Scandal
Lanvin Scandal is a historic leather chypre launched in 1931 that offers a distinct, aromatic experience. Dominated by clary sage and leather, it provides an earthy, mossy profile softened by iris and incense. Ideal for vintage lovers, this perfume captures a bygone era of perfumery that favors character and depth over modern sweet trends.
Similar Suggestions
BETAFragrances with the nearest note and performance profile.
For more in-depth suggestions.
Performance Metrics
353 VOTESOpen Performance Breakdown 1 TAKE
Longevity typically spans five to seven hours on the skin. The projection is strong during the first hour, eventually mellowing to a moderate, intimate trail. It is best suited for cool, crisp weather, as high heat can occasionally cause the mossy notes to turn heavy.
Notes Pyramid
Search these notesChoose where each note belongs.
Scandal is an earthy leather chypre with a sharp, aromatic opening. It features a dominant chord of clary sage, bergamot, and lemon, which transitions into a heart of powdery iris, rose, and soft suede leather. The finish is grounded by a resinous base of oakmoss, incense, and vetiver, creating a textured, mossy, and slightly herbal profile.
Main Accords
14 MAPPEDThe leather accord feels more like worn suede than fresh hides, behaving quietly alongside the powdery iris. The oakmoss and incense provide a steady, dark movement that stays close to the skin, providing a sense of weight and depth that evolves slowly over the day.
Community Data
262 TOTAL VOTESCOMMUNITY SENTIMENT
OWNERSHIP STATS
GENDER APPEAL
REVIEW SENTIMENT
When to Wear
TAP TO VOTETIME OF DAY · TAP TO VOTE
OCCASIONS · TAP TO VOTE
It looks easiest to wear in fall and winter. The vote picture leans most toward night.
Pros & Cons
Quick take before you sampleWHY PEOPLE MAY LIKE IT
Offers a unique, historical scent profile
Excellent for collectors of vintage chypres
High-quality, distinct clary sage and leather blend
Provides a sophisticated, mature atmosphere
Ideal for formal autumn and winter occasions
Non-sweet, which is refreshing in today's market
Complex development over several hours
Subtle, suede-like leather behavior
Earthy, mossy base provides great weight
Fits well into professional environments
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Not a crowd-pleasing, mass-market style scent
The sharp, herbal opening can be polarizing
May feel outdated to fans of modern perfumery
Moderate longevity compared to modern standards
Difficult to wear in very high heat or humidity
Leather note is subtle rather than dominant
Requires a specific taste for vintage chypres
Not recommended for casual or gym settings
Requires sampling before a full bottle investment
Harder to find compared to modern designer perfumes
Fragranxe Review
EDITORIAL“Lanvin Scandal Review: Diving Into A Vintage Leather Chypre”
Opening with a sharp, aromatic hit, Scandal immediately declares its vintage roots. The initial spray delivers a prominent burst of clary sage, quickly met by a zesty combination of bergamot and Amalfi lemon. It is bracing and almost medicinal, lacking the modern preference for immediate sweetness. This creates an immediate impression of seriousness that defines the character of the fragrance from the very first minute.
As the heart notes emerge, the composition shifts toward a more complex floral and leather accord. The iris provides a subtle, powdery texture that interacts beautifully with the rose and ylang-ylang. The leather note here is not a harsh, industrial scent but rather a soft, suede-like whisper that lingers underneath the florals. It feels sophisticated and grounded, moving away from the brightness of the top notes into something more contemplative.
On the skin, the dry-down is where the chypre nature truly anchors itself. The oakmoss and incense form a deep, resinous foundation, bolstered by the earthy qualities of vetiver. Benzoin adds a touch of warmth, preventing the composition from feeling too dry. Over several hours, the scent maintains a consistent, mossy presence, occasionally revealing flashes of its earlier citrus and herbal life, which keeps the experience from becoming one-dimensional.
Regarding performance, Scandal acts like a well-mannered vintage. It is not an enormous projector, but it is certainly present, lasting around six hours on average. It performs best in cooler weather, where the incense and moss can properly develop without the interference of heavy humidity. It is an excellent choice for a formal dinner or a professional day in the office during the autumn months.
