Name: Imprevu Coty
Brand: Coty
Rating: 4.3 (186 reviews)

Description

Imprevu by Coty is a woody chypre fragrance for women. Launched in 1965, the nose behind this composition is Bernard Chant. The top notes include aldehydes, bitter orange, bergamot, coriander, and neroli; the heart reveals lily-of-the-valley root, carnation, rose, ylang-ylang, and jasmine; while the base notes settle on oakmoss, leather, woody notes, sandalwood, vetiver, ambergris, benzoin, patchouli, and musk.

Selene July 27, 2017

It took Coty 25 years to bring back this fragrance that once captured everyone’s attention, complete with its iconic Liza Minnelli jingle; the brand was making a grand return. In the late 60s, Imprevu was Coty’s best-seller, but its star power faded quickly. Twenty-five years later, the classic scents from the line regained popularity, pushing Imprevu off the top and burying it in obscurity by the early 90s. Beyond that, a decade has passed, and its composition remains worthy of analysis. Sparkling aldehyde-laced floral chypres with hints of resins, sandalwood, and citrus were all the rage back then. From the very first skin-free splash, I detect the aldehydes: bitter orange with bergamot and a subtle semi-oriental base. On skin, a bouquet of violet, honeysuckle, a touch of rose, and jasmine stands out, all wrapped in an intense green moss. In the dry-down, leather and sandalwood are key to defining its personality. Some attribute this scent to Bernard Chant; I’m not sure if that’s true, but his influence is clearly evident. The leather, violets, and moss remind me of Jolie Madame, while other aspects echo Aramis, though Imprevu has its own distinct signature. Over time, resins, amber, and patchouli take center stage, while the citrusy notes of leather and violet linger. An interesting 60s floral chypre that could serve as a modern reinterpretation of its first chypre perfume.

Community reviews

1 review

Share what you noticed: opening, drydown, sillage and the moments when it works for you.

Write a review

Add your review Cancel reply

Selene July 27, 2017

It took Coty 25 years to bring back this fragrance that once captured everyone’s attention, complete with its iconic Liza Minnelli jingle; the brand was making a grand return. In the late 60s, Imprevu was Coty’s best-seller, but its star power faded quickly. Twenty-five years later, the classic scents from the line regained popularity, pushing Imprevu off the top and burying it in obscurity by the early 90s. Beyond that, a decade has passed, and its composition remains worthy of analysis. Sparkling aldehyde-laced floral chypres with hints of resins, sandalwood, and citrus were all the rage back then. From the very first skin-free splash, I detect the aldehydes: bitter orange with bergamot and a subtle semi-oriental base. On skin, a bouquet of violet, honeysuckle, a touch of rose, and jasmine stands out, all wrapped in an intense green moss. In the dry-down, leather and sandalwood are key to defining its personality. Some attribute this scent to Bernard Chant; I’m not sure if that’s true, but his influence is clearly evident. The leather, violets, and moss remind me of Jolie Madame, while other aspects echo Aramis, though Imprevu has its own distinct signature. Over time, resins, amber, and patchouli take center stage, while the citrusy notes of leather and violet linger. An interesting 60s floral chypre that could serve as a modern reinterpretation of its first chypre perfume.

Description

When to wear it (votes)

Key notes

Community

Add your review Cancel reply