all the way and it lasts forever.

First is one of the best old school perfumes that still remains a true classic. Growing up I regularly smelt this perfume on my mum. This perfume still smells the same to me several years later, and despite having so many notes blends well impeccably. This fragrance is the pure essence of elegance, sensuality, and a polished lady. Constantly reminds me of the likes of Chanel No5, but at half the price and has even stronger silage and longevity! I love Chanel No5, but unless you're lucky enough to have an old bottle, the newer formulations are really not as potent and do not last as long as before. Nonetheless, it remains a classic and I would still repurchase it. If you cannot afford Chanel No5, but would love to have a similar smell Definitely try FIRST. You will not regret it! This is a perfume lasts forever and will remain wearable for years to come. Perfect for the polished lady who loves to leave a trail of elegance. x

The companion fragrance to Giorgio Beverly Hills for Men.

Both have similar honey-sweetened aspects.

Both are perfect.

The companion fragrance to Giorgio Beverly Hills for Men.

Both are sweet and patchouli-happy.

Both are perfect.

For the vintage EDT.

For me it´s a joy to wear floral aldehydes during spring time. And First is the one I enjoy the most. It´s also great for going to the theatre and listen to some Beethoven or Rachmaninoff after smoking a spliff.

I now have the EDT to compare to the EDP (my review is on that page). And I do think this is slightly fresher, lighter, and more green (as others have said).
But I still find it very similar to the current Chanel No. 5 EDP.
I don't know if I could tell them apart actually (No. 5 is sharper tho).
So if Chanel is too expensive, try First. I got the EDT on ebay for $14, and the EDP for $25 (2oz bottles)

Smells like vintage aldehydes, flowers, and the greenery (stems/leaves) that come with flowers. A very nice scent. Very perfumey in a nice way, but also lacks character/uniqueness. Overall, still a solid blind buy for $14!

Strong floral chemical scent

It goes on a lovely floral aldehyde but then a bitter almost metallic bloodlike note takes over and fights with the oakmoss which makes this less pleasant as it dries down. I think it may be the oakmoss and hyacinth. I love hyacinth but this jumble of notes is throwing everything off into a discordant, unharmonious montage.

This smelled a lot like Quelques Fleurs at the start...I thought I had found a less-pricey substitute but as it dries down there is something lurking around that I don't like. With so many notes, who's to say what it is? I'd bet, though, that years ago it didn't end like this....

عطر فان كليف فيرست

هذا التقرير عن نسخة او دو تواليت الاصدار الجديد وليس الفينتاج

بعد رش العطر بفترة قصيرة .. انت صابونة فخمة تمشي

عن نفسي اعشق هذا العطر ، بعض الاحيان اخلطة مع عطور ثانية

اجمل من شانيل نمبر فايف بوجهة نظري

الثبات و الفوحان في غاية الرضا

ملاحظة : انصح بنسخة التواليت اكثر من البيرفيوم

Good old school. Try if you like Diva by Ungaro. Creation by Ted Lapidus, vintage Miss Dior etc. Does not smells cheap but can be bought on ebay for cheap. I have vintage EDT mini. Now want a full size bottle. it is a gem. I expected non-wearable retro. I was wrong. Very nice fragrance. I am 30 y.o. by the way.

When First calms down and past the hours it seems Amouage Gold Homme ...

After testing two recent versions of this perfume (the current EDT in the white box and the 2012 EDP Intense, more on these later), I decided to get my hands on a good example of the original issue. If you are not interested in vintage perfume talk, you may want to stop reading now. There are a lot of vintage bottles of First to choose from since it has been in circulation for almost 40 years. I ended up with a still-sealed Sanofi-era, pre-barcode EDT which I can date to before 1990, thanks to the invaluable Raiders of the Lost Scent blog.

Composed in 1976, the year he left the Givaudan school, First is aptly named. It was the first perfume launched by the jewelry house, and it is Ellena's first feminine perfume, an operatic floral aldehyde worthy of comparison to vintage No. 5, Joy, and Madame Rochas. (Ellena's first composition was the 1974 unisex Eau du Campagne, a groundbreaking celebration of vegetal perfume notes that is still unbeatable today.)

First vintage EDT opens with some crisp, soapy aldehydes but it changes very quickly into an abstractly beautiful woody floral. Almost from the start, you sense flesh and warmth within First, rather than starchiness or primness. Ylang ylang emerges as the most prominent floral to my nose, with jasmine, a touch of rose, and narcissus. Despite the 420 votes and counting, I really do not get a strong civet note in the vintage EDT or perceive anything that I would call animalic. There is a bit of sweetness and a soft velvety muskiness, with a base of lovely sandalwood. First is richly fragrant but still fresh, like a warm day in May just before the heat of summer settles in.

