Frédéric Malle 2001 EDC

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Cologne Bigarade

by Jean-Claude Ellena

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Frédéric Malle Cologne Bigarade is a Cologne launched in 2001, created by Jean-Claude Ellena. Cologne Bigarade opens with Bitter Orange, settles into a heart of Rose, and dries down to a base of Cedar, Grass, and Hay. Frédéric Malle's Cologne Bigarade carries a Favourite verdict, a floral-led wear.

A radiant, hyper-realistic bitter orange cologne that's pure summer joy, though its fleeting nature and high price tag are divisive. Expect an exquisite, albeit ephemeral, citrus experience from a master perfumer.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Fresh
  • Clean
  • Relaxed
  • Natural
  • Subtle
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Cologne Bigarade Cologne bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Topas listed
Bitter Orange100%
Heartas listed
Rose100%
Baseas listed
Grass37%
Hay34%
Cedar29%

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.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer

A warm-weather pick - at its best in summer and spring.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual Sport
Also Works:
Date

Its intimate sillage and clean, fresh profile make it ideal for casual wear, especially in warmer weather, and suitable for the office where subtlety is key. The short longevity means it's less suited for formal events or dates where a lasting impression is desired.

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

  • Geraniol from Rose

Other declarable allergens

  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Bitter Orange
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Bitter Orange

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

Opens with an intensely bright burst of bitter orange, feeling both juicy and zesty, like pressing fresh rind. This exhilarating citrus top note is subtly rounded by a delicate hint of rose, adding a touch of sophisticated freshness. As it dries, the scent settles into a serene, natural base of dry hay and earthy cedar, evoking the warmth of a sun-drenched field. It's a clean, effortless aroma, embodying pure simplicity.

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Where to buy

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