Fit-wise, this is a fragrance for those who view perfume as a historical expression rather than an accessory. It suits individuals who feel confident wearing bold, aromatic scents and are not intimidated by the presence of oakmoss or sharp herbal notes. It is a mature, established profile that rewards the wearer with its complexity.
Ultimately, Scandal is a fascinating piece of perfumery that requires an educated nose. It is not a crowd-pleaser by modern standards, but for the right person, it provides a unique link to the past. Sample it before buying, as its specific chypre character is distinct from anything on today's department store shelves.
FAQs
What does the scent profile of Scandal feel like?+
Scandal is a leather chypre with a strong aromatic presence. You get a sharp citrus and clary sage opening, followed by a suede-like leather and iris heart, grounded by an earthy base of oakmoss, incense, and vetiver. It feels vintage, grounded, and slightly powdery.
How does the fragrance change from the opening to the dry-down?+
The opening is a burst of bergamot, lemon, and clary sage, which can feel quite punchy or even sharp. As it dries down over thirty minutes, the leather and iris emerge, smoothing the composition into a more subtle, mossy, and resinous skin scent that lingers for hours.
Does this fragrance have good longevity?+
For a vintage-style scent, Scandal offers moderate longevity. On most skin types, it lasts around five to seven hours. It is not a modern long-lasting beast, so it may require a touch-up if you are wearing it for a full day of work or an evening out.
Is the sillage strong or intimate?+
It varies by skin chemistry, but generally, Scandal starts with strong projection during the first hour. Once it settles into the heart and base notes, it becomes more moderate, resting within an arm's length. It is noticeable without filling a room in an overwhelming way.
What is the best season to wear Scandal?+
Scandal shines most in the cooler air of autumn and winter. The resinous base of incense, benzoin, and oakmoss feels warm and appropriate for chilly weather. It can also work on cool spring evenings when the air is crisp, but it may feel too heavy for high summer heat.
Is this a versatile fragrance for daily wear?+
It is a refined choice for formal or professional occasions where you want to signal sophistication. Given its leather and chypre profile, it might not be the most casual scent for a gym session or a beach trip, but it fits perfectly into an office or evening setting.
Does it lean feminine, masculine, or unisex?+
While originally marketed as a fragrance for women, modern enthusiasts often consider it unisex. The leather, clary sage, and vetiver notes give it an aromatic edge that many men find wearable. It ultimately depends on your comfort with floral-leather combinations.
Who should avoid wearing this perfume?+
If you gravitate toward modern, sweet gourmands or light aquatic scents, you may find Scandal jarring or outdated. Those sensitive to vintage oakmoss or animalic leathers might also find the profile too intense or serious for their personal taste.
Can I layer Scandal with other fragrances?+
Yes, some enthusiasts layer it with other vintage chypres or floral-leathers like Chanel Cuir de Russie to add depth or softness. Because it has a strong aromatic base, experiment with light florals to see how they balance the mossy, incense notes.
What are some comparable fragrances if I like Scandal?+
If you enjoy the leather chypre style, Bandit by Piguet is often cited as a more aggressive, intense relative. If you want something softer, vintage versions of Chanel Cuir de Russie or other classic Lanvin fragrances like Rumeur may offer a similar, albeit different, experience.
Rankings
Full rankingsWear Diary
0 COMMUNITY WEAR LOGSKeep sprays, longevity, weather, and compliments in one practical log.
Sign in to keep private wear notes.
Compliment Signal
FROM WEAR LOGSReviews
No owner review yet. You can be the first.
Dupes & Alternatives
COMMUNITY DUPESCOREConsider vintage Chanel Cuir de Russie for a softer floral-leather experience, or Bandit by Robert Piguet if you prefer your leather chypre with significantly more bite and intensity.
No User submitted dupes yet. The first useful DupeScore can come from your community.
Live questions about Scandal
Ask one quick question and let the community weigh in while it is live.
No live pulse yet.
Trusted Sellers
Community-submitted stores that regular buyers trust, by country.
No trusted sellers added for this fragrance yet.
Where to Sample
Discovery sets, official samples, and trusted decants.
No sample or decant options shared for this fragrance yet.