How does my pre-1990 compare to the current EDT? I did enjoy my sample of the current EDT. The necessary reformulations appear to have been carried out with care, but as I often feel when I am trying current versions of older perfumes, there is a definite thinness and sharpness to the newer composition. The vintage EDT is much superior. Meanwhile, First Intense EDP (2012) is MUCH greener, sharper, and soapier and felt rather harsh when compared to the vintage EDT.

i was gifted a sample of this in a giveaway from a very generous member, and i am soooo grateful! i knew i wanted to test this wonderful, precious beauty, but i didn't know how deeply i would love it.
at first i was a little turned off because of the alcohol-but then, i use alot of perfume oils, and am not used to the alcohol scent.once that wore off-i was bowled over! this is so sexy, so classy, so perfect.
i must get a FB-soon.
...honey,amber and sunshine-how can you not love it?

I was compelled to try this because it was the first great creation of Jean Claude Ellena's. Otherwise, there is little reason for me to venture into aldehydic florals with such big shoulder pads. The first thing to note is that you can smell as well as taste this fragrance. Scent and taste may be intimately connected, but I don't encounter many fragrances that I can taste while bringing my wrist to my face. This scent is that grand, that potent.

The fragrance itself is a kaleidoscope on my skin, changing from moment to moment. It opens with a sparkling rush of aldehydes accented with blackcurrant, peach, and orange, which give way to the spicy carnation note and clean, soapy jasmine at its center. Sometimes the jasmine is more prominent, sometimes it is crisp and fresh, and sometimes it mysteriously becomes thick and powdery.

It is all in a shift of perspective, and the perspective of this woman is from very high up. As the reviewer sherapop wrote, "FIRST is a golden crown embedded with precious stones, and perhaps one needs to have a bit of a nobility complex to be able to wear this royal diadem comfortably.... Know thyself!"

Oh, this is climbing up the stairs of my Classic Aldehydes Tower as the years go by.

Honestly, I am no longer a big fan of No5, I like L'Air du Temps but I find it too soft-hearted sometimes, Le Dix is hmmm a bit acidic, blah blah...while First is a pure grower. And I am growing older along with it I guess..

The civet and especially the honey note are very prominent on my skin. So it is elegant and sparkly but also veeery warm and cosy. Winter love.

AND I had no idea this is a 40-year-old J.C. Ellena composition, wow that explains a lot. <3

First was my Christmas present to my mom, which I gave to her because she liked the eau d'été she'd bought a few months earlier--it's a 60 ml. bottle manufactured in 2002.

After spraying, you start feeling a floral blow of aldehydes and civet that shows you this is a mid-seventies fragrance; after an hour or so, the civet subsides, and you're left with a creamy flower and fruit cocktail that is wonderful. Longevity is around 6-7 hours, with moderate projection--I think they can be enhanced through a few more spritzes. It's a really special perfume as it brings a lot of memories back, perhaps due to some similarities to Givenchy III and Opium, which are also 70s fragrances that remind me of what my mom and aunts smelled like back when I was a child. It's a scent for real ladies, and it suits my mother's style very, very well.

First is not a perfume for everyone, but for women who want to make a big statement.

This review is for the bottle at Neiman Marcus San Francisco, December 2016.

When I smelled First, I burst out laughing and said "this smells like the 80s!!"

It does. It has a generic "perfume in an elevator and women are wearing shoulder pads" scent which is even beyond the aldehydes. This "generic 80s smell" is like the top of the top notes.

The aldehydes take center stage for a solid 10 minutes, maybe 15. Then the rose heart, which was hinted at, is unveiled, and on me, that's all I get for a very, very solid 9 hours. First never goes anywhere else on me. The drydown is just a soft, aldehydic rose.

I was initially excited to smell the aldehydes and then I was intrigued by the rose - the rose reminds me very much of YSL's Paris (circa 2005). I would like to wear this with dark blue jeans and a top, because I like wearing heavy hitters casually.

However, while this scent initially intrigued me, it hasn't held me. My dreams of blue jeans and a classy perfume probably won't be realized. I'll stick to Ma Griffe & Chanel No. 5 for that!

I will note that the talk of civet has me quite intrigued, and I'll try hunting down some vintage to see the differences.

First is a must have for classic lovers,especially classic floral lovers
It opens with an aldehydic blast,which is interpreted to soap for me,soon I can smell some juicy citrus notes besides aldehydes,fruit notes are light and very well blended,so it's difficult to pick them up separately,for me top notes is a combination of aldehydes and a very natural juicy orangy citrus,I find this blend very clean,fresh and likable
As aldehydes start to calm down and citruses fade,florals kick in,florals are soft and soapy,it doesn't smell as a specific floral note,there is lots of different flowers here so you can't say this is a Jasmine perfume,or rose perfume,whatsoever,it's a floral bouquet perfume and florals produce a very clean,fresh and a tad soapy scent.this is definitely pretty,although there are lots of flowers here but they're getting along with each other very well.there's nothing sharp,harsh and too much here..they're soft powder and even they're soapyness is nice..but it's obvious that you're dealing with a classic,so if you don't like classic old-fashioned fragrances,florals or soapy scents,first is not for you
Yes,I said old-fashioned,but I believe it's easily wearable in modern world in case you don't overspray
In drydown,florals get warmer and less dominant,I'm waiting nervously for civet to showup and ruin this beauty for me,but thanks goodness it's shy and not as dominant as notes order suggests,or maybe my bottle is post-reformulation,I can just get a bit warmness of shy civet,some oakmoss and a hint of musk..it's not bad but I preferred middle notes to drydown
For me,first is a clean floral with a fresh citrus/tea-like green undertone,it's a spring scent,classic but easily wearable and not too mature for a 26 year old girl like me
Unfortunately I don't like florals as I used to love them,maybe because it's getting cold here,but I'm going to save it for spring
I believe first is one of prettiest classics I've ever tried,it's balanced,wearable and likable..it's soft,kind,fresh and clean also powerful and longlasting and oh I love classic bottles and their golden juices(it's not a golden scent for me,if scents had color this could be white or pale lemony yellow IMO)
❤❤❤❤

