It goes without saying, I should think, that Guerlain is one of the world’s great perfume houses. They have a long and deservedly glamorous history, and they are responsible for any number of the marvels of modern perfumery. In particular, Mitsouko (1919) and Shalimar (1925) make almost every list of the perfume classics that will withstand the test of time.
So it is with great personal shame that I admit that I don’t really properly appreciate the classic, pre-1950 Guerlain fragrances. Mitsouko and Shalimar I adore in the intellectual sense at most; that is, I recognize that they are masterpieces, I like to have them on hand, and I like to put on a drop every now and then. But they don’t suit me and I don’t really wear them: they wear me. Jicky (1889), a fragrance which is frequently credited with ushering in the modern era in perfumery, I actually prefer in the Eau de Toilette over the Parfum; surely and unequivocally that marks me as a philistine in anyone’s book. I have enjoyed smelling the recent reissues from Guerlain's back catalog (Liu, Voilette de Madame and Vega) but not a one tempted me to part with my money.
I have not given up, mind you. I am young yet (or at least, I hopefully have quite a few years of smelling ahead of me) and I fully intend to grow into Mitsouko at some point. That point just hasn’t arrived yet.
All of which is a very roundabout way of introducing the one classic Guerlain that I can say that I adore without reservation: Après L’Ondée. It was created by Jacques Guerlain and launched in 1906. The notes are bergamot, neroli, aniseed, hawthorn, violet, heliotrope, iris and musk; there may also be carnation, rose, jasmine, vetiver and sandalwood.
Why do I love Après L’Ondée? Well, quite simply, it doesn't smell like any of the better known heavyweight champions from Guerlain. As Luca Turin notes, "Its simplicity, its keen nostalgia, and its unadorned beauty make this an anomaly for Guerlain." (quote via Chandler Burr) Après L’Ondée is comparatively without artifice; it smells like a celebration of its components as they might be found in nature: a whisper of anise, then masses of violets soaked by rain, a sprig of hawthorn. There is a touch of pepper, perhaps from the carnation, and the iris lends a mild earthiness and a lightly powdered finish. There is vanilla, but it is restrained. It is, quite simply, lovely.
It smells simultaneously very old-fashioned (it is extraordinarily lady-like and well behaved) and very modern (in feeling it could be almost be a precursor to the Aqua Allegoria line, the modern Guerlain range that is meant to "showcase nature"). According to Susan Irvine, it is a fragrance "for brainy types" (Perfume Guide, p. 25). Trust me, I am under no illusions that that redeems my failure to adequately appreciate Mitsouko, but it is a comforting notion all the same.
While I was dithering about what to add to my collection next, Guerlain went right ahead and discontinued the parfum form of Après L’Ondée. The Eau de Toilette is still sold in France, but it is no longer exported to the US, and is an ephemeral experience in any case. If you are willing to pay for its new "hard to find" status, you can still find bottles online.
Update 10/06: Guerlain Après L’Ondée Eau de Toilette is now available at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC.
Note: image via the wonderful Parfum de Pub.
I admire your honesty about the classics. I wish I could enjoy some lighter scents that you love. I tend towards the complex and sometimes even heavy (Mitsouko, Vol de Nuit and Shalimar being a few of my most favourite perfumes) though recently I found myself being more drawn towards lighter and simpler, an dparticularly iris dominated scents. Apres l'Ondee is one of them, which I thoroughly enjoy. I only stried the EDT (which is not so easy to find as you mentioned). It is simple and classy, refined and with an understated emotion. I heard the parfum is quite similar to l'Heure Bleue, and though I am curious to smell it, I am quite happy with sticking to the EDT. I think I could wear the EDT in any weather and enjoy it a lot. l'Heure Bleue, by the way, I prefer in Parfum.
Oh, what a wonderful way to start my week! Thank you. Apres l'Ondee I adore in a way that almost embarrasses me. I cannot begin to comprehend what it is I love so much, but I surrender. As you know, I wear the Guerlain heavyweights, but maybe classic Guerlain just isn't for you, and that's OKAY. I have tried almost all the classic Carons (and urns) at this point and I don't like any of them — oh, well! Something about the base does not appeal to me. FWIW I bought the Jicky EDT too — it's fabulously citrusy, much less animalic.
