What Was Audrey Hepburn's Fragrance? Unveiling Her Iconic Signature Scents

Murray Yost 26 Jul 2025

Have you ever wondered about the secret behind Audrey Hepburn's timeless elegance, the subtle something that completed her iconic look? Many people, it seems, often ponder just what kind of perfume did Audrey Hepburn wear, hoping to capture a piece of that classic Hollywood allure. It turns out, her signature scent was not just any fragrance; it was a deeply personal creation, a true testament to her unique bond with a legendary designer.

For those who admire her enduring style and grace, discovering her chosen aroma is like finding a missing piece of a beautiful puzzle. Her scent, as a matter of fact, was as distinctive and memorable as her famous little black dress or her charming smile. It was, quite simply, an extension of her very being, something that truly spoke to her personal style and quiet sophistication.

This article will take you on a journey to uncover the fascinating story behind Audrey Hepburn's most famous fragrance, a scent so special it was, in a way, initially forbidden to the wider world. We will also touch on another delightful aroma she reportedly favored, giving you a fuller picture of her fragrant preferences. So, let's explore the aromatic world of a true legend.

Audrey Hepburn: A Glimpse into Her Iconic Style
L'Interdit: The Story of a Forbidden Scent
- A Personal Creation for a Muse
- The Scent's Secret Beginnings
- What Did L'Interdit Smell Like?
- The Famous "Forbidden" Quote
- From Exclusive Gift to Global Icon
Beyond L'Interdit: Another Signature Scent
The Enduring Legacy of Audrey's Fragrances
Frequently Asked Questions About Audrey Hepburn's Perfume

Audrey Hepburn: A Glimpse into Her Iconic Style

Audrey Hepburn, as many know, remains a beloved figure in the annals of film and fashion history. Her distinctive elegance, her poised demeanor, and her unforgettable roles have truly captivated generations of admirers. It's almost as if her presence on screen and in photographs exudes a kind of quiet strength and beauty that feels both approachable and utterly refined.

Her partnership with Hubert de Givenchy, the renowned couturier, was absolutely pivotal in shaping her public image. Their collaboration, in fact, went far beyond just clothing, creating some of the most recognizable wardrobes in fashion history. From the beautifully embroidered gown in "Sabrina" to the simple yet striking little black dress in "Breakfast at Tiffany's," their work together truly defined an era of sophisticated style.

This close relationship, it turns out, extended into the world of fragrance, making Givenchy not just a fashion designer but also a significant name in perfumery. The scents associated with Audrey, therefore, hold a very special place in the story of her influence on culture and style. She was, in many respects, a muse who inspired creativity in every form, including the art of perfume making.

Audrey Hepburn's Connection to Fragrance
Detail	Description
Primary Signature Scent	L'Interdit by Givenchy
Creator of L'Interdit	Hubert de Givenchy
Relationship with Creator	Close friend and muse
Initial Purpose of L'Interdit	Personally created for her exclusive use
Another Known Scent	English Promenade 19 (white floral, Italian Riviera inspired)

L'Interdit: The Story of a Forbidden Scent

When people ask, "What was Audrey Hepburn's fragrance?", the answer that comes up most often, and for very good reason, is L'Interdit by Givenchy. This particular scent, you see, carries with it a truly unique and charming story, one that highlights the deep personal bond between Audrey and her dear friend, Hubert de Givenchy. It's a tale of friendship, exclusivity, and a touch of playful defiance.

A Personal Creation for a Muse

Audrey Hepburn was, quite famously, devoted to L'Interdit by Givenchy. This wasn't just a perfume she picked off a shelf; it was a fragrance personally created for her by Hubert de Givenchy, as a gift, in 1957. Their close connection, in a way, led to the birth of this 'forbidden' perfume, a scent made solely for her. It was, essentially, a fragrant portrait of her elegance and beauty, a very special tribute from a designer to his muse.

Hubert Givenchy, it's fair to say, originally formulated L'Interdit in an effort to capture her distinctive grace. This truly was the scent of Audrey Hepburn, incidentally, a fragrance that embodied her very essence. The idea of creating a perfume just for one person, a person who inspired so much, is rather beautiful when you think about it, isn't it?

The Scent's Secret Beginnings

The creation of L'Interdit was, for a while, a bit of a secret affair. Some accounts suggest it was secretly created in 1954, though other sources point to 1957 as the year it was personally made for Audrey. Regardless of the exact year it came into being, the initial idea was that it would be worn only by Audrey Hepburn, given to her as a very personal gift from Givenchy. This exclusivity, you know, just added to its mystique.

It was, in fact, initially intended solely for her use, a private treasure. This particular detail is key to understanding the name L'Interdit, which translates to "The Forbidden." The very idea of a scent being so personal that it's not meant for anyone else really captures the imagination, doesn't it? It suggests a unique connection, a special bond that few could ever hope to share.

What Did L'Interdit Smell Like?

So, what exactly did this legendary fragrance smell like? The original L'Interdit was, by all accounts, an elegant and luxurious fresh scent. It housed ingredients that paint a picture of delicate beauty and sophistication. You might, for example, find notes like neroli, orange blossom, ylang ylang, white flowers, and grapefruit, all working together to create a truly captivating aroma.