First

The fragrance draws you in with aldehydes, and to quote my 2nd husband when I used to wear this and when he was alive, "smells like a beautiful woman out of the shower". The aldehydes have an incandescent brilliance, not like glittery cheap sequins, but the natural light emitting from diamond jewelry or precious jewels.

It is no wonder that Van Cleef & Arpels, one of the world's most artistic jewelry design labels, at the same level as Tiffany's Cartier or Winston, created this perfume. It used to sell at their boutique in the late 70's where you could also look into purchasing fabulous watches. The glamorous and "upper class" high society aura of that boutique is contained within this fragrance.

The aldehydes are sparkling diamonds. The citrus notes of mandarin orange and bergamot orange are fresh and match up with the aldehydes, providing this scent with a sort of golden-yellow light. This fragrance is always shining! Not at all like Lady Million by Rabane which attempts to evoke gold. This is truly liquid gold. The scent has fruit notes early into it's performance with a peach scent (not a heavy peach) a currant or cassis, a raspberry but most of all citrus. Sweet and fresh upon that first spritz.

Once the citruses settle down, the sweet floral notes emerge. Because of those ever present aldehydes that dominate the fragrance, they are more of the soapy floral kind. But it's nevertheless a heavenly aroma. The flowers that my trained nose never fails to notice: orchid, a little exotic orchid, pink or white in color, an orchid that has become sweeter with a matching raspberry. The carnation and lily of the valley mix and mingle in good company but they are not as green-floral as other fragrances with lily of the valley and carnation. This is a bigger rose perfume with a Turkish rose that smells lush and velvety, like rose colored velour. There's plenty of flowers that each contribute to this beautiful aroma including ylang and jasmine. Classic floral perfume.

The dry down gets interesting.

By the time both the fruit and flower notes are gone, there is a party going on among base notes of amber, musk, vanilla, and vetiver/moss. The original fragrance had moss and civet, a civet that would not have been synthetic. But this was never really that musky so they were never using too much musk or animalic accords. This is not a civet. It's an amber. The amber and the vanilla provide this scent with a spiciness and resinous quality that smells unbelievable and divine.

Be warned that even in the new formula the aldehydes florals and amber can pack quite a punch so don't spray liberally unless you're by yourself. The perfume is traditional, classic, glamorous, romantic, and womanly. I don't see any 18-19 year old wearing this. This is a perfume of maturity, elegance, and it even evokes iconic women that we associate with beautiful but accomplished, successful women: Grace Kelly Audrey Hepburn Elizabeth Taylor Jackie Kennedy. This perfume is classy. It is highly affordable nowadays but not when it was first released. It was truly a luxury perfume. So if you wear this now you'll wear a perfume that was always a luxury item.

The new formula is not bad and I do wear it because it is as soapy, sweet and floral as I like my floral aldehyde ambers. The bottle is so attractive and I proudly display it in my collection on top of the dresser table. The spray bottle is more dramatic and I love to douse myself in this scent and it leaves behind a lovely aroma as one passes by others. I wear this to staff meetings and to London Fashion Week, and although I don't teach music anymore, nor sing, I am involved in charity groups and performance art patron leagues. I wear this to their most formal fundraisers.

This perfume matches up with elegant and expensive haute couture and evening gowns. There is no way a woman can wear this perfume with a pair of jeans and a T shirt with a Vegas Baby logo. No. This perfume was meant to be worn with expensive high fashions, for women of discriminating taste, good taste. The best part for me about the new formula is the civet has shut up and its bite is gone. In it's place amber and vanilla, with a rich creaminess and spiciness that is more my style of dry downs in perfume. The moss and vetiver is still there as well.

Fantastic First Fragrance!

scent : 7/10
sillage : 9/10
longevity :8/10
100% night fragrance
nice old school scent

First is a truly enchanting floral scent. I can see why two previous reviewers chose it as their wedding day fragrance - it really is something special.

First opens magnificently with a big burst of glistening aldehydes and a bouquet of green and white florals. I'm not adept at picking out individual floral notes - most perfumes marketed to men like myself don't stray far from a floral palette of lavender, rose and carnation. But I will say that the overall effect is very green, bittersweet and slightly indolic - or perhaps that's the civet already at play.

If aldehydes scare you, don't worry - they dissipate before long to reveal a woody floral musk accord. There's a beautiful warmth in the dry down which I put down to honey and the very well-behaved civet note. The moss, sandalwood and vetiver add a pleasing depth, which helps to make First wear more masculine on my skin. It's mature, refined, embracing and seductive.