So much adoration of Apres L'Ondee is in the “air” here…that I am afraid to say anything against it. 😀 I will say this: I am also unable to properly appreciate some of the classic Guerlains and unfortunately Apres l'Ondee is one of them. However, while Shalimar and Mitsouko are more or less unwearable for me. I can wear Apres…I just don't see the point of wearing it. It smells of …nothing. *runs away as fast she can*
I have heard that L'Heure Bleue is related to Apres L'Ondee too, but can't see the connection…probably because I don't care for L'Heure Bleue 😉
M, the older Carons (except my beloved Alpona) are all so dark.
Many people find the Jicky EdT overly sharp, but I tend to like sharp so it doesn't bother me. The heavier concentrations are gorgeous, but not so wearable.
LOL! I remember that you didn't adore Vega, so would you say your Guerlain-love starts around Guet Apens? Or is there anything older that you love?
R,
I didn't adore Vega, but I liked it. Liked it enough that, if ever I have some extra couple of hunderd dollars (heh), I'd buy a bottle. I also like Jicky and Vol de Nuit. And Chamade. But of course, Guet-Apens/ Attrape-Coeur is absolute perfection and a Holy Grail 🙂
Woman, that must be the most roundabout introduction I have had the pleasure of reading! :):)
I love Apres L'Ondee. I don't wear it nearly as much as I used to in the nineties, but it is my first true Guerlain-love. I actually have come to love Mitsouko and Shalimar. They are both so much better in the parfum version, though I enjoy Mitsouko EdP, too.
I dabbled in Jicky for a moment and then gave my bottle away. As for L'Heure Bleue…I don't understand its relation to Apres L'Ondee, but I do think that PdN's Sacre Bleu! (sp.) is a modern day homage to it (and a much, much better smelling one, too).
Have you ever tried Guet Apens (now Attrape Coeur)? It is magnificent. I did not like it at first spray, but the drydown, on that drydown, is gorgeous!
Hugs!
Guet Apens, L'Apres L'Ondee and L'Heure Bleu, I adore them all. They are my top 3 Guerlains. To me, there is something mellifluous, senusal, and perhaps even haunting to them all. Apres L'Ondee is just so feminine and inspisiring–whenever I wear it, I can believe that my day will only get better.
I love Apres. The name's perfect. My ex ran all over L.A. trying to find it for me. Since as noted it's been discontinued, he was advised to buy Mitsouko instead, it being closest to Apres. Mitsouko is certainly a sophisticated fragrance. Shalimar is beautiful, but I can only wear it on cold winter evenings, which is to say infrequently here in southern Calif. L'Heure Blue…I wish I liked it more. It comes on too strong for me. If you're a Apres fan, what comes closest? No trips to Gay Paree for me anytime soon.
I think this is the rub sometimes – we can admire without liking, which is not at all a bad thing, but it can be disappointing to me to not be able to personally see what others see in all of those historical classics. Sigh. I do think, however, that even when you are able to carry off some of those Guerlains well, they still wear you rather than you wear them – I think perhaps that is even the attraction of them to a certain extent. Which reminds me, I want to dig out ol' Jicky now, hee!
I like Chamade very much too. Vol de Nuit, no…
Yes, Guet Apens is gorgeous. Haven't tried the Attrape Coeur, and now can't remember if they are exactly the same, or if it was slightly reformulated?
I tried Sacre Bleu ages ago and hardly remember it. Do you mean that you find it an homage to Apres L'Ondee, or L'Heure Bleue?
And apologies for the very long-winded intro, LOL..
With you on the first two, but not on the L'Heure Bleu, although actually it has been some time and I should try it again.
The name is perfection.
Now do you mean closest to the Apres L'Ondee parfum? You can still buy the EdT online. I haven't checked prices lately, but it might actually be cheaper to buy it through one of the online stores in the UK.
And adding: Guerlain will ship to the US, so you could also get the AlO straight from the source.
K, I know what you mean: they are big perfumes, and very few people wear the kind of clothing these days that would be required to pull them off. Mitsouko in particular always makes me feel like I'm trying to be something I'm not.
Apres L'Ondee is one of my favourites. Interestingly enough, I tried Montale Chypre Vanille, and it reminded me of a classical Guerlain in spirit. Ironically, as much as I love the classics, I do not like retro themes in modern fragrances. It is more interesting to smell something innovative.
