So here it is, the long awaited Galop d’Hermès. Few launches can boast of this much anticipation, save for the new big perfumes from Chanel, Dior or Louis Vuitton, but Hermès is a special house with its unique place in today’s fragrance world. First of all, it realized the idea of creating a truly artistic perfumery team, headed by Jean-Claude Ellena. In-house perfumers are nothing new, but in my view, Ellena is one of the few who actually have an opportunity to pursue his own vision. Second, Hermès is successful.
This aspect is telling, because it proves that customers can spot quality, and Hermès’s perfumes have consistently been well-crafted and memorable. So, the efforts have been rewarded. Ellena’s work has a distinctive signature of radiance and polish, which over the years made for a coherent collection. Now, it’s time to add a twist, and the task has been given to Christine Nagel.
I first came across Nagel’s work about ten years ago, and I was impressed by her ability to create accords that feel good to wear. Her Fendi Theorema is still my spice gold standard. Yves Rocher Rose Absolute turns a well-mannered flower into a sexy vixen. Her creations fit with the philosophy of the renowned perfumer Guy Robert, “Above all, a perfume has to smell good.”
Galop does smell good. It also has an elegant presence, perfectly in line with Hermès’s aesthetics. Bravely, Nagel takes a very difficult rose theme–many women still think of this flower as old-fashioned stuff–and wraps it around leather. This nod to Hermès’s equestrian heritage is rendered as a soft suede, rather than a well-worn saddle.
The overall impression of Galop is that of contrast. It pairs a lush, bright rose with a dusky woody-leathery accord, and the two parts of the fragrance develop in tandem. The rose has a delicate candied edge, and at first, there is plenty of orange, so juicy and delicious I can almost taste it. The next wave crest is of saffron. In its pure state it smells medicinal and harsh, but in small quantities saffron is reminiscent of leather cured in flowers. Galop takes full advantage of this effect. In the drydown, leather and woods dominate, giving Galop a richer, deeper hue than its initial brightness suggested.
The tension between the rose and the darker parts of the perfume lend Galop its vivid and bold character. Its personality is adventurous, even if it goes about its business with remarkable grace. It has great sillage and good lasting power, but its transparency, however saturated with color, means that it won’t become suffocatingly persistent. That being said, there is a sensual side to Galop, but it wouldn’t be Nagel’s perfume if it didn’t have one.
Those who are searching for something dark, edgy and avant-garde will probably want a different perfume. Galop in its ease and comfort is a prêt-à-porter perfume, but with haute couture attention to detail. It’s a fragrance to try if you think you don’t like roses. Or if you’re looking for a soft leather. Or if you’re after elegance.
Galop d’Hermès is available at Hermès boutiques and counters in the Extrait de Parfum version. The bottles are refillable, 50ml.
112 Comments
Karen A: Love the stirrup shaped bottle! August 26, 2016 at 8:51am
Victoria: The bottle is really interesting! August 26, 2016 at 11:29am
Angelina: Dear Victoria,
Thank you for the great review!
I think Galop is only in pure perfume concentration 🙂 August 26, 2016 at 8:52am
Ajda: I must try it. But it’s soooo expensive, apparently 225€ for 50 ml? August 26, 2016 at 9:07am
Victoria: It’s expensive, parfum or not. August 26, 2016 at 11:36am
Victoria: Angelina, you’re right. It’s pure perfume. August 26, 2016 at 11:34am
Iuliana: Thank you, Victoria, I was hoping that you would review it soon :-). I received a (very generous) sample and the salesperson was telling me that some people hardly get any rose – not sure how that is possible… Your review is spot on (and beautiful), as always. Have a great weekend! August 26, 2016 at 9:23am
Victoria: Does it last well on you?
