L’Astre by Le Galion (Ava Gardner’s bespoke scent)

Hi there Posse, I bought L’Astre by Le Galion at retail from Fragrances and Art in 2023 as a reward for getting September (I think) New Idea 2023 done right. The thing is though, we were travelling so much last year that every time I was home my time was spent playing catch up with friends, blogs, the businesses, our apartment and the investments. So, though I did buy a few rewards they have sat here awaiting their moment.

Also, while travelling in December we were able to catch up with Nicolas and his partner Enno for dinner at our favourite Korean in Paris, Séoul Opéra. We also had our buddies Rocco and Vera with us. It was such a good night, so much food and booze consumed. All our catching up stories and many reminiscences. The gents are as delightful, interesting, refined and beautiful as their perfumes. They are such excellent raconteurs too. I know, fan girling like crazy but believe me, they are worthy. They also gave me a swag of goodies from Le Galion and Headspace (stay tuned, I have the sample set and we can look at them in Feb)
Sadly Neela was just not up to a night out with us rowdy lot and we missed her and Tony dearly. They were talked of with love.

L’Astre by Le Galion 2023

Le Galion offers a new pyramid:
Aromatic spicy accord: Grilled sweet fennel / Cardamom India / Red ginger Laos / Wild thyme Spain
Symphonic floral accord: Jasmine absolute “vintage” / Ylang Ylang Comoros / Tuberose concrete India / Orange blossom Morocco
Ambery balsamic accord : Amber / Suede / Tolu balsma Honduras / Vanilla bean Madagascar

From Le Galion:  Ambassador and face of Sortilèg during the 1950s, Ava Gardner asked Le Galion to compose a tailor-made fragrance just for her. The perfumer, valuing distinction and femininity, obliged and the custom Ava Gardner perfume would become L’Astre.
Le Galion is now launching L’Astre, a contemporary rewrite of a formula that has remained private for decades. Working in collaboration with the Estate of Ava Gardner and her heirs who offer access to their archives, L’Astre captures and symbolizes the brilliance of these two great names of the 20th century, both of whose influence continues today.

Firstly, the new bottle is beautiful. Fits in the hand well, is hefty and feels very luxurious. The spritzer is fine and abundant. Like walking through the mister at a fancy restaurant.

How does L’Astre smell? The opening is a smooth green spice, herbaceous and resinous. Smooth is the operative word here. Not sure what I was expecting but L’Astre definitely has that Le Galion blending perfection, second to none. Like cool glass on your cheek and eye rollingly, moaningly gorgeous..

As L’Astre heads into the heart it becomes much more white floral but never crosses into BWF territory. This is not a monster but a refined beauty. I think the herbal spiciness keeps it in check. It does lean a little tropical and though there is no fruit noted my nose tells me otherwise. I want to say banana peel and tinned peaches, whatever it is the extra creates an interesting counterpoint. It adds to the excellent segue towards dry down. The parts are not separate though, each is an unfolding like a continuation of the previous but adding detail and dappled shade. After hours I feel like we really reach dry down. It’s a subtle amber and the vanilla isn’t what you’d expect from modern perfumery. A darker aspect of the bean. Dark but still super smooth and given a sheen by the resinous balsam.

Everything that Ava Gardner was is captured so perfectly in this modern interpretation of L’Astre. Totally unisex. Longevity is excellent, sillage and projection are moderate +.

What did the blogs used to say? RUN, don’t walk, to wherever you can try this unbelievable beauty. I’m pretty sure you will swoon hard.

Le Galion has 10ml €35
Fragrances and Art do 1ml spray samples

Last year I wrote about Le Galion Vetyver

Are you a Le Galion or Ava Gardner fan? Does L’Astre sound good to you?
Portia xx