On another note, today I am wearing one of March's drugstore finds–Coty Wild Woods, and it is very nice.
Interesting R. I think you should do a post where you describe the perfect outfit for certain scents. I know when I smell the old (feminine) Guerlains I feel only an opera diva, perhaps Olga Borodina?, Jessye Norman?, in gown, mink stole, mile-high hair-do and thick makeup would feel capable of subduing (or doing justice to) the rich scents of “vintage” Guerlain! (The Vetiver Extraordinaire you sent me also did not seem a “jeans” scent…I want to dress up when I wear it.) I think of the Jicky edt as a men's scent and the perfume version as feminine. I wear the edt…but would not wear the parfum in a million years. K
R. I am with you on the Guerlains. I find it very intriguing as a perfume house, but can't seem to find many classics that I wear well (I have the same problem with Chanel).
Of the vintage ones I've tried, I like Jicky and any of the citrus scents they've created (Eau Imperiale?). I find that I'm uncertain about L'here Bleu… I wasn't fond of it at first, but it has grown on me. It has a soft haunting quality. Shalimar & Mitsouko are way overwhelming and just not for me. Of the slightly more modern scents, I found I really enjoyed Chamade.
I've never been able to sample Apres l'Ondee, but it sounds heavenly. Perhaps I'll splurge one day and buy one online!
Coty Wild Woods…I do wish more drugstores had testers! My local store has not a single one.
LOL…trust me, you don't even want my opinion on what to wear with anything. I live in jeans and detest dressing up. Maybe that is why I can't wear Mitsouko & Shalimar. Funny though, I don't feel that way about the FM VE at all!
Oh yes, the citrus Eaux are perfect. My favorite is the Eau de Guerlain. Chamade is lovely too. Do try the Apres L'Ondee if you can, it is entirely different from all the rest.
It's comforting to hear that someone else simply can't 'do' the classic Guerlains. I own and adore Mitsouko – but can't wear it. I own and love Parure – but can't wear it (is Parure considered classic?). I own (and would protect with my life) Guerlinade – but I rarely wear it. Apres l'Ondee is delightful…small flowers sparkling with raindrops…for ten minutes, then turns to potato field on me. Jicky, l'Heure Bleue, Chamade, etc…..lovely..unwearable (yet). However, I recently bought a sample of Attrape-Coeur, and it is perfectly delicious – I am frantically budgeting to afford it! At last, a Guerlain I can wear! Attrape-coeur is the first 'traditional' Guerlain that doesn't make me feel melancholy to the point of tears.
On Jicky–have you tried the PdT? I adore it; it strikes me as the perfect compromise between the other two formulations:; I love the parfum, too but find myself wearing this more.
Of course, I also love Mitsouko parfum (one of my all-time favorites), and enjoy Chamade, Apres l'Ondee, Attrape-coeur, and most other Guerlains–but I can't wear Shalimar, which allows me to retain some credibility here:)
Parure is probably a classic, I don't know. I used a completely arbitrary cut-off of 1950. If we count post-1950 scents, I do much better with Guerlain myself.
Attrape-Coeur, I think, is one of the best things Guerlain has done recently. I hope it will stay part of the regular line.
I have tried the PdT, and you are right, it is nicely between the two. But sadly I'd still rather wear the EdT!
I do not agree at all that preferring the edt makes you a philistine. I greatly prefer Jicky in edt and I'm not a philistine… Seriously, some of the older fragrances are actually much more interesting in the edt than in the parfum. Caron's Tabac Blond for example loses a lot of the edgy rawness of the edt in its parfum formulation and becomes almost interchangeable for some of the other Caron parfums.
On the Guerlain front, have you tried Mouchoir de Monsieur? I also thought that Quand Vient L'ete (Paris only sadly) was a lot fresher and cooler than many of the classics.
What a wonderful commentary on L'Apres L'Ondee. Thank you, R! You've reminded why I love this fragrance, and you've inspired me to wear some tonight.
For the record, I love Shalimar (all concentrations) and Nahema (edp only), but I've never been able to wear Mitsouko or Jicky very well.
Agreed. Farnesiana in particular is a much weirder fragrance in the lighter concentrations…almost more interesting to me.
No, have not tried either of those Guerlains! One of these days I will make my way to the flagship store…
Attrape Coeur is the same at Guet Apens.