Thank you! I also wish you a nice weekend. It’s going to be hot here. August 26, 2016 at 11:44am
Iuliana: It does, and develops beautifully, after a rather shrill leathery opening on me (please bear in mind that I do not own any leather perfume and have a very hard time with this note – it is the opposite for roses) and the only thing it screams at any other point in its fairly long life is quality and elegance. Which is a problem, as it means that I will pribably have to purchase it at some point (unles I find a better leather perfume for me – opened to suggestions ;-))… The bottle is quite something too – when I noticed the different colours of the leather laces in display, I thought it came in different concentrations, but it is not the case. August 26, 2016 at 11:57am
Karen A: I never thought I’d enjoy a leather perfume until I received a sample from Limegreen (thank you again! BdJ people are The Best!) Of Cuir Cannage by Dior. It is beautiful! August 26, 2016 at 12:41pm
Victoria: It’s also very soft and velvety. August 27, 2016 at 10:10am
Tijana: Iuliana, thanks for this comment, I am like you and don’t relly own leather fragrances as I am not a huge fan. So, with your view on this, I am likely to go and try and hope for my wallet’s sake I don’t love it 🙂
Some rare fragrances that feature leather that I love are Guerlain’s Cuir Beluga and ELDO’s Putain des Palaces – they are very different, but maybe one of them will work for you! August 27, 2016 at 6:58am
Victoria: Have you tried Cuir d’Ange, from Hermessence? It’s one of the softest, most delicate leathers. August 27, 2016 at 10:06am
Iuliana: Not on the skin, but thank you (and Karen and Tijana) for the suggestions! August 27, 2016 at 11:17am
Sandra: I will take a sniff..on another perfume blog people were talking about this and someone mentioned a really off-putting note in it.
I thought of you yesterday when everyone was talking about this new Japanese face wash that foams up into a flower. Kanebo’s Evita beauty whip..even fashionista in NYC were posting the ad video
I was laughing A LOT. August 26, 2016 at 9:26am
Victoria: I fail to even guess what one might find off-putting in Galop. Unless one doesn’t like leather or transparent rose. If anything, I would have imagined perfumistas finding it too subtle, too tame.
I must see this video. 🙂 August 26, 2016 at 10:59am
Lindaloo: Thanks for the info about the Kanebo Evita. I think I might have to get it just to make roses every day.
I too will take a sniff of Galop. August 26, 2016 at 8:51pm
Victoria: I checked, and I too want this foaming cleanser. 🙂 August 27, 2016 at 10:23am
Karen A: I want it too! What a clever idea. August 29, 2016 at 4:37am
Sandra: I am sure some other beauty companies may to to copy this.. August 27, 2016 at 11:52am
Victoria: Eventually they might, although I wonder if there is some sort of patent on it. August 29, 2016 at 11:00am
spe: That off-putting note was cassis bud, I think.
This sounds worth a try! High contrast in a scent can be glorious. August 26, 2016 at 9:33am
Victoria: I don’t notice an off-putting cassis in it.
And yes, the contrast is the most interesting part. August 26, 2016 at 10:57am
elisa p: I believe the note in question was quince and the disappointment being that it was not a bolder rose/leather.
In any event, your review has me curious, especially since I prefer lighter leathers ala Bottega Veneta. I wish I’d remembered this one when I was at Bergdorf’s the other day! I guess I’ll have to go back… August 26, 2016 at 1:38pm
Victoria: Ah, gotcha. Quince smells like a fruity rose, with a hint of apple, but despite it being mentioned prominently in the note descriptions, it’s hardly dominant. Just adds to the juicy, bright impression.
