Balenciaga 1982 EDT

F ££ Statement

Prelude

Share
Card A shareable image of this fragrance - its verdict, notes and profile. Save or copy it to post anywhere.

Balenciaga Prelude is an Eau de Toilette launched in 1982. Prelude opens with Bergamot, Orange, and Aldehydes, settles into a heart of Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, and Orchid, and dries down to a base of Amber, Patchouli, Vanilla, and Civet. Balenciaga's Prelude carries a Statement verdict, a sweet-led wear.

This is a gorgeous vintage gem that deserves more love. It's often compared to Opium but is far more wearable - a spicy, warm floral that's complex without being heavy. For those who appreciate classic orientals, this is a must-try.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Sophisticated
  • Warm
  • Classic
  • Elegant
  • Sensual
Check price on → Check prices ↓
Prelude Eau de Toilette bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

ScentArt

ScentArt Gallery What is ScentArt?

Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

With its long-lasting performance and strong sillage, Prelude is best suited for occasions where it can make a statement without overwhelming. Its warm, spicy-floral profile makes it perfect for dates, formal events, and dressy casual outings, but it might be a bit much for a conservative office setting.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Limonene from Orange
  • Vanillin from Vanilla
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Prelude opens with a bright, effervescent burst of aldehydes and juicy orange, quickly inviting you into a rich, floral heart. Here, spicy carnation and cinnamon mingle with creamy ylang-ylang and elegant rose, creating a warm and inviting bouquet. The drydown settles into a luxurious, balsamic embrace of amber, vanilla, and civet, adding depth and a touch of vintage allure that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States ·

ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.

Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.