Sorry that I did not make myself clear, darling, but to me Sacre Bleu! is an homage to L'Heure Bleue.
Hugs!
Now Nahema is another that I need to revisit. I remember liking it but not loving it, but that was ages ago. And thanks!
Thanks R!
this is a fantastic meditation on Guerlain. i adore the house but the perfumes are divided on me – i cannot wear Jicky, Mitsouko, or Chant D'Aromes… but L'Heure Bleue, Vol de Nuit, and Apres L'Ondee love me. Roja Dove told me that Apres L'Ondee was L'Heure Bleue's little sister, and i can see it, but it takes wearing them at the same time to catch it.
Thanks so much!
Will have to try the two scents together then. L'Heure Bleue is due for another airing anyway 🙂
Jicky was the first perfume I bought for myself as a grown-up, in 1967 – I was 19 years old. I still adore it. At the same time, my best friend adopted Chant d'Arômes as her signature scent. She sprayed it everywhere and it used to overwhelm my Jicky, but I loved it too so I didn't mind too much.
I dislike Après l'Ondée: must be the violet. I wore Mitsouko for a while, 20 years ago, but it was ultimately too dark and sexy for me. I've never been able to stomach the vanilla in Shalimar, and the others (L'Heure Bleue and Vol de Nuit), I've always found too sweet. I haven't liked any of the newer releases. Nahema makes me nauseous like nothing else does.
I haven't tried many Guerlains. I'm working my way up towards investing in a bottle of Mitsouko; I've been rather excited about it when I've tried it, it works with my chemistry and I like the way it smells old (as in old-fashioned, I suppose), but is still so bold and, well, edgy, for lack of a better word. I'd say timeless, if timeless didn't sound so safe and boring.
L'Heure Bleu makes me gag – I haven't even dared try it on my own skin yet, something in it just repels me.
My grandmother used to wear Samsara for a while, and it reminds me very much of her. It's beautiful, but like Chanel no.5, I couldn't wear it and still feel like a person of my own.
Shalimar sounds like it could be nice on my skin; I'm going to try it out whenever I have the time. I'm curious about Jicky, too, but doubtful as to whether it'd work for me – I'm afraid it'll be the usual household cleaner story. Must give it a try and see, though…
What a great first perfume, J. I started with Coriandre & then added Diorissimo. It seems now like there were more interesting perfumes then, but perhaps I'm just being nostalgic.
The Jicky EdT might strike you as household cleaner, but seriously doubt that the EdP or parfum would. The citrus is very soft in either of the stronger concentrations, and the animalic base would take care of any Pledge associations.
Lovely review!!
I love many Guerlains – many of them. Like J above – Jicky was my first Guerlain and I still love it.
The others include Chant d'Aromes, Apres L'Ondee (the parfum is sublime), Vol de Nuit, Parure, L'Heure Bleue parfum, Liu, Nahema parfum in tiny doses and lately adore Attrape Coeur. Also wore Shalimar, Mitsy…
Hope you received my newsy email.
Hugs!!
I'll look for the EdP or parfum straight away, then. I really enjoy citrus and herbal fragrances in theory, and on others; it's just that in practice, they usually don't mix well with my skin.
I'm hoping that the vanilla, tonka bean and the animalic notes might save Jicky for me, though, and break down the worst of the household cleaner edge.
Ha, see — I'll never have the kind of relationship with Mitsouko that would allow me to call it Mitsy. Hugs to you!
Diorissimo and Coriandre were two of my first, also: my mother bought them for me. Then came Cachet by Prince Matchabelli – how can I have gone from Dior to that?! I then moved to Rive Gauche, spritzing with my mother's Magie Noir, Arpege, and Alliage in between. I HAVE moved on, though!
Can't even remember everything I moved on to. I wore Halston for a short time, then lighter things: Eau de Givenchy, Calyx. I also wore YSL Paris for a time, but can't even remember when that was.
Speaking of Guerlain classics, someone told me that Marcel Proust used to wear Jicky. Does anyone know if it's true? Daring choice for a man in those times, but I know one of my male friends always wears it…
As a new member, can I just say THANK YOU for this wonderful blog!
Love, Hanna
Hello Hanna, and welcome! I did not know that about Marcel Proust and will have to investigate. It is said that Colette wore Jicky though.
