First

the aldehydes are singing my nostril hairs

One of Princess Diana's perfumes. The most evocative, for me, of her majestic and wonderful beauty 💎. A magnificent, (floral-aldehydic fragrance where the fresh, yellow, and green note of narcissus prevails, along with hyacinth, which I can strongly smell, also), and a splendid bottle. Simply unique, just like Princess Di 💖.

What a pleasant surprise! The perfume is a treat for aldehydes lovers but I was more tickled to find that First was created by Jean Claude Ellena. Why you may ask? Because Ellena's creation has a minimalist approach. Very light and watery like water colors. But to that there are precious exceptions in the form of Bel Ami Vetiver, Rumba and First. Even perhaps Kelly Caleche which paint a more solid picture. While wearing First at first I was swept away by a whole wave of aldehydes but as time went the rich florals became more and more noticeable. And then after a couple of hours when those floral notes refused to budge I straight came here to find this page on our much beloved app to learn that it has a very prominent note of narcissus which instantly reminded me of another of Ellena's purported work : Eau de Narcisse bleu. May be discontinued by Hermes but available at a discounters I have been contemplating to blind buy and add to my collection when I found First at a reasonable price. First I imagine is way more potent than Eau de Narcisse Bleu because I have not worn the latter. I am so glad about buying First.

Nothing like an austere, aldehyde-centered '70s floral to combat the sweltering summer temps. First is among my first choices when the air feels like sodden gym socks. Crisp, complex, and bracing! The narcissus note is what keeps me coming back. So fresh, so green.

this perfume manifests itself initially with its broad array of separate notes. First by Van Cleef & Arpels 1976 Jean-Claude Ellena I have in a Luxe Goldtoned Vaporisateur of 3oz90mL Edp. when spritzed on three Pulsepoints I just wait until the alcohol is evaporated. I have good reason to assume this perfume is either still from the 1980s or elsewise, from the 1990s. it is in good quality. the separate notes are at first the Aldehydes, the Fruits (of which I am lately so surprised to actually being able to smell them!) Bergamot, Peach, Black Currant, Mandarin Orange and Raspberry, I would say especially the Peach and Citruses while the Raspberry and Black Currant add to the Juicy and Aldehydic Opening. this was Jean-Claude Ellena early on in his Career. I was never a fan of his barely-there minimalist creations (Hermèssences nor Hermès's Jardins) while here he apparently did embrace a more Flamboyant, Affluent and Maximalist style. then the Flowers come in and neither gives way to another: Narcissus, Hiacynth, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Carnation, YlangYlang, Orris Root, Tuberose, Turkish Rose and Orchid. immediately the very distinguishable DNA of First starts to form lending all these still superbly individualistic Notes a Sophistication and Demure (Ellena !) approach. this is a very Classy and Distinctive Perfume. still in the fase of distinguishability the separate basenotes build a duvet for the Initial Notes to land: Civet, Oakmoss, Honey, Amber, Musk, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Tonka Bean and Vanilla. I would say Oakmoss, Civet, Honey, the Woods, Turkish Roses, Carnations, Jasmine, Narcissus and Orris Root then send forward a rich, Powdered Affaire throughout the Perfume. the Top Notes were there to lure anyone in, as it is inescapable. then after a while the perfume seems more blended and is morphing into an Exquise and Wonderfully Elegant perfume, never to diminish her well-heeled foot on the floor. this is a Classic Perfume of Refinement and Beauty. any woman (man) wearing this, will stand out.

Purchased a 1980's decant from Vintage Decants (I'm a huge fan now because it's brought my spending habits down quite a bit) and I was SO excited to try First. It is compared with Arpege (my all time fave) and Chanel No. 5 so I thought it would be an instant love. A few sprays and I cringe. Many reviewers here say it dries down to be much prettier. These aldehydes are scaring me now. I thought I liked them. 20 minutes later it's sitting better on my skin, but where is that Van Cleef & Arpels luxury vibe? Or maybe that's what this is supposed to be? This lady is STIFF, hair in a tight ballet bun and wearing a shirt dress buttoned all the way up. I love fragrances from all decades and try as a may, I just can't enjoy First. As always I asked my husband for his review and he immediately said "Ooh...so clean! But it is not sexy whatsoever. 3 out of 5 stars."

