Rabanne 1979 EDP

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Metal

by Robert Gonnon

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Rabanne Metal is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1979, created by Robert Gonnon. Metal opens with Hyacinth, Green Notes, Lemon, and Basil, settles into a heart of Cyclamen, Rose, Jasmine, and Iris, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Sandalwood, and Vetiver. Rabanne's Metal carries a Favourite verdict, a green-led wear.

This retro gem is pure 70s chic: a cool, green floral that smells expensive. Fans adore its sharp, complex nature, seeing it as a unique, underrated masterpiece, while others find its vintage chypre profile a bit too icy and challenging for modern tastes. A distinctive scent for those who dare to be different.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Clean
  • Elegant
  • Classic
  • Fresh
  • Edgy
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Metal Eau de Parfum 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.

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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:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual
Also Works:
Date Formal

Its clean, fresh, and green profile, coupled with moderate sillage and good longevity, makes it versatile for most settings. Many reviews suggest it's great for daytime and office wear, though its unique character might be a bit too bold for very formal, quiet settings.

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

  • Citral Geranial from Lemon
  • Geraniol from Rose
  • Oakmoss Evernia prunastri extract from Oakmoss

Other declarable allergens

  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk
  • 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

Metal opens with a sharp, invigorating burst of aldehydes, hyacinth, and green notes, lifted by a zesty hint of lemon and fresh basil. This crisp, almost metallic introduction gives way to a lush heart of jasmine, lily of the valley, and a sophisticated blend of other white florals, underpinned by the earthy elegance of iris. The drydown settles into a classic chypre base of vetiver, oakmoss, and amber, softened by musk and sandalwood, providing a clean yet enduring finish.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Metal Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Metal Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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