Bottega Veneta is a good comparison as far as the leather part goes. August 27, 2016 at 10:14am
Briony: Thanks Victoria. I love Hermes perfumes and can’t wait to try this one. It sounds gorgeous. August 26, 2016 at 10:05am
Victoria: I look forward to your thoughts on it. August 26, 2016 at 10:56am
WildDove: I like to try all the new fragrances, but I’m wary of the saffron. For rose + leather, I like Kelly Caleche. August 26, 2016 at 10:08am
Victoria: A perfume is more than the sum of its parts, so maybe it won’t be noticeable to you. August 26, 2016 at 10:54am
Steve L.: Nice bottle indeed. With regard to rose and the observation that “many women still think of this flower as old-fashioned stuff,” I was reminded that the last time I considered complimenting a passing stranger on what she was wearing it was definitely a subtle variation on rose. She didn’t look old-fashioned. August 26, 2016 at 10:51am
Victoria: Not all women don’t like roses, of course. Based on the comments people leave here, I’d wager a guess that it’s a beloved note among perfume lovers. Just not the case on average. August 26, 2016 at 10:56am
Susan Minnicks: Thanks for the head’s up – I’m looking forward to it. I love the saffron in their Néroli Doré..
butI’m wary. Her Muguet quickly devolves into a stale melon…we’ll see!
I know the SA’s were excited to try it. August 26, 2016 at 10:51am
Victoria: Muguet wasn’t hers. It’s by Jean-Claude Ellena. As is Néroli Doré. August 26, 2016 at 10:53am
Susan Minnicks: Oh I thought it was her new one for Hermes…thanks! August 26, 2016 at 10:55am
Victoria: She created Eau de Rhubarbe Ecarlate. August 26, 2016 at 11:37am
Susan Minnicks: Which I’m on my second bottle! August 26, 2016 at 12:07pm
Victoria: Then you definitely will like trying this one. August 27, 2016 at 10:08am
Notturno7: Dear V, does Galop have that ‘sports-y-like, clean note’ that lot of Ellena’s fragrances for Hermes have? I don’t know how to describe it and I don’t like it on me. Many of his Jardins de …. fragrances have it, and it reminds me of cucumber or tomatoes.
I hope Galop is different! August 27, 2016 at 9:58am
Victoria: Galop wasn’t created by Jean-Claude Ellena. Christine Nagel has a completely different style. August 27, 2016 at 10:04am
rickyrebarco: Wonderful review, Viktoria. This sounds divne, can’t wait to try it! August 26, 2016 at 11:09am
Victoria: Hope that you can sample it soon and share your thoughts. August 26, 2016 at 11:38am
Austenfan: This sounds very much worth a sniff. Nagel seems to have done a very varied range fragrances, so I’ll be curious to see, or rather smell, what she will do with Hermès. I like her Rhubarb cologne a lot, although I must admit liking Néroli Doré just a little more.
I love your comment about Hermès’ care for quality paying off in good sales. I wish more brands would grasp that idea.
On another note: did you ever try her Histoire d’Eau Topaze? August 26, 2016 at 11:10am
Victoria: I did, and it’s another beauty. She has a knack for turning out memorable accords. Memorable and wearable. August 26, 2016 at 11:41am
Nicola: I am one who usually avoids rose centric perfumes but your review (which also mentions cassis bud, saffron and leather, all notes I enjoy very much) has me eager to rush off to the Hermes boutique in the City to sample it! Love the bottle too – it reminds me of the Mauboussin bottle though that was iridescent. I hope you are enjoying some summer weather and not working too hard, Victoria! Nicola August 26, 2016 at 12:00pm
Victoria: I somehow think that you’d like it, or at least, appreciate sampling it. The bottle is beautiful too, and I like the fact that it’s refillable.
I also hope that your summer is going well, and that you’ve had a good vacation. August 27, 2016 at 10:08am
Nicola: Thank you Victoria.
