The Story
Why it exists.
In 2017, Givenchy reimagined its 1974 classic Gentleman, not as a reissue, but as a statement about what masculine fragrance could be if rebuilt from the ground up. Olivier Cresp and Nathalie Lorson were tasked with showing what that original scent would look like if created today, with modern materials and contemporary sensibilities. The brief was simple: power and sweetness, coexisting in the same bottle.
If this were a song
Community picks
Earned It
The Weeknd
The Beginning
In 2017, Givenchy reimagined its 1974 classic Gentleman, not as a reissue, but as a statement about what masculine fragrance could be if rebuilt from the ground up. Olivier Cresp and Nathalie Lorson were tasked with showing what that original scent would look like if created today, with modern materials and contemporary sensibilities. The brief was simple: power and sweetness, coexisting in the same bottle.
What makes the 2017 Gentleman work is the tension between its materials. The top notes, pear, cardamom, pineapple, arrive sweet and almost greedy, immediately approachable. The heart of iris pallida and lavender brings powdery softness, which could have made the scent too soft. But the base of leather and patchouli grounds everything, keeping the sweetness from floating away. Black vanilla husk bridges the gap, adding warmth without pushing the composition into gourmand territory. This is a fragrance that knows what it wants to be.
The Evolution
The opening hits immediately, pear and pineapple create a sweet, fruity burst that feels almost greedy. It lasts maybe 20-30 minutes before the heart takes over. Iris and lavender arrive together, the lavender adding aromatic freshness while the iris brings its signature powdery violet character. This phase holds for a couple hours. Then the leather and patchouli emerge, and the vanilla softens what could have been harsh in the base. The drydown is the payoff, this is where the fragrance earns its name. On skin, it projects strongly for the first 2-3 hours, then becomes intimate. 8-10 hours of total wear time is realistic for most people.
Cultural Impact
The 2017 Gentleman holds a specific position, it's not as bold as some masculine scents, not as sweet as others. It occupies a middle ground that makes it versatile: office-appropriate yet interesting, casual yet refined. It's a reliable choice for men who want something with presence that doesn't demand attention.
The House
France · Est. 1952
Givenchy Parfums translates the house's couture legacy of aristocratic elegance and audacious spirit into scent. Born from the legendary friendship between Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn, its fragrances explore the tension between the classic and the rebellious, the dark and the light. This is a house that isn't afraid to break the rules, but always does so with impeccable style.
If this were a song
Community picks
Late evening. Lamp light through curtains. The kind of moment that doesn't need to announce itself, just arrives, warm and inevitable. This is the sound of that pause.
Earned It
The Weeknd
