Where does the vetiver come from?

Among the dozen vetiver species, Vetiveria zizanioide is the most widely used variety in perfumery. Vetiver is a herbaceous plant growing under the Tropics. Perfumers particularly appreciate the vetiver Bourbon (Reunion Island), the vetiver of Java and the vetiver Haiti. Only the roots of the shrub are distilled in order to obtain the essence of vetiver. After distillation with water vapor, a thick, amber liquid with strong notes is obtained. Besides its use in perfumery, aromatherapists recognize the benefits of the essential oil of vetiver. The so-called "tranquil oil" is appreciated for its immunostimulating properties.

The first "Vetiver"

Commonly used for its structuring properties, vetiver acts, initially, as a fixing agent. In 1957, Carven gave him his letters of nobility by elaborating an eponymous fragrance, "Vetiver". Thanks to his success, a few years later, Guerlain and Givenchy took the lead and created their "Vetiver". Today, the vetiver is a reference, an essential material of the male woodlands.

Others "vetiver"

At the same time, dense, elegant and fusante, the flavor of vetiver continues to inspire the creators: "Ink Black" by Lalique, "Vetiver Tonka" by Hermès and "Sycamore" by Chanel.

Women's Vetiver

The smoky, woody flavor of vetiver is the prerogative of manly fragrances. Always looking for new challenges, bold perfumers are looking to introduce vetiver in women's perfumery. Appreciated for its structuring properties, vetiver is present in certain feminine perfumes, such as the "N ° 5" of Chanel and "Calèche" of Hermès. In 2003, the first "Vetiver" for women was born, an oriental woodland called "The Kiss of the Dragon". Then in 2007, Guerlain proposes a feminine version, "Vétiver pour Elle", of his famous "Vetiver".