well, what is here NOT to love ... this perfume is at once iconic in the first whiff. and I remember having it already then. I also once had the perfume of which I can clearly remember the scent but not the Vaporisateur. the perfume I had taken with me to a funeral not, as last, when my sweet friend Bertha had died (nov., 5th, 2024) wearing Montales Crazy In Love. no the parfum FIRST of van Cleef & Arpels seemed piously at place, radiating an Ultrasophisticated and Demurely Flowery perfume around me. just with that Lily opulence reminescing to Death and Mourning. (Jasmine and Ylang) now I have a Luxe Vaporisateur for 3oz90mL Edp with Chic Goldtone Pillar of Elegance. NOT for small handbags and even if I am a gay male, I would never carry a handbag. I remember having sensed the 'First' Perfume in the 1980s and she was nowhere out of place. bc I can have written 'a Demurely Flowery' Appearance, it must be the Jean-Claude Ellena touch of not too extravagant radiance nor sillage. and yet it has that too but the perfume manages to keep into its own Aldehydic, Hesperidic, Floral Presence without the Camp, Drama and Hysterics of Giorgio, Obsession and Poison. the Perfume does have drama which it seems to carry innately and precariously within itself as to somehow keep within the relative house of certain Conventions. which makes this perfume comparable to the grande Dame No5. the Crispness and Sophistication and Allure make out the specificity of this perfume. I must think the most at Oscar de la Renta's Oscar of which I also had the perfume. there are definitely similarities. the abundance of flowers is what defines these perfumes. still the grounding effect of Oakmoss, Musk, Civet, Honey, Sandelwood, Amber, Tonka and Vanilla. (and Vetiver.) there are no quirks or something tilted or awkward here. it is a well-blended harmonious version of Concentrated Nature in a Jardin Clôs or an Empty Quarter of the Jardins des Versailles. somehow these Haute Joailleriers always make the best perfumes. this of course is a Classic, Iconic, Haute Parfum to walk by the Windows in the Place Vendôme, Rue de Rivoli and the Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. (and Rue Montaigne.) this perfume Assures you as much as you give it Présence. the Mystique of perfume works in fine rivulets as well as in Aplomb deliveries. yet 'First' stays characteristic in its famed Crispness, Insane Demureness and Paradoxical features. plus, the drydown proves to be much more dirty than I had expected and it is here, that the Civet appears with Pissy Tones and Furry Growls. the Aldehydes keep dancing throughout the entire wear and the flowers show a certain wiltedness, all, factors I can only dream of, or, and, wear again with this perfume.

Shop My Drawers/Declutter Project #3: First Goes on all powerful adelhydes and civet, not a single hint of honey or sweetness. It smells like heavy silk satin feels. It's been changing through the day. Well blended florals are emerging and coming and going, but the velvet of adelhydes and carnation is most present to me, and winding through it the civet always. I'm worried I over sprayed, because it projects beautifully, know this kind of thing is divisive and the antithesis of 21st century gourmands, but honestly it's just so beautiful. Verdict: KEEP ALWAYS. Can't believe I considered anything else for a moment.

yikes!!! aldehyde-overload… and I like Chanel EdP lol. But First is next-level on it

First is a beautiful, timeless, age irrelevant floral fragrance, youthful but sophisticated, understated but classy. Do not overspray and leave a good amount of time for the fragrance to develop on your own skin. In my opinion this is nothing like Chanel No 5. I always feel No 5 is a cold fragrance. First is warm & cuddly. Perfect to wear all year round. Notes are listed above. Expensive but you can grab a bargain on many online forums. Vintage almost/new is best. I own the gold canister that holds the vintage edt absolutely divine. Do not be put off by the "old lady" reference or opinions. My daughter is 22 and loves this fragrance. Yes it's not a syrupy, fruitchouly! First is a real love ❤️ and true love ❤️ lasts forever, a perfect wedding day choice if you don't want to smell like a thousands brides who will all be wearing Coco Mademoiselle, La vie est belle or another Contemporary mass produced concoction! Be individual! Highly recommended 🙏 .... note: a favourite fragrance of HRH Princess Diana ❤️🙏

This is pure elegance.

This is a very complex, grown up, and sophisticated floral fragrance. Something in this fragrance reminds me of the vintage Fleurs de Rochaille (Caron), but with heavier florals. The aldehyde opening is lovely, but I don’t smell the fruit notes listed above. I don’t think it has that much in common with Chanel No. 5, at least not like Guerlain’s Liu, but I can see how some could find some similarities.

