Van Cleef & Arpels 1976 EDT

F ££ Acquired

First

by Jean-Claude Ellena

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Van Cleef & Arpels First is an Eau de Toilette launched in 1976, created by Jean-Claude Ellena. First opens with Bergamot, Peach, Raspberry, and Blackcurrant, settles into a heart of Hyacinth, Rose, Jasmine, and Iris, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Sandalwood, and Vetiver. Van Cleef & Arpels's First carries an Acquired verdict, a floral-led wear.

A divisive classic, First embodies the opulent aldehyde florals of a bygone era. Some find it a timeless masterpiece, others a dated relic. If you love big, bold, "old money" scents, this could be your new signature - just don't expect it to smell like modern mainstream releases.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Sophisticated
  • Elegant
  • Classic
  • Luxurious
  • Confident
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First 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.

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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:
Winter
Also Works:
Spring

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Its potent floral-aldehyde profile, particularly in vintage extrait, makes it a bit much for casual wear or the office. This is a scent designed for making an entrance, excelling in formal settings and romantic evenings where its rich complexity can be appreciated.

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

First by Van Cleef & Arpels opens with a shimmer of aldehydic brightness, quickly joined by juicy peach and tart blackcurrant. The heart unfurls into a grand bouquet of rich florals, with jasmine, rose, and tuberose taking centre stage, softened by powdery orris and creamy ylang-ylang. The base grounds the intensity with a warm embrace of honeyed musk, amber, and earthy oakmoss, hinting at a subtle, refined animalic depth.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

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