The House of Givenchy was founded in 1952 by legendary French designer Hubert de Givenchy, who revolutionized post-war fashion with affordable chic separates and timeless elegance. Cristóbal Balenciaga: was Givenchy's mentor and idol. Balenciaga deeply influenced his clean, architectural approach to design.
Hubert de Givenchy opened his own fashion house in Paris at age 25. His first 1952 collection introduced chic, mix-and-match separates made from affordable cotton fabrics rather than heavy couture materials .. they were known as Les Séparables.
In 1953, Givenchy began his iconic partnership and lifelong friendship with actress Audrey Hepburn, designing her wardrobes for films like Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany's. The house launched its first perfume, L'Interdit, in 1957, inspired by Audrey Hepburn. The 1950s version was a classic floral aldehyde featuring notes of rose, jasmine, violet, and a woody-grassy heart.
When Givenchy later decided to release the perfume to the public in 1957, Hepburn playfully protested and replied, "Je vous l'interdis!" .. "I forbid you!". This inspired the name L'Interdit,.
The first iteration of Givenchy L'Interdit, created in 1957 by master perfumer Francis Fabron, was a classic Floral Aldehyde fragrance. Far different from the modern 2018 white floral version, the original formulation featured a delicate, powdery, and elegant profile broken down into the following traditional olfactory pyramid:
Top notes are Aldehydes, Strawberry, Peach, Spices, Bergamot, and Mandarin Orange
Heart notes are Orris Root, Violet, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Narcissus, and Lily of the Valley
Base notes are Sandalwood, Amber, Benzoin, Tonka Bean, Vetiver, and Musk
L'Interdit is French for “The Forbidden”, although commercially released in 1957, it had been created by Francis Fabron some years before in 1954. Its creation was commissioned by Hubert de Givenchy, and it was meant to be a bespoke fragrance for the great couturier's muse and friend, Audrey Hepburn.
The vibrant red box with gold lettering is the definitive hallmark of the coveted 1960s to late 1970s vintage formulations of L'Interdit Pure Parfum and Extrait. During that era, Givenchy frequently housed their high-concentration extraits in a stunning moire-silk patterned red box.
Offered here is a vintage release of the beautiful L'Interdit Eau de Toilette. Never opened or used, it comes in its original presentation box.
Absolutely gorgeous ..
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 4 - 7 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
Returns & exchanges accepted within 30 days
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Request a cancellation within: 2 days of purchase
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Items on sale
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Questions about your order?
Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.