22 Vendôme.

22 Vendôme was conceived as an olfactory homage to the Maison’s birthplace at 22 Place Vendôme, the very address where Van Cleef & Arpels opened its first boutique in 1906. In 2020 the historic block was re‑imagined by the agency Jouin Manku, a modern makeover that sparked the idea of translating stone, marble and the scent of polished brass into perfume. Quentin Bisch was tapped to capture that legacy, launching the scent in 2022 as part of the Collection Extraordinaire.

Pear and bergamot were chosen to echo the bright light that bounces off the marble façades of Vendôme, a crisp opening that feels like sunrise over polished stone. The iris heart adds a powdery, almost jewel‑like sheen, recalling the house’s gemstone brilliance. Vetiver, patchouli and tonka bean ground the composition, evoking the deep, warm vaults beneath the boutique where history rests.

At first spray, the pear bursts forward, sharp and juicy, while bergamot slices in a clean, citrus edge that feels like a freshly opened window onto a Parisian boulevard. Within minutes the iris unfurls, softening the brightness into a velvety, powdery veil that whispers of silk‑lined jewelry boxes. As the heart fades, the base emerges: vetiver’s green, earthy bite intertwines with patchouli’s woody depth, while tonka bean drifts in, lending a sweet, almost caramel warmth. The drydown settles for six to eight hours, leaving a subtle, refined trail that clings to skin like a quiet after‑glow, never overpowering but unmistakably present.

22 Vendôme, launched by Van Cleef & Arpels, quickly became a symbol of refined French elegance, echoing the maison's heritage in high jewelry. Its pear and bergamot opening resonated with a generation seeking fresh yet timeless aromas, influencing boutique perfumers to explore fruit‑forward compositions with a sophisticated edge. The fragrance has been featured in cultural events celebrating Parisian artistry, and its subtle nod to classic couture has inspired designers to incorporate scent into runway presentations, reinforcing the dialogue between fragrance and fashion in contemporary culture.