On my skin, it really brings out the yellow florals, along with the civet and vetiver, the vetiver, in particular, comes through quite strongly. At the beginning, it leans more toward white florals. I don’t think it’s ideal for the Brazilian daytime, but during autumn and cooler weather, it feels absolutely stunning on the skin. It’s a warm fragrance, perfect for women who aren’t afraid to stand out, but it is not too much. It’s deeply sensual and full of personality.

An imitation of Chanel no5 edp. She’s lovely but she’s not HER. Less striking, less refined, less original , less depth, less presence. But beautiful, pretty, feminine… lovely….

A bombastic, aldehydic beauty! Give me Aldehydes, I must have more and more Aldehydes!!! The End!

Sophisticated, elegant, timeless. Strong opening that gives way to a gentle, powdery, comforting glow.

The opening of First springs forth as a cool, aldehydic floral, with a light, watery green wash, ...that greenness is mostly due to a moderate dose of black currant. First strikes a familiar chord with me, though I can't declare it a twin of anything definite. The "reminds of" section lists a number of famously floral scents, so it must seem similar to many popular classics. First's florality is certainly complex. No single flower steals the show. Yes, there is enough civet in this to tingle that nerve, but for the most part it stays subliminally polite, Indeed, the oakmosss, musk, amber, etc. are also quite noticeable, supplying First with a grandly complex base in the classic style. The vaguely suggestive, looped bottle makes for an attractive vanity ornament. Perhaps the design is meant to read as a golden hoop earring, though that isn't a particularly stereotypical jewelry motif for Van Cleef & Arpels.

I'm unsure what some reviewers are smelling or claiming to smell, soap, granny etc. First was the scent of a hot date, worn by beautiful women who commanded the room and made everyone look. Here ends the lesson

I'm a Junior in high school and wore this fragrance today. I believe you can wear anything as long as you like it. I'm drawn to this grandma perfume, especially since Princess Diana wore it.

Floral, green aldehyde with elegance beyond words. I will never not love First. My grandfather used to gift it to my grandmother, which made me more curious to test it and later get a bottle for myself. Certainly a timeless beauty.

Most people would argue that all aldehydes are the same. And yet each one is different enough to warrant owning them all if you like the genre. I adore it. You have the classic (but not necessarily the best); N°5 with its soapy and powdery candle wax snuff. You have Rive Gauche; the power suit of the 70’s that looks just as good in a jumpsuit or a fancy attire. Calèche and its discreet leather background riding into the woods. Arpège and its coming of age innocence. Calandre, sipping a vermouth and lying on a shag carpet. Infini; the bohemian neighbor above Calandre. And so many many more… And then you have First! A beauty from JCE, molded after the cues of its time and a fancy for big and bold. More than aldehydic, I’d say it’s a floral chypre with aldehydes. What makes First different to me it’s just this. Take the sparkle, the waxy and shimmering aldehydes you know (and love if you’re like me) but wrap them around gorgeous and languid florals, sprinkle them with a dash of fruit, and push them onto a vat of moss, honey and animalic notes. And let them explode! First evolves into a beautifully sparkling and living creation. The aldehydes pop and shimmer, but they give way to a heady bouquet of ripe white flowers with a magnificent jasmine, powdery iris and hyacinth, while the animalic and chypre background transforms it into a chypre. Woody at times, greener and sweeter sometimes, always alive and full animal, it differs from the above classics because it ends up in a different outcome than what you’d expect. It becomes timeless and hard to pinpoint to a certain time and age. The only thing that betrays its age is the fact that it has what’s missing from most current and modern creations; beauty, elegance and panache. Current First is still very good and very affordable. I had a bottle which I drained but this review is based on a 240ml splash from around 1975/1978. And it packs a major punch! Stunning!!!

Prices of this have exploded. I don't know if it's a rumor that it's been discontinued or not. Really unfortunate that such a good staple has become fodder for vultures.

I just got a tiny mini dabber bottle. Initially this did smell a bit dated to my nose, but soon after it started to develop into a gorgeous timeless elegant fragrance. This is a classic! It’s one of those fragrances of a mature, confident stylish woman. The aldehydes remind me of No 5 a bit although they don’t smell entirely alike. They’re like two glamorous girlfriends, perfectly coiffed with different personalities out on the town draped in their finest outfits carrying armloads of shopping bags from high end boutiques! It’s beautiful!