Other descriptions of the fragrance mention hints of peach, jasmine, and musk, aiming to evoke the classic Hollywood glamour that Audrey herself embodied. It was, apparently, a floral and woody scent, with touches of orange blossom, jasmine, and patchouli. This combination, it seems, was designed to be both memorable and utterly refined, a scent that truly "enraptures the European flare," as one release put it. The modern L'Interdit Eau de Parfum, inspired by its original 1950s iteration, blends bold florals with woody musks, keeping the spirit alive.

The Famous "Forbidden" Quote

The story behind the perfume's name is, perhaps, one of its most charming aspects. When Hubert de Givenchy expressed his desire to make this exquisite perfume available more widely, Audrey Hepburn had a rather famous and playful response. She reportedly said, in French, 'Mais, je vous l’interdis…' which means, "But I forbid it!" This delightful exchange cemented the name L'Interdit, or "The Forbidden," for this very special fragrance.

Her answer, in a way, perfectly captured the spirit of the scent's exclusivity and her personal attachment to it. It was a fragrance made just for her, and she, apparently, felt it shouldn't be shared with anyone else. This charming anecdote, you know, really highlights the unique bond she shared with Givenchy and her desire to keep this particular scent as her own private indulgence.

From Exclusive Gift to Global Icon

Despite Audrey's playful protest, Givenchy did, in fact, share L'Interdit with the world. While it was initially intended solely for her use, it wasn't commercially released until 1960, after she had worn it for a few years. Some accounts suggest it was made available for general purchase as early as 1957, perhaps in a limited capacity, but the broader commercial release that solidified its place as one of the most iconic perfumes of all time came later.

This decision, you see, cemented Hepburn’s role as its muse and brought her personal scent to a wider audience. The fragrance, in a way, became a symbol of the elegant and luxurious style that she embodied. Givenchy the couturier was, after all, catapulted into stardom by his work with Audrey Hepburn, and her role was equally important in making Givenchy the perfumer. L'Interdit was, in fact, the first perfume from the house of Givenchy, a truly significant step for the brand.

Beyond L'Interdit: Another Signature Scent

While L'Interdit remains the most famously associated fragrance with Audrey Hepburn, it's interesting to learn that she might have had another signature scent in her collection. The world of perfume, you know, is vast, and even icons can have more than one favorite aroma. It's almost like having different outfits for different moods, isn't it?

According to some sources, Audrey Hepburn's signature also included English Promenade 19. This particular scent is described as a white floral fragrance, apparently inspired by the Italian Riviera. It suggests a love for light, fresh, and perhaps slightly romantic aromas, which certainly fits with her overall image. It's a rather lovely thought, that she might have enjoyed the scent of sun-drenched flowers and coastal breezes.

This detail, in some respects, adds another layer to our understanding of her personal preferences. It shows that while L'Interdit was incredibly special due to its personal creation, she also appreciated other beautiful fragrances. It's a reminder that even the most iconic figures have a range of tastes, and their scent choices can be as varied as their wardrobes.

The Enduring Legacy of Audrey's Fragrances

The fragrances associated with Audrey Hepburn, especially L'Interdit, continue to captivate people even today. They stand as a testament to her lasting influence on fashion, beauty, and culture. Her choice of perfume, much like her choice of clothing, reflected a timeless elegance that remains highly admired. It’s a bit like how certain classic films never lose their appeal, you know?

The story of L'Interdit, with its origins as a private gift and its eventual public release, truly highlights the unique bond between a designer and his muse. It’s a narrative that goes beyond just scent, speaking to friendship, creativity, and the power of personal connection. This particular fragrance, it seems, embodies a piece of Hollywood history, a whisper of a bygone era that still feels remarkably fresh.

For those who wish to experience a touch of Audrey's world, trying the modern iteration of L'Interdit can be a wonderful way to connect with her legacy. It's a chance to understand, in a very sensory way, the kind of beauty and sophistication she embraced. You can learn more about iconic fragrances on our site, or perhaps delve into the history of classic Hollywood style to see how scent played a role.

Frequently Asked Questions About Audrey Hepburn's Perfume

Did Audrey Hepburn really forbid Givenchy from selling her perfume?

Yes, she did, in a playful way! When Hubert de Givenchy wanted to release L'Interdit to the public, Audrey Hepburn famously responded, 'Mais, je vous l’interdis…' which translates to "But I forbid it!" This charming anecdote gave the perfume its name, "The Forbidden."

What were the main notes in Audrey Hepburn's L'Interdit?

The original L'Interdit was a fresh, elegant, and luxurious scent. It included notes like neroli, orange blossom, ylang ylang, white flowers, and grapefruit. Other descriptions also mention hints of peach, jasmine, and musk, aiming to evoke a classic Hollywood feel.

When was L'Interdit by Givenchy first made available to the public?

While some accounts suggest it was available for general purchase in 1957, the wider commercial release of L'Interdit, after Audrey Hepburn had worn it exclusively for a few years, did not happen until 1960. This later release solidified its place as an iconic perfume.

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