It’s time we all admitted that vanilla is good. I love the spice, and I’m not afraid to declare it. See, the thing with vanilla is that it’s incredibly versatile. I love it in food and fragrance; it’s warm and sweet yet can be spicy, boozy, or even smoky. Like rose, vanilla can be pulled in many directions to consistently show up in new and exciting ways. It’s time we put some respect on vanilla’s name.
When it comes to fragrance, vanilla is in almost everything you’re already wearing. It’s a reliable note that can temper and balance without ever pulling it sweet—if sweet isn’t your thing (still: I would encourage you to unpack that.) Byredo knows vanilla deserves to be celebrated and does just that with their latest launch, Vanille Antique ($330).
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Byredo
Vanille Antique
$330.00
The Bottom Line
Byredo took a polarizing note and created something equally unique and charming. Vanille Antique takes a more accurate approach to vanilla, blending it with notes that let it breathe. The scent gives us an ultra-approachable, timeless option perfect for year-long wear. Some vanillas skew very spicily, boozy, or cakey, but this is a soft, alluring iteration that’s unexpected and familiar.
Vanille Antique fills a needed space in the Byredo collection. The brand recently discontinued its Seven Veils scent, which was the most vanilla fragrance in its collection, and without it—Byredo’s fragrance family lacked something. Still, the brand addressed that directly and gave us a vanilla formula that everyone can enjoy—one that’s even better than their previous offering.
Many of Byredo’s recent scents have been intense, heady, and commanding. Surprisingly, a fragrance that could have easily been just as overpowering is easy to wear, and it’s also probably my favorite of their recent releases. You should try it because—it’s okay to admit it: You love vanilla, don’t you?
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