I just wanted to give a shout out to the lovely Laura at the Hermes boutique, Royal Exchange, City. I dropped in on my way home last Friday and sniffed Galop, whilst listening to her words on the perfume (I had in mind yours too, of course). Without my even asking she gave me a sample (which is a generous size) and I will enjoy wearing it once the weather has cooled a bit more. And the bottle is fabulous. The whole thing oozes quality and elegance. August 30, 2016 at 9:44am
Victoria: So glad to hear that you liked it. Today was warm but not hot, and I enjoyed wearing another Hermes leather I like, Doblis. Hermes is one of the few brands that managed to create a coherent collection with a distinctive aesthetic. August 31, 2016 at 5:18am
Annikky: Such a beautiful review and I’m glad Nagel and Hermes have done a good job. I’ll smell it as soon as I can: I’m not the biggest fan of roses, but I often love them when paired with other notes, especially deeper ones. August 26, 2016 at 12:22pm
Victoria: Yes, it’s a little misleading to describe this one as a “rose perfume”, because it’s more much blended. It would be like describing No 22 as a rose, I suppose. August 27, 2016 at 10:10am
zephyr: As soon as I’m at a Nordstrom’s or Nieman’s, I’m absolutely going to sniff and try this! I doubt if Galop is like Guerlain’s Nahema, but Galop sounds very appealing. While I’m at it, I’ll also check out Eau de Rhubarbe Écarlate and a few others. A fragrance with a leather note has always been something I’ve wanted, but I’ve never been able to find one I’ve been crazy about. Maybe Galop could be it. August 26, 2016 at 1:14pm
Victoria: No, you’re right, it’s not remotely like Nahema. Its character is completely different, and it’s very transparent and radiant, despite having plenty of curves. August 27, 2016 at 10:11am
zephyr: I’m anxious to sniff it; thanks for your review! August 27, 2016 at 2:56pm
Qwendy: Great review! Like Nicola, I am a fan of all of the notes you mention! Looking forward to my next trip to Paris to try it! I appreciate all if the other recs too! Xxx August 26, 2016 at 1:27pm
Victoria: The new Chanel No 5 L’Eau is also worth trying! August 27, 2016 at 10:12am
Qwendy: Thanks V! I never would have thought of it! On a quest for rich bright perfumes ….. August 28, 2016 at 5:13am
Domestic Goblin: Thank you for the review Victoria. I love the design of the bottle! However, I am anosmic to roses which is a shame… August 26, 2016 at 1:45pm
Victoria: Then you might smell other more interesting things in it. Rose is just one part of many. August 27, 2016 at 10:15am
Alicia: Victoria, thank you for this lovely review. I like all the notes you mention, but notes are not enough, one needs the music, and the one you suggest persuades me. Accords of rose, saffron, leather… the all tempt me. Plus Hermes elegance, its quality, and above all your recommendation which up until now has never failed with me. Gallup shall be mine. August 26, 2016 at 2:01pm
Alicia: Galop…that Gallup is the product of automatic correction. My mistake: they not the , in “they all tempt me” August 26, 2016 at 6:19pm
Victoria: My phone keeps changing “Bisous” into “Bosoms” or “Bulls.” Sometimes I’ve sent emails to people signed, Bulls, Victoria. 🙂 August 27, 2016 at 10:22am
Victoria: It’s an elegant, refined perfume, but it’s also lighthearted and approachable. It’s not the ice queen kind of elegance (which also can be interesting, of course). August 27, 2016 at 10:17am
Alicia: I suspect that I also like the Ice Queens, although I am not quite sure which they are. This summer my broken foot and the heat conspired in my finding consolation through many fragrances. I medium bottle of the ever present 4711, and half bottles of Pleasures, Silences, Equipage, Baiser Volé, and now finishing beloved Habit Rouge, with excursions into nearly full bottles of Ostara, Eau d’Orange Verte, and always marvelous Chamade. This is something I tend to do every summer: finishing opened bottles. I wonder why, since I never do the same in the colder seasons. My next buy will be Galop. Thank you, dear Victoria. August 27, 2016 at 12:56pm
Victoria: I’m thinking of something like No 19. Which I also love.
