When I realised recently one of my favourite fragrances, Lalique Encre Noire EDT, marks its 20th year in production, I had to do something to celebrate this remarkable achievement. But how?
LALIQUE ENCRE NOIRE EDT: SO MUCH TO SAY…
I could say it’s the definition of a modern classic. But that’s obvious.
Or that it’s gone onto become a reference vetiver fragrance, along with Guerlain Vetiver EDT, Tom Ford Grey Vetiver EDP, Chanel Sycomore EDP and Carven Vetiver EDT.
Then there’s its huge crossover appeal in terms of male / female and designer / niche binaries.
And let’s not forget: it still offers unbeatable value at a time when fragrances have become ridiculously expensive.
Or that even with the success of the OG, it hasn’t been flankered to death. In fact, its flankers – Lalique Encre Noire Sport EDT (2013), Lalique Encre Noire A L’Extreme EDP (2015) and Lalique Encre Indigo EDP (2023) – have maintained and built on the quality of the OG with distinctive variations on the vetiver theme.
I could be clever and go into detail on the materials in the composition. How apart from Haiti vetiver and Bourbon vetiver, it also includes the hemi-synthetic (or semi-synthetic) Vetiveryl Acetate and the synthetic Cashmeran.
Or that the instantly recognisable bottle was inspired by the “Biches” inkwell designed by René Lalique in 1913, according to the Lalique website.
Oh, and its creator, master perfumer Nathalie Lorson, seems to have explored a similar inky theme in L’Artisan Parfumeur L’Amant EDP (2026). But I haven’t tried it yet, so what would I know…
How about mentioning it was one of the first fragrances I featured on my blog?
Yes, I could do all of that. Which I just have. Or I could just wear it. A lot. To feel its contrasts of freshness and darkness, earthiness and elegance. Can’t think of a better way to celebrate Lalique Encre Noire EDT, in fact.
Happy 20th Encre Noire! I apologize, Richard, but I’ve never been able to fully appreciate this fragrance. I own it and occasionally revisit it, but I can’t say I love it. It’s a nice tribute, though.
Thank you, dear Flaconneur! That’s okay, no need to apologise. 😊
A fitting tribute to a classic fragrance, Rich. Great shots! For some reason I don’t own the original or any of the variations. But, I do have samples of them all. To mark the occasion, I’ll spray my decant of the original in celebration.
Big thanks, dear Daniel! Hope that OG sample spray brought you much joy too!
Greetings Richard, most intrigued by this fragrance… Andre
Greetings, dear Andre. The feeling of intrigue will continue when you smell it…
I bought this a few years ago because it was recommended and didn’t love it, but it was surprisingly good when I couldn’t smell fully as the grapefruit and vetiver really stood out. I do like the inkwell bottle!
The inkwell bottle inspiration is great! If I may ask, did you keep it when you edited your collection?
I’ll admit I interrogated it a little bit, but yes, I kept it.