A Wren Says

I have put off writing about Libre by YSL. Afterall, the internet is filled with reviews of this popular 2019 release. Why would you need yet another review coming from me? I found it to be bold, echoing the description YSL put out about the product. Maybe it was because of the projection. Maybe it was the longevity. But it was definitely having to do with the scent.

This eau de parfum features lavender, a note that is more common traditionally in men’s fragrances than in those marketed to women. I believed there had to be some intention around this so I went digging for information.  There is something there, intentional in the composition of the fragrance, that told me I needed to dive deeper.

The article I found from Vogue Scandinavia drew attention to the important aspect of Saint Laurent History: The Tuxedo. Yves saint Laurent took the fashion staple, the symbol of masculine glamour and adapted it for women. Le Smoking, as it would be called, was revolutionary at the time because it subverted the expectations for women and how they should dress. As I played with this fragrance, I was fearful that it was too bold to wear at the conference, a place where I desperately wanted to make good impressions on all I met. If only I had channeled the boldness found in the composition of this fragrance and the history of the brand.

As Villanueva writes

“Libre is a scent that is sweet but is not soft, it’s strong but is not loud, it’s powerful but is not overwhelming. It will bring confidence while maintaining smoothness and will lift up without pushing others through. Like a kind monarch, Libre holds the power and the [reign], but has never harmed anyone in the way of the throne. You admire and respect it, out of love, not fear.”

Villanueva writing for Vogue Scandinavia

There is a symbolism of power in strength there that I wish to ascribe to in the scent. A play between traditionally  feminine compassion and the traditionally masculine strength. How do I embody more of that? I cannot remember the last time that I willingly stood out, preferring to instead shrink behind the scenes. When was I last okay with being seen, no matter how I would be interpreted? When was I last bold?

Fragrance has the power to help us recall emotions, moments, and memories. I want to use it more often to craft a bolder version of myself.

Here are the sources I referenced:

Hughes, N. (March 17, 2023). The history of the hero: Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking. Harper’s Bazaar. UK. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/a43338553/ysl-smoking-jacket/

Villanueva, E. C. (December 18, 2021). The history of Libre… a scent designed to be free. Vogue Scandinavia. https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/the-history-of-libre-a-scent-designed-to-be-free