Hope that your foot is healing! August 29, 2016 at 11:01am
Claire: I look forward to trying a sample of this! love leather, roses, (and sometimes saffron), but really I’ve almost given up on trying to guess what fragrances I will like from the list of notes. I’ve only recently discovered some true fragrance favorites which I would not have chosen from their descriptions, and likewise been very disappointed by fragrances I thought were just what I was looking for, but in experience, were not. I wanted to love Jean Claude Ellena’s creations, but that “luminosity” and clean aspect is, sadly, problematic for me. I experienced the same thing with most of the Tauer fragrances. I think it is ISO e Super, but I just smell solvents with an unbearable tenacity, and most I tried resulted in migraines. I try to refrain from reading notes before sniffing, but never apply fragrance on my skin if Calone or Iso e Super is in the mix without smelling at a distance first! I sort of coaxed myself into liking Un Jardin Sur Nil, and wore it quite a bit last summer, but it was almost a sort of challenge. I still find reliable elegance in Chanel and classic Guerlain. August 26, 2016 at 3:27pm
Notturno7: Same with me, Claire! I love Chanel and Guerlain and don’t like most of recent JCE’s creations. On me they smell too ‘clean’. Now, you explained this note to me, thank you!
I love his old classic First for Arpege and Vanille Galante. Another Hermes I love is 24 Faubourg (M. Roucel created it) which I have in EDP, extrait and body cream. August 27, 2016 at 10:15am
Notturno7: Can’t wait to try Galop! Thank you, Victoria. I love leather and roses.
I forgot to mention Caleche Soit de Perfum, great in hot climate for me, and Extrait I use when it’s cooler cause it smells ‘woodsy’ on me. August 27, 2016 at 10:18am
Victoria: Extrait de parfum Caleche also has a delicious woody note on me, warm and enveloping. I’m saving it for the autumnal days, when it matches the scent of fallen leaves and chrysanthemums. August 27, 2016 at 10:37am
Notturno7: Victoria, thanks for your description of Caleche Extrait. I’ve been meaning to ask you about it as I got a 40 year old vintage Caleche Extrait recently and never tried ‘modern version’ of Caleche. I was wondering if what I’ve got was close to how it’s supposed to smell like. Yes, it’s very woodsy like and kind of herbal, sometimes it reminds me of a nutmeg or some other spice. August 28, 2016 at 2:43pm
Victoria: Goodness, that’s a special find! August 29, 2016 at 11:06am
Victoria: Have you ever come across 24 Faubourg soap? I found a bar at a flea market, and I couldn’t resist. One of the most beautiful soaps I’ve tried, on par with the vintage Mitsouko soap. August 27, 2016 at 10:36am
Clair: Thank you for another wonderful review! The soap sounds wonderful! August 27, 2016 at 12:35pm
Notturno7: No, I never tried the 24 Faubourg or Mitsouko soap!! I didn’t even know that they used to make it. It sounds amazing!
I thought of you cause I’m visiting my parents in Croatia and I found my vintage bottle of Chamade that I got as a teenager. It smells divine 😍.
I can’t wait to try Galop when I’m back in the U.S..
Lovely review!! Thank you. August 28, 2016 at 2:53pm
Karen A: Ohhhh, vintage Chamade! Lucky you!! August 29, 2016 at 4:47am
Victoria: You seem to be happening on so many treasures. Enjoy your vintage gems! August 29, 2016 at 11:07am
Clair: First and Vanille Gallante receive so much attention. I have been meaning to try them. I also haven’t really tried many of the Hermessences, so I don’t want to rule out everything by Jean Claude Ellena so easily. I know Iso E Super is problematic for me but it is probably a matter of quantity and other factors in the mix. Unfortunately I just have to be very vigilant. I love all fragrance: flowers, forest, earth, lotions, soaps, candles, but many contemporary fragrances give me migraines, especially those labeled aquatic or ozonic. I love this forum because I learn so much from others. I should try 24 Faubourg again. If you like honeyed orange blossom, you might like Jour Ensolielle by Sonoma Scent Studio. Luscious and well priced. August 27, 2016 at 12:33pm
Notturno7: Thanks. I haven’t tried many Hermessences either. August 28, 2016 at 1:39pm
Victoria: It’s tough, since Iso E Super is one of the most commonly used ingredients. August 27, 2016 at 10:18am
Rita: Oh it looks beautiful, the shape is fascinating and thank you for the thorough and intricate detail! Liked that and thank you. I am loooking forward to having a whiff of it soon.