Longevity is excellent and projection is mild - you'll need to be close and intimate to get a good whiff of this. That's a good thing, because not everyone wants to fill a room with such an aldehydic, animalic scent. That said, I wouldn't mind if First left more of a trail.

This is definitely a fragrance for special occasions. Most recently, I wore it out to my birthday dinner with my partner. Wrapped in First's gentle embrace, I felt like a prince. Truly, it's a beguiling and intoxicating floral scent. A modern classic.

I have a love hate relationship with this fragrance. It gets a little too masculine with my chemistry. I have also been told by someone who could give a care about perfume said "What you are wearing isn't BAD, it just doesn't add anything good the smell of the room". So there you go.....for me at least.

A highly unusual and very complex scent that has been around for a long time. It is my sister-in-law's signature scent. Very elegant. A perfume for a true lady. Something special.

A noble one, aura filling, warm, distinct. Comes from an era when perfumes had tons of ingredients, yet none played the main character, so well blended. Stands out. Retro. It's what I fantasize that Grace Kelly wore in her last decade of life. One can dream, right?

I've tested this from other members, and later picked up a bottle on clearance. I was annoyed that the metal band broke from the cap on the second try, but that doesn't really affect the juice.

I do not love very soapy smells. I enjoy a bit, but this one definitely falls into that category which is why I don't think I'd ever want to replace my bottle. It is a lovely and mature and classy scent, but it is just not "me." If I could acquire another mini, I might keep it in my collection simply because it is a good scent to have even to compare with others. Certainly a bargain for those who love the beautiful soapy scents.

I got First EDT one month ago. I get the aldehydic/flowery notes in the beginning and just love it. Then it turns into a soapy, clean smell. Two hours later, it vanishes. It is strange because EDT's usually last at least 5 hours in my skin. Did I get a bottle that turned bad? Anybody else had the same problem?

When I was 19 I worked at Nordstrom & this Gorgeous impeccably dressed, well groomed woman asked me to assist her. I was instantly enveloped in this magnificent scent!

I grew up being engulfed in Opium, Posion & Obsession...It was tragic! Thick heavy dark lingering scents that begged for attention. Then this woman who needed for no one's attention introduced me to this Van Cleef & Arpels "First" perfume. I immediately bought my first bottle that day!

Light, elegant, clean & Feminine. These are the words that come to mind. I wore it on my wedding day & have always had a bottle in my collection. I don't wear it everyday but when I do, it's the perfect balance of femininity & class. I wore it religiously in my early 20's. Now for whatever reason, I wear it on the days I take long baths & relax. It's the perfect compliment to a cup of tea & lingerie or a glass of wine & good conversation.

If you don't own it, you should!

i just received this today and definitely like it. I may even love it, but maybe it's too soon to know for sure. It is strong and old-fashioned, but still classic. It reminds of Rive Gauche, but maybe because they are both from the 70s. That could also be why it seems somewhat bitter at the beginning, but I am finding it settles into a very warm fragrance as I wear it. Some of the reviews for this mention that it is probably better for a mature woman, and they could be right. I was in my 20s in the 70s and love all of the old-fashioned scents. There is not much new today that can hold a candle to the originals; most smell the same - either like vanilla or chocolate, or way too girly. This would be perfect for evening, but I think I'll wear it whenever I can.

Update: I've been wearing this for a few weeks now and I can say that I do love it! It is one of the few that I use on a regular basis and I always receive many compliments. It really does have an 'older' vibe, but it is also classy and very feminine. Everyone should try it!

I've fallen in love with Hermes Caleche and one of the other old school mature rich lady perfumes (ha!) in it's class is of course Van Cleef & Arpel's "First" perfume. Hermes Caleche, Guerlain Jicky, and VCA's First are the three big contenders for inclusions on an episode hosted by Robin Leach. I now own all three and I love to wear the two former with great irreverence because I don't look like the person who's stereotypically "supposed" to wear any of them: way too young, way too modern in dress, style, and politics, etc.

After all, this was the signature scent of the women in the GOP party during the early 1980s...kidding...kind of. Seriously this is the frag that I imagine the fictional character and one of my faves from Arrested Development, Lucille Bluth, to wear.

I fool around with accords and sometimes get the urge to make up my own flights of fancy which means that I have my own perfumer's organ set up in a sunny corner of my home. That being said, experiencing both the real deal and the synthetic form of civet for the first time in their most potent forms, "neat", I was appalled. I wanted to cry it was so dreadful. How could such a thing form the foundation of so many classics? I tucked away both specimens (actually wrapped them in numerous packaging and placed them in a far off drawer because the smell even when closed up is that potent) and quickly moved on.

I love a great many vintage formulas that have civet but I always imagined it to be something best represented in skanky thoroughly animalic scents.

A scent cannot be clean and civet based, right? Wrong.

Enter Van Cleef & Arpel's signature fragrance, "First".

