The original Joy was created at the time of the Great Depression in 1929 and was presented by Jean Patou as 'the world's most expensive perfume'. Its popularity helped his Haute-Couture house survive the difficult years, as Henri Alméras’ unique creation that squeezed 10600 flowers of jasmine and 28 dozens of roses into the heart of a precious bottle, became extremely popular.
Joy Forever was launched in 2013 and the nose behind this fragrance is Thomas Fontaine. It’s a lighter and airier interpretation of Joy with some added notes and minus the heady tuberose of the original that give it a much brighter feel but the heart is unchanged with luscious rose and indulgent jasmine. Top notes are bergamot, mandarin orange and galbanum; middle notes are marigold, jasmine, rose, orris, orange blossom and peach; base notes are cedar, sandalwood, white musk and amber.
It’s an alluring floral composition like the original, slightly greener and peachy with great lasting power and a blooming heart filled with rose and jasmine surrounded by precious woods, musk and amber. The rose is most prominent on my skin and after many hours it is all I can smell which is not too bad as it’s a very pretty and vibrant rose. A perfect companion to a grey week ahead!