Thanks!
I enjoy readibg your blog! August 26, 2016 at 3:37pm
Victoria: Thank you very much, Rita! August 27, 2016 at 10:18am
Aurora: How timely, Victoria. It’s no mean feat to make an orange truly juicy. Rose + saffron I like the sound of this combination as in Calligraphy Rose and Grossmith Saffron Rose, and Hermes leather and woods are usually so well done, the woods of Caleche are among my favorites. I’m so behind with the new releases, alas, I’ll go to the West End soon and catch up.
Very glad your weather has improved, the sun shines here too but it’s not hot as it is in continental europe. August 26, 2016 at 4:47pm
Victoria: I also like the combination of rose and saffron, in perfume and in food. One of the reasons I love Persian cuisine is because it uses the blend of saffron and rosewater to perfume many dishes. When I make it by dissolving ground saffron in rosewater, I’m always end up rubbing a bit of scented liquid onto my wrists.
The weather in Brussels is more than 30C, which for me is terrible, since we have no A/C and it’s about 40C in our house (because of some quirky architectural decisions). There has no decent weather this summer. It’s either cold and rainy or sweltering. I hope that your weather is better. August 27, 2016 at 10:21am
Daisy: Oh gosh! Sweltering! I hope that there is a break in the wether soon. I made it through a heat wave in Paris once by freezing my pillowcases. They didn’t stay cold for long, but at least long enough for me to fall asleep. August 27, 2016 at 2:07pm
Victoria: If only my freezer wasn’t completely stuffed, I would have tried this trick this weekend. 🙂 August 29, 2016 at 11:02am
Qwendy: I do that too! I so love cooking Persian food. I think we have talked about Saffron before …. I have never found a Saffron Floral scent to love 🙁
When we were in Brussels two Summers ago (such a shame I was off the perfume radar then, had no idea you were there) it was 38! I bought a big ungainly room A/c unit for a heat spell here our first year and it helped me! This year it has been cool and rainy a lot here in Brittany too! Weird weather everywhere I fear.
I hope September changes everything! August 28, 2016 at 5:24am
Karen A: Rose Nacree du Désert by Guerlain has a pronounced saffron note – it’s a gorgeous rose, Oud saffron combination that wears beautifully. August 29, 2016 at 4:51am
Qwendy: Thanks, this scent sounds fantastic, more to sniff on my next Paris trip! August 29, 2016 at 12:03pm
Victoria: It’s a subtle accent here, but if you want more, what about Ormonde Jayne Taif or L’Artisan Safron Troublant? August 29, 2016 at 11:06am
Qwendy: I have tried and tried to love Ta’if, and
I still have the dregs of a bottle but maybe it’s too “fresh” for me, or that the Pink Pepper bugs me? Safran Troublant is finally too sweet for me …. I have the end of a bottle too which I darken by layering it over something woodsy :-). Sorry I am such a hard case! August 29, 2016 at 12:07pm
Jessica: Oh! I look forward to visiting an Hermes boutique to try this one. Even if I don’t love the scent, I’ll have fun handling the bottle for a few minutes! August 26, 2016 at 8:03pm
Victoria: The bottle is fun! I’m not quite sure why the string is necessary, but it’s cute nonetheless. August 27, 2016 at 10:23am
Sarah: I am truly looking forward to sampling this one! Love almost everything from Hermes. I so enjoy your writings Victoria! I am a new reader. Thank you! August 26, 2016 at 9:41pm
Victoria: Welcome to Bois de Jasmin, Sarah! 🙂 August 27, 2016 at 10:25am
ClareObscure: I’m chiming in with praise for a deliciously written review of Galop. At the start of the article I thought the bottle & perfume’s name suggested a man’s fragrance.
