Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Givenchy had a relationship that was more than professional: a deep friendship. Givenchy, a talented young couturier, dressed Hepburn in several of her films as well as in life. This complicity gave birth to a unique olfactory creation, designed for her.
The Forbidden: a tailor-made creation for Hepburn
The name “L’Interdit” comes precisely from a word that Audrey addressed to Givenchy when he offered to market this perfume: This phrase has remained in perfume legends. The perfume was first and foremost a private gift, not a commercial project.
The fragrance was designed to combine elegance and subtlety, with a floral-aldehyde-chypre accord: rose, jasmine, violet and a woody base with tonka bean. Despite this sophistication, the aesthetic of the perfume remains very “Hepburn”: elegant, never ostentatious.
An elegant and contrasting olfactory signature
L’Interdit is both light and deep: it opens with delicate floral notes (rose, jasmine), then evolves towards a more complex heart, and finishes on a woody, slightly powdery base. This structure reflects the duality of Audrey’s personality: both gentle and refined, but also strong and determined.
This fragrance is not designed to be banal. It leaves a subtly present trail, almost like an invisible signature. It accompanies the elegance of the evening outfit, but also a moment of confidences, a discreet goodbye.
Why L’Interdit became legendary
The story behind this perfume reinforces its mythical dimension: created for a muse, initially banned, then becoming cult. In addition, Audrey Hepburn was the first actress to become the face of a perfume for her own values, which marked a turning point in the history of perfumery.
Today, L’Interdit is still present on the shelves and in “mythical” collections. It continues to embody a refined, almost “timeless” femininity, worn by those who want a classic but not dated perfume.
A modernized and inclusive version
In 2018, Givenchy launched a modern variation of L’Interdit, more “genderless”, with renewed notes: orange blossom, jasmine, but also lavender, cardamom, vetiver and patchouli. This version pays homage to the original spirit while making it more current.
This new formula allows a wider audience (men and women) to reappropriate the actress’s heritage, with a resolutely contemporary interpretation of the classic fragrance.
FAQ — What Everyone Wonders About Audrey Hepburn’s Perfume
What perfume did Audrey Hepburn wear?
Audrey Hepburn wore L’Interdit by Givenchy, a fragrance created especially for her in 1957.
Why this name “The Interdit”?
Because Audrey would have said to Givenchy: “I forbid you” when he offered to market the perfume, hence the name of the juice.
What are the ratings for L’Interdit?
L’Interdit combines floral notes (rose, jasmine, violet) with a woody and sensual base, with tonka bean.
Can we still buy this perfume?
Yes, L’Interdit still exists today, including in modern versions.
Is there a “modern” version of L’Interdit?
Yes: Givenchy released a “genderless” version in 2018, more contemporary, with notes like lavender, vetiver, patchouli and tuberose.
