Guy Laroche, Fidji, 60 ml. or 2 oz. flacon, Eau de Toilette, 1969, 1980, Paris, France ..

Guy Laroche lived from 1921 to 1989, and was an iconic French fashion designer who founded his eponymous haute couture house in Paris in 1957. He was known for a "comfortable, understated elegance". Laroche helped liberate women from the restrictive styles of the era, later creating legendary, globally recognised fragrances like Fidji and Drakkar Noir.

Laroche was born in La Rochelle to a Tunisian Jewish family, and began his career in millinery. From 1949, Laroche worked for Jean Dessès, eventually becoming his assistant. In 1955, he visited the US to investigate new ready-to-wear manufacturing methods. In 1956 or 1957, he founded a high-fashion atelier at 37 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt, Paris.

His first collection was favorably received, and within it he reintroduced vibrant colors such as pink, orange, coral, topaz, and turquoise. His clothes also featured plunging neck and back lines. Traditional elegant color combinations remained a staple in his designs as well. He cited Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga, Jacques Fath and Pierre Balmain as his main influences.

Known as being humble and gracious .. as opposed to the aloof nature of most Parisian designers .. he designed haute-couture, but practical clothing for women. For the American market, he was one of the first to create separates.

In 1961, he moved to larger quarters in a townhouse at 29 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, opened a boutique there, and introduced his first ready-to-wear collection. In 1966, Laroche launched men's ready-to-wear, and opened the Guy Laroche Monsieur boutique.

Guy Laroche Fidji is a legendary, timeless green-floral fragrance which was launched in 1966, and which was inspired by the sunny Fiji Islands in the South Pacific. It is celebrated for its airy, powdery aroma, blending fresh citruses with a rich bouquet of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and warm, woody spices.

Top Notes are Galbanum, Hyacinth, Iris, Bergamot, and Lemon
Heart Notes are Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Violet, and a hint of Clove
Base Notes are Sandalwood, Patchouli, Amber, Musk, and Vetiver

Fidji is a very classic, ultra-feminine, and slightly "soapy" scent. It opens with a crisp, green, and breezy feel before transitioning into a warm, spicy-floral heart and drying down into an earthy, woody base. Because of its fresh yet complex nature, it is highly versatile and can be worn year-round, though it carries a beautifully uplifting, "exotic island" quality.

Offered here is sweet bottle of the lovely Fidji in the Eau de Toilette format in a two ounce size. It comes in its original presentation box ..