Awesome sauce! It's aldehydic rich (and I love me some aldehydes), softened by muted florals and made opulent and expansive with none other than----civet! It's the perfect scent to spritz on a cashmere sweater or a nubby tweed jacket. It dries down into this lipstick infused almost minty clean scent. Imagine you're sitting at your dressing table wearing the softest pink cashmere sweater applying your lipstick having just bathed and brushed your teeth. That is the essence of "First"----impeccable grooming (no matter your pedigree, lol). Smelling the successful blend of civet in "First" makes me want to haul out the batches I have and start tinkering.

Is it unisex? Umm...well....um...maybe... kind of? Sillage and longevity? It never shouts dahhhling, but it's always present.

I purchased this on Amazon.com. This is up for consideration as my wedding day perfume. This is very floral on me. It reminded me of Amarige by Givenchy even though they don't smell that much alike. This has some of the same flowers and notes orchids, jasmine, vanilla. There's more flowers in this one however including a green lily of the valley. The opening is pure cassis or grape on me. There's a luxurious quality to this fragrance that makes me feel like it's perfect for a wedding which I will be spending big bucks on. Glamorous, elegant, womanly, and leaves a trail of scent everywhere I go. I think this is it my wedding perfume. I'm so glad my quest is over. This is a gorgeous floral with additional vanilla and it smells so good. I could live with this fragrance for the rest of my life. I'm buying more when I'm done with it.

Classicone super top!
Attualmente ho la versione EDT. Profumo buonissimo, opulento, fiorito.
Immenso...

<3

Elegance. Classy. Sparkling. The flash of brilliance from a diamond. I recently picked up the vintage EDT.

Its a lighter crisper elegant stroll down No.5 blvd...

Its floral is fresher, the hyacinth is exquisite. It does have the big aldehyde opening but worth the wait. It develops so smooth and elegant. Warm and approachable, unlike other colder elegant perfumes done in this style.

The jasmine sparkles, and the greens and the lilies are in bloom as well. In the newer formulations the bitter green rises up and smacks you on the nose, but the vintage it does not. Its well blended.

The current formulation, structure and dry down is similar to the vintage, but you just have to ride out the first 15 minutes. (bit harsh with the green and aldehydes but worth it) So its still an excellent buy for the complexity and opulence this one provides at the price point.

I need to wear this more....and at this rate pick up another bottle. If you find Chanel no5 challenging for a number of reasons, give First a try. Definitely special enough for a big event or signature. I reach for it when I need the extra support, gravitas and pulled together feeling. I can handle anything wearing First.

Edit: Its become my signature. Converted a heavy oriental lover. It is a First ;)

A strong aldehydic, old-fashioned, classic scent.
Not my type fragrance for sure, as it is too strong. I'm not very used to old-fashioned scents, but I have noticed, that they are either deep and warm, which I like or bitter and cloying scents, which is not nice.
This one falls into bitter category, especially at the beginning, when it was unbelievably bitter and dark smelling. I know, it's because of aldehydes and floral notes, but this is too much even for old-fashioned scent.
I think this scent is not easy to put on, it's not nice at all at the beginning. It gets better after some time, but I can't imagine an occasion for wearing it. A mature scent, suitable for more mature audiences.

A fresh, woody multi-floral bouquet that simply puts me in a good mood. Could it be my love of daffodils that I do smell here. There's a fragrant daffodil actually named Cheerful....such a harbinger of Spring and all that it promises. Flawless Sunshine that sends sparkles into what's left of the snow pack, emerging green meadows, a picnic with some "Bubbly".
Similar, in feel, to the original Ombre Rose and original Ivoire De Balmain. I had a love/hate relationship with the latter due to the animalic asafotida, which for me marred it's freshness.
This has all the class of Chanel 5 and 22, and has made it to my top shelf with the Guerlains and Lutens.
The EDP version is preferred as it hangs on a little longer to it's effervescence and spark. The EDT is also very nice but dries down to it's vanilla amber phase sooner.
More suited for a mature confident individual whose generation was aldehydes, yet an ingenue who possesses class and sophistication could pull it off.

I agree with Mojtabaa ... I wear it since 1992 beacause I found it unisex or at list I feel cozy and secure with it ... First is warm and resinous at the same time is a little green, light and clear ... Only for Fall and Winter evening and nights ... It s a posime as a licqueur or spicy brandy... Amazing fragance ... iconic ... in the Femme de Rochas Coco La Nuit by P.R. style ... female twin of Van Cleef and Prada amber POUR HOMME ... Gorgoeus ...

I agree with Mojtabaa ... I wear it since 1992 beacause I found it unisex or at list I feel cozy and secure with it ... First is warm and resinous at the same time is a little green, light and clear ... Only for Fall and Winter evening and nights ... It s a posime as a licqueur or spicy brandy... Amazing fragance ... iconic ... in the Femme de Rochas Coco La Nuit by P.R. style ... female twin of Van Cleef and Prada amber POUR HOMME ... Gorgoeus ...

