Le Parfum

Le Parfum, inspired by Carven Le Parfum (2013)

Le Parfum begins on mandarin blossom and hyacinth, a fresh, slightly green floral opening. Sweet pea and jasmine follow, with ylang-ylang giving a faint banana-like richness that is kept well under control. Osmanthus, a flower that smells of apricot and suede, softens the transition into sandalwood and Indonesian patchouli. Everything is tidy and clean, and the overall effect stays luminous rather than heady.

About the original

Francis Kurkdjian created Le Parfum in 2013 as the flagship of Carven's fragrance relaunch under creative director Guillaume Henry, released alongside reissues of Ma Griffe and Vétiver. In the UK it appeared first as a Harrods exclusive before a wider launch that June. The Candy Perfume Boy called it crisp and white, pretty if a little safe. Carven later added L'Eau de Toilette and L'Absolu flankers, and it should not be mixed up with Elie Saab Le Parfum.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Carven stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Polished and well-behaved, it suits someone who wants a clean floral they can wear without thinking. The patchouli base is light and musky, not earthy. Floral lovers who want drama or a dark edge may find it too polite.

Related scents

• Elie Saab Le Parfum

Notes of the original fragrance, as given in the launch information.

Top notes: Mandarin Blossom, Hyacinth

Heart notes: Sweet Pea, Jasmine, Ylang-ylang

Base notes: Sandalwood, Osmanthus, Indonesian Patchouli

Mandarin blossom and hyacinth open it with a fresh, green floral clarity.

Sweet pea, jasmine and ylang-ylang form a neatly arranged bouquet, airy rather than lush.

Osmanthus, sandalwood and Indonesian patchouli settle into a clean, faintly woody musk base.

Is this Carven Le Parfum or Elie Saab Le Parfum?

This is Carven Le Parfum (2013) by Francis Kurkdjian. Elie Saab Le Parfum is a different fragrance, which we also make.

Is Carven Le Parfum still made?

We have not been able to confirm whether Carven still produces it.

Is Le Parfum the same as Carven L'Eau de Toilette?

No. L'Eau de Toilette and L'Absolu are later flankers; this page is based on the original Eau de Parfum from 2013.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Carven and Le Parfum are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Carven in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.