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However, that’s not the only perfume the Hollywood star is rumoured to adore. Erin Parsons, a Youtuber, vintage beauty collector and celebrity makeup artist to the likes of Bella Hadid and Karlie Kloss, did some digging in a deep dive video and found that the Some Like It Hot actress frequently wore Arpège by Lanvin.
By examining old receipts, interviews from the 1950s and even looking through pictures of Marilyn’s vanity, it’s clear that Marilyn and the fragrance were at least around each other. What’s more, it’s still available to purchase online.
A 100ml bottle of Arpège typically retails for £80 but shoppers can pick it up for £77.50 at Fragrance Direct. Described as a ‘floral aldehyde’, the perfume was first launched almost 100 years ago in 1927.
The bottle design has changed since Marilyn will have worn the scent. There was also a reformulation in 1993 however those who have worn it prior ton 1993 and remain wearing it to this day insist it is ‘just as they remembered’. Those who have gotten their hands on small vintage samples claim to see differences but it’s important to note that perfume, like wine, changes as it ages.
This scent has an impressive number of notes that blend together to create something quite elegant. It opens up with aldehydes, which give a soapy clean scent, alongside lily-of-the-valley, peach, honeysuckle, neroli and bergamot.
Its heart is much more floral with jasmine, ylang-ylang, Lily-of-the-valley, iris, coriander, rose, lily, geranium and camellia. The base notes are numerous but quite traditional with sandalwood, amber, vetiver, musk, benzoin, vanilla and patchouli.
It’s only brought in 14 reviews on Fragrance Direct but has an average rating of 4.64 on the site. One shopper wrote: “I’ve been wearing this perfume for over 40 years, still my favourite. Beautiful light scent which last for several hours, not too sweet just the right mix.”
A second penned: “This Arpege is just as I remembered from 50 years ago. Brilliant.” A third wrote: “I’ve used this perfume over the years and everyone comments on it. However, it is not easy to get hold of so very pleased to get by post and at such a good price.”
A fourth added: “If you love floral aldehyde like Chanel No. 5 you are going to love it. I love the delicate floral dry down on this one as opposed to No 5. However the opening is a lot similar and screechy like Chanel’s. You just have to give it time to settle as it turns into a beautiful soapy creamy floral and lasts until you wash your clothes/body off. Very happy with the purchase.”
Arpège is often compared to Chanel No. 5 – which is no surprise since its fanbase seems to adore both scents. The perfumes do both have a lot of overlapping notes, with the suggestion they’re in the same perfume ‘family’ being quite well grounded. Chanel No. 5 did come to the market first but those who have tried both have commented on insist that there’s a similarity between the two.
On Fragrantica one buff said: “I can’t comment on the notes, [Arpège] is so well blended but I would say it is a finer Chanel 5, more vibrant, lively, with a sharper intro. I love it.”
A second wrote: “Being a No5 lover as well, I think they are actually quite different. They are like sisters that you can’t tell are related when you look at them and have different personalities, but Aldehydes is the shared family blood that ties them together. Lady Arpege says, I’m soapy, floral with lots of honeysuckle, while little Miss No5 says, I’m bright, sparkling with lots of neroli and ylang.”
A third added: “I agree with everyone who says N°5 and Arpege are in the same family but definitely not the same. I find N°5 to be more powdery than soapy, specially when it dries down, whereas Arpege retains its sparkly soapiness. I definitely get more florals out of Arpege as well.
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