Aldehydes usually get stroppy and argue with me. We just don't often get along, despite the fact that aldehydes always remind me of things that are elegant and exclusive. I don't mind them in Lanvin's Arpege, as other notes drown them out. They are not drowned out in First, and yet I adore this perfume. I think the honey and amber soften them, and the civet grounds them, making them more palatable and taking away the headachey feeling I often get with even the nicest aldehydes.
First keeps coming dangerously close to taking over as my signature scent, despite the fact that it smells nothing like my other loves, which are all incense/powder/woody orientals.
First is special, I imagine someone like Catherine Deneuve would wear it. So very elegant.

FIRST LADY OF FRAGRANCE

An enchanting luxurious floral amber fragrance contained in a beautiful glass flacon. Launched in 1976 and created by Jean Claude Ellena for the jewelers Van Cleef & Arpels, First is a perfumed masterpiece. If this is what women smelled like in the 70's, it must have been a fragrant paradise, a ravishment of the senses. This is no Opium. Whereas Opium can wear like a disco dancer on cocaine, First is the elegant, sophisticated First Lady, a princess, a debutante. This is something Jackie Kennedy would have worn. The opening of sparkling aldehydes are similar to Chanel fragrances like No. 22 and No. 5. Then your nose is struck by various warm and sweet notes: fruits like raspberry, peach, and orange. In addition, there's also the sweetness of vanilla at the base. The honey color liquid actually contains warm honey. Ylang-Ylang flower in the heart seems to be the strongest of the floral scents but I could also smell roses, orchids, carnations, hyacinth, narcissus and tuberoses. Very floral, but the fruits don't disappear either. The reformulation is a classier sort of floral fruity with strong aldehydes. The vintage old formula, which I smelled from the bottle owned by a friend, has more woodsy notes. The new EDT which sells a lot has some soft sandalwood and a lot of amber, making the amber the dominant note at the base, although the vanilla is also very much a strong player. Vetiver gives it some depth and aromatic spiciness. Civet was present in the old formula and made it very warm. The new EDT has a chemical imitation of a civet. 25 notes in total create a long lasting fragrance. I can still smell it on me after having worn it all day long and even onto the next morning. Sweet, strong, feminine, classy. Highly recommended and for an affordable price selling on Amazon.com, what are you waiting for?

This is one of those perfumes that I abhor on myself but adore on others. When I spray this on me I smell onions and nasty stuff. However, when my mother uses it on herself it smells so special, elegant and classy!

(This review is for the vintage First EDT.)

I know two beautiful, fun, eastern Slavic women who love this scent, so I had to try it for myself. First EDT is an instant love for me as it reminds me of the sweeter sister of one of my favorite fragrances ever - Lancome Climat!

This fragrance, like others in its class, feels like it has "movement" to it. First EDT is rolling and blustering one moment and calm and still the next - it's a "misty mountain floral". Aldehydes burst forth like warm sunshine and sweet narcisse stands right in the middle of the brightest ray. Lily-of-the-valley and hyacinth give First EDT the distinct green-oily scent that one might find in foothill foliage. Orris is the note of a cool breeze and oakmoss feels forest-like. The drydown is waxy and sweet on me - perhaps from the honey and anamalic notes. I detect the narcisse prominently throughout the duration of First EDT.

Somehow, though it is potent, First EDT feels very "kind" to my nose. Though its projection and longevity assert themselves, it is not one of those overtly sexy fragrances, nor is it solely for a dominating kind of person. First EDT feels like it is for an evolved, confident person who isn't ashamed to get caught in a daydream every once in a while. I definitely can appreciate First EDT and I understand the women I admire who love this fragrance ever so. Beautiful creation.

My first experience with First was when they offered it to me as a present when I was 26 years old. At the time I thought it was a perfume for older women but now in my late 30s I appreciate it a lot more!

I always keep a bottle of First in my perfume collection and I love wearing it when it's cold outside, especially during Christmas.

I cannot describe the scent but it is very very warm and familiar like a warm hug from your mum or favorite aunt. It is also very classy and lasts for hours on your skin and for days on your clothes.

I would say it has a woody, warm, earthy scent, at least on my skin.

I would also say it is similar to Clinique's Elixir only a bit less heavy.

Could anyone please tell me the difference between the EDT version and the EDP one as there is no First EDP on this website?

First was my first french perfume at 19 in 1976 in, I am now 58 and in love with all the big floral frags from 80's and 90's, ysatis, diva, amarige, and now my first is first, just got the edp and it smells cleaner and fresher than when I remember but it is still goregeous! I absolutely love it. It's still amber and floral but fresher to me. It does not smell old at all. Quite a difference from the generic smells these days, that's one reason for the sensory trip down memory lane. This fragrance is so uplifting. I think this one could be a reformulation, but it doesn't matter, even though it seemed in the past to have been a woodier ambery scent.
Its one of the best reforms ever. The others I mentioned earlier from those days, you better get the original! Especially ysatis, that one has got to be vintage or you will be disappointed if you know what the original smells like.
I am really loving this!!!
Get the edp!

Review is for vintage EDT.
Rich, intense ylang-ylang predominantly based fragrance, with aldehydes and yellow flowers. Concentration for EDT is beyond any modern imagination - its massive! Slightly dusty, not sweet, profound and indolic. In my childhood all most elegant women smelled something like that. Who would have thought such happy times would be gone and become a history of vintage fragrances...Surely will be appreciated by amateurs of Climat Lancome, Capucci de Capucci, Carons. I would say - you better get dressed in a smart way to wear this one with pride.

