Vetiver is one of those notes, like rose, that I love because of its versatility. It’s one of those notes that can shift and transform. It can be bright and sharp or smoky and dark. Plus, it goes with everything. It can bring out the best (and sometimes the worst) of surrounding notes. For the most part, vetiver is a supporting actor but it also has had some lead roles. I think that Malle Editions de Parfums Vetiver Extraordinaire is one of vetivers best leading roles.
Vetiver Extraordinaire reminds me of burning leaves and the humidity that you feel right before a thunderstorm. It’s earth and ozone. Dry cedar and spice. It opens with dry, spicy pepper and glimmers of bright lemon.The vetiver, like I’ve already said, is a humid and damp vetiver. It dries down with a small amount of smoke and musks. It’s a moody vetiver and that’s why I like it.
I’m from the school of thought with many things in life that if you are going to have a staple, get the best. I apply this to a black t-shirt, a milk frother and yes, even vetiver perfumes. I feel like if you want to own only one straight-forward vetiver, then you better try this one.
Notes listed include bergamot, bitter orange, pink pepper, cloves, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, oakmoss, myrrh and musk. Launched 2002. PERFUMER – Dominique Ropion
Give Vetiver Extraordinaire a try if you are looking for an exceptional vetiver. Or if you like perfumes like Tom Ford Grey Vetiver, Phaedon Black Vetiver, Roja Dove Vetiver and/or Les Excusifs de Chanel Sycamore. Being a vetiver, many will see this one as masculine. However, I wear it frequently and feel comfortable wearing it.
Projection and longevity are average.
Vetiver Extraordinaire comes in two sizes (1.7 and 3.4 oz) with prices ranging from $200-290 at Nordstrom. A travel size is also available.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A humid vetiver with “atmosphere”. I would really like to own a full-size of this one.
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i have yet to try a Malle, which kinda seems like trying cookies with tasting the chocolate chip… but there it is. i would imagine i would start with Geranium pour Monsieur– but a good vetiver, as you point out, can go a very long way.
thank you for putting this on my radar!
I was a Malle late bloomer. Honestly, none of the descriptions appealed to me until Portrait of a Lady. And then I tried the line and fell for them. Many are like those well-made staples that you’ll find yourself using more than you thought you would (like a good pair of jeans, cowboy boots, overcoat, etc.).
I really want a bottle of VE but the line is costly. I keep telling myself that I’ll just dilute some great vetiver…but I know it won’t be as good. I do love vetiver though so I think I’d wear it more than I think I would.
Hi Victoria,
I live in the Netherlands and last thursday I went to Groningen up North where there is a Skins Store that’s sell.s Frederic Malle and I have a beautiful sample of Vetiver extraordinaire in a litte black box. But I bought a 30 ml of Vetiver Fatal bij Atelier Cologne. Did you ever smell that???
In 2012 I went for a three day perfume trip to Paris and we ( a group of 11 perfume addicts) visited Guerlain, Different Company, Serge Lutens ( stunning!), L’artisan parfumeur, Francis Kurkdjian, Hermes and Frederic Malle.
I will never forget that trip.After that my “passion” for perfume went on and on. On FB we have the Dutch Fragrance association with some Belgian people and it is lots of fun to read their posts every day. But I am also a big fan of your blog!!!!!!
Ohh, sounds fun! I haven’t tried Vetiver Fatal…yet. I have a sample somewhere.
Wow! I bet you guys had a blast. That’s the best city to be with fellow perfume lovers.
Thank you so much for reading 🙂
[…] vines of jasmine. No other note in perfumery really reminds me of “thunderstorm” like vetiver does. The vetiver in this perfume adds dark clouds to the floral humidity. It’s damp, dark […]