I’m intrigued & want to try it soon.
Like WildDove I am a fan of Kelly Caleche with leather & roses. As you said, Victoria, Hermes does elegantly blended perfumes. I also love Le Jardin Sur le Toit but not Sur le Nil because fig scents are not appealing on my skin. How we perceive smells is really fascinating & unique to each of us.
The first leather to grab my attention was Serge Lutens Daim Blonde. It felt like a warm hug from a classy fella in a fine leather jacket with fragrant Dutch tobacco in his pocket. August 26, 2016 at 10:58pm
Victoria: I love your description of Daim Blond! The touch of apricot with that leather also makes it so inviting.
I wasn’t a big fan of Kelly Caleche, because I find it too cold and musty on my skin, but by contrast, I enjoy Galop. They’re very different perfumes, of course, so it’s hard to compare. Either way, they show what different styles Ellena and Nagel have, even if both create within the idea of Hermes’s aesthetics. August 27, 2016 at 10:27am
Tijana: Thank you Victoria, I must try even though I am not a huge leather lover, but as it is more suede-like and elegant, I may enjoy it!
With that said, what’s up with fragrance prices lately!??! If this is truly over 200 euros for 50 ml, that is just crazy (parfum or not). I am shocked at prices lately, I went to try Chanel Boy recently and had a sticker shock when they told me large bottle is 410 canadian. As much as I like it, there is no way I would shell that kind of money out. I draw the line at 280 for 200 ml – this is just pure money grab!
Sorry for the rant, lol!!!! Still lovely review from you and thanks so much!!!! August 27, 2016 at 7:04am
Victoria: I hear you. There is plenty of aspirational pricing in perfumery, and I personally know cases where the brand owners wanted to charge less for their perfumes, while the stores where they were to be sold insisted on a high price bracket “to maintain the luxury image.” That being said, 225 euros for 50ml of extrait de parfum is not unreasonable. Chanel No 5 30ml goes for more than $300, for instance. Natural essences are extremely expensive, especially flower absolutes. Because of the climate change, the farmers are struggling, and the crops haven’t been great in the past few years. So, the prices will only increase. As a result, so will the prices of perfumes that use these ingredients. August 27, 2016 at 10:34am
Tijana: You are right that given it is parfum, it’s not entirely unreasonable, assuming it does behave that way too and has some tenacity. With that said, I just discovered that there is also a refill of 125 ml that is only $40 or so more than 50 ml (in Canada $225 for 50 ml vs $264 for 125 ml refill), so I think that is a much more reasonable option. But I have to question then – why do some extraits get issued in max 15 or 30 ml quantities at much higher prices, while others launch it in 50/125 ml option? If 30 ml of L’Heure Bleu lasts me forever and I only need 2-3 dabs, but I actually have to put on more of Galop to get the same performance (which I suspect I do given 125 ml option), is it truly comparable? I noticed this with Mon Precieux Nectar which was selling in 125 ml parfum for a while, but I always had to put on more (eventually, they started calling it Eau de Parfum and to me they have the same smell and performance like it is identical juice).
My point, not sure we are comparing apples to apples, but I could be wrong… 😉 August 27, 2016 at 11:10am
Victoria: But the parfum concentration doesn’t mean that it’s more lasting. It can be, but generally the parfum stays closer to the skin and has a more moderate sillage. If you’re looking for sillage, I’d recommend either the EDP or the EDT. The parfum is just different. In the end, it may not be the best concentration for what one needs, and I’d imagine that the EDP/EDT will eventually follow.