Nothing but powdery musk to burn the nostrils.

I am smelling it on myself during whole day today and the word comes to mind to describe it is feminine. It makes me feel elegant, soft, nurturing and feminine in the best way. This is how I imagine loving mother's hug smells.

I am surprised that this perfume has so little in the description above. I will be looking elsewhere to find out more about this perfume. I have to say, I am also very surprised that this hasn't gotten more publicity as a very classic type of perfume up there with the greats, Chanel no 5, Chanel no 19, Arpege, Quelque Fleurs.... This perfume imo is superbly crafted. It is a true floral, so feminine with a touch of animale to make it interesting. I adore it and if I could always have this little sweetheart on my dresser I will be quite happy :) Heck, if its being compared to Clive Christian and Amouage, you are getting a gorgeous scent with just as much quality and staying power for a great price, I love it anyways :)

I definitely see the similarity to Arpege, but this is a little lighter and less sweet, very pretty flowers in aldehydes sort of fragrance, superbly old fashioned.

Received First in the mail today. Couldn't wait to try it after reading the reviews. First is a combination of Estee Lauder White Linen and Lanvin Arpege. I already have both in my collection and when I mixed the two, I ended up with Fist.
Lesson learned. At least I know now.

Vintage EDP: This is such a beautifully, complex perfume with the bold scent of a powdery bouquet of flowers, oakmoss and civet wrapped in honey, peach and amber. With all of the listed notes you'd think this to be heavier than it is, but I find it to be a fresh and bright scent that exudes femininity and elegance. A true classic!

Aldehydes, live long and prosper.
This is my first bottle of First (Ha!) and it smells classic in that "Big 90's" way, but fits into *now* so well. In the vein of JS #4, Oscar, and Fendi--they do not smell alike, but have a similar "feel" to them as First; big blooming scent. Since this is what I grew up smelling and loving, I am over the moon about it. Wish it lasted a bit longer and so I of course wonder if there is a more concentrated version...
Glad something still exists that smells like this. I am afraid to smell a vintage of it, for fear I will be chasing that dragon forever. My daughter (18) hates the sweet/fruity scents of today and wants my (just obtained) bottle already. New gen know what's up. ;)

Maybe I just don't "get" this perfume. Maybe I am just not a "classy" woman.

I bought a small sample and have smelt it, and worn it, and read so many positive things about it, but I just don't like it. It doesn't strike me as anything interesting or particularly good to smell. And it isn't long lasting or great in the sillage department either.

It smells like aldehydes. Faintly, very faintly to me, of anything else. Maybe a little white floral or powder. Mainly smells like old lady soap.

One of my first perfumes... Simply love it!

First is a graceful, classy, aldehyde forward beauty. If you wanted to love L'air du Temps, but couldn't handle the initial carnation bomb, this may work better for you. The aldehydes do linger longer in First, though, and the dry down is not as creamy as in LdT.

I love this. It's just clean enough for office wear, but complex enough to be fascinating for anyone who spends time with it. I do recommend applying sparingly at first, as this may have more sillage than expected- it expands during the dry down.

First, on my skin, presents a lovely, beautifully blended accord of non-sweet flowers, slightly oily, and richly subtle. the civet is there, but very very demure. This feels like the day when you decide to wear your favorite pencil skirt with heels instead of flats, a silk blouse, and to spend a little more time on your hair and make up. And maybe, you think, I'll add my diamond studs for a little sparkle.

First is not stiff, or formal, but not girly, either. It feels like putting one's best foot forward in a polished, casually elegant way. That little bit of extra lift that will brighten your day and lend you confidence when the pressure is on.

However, based on the reviews below, you should probably test before you buy! (EDT)

EDIT: I love this in winter, but have tried it twice this summer, and almost suffocated myself in aldehydes (1 spray), and the dry down was non-existent. I strongly recommend saving this for cool weather!

This falls in the category of Arpege, Estee, Youth Dew, Paloma Picasso, and Aromatics Elixir. It isn't for everyone, especially the fainthearted, sweet little girl types. It's complexity is stunning, its sillage dramatic, and if you're in elegant mode, this is The One. It whispers W-O-M-A-N if it's applied sparingly but will scream TRAILER TRASH if you OD. Spectacular if used subtly, and carefully classy. Or brash, noisey, and tasteless. Use with a verrrry light hand.

Love ths and don't care who knows it! It is a classic and the word that lingers in my mind as I sniff? Elegant! Very Elegant.....definitely in the same class as Chanel no. 5! And the longevity and sillage is second to none....

Wear this with a black dress and pearls and you are ready for breakfast at Tiffany's!

Floral aldehydes are not my sort of fragrance, but I felt that I should have at least one in my collection, so I purchased a small bottle of First. It's a Jean-Claude Ellena creation, which was the main reason I chose it. I don't love it, but I do like it. It has a very 'old Hollywood' sort of elegance and sophistication, and has tremendous longevity. I won't be wearing it often, but most definitely will be wearing it!