I finally recieved my mini edt of “L'huere bleue”! I know I should've tried the parfum first, but it's hard to find a tester and I've had my experience shelling out just for whiff of curiosity(i.e., The Creeds).
After dabbing, then restraining myself enough to give it a moment to settle, I couldn't wait to sniff. I let it all in and I have to say, it is lovely. However, the cuddly powdery confection that then unfolded, wasn't exactly as earth-shattering as I'd heard it described.
Something else I found odd, for myself, was that the scent didn't evoke any part of the image advertised. It's certainly a calming scent; there is something quiet and gentle about its “aura”—but to me, I don't feel the mystery commonly associated with it. It smelled more like a high quality baby powder that dries down into a sandal-resin. I'd imagine someone who adored “Chanel No.5” to thoroughly appreciate “L'Huere Bleue”.
I'll take your advice and revisit it in a week!
And after that, set it aside for 6 months if you still don't like it, and I suppose I would say even then, don't give up until you've tried the parfum. But, LHB is not my favorite either, so not meaning to imply that you *have* to love it, LOL…
Hahaha…I believe I will appreciate it more over time. It's difficult to not be set on finding my earth shattering scent!
With that in mind, I didn't place too many hopes on LHB–not because I questioned it's quality but because I've been prone to “whirlwind romances” with scents before. I've come to believe that the scent I do “marry” will likely be after a long courtship ;D.
Hello-would please write a review about my absolut guerlain favourite – Mitsouko? And I need some help: The first minutes after putting it on, Mitsouko is so great: this a little “diryt-sexy” note of “wool and fur” over juicy peach! To me it seems warm and dark without beeing “oriental-sexy”. And especially on my wool shawl, this notes stay on. But after a short while, on my skin only the lighter, fruity and a little “crispy/ champagne” notes will last longer.
I only have the EdT (but, I'm very happy: in Italy I made a bargain and got a 100ml splash-bottle!!) What about the character of EdP or the pure prfume? And what do you think about Mitsouko? And do you know why it sometimes is said to be scent of intellectual women? I although used Jicky (great!!), Vol de Nuit (a bit granny-style) and Nahema (great – irritating, complex and in general tragically undervalued) – but Mitsouko will always be my favourite Guerlain!
Do try the Mitsouko parfum — more expensive, but I think you will find it much closer to what you're looking for. As I said in the review above, I admire Mitsouko but don't wear it, so I'm not likely to review it soon. One day I'll grow into it 🙂
Where can I buy a bottle? Ebay has a few for over $100. Where did you all get yours and how much did you spend?
You can get usually get the EdT at Bergdorf Goodman in New York; it is possibly at Neiman Marcus in San Fran as well. I don't know the cost, but would be surprised if it wasn't less than $100.
Why thank you! I want a newer bottle if that is available. I have no idea how old the ones on ebay are, but judging by some of their prices ($500), they could be positvely antique.
Some of the bottles on Ebay might be the Parfum (extrait), which is now pretty rare and is probably worth that price — the Parfum was simply gorgeous. But the EdT is well worth having too. Good luck finding a bottle 🙂
Having just turned fifty, I, like many of my contemporaries, cut our fragrance teeth as twenty-somethings on Shalimar and L'Heure Bleue, parfum versions both. Robin, I just tried Mitsouko — it somehow ducked under the radar as my generation moved on to Lauren et al — and I would have thought you'd love it. To me, it has something of Therese and Femme in it — the peach, among other things, I would imagine. Ah, shows you how much my nostrils know. Now, R. and everybody, what can you tell me about Vol de Nuit? I tried it on the wrist opposite Mitsouko, and was quite taken with it — ME, who used to utter the blasphemous “old lady” label in my pre-NST ignorance!!!! I don't hear it being mentioned much, so I take it you guys are a bit meh about it??? It struck me as just gorgeously understated, old-fashioned in a good way, mellow, quite unisex and quite modern, paradoxically, also in a good way. I think I want to own it. Am I CRAZY???
Drat, I shouldn't dash these things off so quickly! Sorry about the glaring grammatical mistakes!!!
I see your point about Therese — but Therese is so much simpler than Mitsouko. Therese never strikes me as heavy, Mitsouko does, if that makes sense. But I sincerely believe I'll grow into Mitsouko. Vol de Nuit is another matter, and you'd do better to ask Angela or Kevin (he reviewed it).
