Soir De Paris

Soir de Paris by Bourjois

Originally created in 1928 by legendary perfumer Ernest Beaux (the nose behind Chanel No. 5, Chanel No. 22, and Chanel Bois des Iles), Soir de Paris (Evening in Paris) became one of the most famous perfumes of the 20th century. Marketed as “the most famous perfume in the world” and “the fragrance more women wear than any other,” its iconic cobalt blue bottle became globally recognizable, especially after WWII when American soldiers brought bottles home from Europe to their wives and girlfriends.

The original was discontinued in 1969. In 1992, Bourjois commissioned Chanel master perfumers Jacques Polge and Francois Demachy to reorchestrate the fragrance for modern audiences. The 1992 reformulation has been available periodically, though both vintage 1928 and 1992 reformulation bottles are now collector items trading at premium prices.

Our interpretation references the iconic Ernest Beaux composition as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum, made in the EU.

Bottle size: 50ml · Concentration: Eau de Parfum (up to 40% perfume oil) · Made in EU

The Ernest Beaux Legacy

Ernest Beaux is one of the most legendary perfumers in fragrance history, best known for creating Chanel No. 5 in 1921 and several other Chanel classics. For Bourjois (which was owned by the Wertheimer family, who also owned Chanel), Beaux created Soir de Paris in 1928, drawing on the same aldehydic floral techniques that made Chanel No. 5 famous. The fragrance became Bourjois’s defining product for over four decades.

How It Smells

The opening is unmistakably vintage with bergamot, violet, peach, and apricot creating a luminous fruity-floral introduction. There is an instant sense of 1920s Parisian glamour, like a velvet evening dress and pearl earrings.

The heart is the soul of Soir de Paris: a sophisticated bouquet of iris, heliotrope, Damascene rose, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, and jasmine. Powdery, slightly old-world, refined in a way that has become rare in modern perfumery. The dry-down settles on warm amber, smooth sandalwood, soft vanilla, and dignified musks. A base that lingers on skin for many hours with deeply elegant, slightly nostalgic depth.

Notes

Top: Violet, Peach, Apricot, Bergamot, Green Notes
Heart: Iris, Heliotrope, Damascene Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Lily of the Valley, Jasmine
Base: Amber, Sandalwood, Musk, Vanilla, Cedar

How Our Version Compares

Our interpretation captures the vintage fruity-floral opening, refined floral heart, and warm amber-sandalwood base that has made Soir de Paris a global icon for nearly a century. Built as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum at up to 40% concentration, typically 8 to 10 hours on skin, longer on fabric.

Common Questions

Is Soir de Paris available today?

The original 1928 formulation was discontinued in 1969. The 1992 reformulation by Polge and Demachy has had limited periodic availability. Both vintage and reformulated bottles are now collector items, with vintage 1928 versions trading at high prices.

Who created Soir de Paris?

The original was created in 1928 by Ernest Beaux, the same perfumer who created Chanel No. 5. The 1992 reformulation was created by Jacques Polge and Francois Demachy, both Chanel master perfumers.

Why is Soir de Paris so famous?

It was once called “the most famous perfume in the world” and was bought in enormous quantities by American GIs returning from Europe after WWII as gifts for their wives. Its iconic cobalt blue bottle made it globally recognizable.

Is this an old fashioned fragrance?

It has vintage character from its 1928 origin but remains beautifully wearable. The Ernest Beaux composition has aged remarkably well and continues to inspire modern perfumers.

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer: This product is inspired by and compared to Bourjois’s Soir de Paris, but is not identical and is not affiliated with Bourjois. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Product names are used for reference only.