I was a sixteen when I first sniffed First at a department store. It smelled of mink coats, coiffed hair and red lipstick. It remained in my mind as the epitome of glamour and femininity. It remained in my mind as the definition of "perfume" and it is the one that 'set the bar'. I never grow tired of it. I can only say that of a tiny handful of fragrances. I can go weeks, months, years even, without wearing it yet, the moment I smell it, I fall in love all over again. It is timeless. You can dress up or dress down and it never fails to lift my spirits surrounding me in a sense of wellbeing. Aldehydic, indolic chypre. The quintessential strong femme soignée vibe.

First is a traditional aldehydic floral like Arpege; in fact I doubt I could tell the two apart from memory. That means it smells formal, expensive, and old-fashioned, and it’s seamless; apart from the heavy aldehydes I mostly don’t get individual notes, though I can feel the hissy texture of the civet and occasionally a barely-there flash of peach or blackcurrant peeks out, or an almost-invisible touch of tuberose. Perfumes like First (or Arpege or Chanel No. 5) are about radiance and polish, not personality, and I don’t usually feel right in them. A traditional aldehydic floral is *so* dressy that I feel like it’s overkill, like I don’t have the starched demeanor to pull it off. I like aldehydes fine, but I think I need the balance of the fragrance to be pulled a little off-center (like Amouage Gold with its big damn Moroccan rose and civet) to give it more swagger and muss its hair a little, and give it the more legible, angular structure that feels modern. Madonna or Lady Gaga can do “classic glamour” if it’s flamboyant and eccentric, like Gold or Fracas; they couldn’t pull off a classical ladylike aldehydic floral like First. A perfume blogger once said First reminded her of Hillary Clinton, and that resonates for me; it’s got that focus-grouped-to-a-hair perfectionism. (First has a similar aesthetic to Chanel No. 5, but the latter is instantly distinguishable because it has so much of the heavy golden sweetness of ylang-ylang, whereas First doesn’t. According to its creator Jean-Claude Ellena, First is “about” jasmine.)

Undeniably dated but hey, this is princess dianas. Its honestly a pleasant, sunny, yellow floral that would be radiant on a sunny spring/summer day.

My grandma gave me a small bottle of this that was hers during the 80’s. It smells a bit sour as it is 40 years old. It’s VERY strong. Literally the smallest drop stays for hours and it’s so strong. I washed my arm to get the smell off and it would not budge. I don’t even know if this perfume gets made anymore with the same smell the original has. If you ever find an original, BUY IT!! As much as I don’t like the smell on myself, it really is such an amazing smell.

To me, this is timeless. Beautiful spring time feeling that can be worn year round. Mostly late March narcissus. Very yellow and dry almost like good champagne. My bottle is edt from the late 80s early 90s.

The ONLY aldehydes I can tolerate, and in fact, I like. No, I don't really like N5, Paloma Picasso or others of the range, they do smell too much like granny to me, sorry not sorry. But First, although it might also smell somewhat old fashioned, has aldehydes just done right 👍🏻 Not overpowering, not in your face, not dominating the whole thing but ACCENTUATING the other ingredients, "just like lemon accentuates the taste of strawberry" they say. The aldehydes here make everything juicier and a little bit acidic and almost mouth watering. A very classy but still fresh and natural scent, I imagine Maria Callas wearing it, to me it should've been called "Diva".

This is truly a masterpiece of Ellena! I own this in a vintage EDT from the 90s and a Parfum from the beginning of the 80s. The vintage pure parfum has a thick and very dark juice. Even application of a miniscule amount results in a very strong and long-lasting fragrance that is very unlike today's watered-down creatures. In this masterpiece the notes are seamlessly transforming into a very elegant dry-down. Due to the fragrance's intensity, I believe it is more suited for cooler weather and definitely nighttime only in warmer summer nights. I have also managed to obtain an EDT from the 90s. It is truly divine! Much higher concentrated than today's EDPs or even extracts (pure perfume). In this form First is more versatile and suitable for wearing for any occasion! Pure love! What I truly appreciate is First's immense complexity, depth and masterminded creation. Sadly, newer perfumes do not resemble this in the slightest. Highly recommend getting hold of a vintage bottle to time travel and enjoy another true masterpiece of Jean-Claude Ellena of this Floral Aldehyde fragrance from1976! One thought, it was only the Parfum and the EDT that were launched in 1976. The EDP came much later, and it has some alterations compared to the Parfum and the EDT.