That does make perfect sense. I prefer Therese myself; it's mostly an emotional preference, and I think, too, that for me Mitsouko's spices are a little less appealing than Therese's aldehydes — not that I'm an expert on this stuff. I looked in vain for Kevin's review, Robin, under your Guerlain heading. Where should I be hunting??? I'd love to read it. Both Kevin and Angela do your site proud.
Sorry, Robin, I just found it now!!! So easy; I just was looking under Perfume Houses rather than Perfume Reviews, not having found a cross-reference. Mea culpa!
Oh, but there should be a link there too, thanks for noticing!
I must thank YOU for opening my mind to revisiting classic fragrances, Robin! How many times have I walked past the Guerlain counter on the way to Donna Karan, et al!! No more!
I think most of us are in agreement that Mitsouko and Shalimar are heavy,heavy hitters. I always think of them as 'stockings' perfumes, in that one should be completely dressed in their company!
Exactly!
I'm very late to the game here, but Apres L'Ondee is a perfect example of why you should give scents a second and third chance if you dislike them at first. I have to admit, I bought a sample of this months ago and…hated it. There was some note in it I just could not stand. But I tried it a couple of months later and found it interesting, then tried it a third time today and I can smell the loveliness. So glad I didn't throw away my sample (I almost did – really!)
So true — it is worth hanging on to samples, and revisiting from time to time. So glad you can smell the loveliness!
“Smell the loveliness” — how apt! I am wearing Apres l'Ondee' today and I agree, it is truly lovely, one of those scents that bring a lump to the throat. It's still cold today (mid-February) but I'm longing for spring, and AlO brings it just that bit closer. I think it's a wistful scent, but spring often seems wistful to me in its fleeting beauty. As Housman says, “And since to look at things in bloom/fifty springs are little room.” This one feels like spring in a bottle — a spring where one is conscious of the swift passage of time, knowing that the beauty of the spring is ephemeral. Apres l'Ondee is, not surprisingly, fleeting on my skin, lasting about 2 to 2.5 hours. (Perhaps it will last longer when the weather gets a bit warmer and my skin isn't so winter-dry.) Worth every reapplication, though…
The parfum lasts a bit longer, and is very, very lovely indeed, but hard to get your hands on now.
I went onto TPC to order a wee sampler to try out (sadly, yes, the Parfum is extraordinarily expensive.) But I decided to try the Vintage EdT that was from a 1950’s bottle. I can try the current version in Harrods for a comparison. I’ve read a lot about this fragrance, and always felt attracted to it. About time I give it a go! Anticipating its arrival with glee……..
Hope you will love it!
It’s actually available at The Bay in Montreal too. I was stunned the first time I smelled it there- I had never smelled something so mournful before, nor had it occured to me that something could smell mournful at all.
Wow, that was embarrassing- Apres L’Ondee doesn’t smell mournful to me… that’s L’Heure Bleu.
That’s ok!
After much deliberation (many ‘testings’ and admiring the fragrance on a colleague),I invested in a bottle.I think I shall always have to have some in my fragrance wardrobe as it’s just so scrumptious.Apologies for sounding all Mary Poppins,but it evokes latent feelings of content and confidence that I’ve almost forgotten.
When I wear it,I’m a newly qualified teacher dining out in a candle-lit bistro on The Kings Road,many eons ago….
It reminds me that I am still that young woman,Who was on the edge of her life,about to launch herself.Only now I’m inhaling the rain-soaked violets and ‘getting it’……….
Can I say it’s a bit like a Barbara Cartland novel in that it’s a tad reminiscent of powdery bosoms and surrendering,and yet the whole experience makes one happy to be alive?
How nice that it brings up so many happy memories for you!
Does anybody else think that Apres l’ondee smells like old lipstick? After receiving a decant of this perfume and taking my first whiff, I was immediately transported back to the bathroom of my long ago deceased grandmother. It specifically recalls to me the smell of a bright orange tube of lipstick in her drawer that I used to try on. While a truly love this flashback down memory lane, I can’t say that I would want to wear this perfume all day.
Oh, interesting! I wish modern lipsticks smelled like that.
I love the old version, I bought a very small vial from decant-me. I would love to buy the “stronger” like-old one. One comment board had a comment that it was available in the Paris store. Does anyone know if that is true?