Fracas For Women By Robert Piguet Parfum, 0.25-Ounce

Spectacular! The order arrived today; many days before it was scheduled. The shipper was great The perfume is the genuine article, and the size is good for those like me who wanted to try the Parfum (because only the EDP is available for sampling in the stores), but who did not want too much of it at first. The parfum smells like the EDP, but more "focused" and more concentrated. Only a little dab is needed.

This is my favorite perfume, and it's hard to find. I was thrilled when my husband bought it for me, as it has been worn in my family for generations, kind of our signature scent. If you like gardenias, you will love this.

Fracas, as in 'aaaaaaah.' Not since Shocking by Schiaparelli has there been such a sexy come-and-get-me invitation disguised as a perfect blend of Tuberoses and Musk.What hits you first is that deep, intriguing, nose-twitching scent of tuberose. Almost immediately, the jasmine and gardenia lighten things up, without diluting the power. As you exhale, you notice the musk. There is nothing obvious or cheap about fracas, but the message is very clear...this is a scent only grown women can handle...and blame that on the Tuberose.During the Victorian era, the scent of a tuberose was considered so stirring, young girls and unmarried women were forbidden to smell the flowers. It was rumored that one whiff would send them into a swoon of...let's call it excessive delight. We know better today. The tuberose in Fracas won't have you collapsing in ecstacy, but it is a step in the right direction.Fracas is a world away from the flower-licious and frilly fragrances that are meant to keep us teenagers forever. Robert Piguet introduced the perfume in 1948 and for 20 years, it was what women of elegance wore when they wanted to heat things up a little. This was a perfume for women who could carry off elbow gloves, hats with veils, a long cigarette holder, and a chinchilla stole thrown over one shoulder. But by 1968, times changed and Fracas' time was over. Charley, Estee, and a younger crew appealed to our young noses, and the stark black bottle disappeared for three decades.It wasnt until 1998 that perfumier Germaine Cellier gave us another chance to experience Fracas. With her delicate hand (and nose), she didnt attempt to re-invent the perfume, but added a few green notes...a trace of vetiver, the merest whisk of bergamot, and a little sandalwood. The fragrance is not different, just a bit more elegant and contemporary.Metaphors that compare women to cats or kittens are cliched and annoying, but I have to admit, wearing Fracas can bring out a woman's inner predator...you can almost feel that lioness inside you stretch her muscles and look around with interest. Putting a dot on the pulse points makes the pulse race. Imagine what it does to your prey.Fracas is not blatant, it's not brassy, it's not loud. But it's unmistakable. When you want to create a bit of a fracas, wear it. The back of your neck will be the most popular spot in the room....Just try to remember to be gentle.