It’s hard to compare parfums across brands, because everyone does something different and there are no ironclad rules. Galop may not cost the same per kg of concentrate as No 5 or L’Heure Bleue, which is why the price is different. Plus, the fancy packaging, which in Hermes’s case, explains some of the price–and explains why the refill is priced the way it is. August 27, 2016 at 11:29am
Tijana: Got it! Thanks for clarifying. I do like parfum concentrations mostly, because they are richer in the way the smell. I just find longevity inconsistent, that’s all. But your explanation makes perfect sense, thanks! August 27, 2016 at 11:50am
Victoria: Yes, that’s the trouble, especially since the companies don’t keep testers of their parfums. August 29, 2016 at 10:59am
Notturno7: The Hermes boutique in London, I think on Bond Street, had testers of pure perfumes. I had a ball trying them on. In San Francisco boutique, they don’t have those and I was really surprised and happy to spray them on. I walked out happily sniffing my elbows and wrists,and smelling of different scents.
I scored a new bottle of Galop during my visit to London and I love it!! So elegant.
I had a great stay in London, the weather was perfect, sunny and warm every day and now Galop reminds me of our visits to museums, beautiful paintings, walks in sunny parks and the gentle trail of Galop that enveloped me during our holidays.😊💜 September 27, 2016 at 1:58pm
Victoria: A perfect souvenir with such beautiful associations. I hope that you will enjoy wearing it and remembering your trip. September 28, 2016 at 10:56am
Kari: This sounds beautiful and, as you said, elegant. Polished but adventurous and sexy in a sophisticated sort of way. Hope to sample this someday. And what a cool bottle! August 27, 2016 at 11:45am
Victoria: It’s a very easy perfume to wear, but it’s still interesting. August 29, 2016 at 10:58am
Patricia: This does sound nice, and I love the equestrian-themed bottle! I must visit the Hermes boutique in Boston soon…I’m way behind in my Hermes testing. 🙂 August 27, 2016 at 6:09pm
Victoria: I don’t remember, did you like Cuir d’Ange (also by Hermes)? August 29, 2016 at 11:03am
SM: Hi Victoria! Thanks for the lovely review. I’ve been waiting for Galop to be out. Would you say that the soft leather in Galop to be similar to the suede in Cuir d’Ange (which I love very much)? August 29, 2016 at 2:27am
Victoria: It’s more blended with the floral notes, but yes, in terms of strength, it’s similar. (The two perfumes smell very different, I should add.) August 29, 2016 at 11:08am
Alicia: Of course, number 19. I certainly love it, and wear it a lot in the colder season, particularly in autumn, as I do with another favorite, Scherrer #1.
My foot is getting better, very slowly. I am hoping to be able to travel next month. Perhaps that is why I am wearing today Equipage. Wonderful perfume…reminding me to prepare soon my travel bags. Thank you for asking, Victoria. August 29, 2016 at 3:02pm
Victoria: I’m glad to hear it!
Scherrer is one of the best cool green chypres, and I’m impressed how well the company has maintained its formula, all things considered. August 31, 2016 at 6:03am
Lily: Finally got around to ordering more samples and this was at the top of my to try list. Now it is at the top of my “Want” list! LOL. Wow. I think I expected to be disappointed, bc most of the leathers I have tried are harsh on my skin, and I was a bit worried about the quince since my skin amps up fruit notes like whoa damn. But this is such a lovely blend. Enough sweet from the floral (fruit and floral?) notes to make the leather feel good on, and just an interesting accord. It’s one that reminds me of my beloved Houbigant Orangeur en Fleurs, taking elements that are not unusual and making something unexpected from them anyway. I like perfumes like that. It suits my general life aesthetic, nothing unusual here except the way things are put together!
Mmm, lovely lovely. 2016 was a good year for new launches, at least for me. 🙂 February 1, 2017 at 4:22pm
Victoria: Thank you for your thoughts! So fun to read them. 🙂 February 2, 2017 at 3:17am