I hated this scent. It smelled like Dial bar soap (which I actually like) mixed with some other awful note. I can't discern them yet, but there was definitely something in there that I did not like at all.

Maybe it will smell better on someone else. For me, it's a big no-no.

At first I didn't really enjoy this perfume.
For me the aldehydes note and civet note are too strong.

I mainly keep this perfume in my collection, but hardly apply it.

But recently I begin to like VC&A First, for I start to think that when aldehydes and civet were combined together, it really sends out a sexy (though elegant and graceful at the same time) feminine message.

And what I think the most interesting part is, since aldehydes and civet are two notes that last much longer, if you apply other fragrances, the new scent will combine with aldehydes and civet notes from VC&A First.
From my experiences, those perfumes have tuberose, rose, sandalwood, violet notes go very well with VC&A First.
(Here's the trick, do not apply more than 3 perfumes at the same time. Say, you can wear First on Monday, then wear another one that has rose notes the next day, and the third one with violet notes on Wednesday. And this can only be done if you apply the juice on your scarf, sweaters or coats)


Oh, and I must say that I'm very surprised that the nose behind First is Jean-Claude Ellena. It seems that he's been in the world of minimalism for such a long time, .....well, people change when time goes by, I guess.


Update:
The one I tested first was a 1993 version. Yesterday I went to a department store and tested the latest version (the version with the white cap). I do think they are different in the middle and base notes...and clearly the 1993 version has far better longevity (considering it lingers on my coat for almost 4 days...)

Exquisite. One of the classics of 20th century perfumery in my opinion.

Yes it is aldehydic, so if you don't like aldeydes this might not be for you. But to me they are not overpowering, but just part of the beautifully-balanced composition.

I prefer this to No. 5 because it's more original and less common I think, and also because there's a slight spicyness to No. 5 in EdT at least that I don't especially like and that's missing here.

Also I understand the comparisons to Arpege. First has one major advantage over vintage Arpege though - it doesn't go off. All the vintage bottles of Arpege I've tried so far have been spoiled, which is heart-breaking - but I'm now on my third vintage First EdT and it's just as good as ever.

My feeling when I put on these kinds of scent is that I have to live up to them somehow - stand up taller, present myself well, do the fragrance credit. And in general that translates to me feeling good about myself and how the world perceives me. What not to like?

All comments refer to vintage formulations.

Aldehydes to powder with flowers in-between. There is just enough animal to give this lady an edge. Gorgeous. A true masterpiece that gives so much for so little.

exactly the smell of the SPA and bath products in palace hotel, very herbal essence and green.

I almost don't want to describe how this smells on me, because it's going to sound bad. After the somewhat obnoxious opening dies down, I smell raspberry, carnation, aldehydes and civet. But it's gorgeous! Spicy and animalic, but somehow still clean. Later, I get a hint of orris root.

The first time I tried this, I couldn't get past the opening notes, and thought I hated it. The opening is very fruity on me, and I don't wear fruity fragrances well. It doesn't smell like Parfum d'Hermes at all, but it reminds me of that perfume in the way that the loud top notes seem out of sync with the rest of it, which is rather subdued.

I decided to give it another try, and I liked it better once I knew the fruitiness would pass. It's cool and rainy today, and this scent seems to suit the weather very well.

I have a bottle of EDT that dates from the late nineties, and I don't have any issues with the longevity. The first time I wore it, I sprayed it on in the afternoon and could still smell a hint of it the next morning. First does smell like something I would wear, but I like how the raspberry gives it a different feel from most of my other perfumes. I think this one will probably make it into regular rotation.

certainly first is a masterpiece.

Van Cleef & Arpel First, is a bright floral aldehyde with a powdery feel to it. An evergreen classic that exudes refinement, charm and seduction. Indeed, this is a liquid beauty for everyone to adore.

The first time I tried this I immediately recognized this as familiar; I've smelled this on many a sweet lady over the years, and I do understand why.

The opening of this is right at the upper limit of my tolerance for soapiness. But after a few minutes I start to smell hints of oakmoss and a slightly spicy floral that I can't name, which help to mitigate the aldehydes. I possibly detect a hint of narcissus, but I do wish it were stronger.

Once the civet kicks in this really starts to smell friendly and warm to me. It still smells like a scent for a sophisticate, though, maybe due to the oakmoss running through it. As a sweet oriental lover, I'm surprised at myself, but I like it.

And this is my signature for winter. Definitely the classiest perfume EVER made (next to Chanel No5). It smells like vintage, elegant lady, a little vamp maybe. Fell in love with it the first time I smelled it. I was in Lisbon in some small perfume boutique in the city center when I saw a small tester bottle. So I bought that one and when I went out from the store I put this on me. In the next moment I knew this will be my signature perfume and got to have the big bottle!

Unique fact from this beautiful fragrance is, some of my colleagues think it is a men's perfume...maybe because of the aldehyde note. But it makes me think that certain guys can also wear it easily. I like this perfume, and I think First and Arpege are at the same league, which can be a unisex classic.