LV Imagination - The Hypetrain Derailed

[RPLens]

I bought a spray sample from Imagination by Louis Vuitton.
Had very high expectations because of all the hype.

Wow, I was tremendously underwhelmed.
A citrussy tea fragrance with the typical boosters underneath for huge longevity.

It immediately reminded me of a hidden gem in this hobby....
An amazing fragrance nobody talks about: Harmatan Noir 11 by Pierre Guillaume.
Released in 2006.

Sure, Imagination is stronger and a bit more modern.
But I would find it hard to believe that Jacques Cavallier didn't get inspired by this fragrance.

It has been a long time ago that I have been so underwhelmed by a fragrance.

 

[hednic]

Sorry to hear that it wasn't to your liking. Personally like it a lot.

 

[Scentologist]

I was underwhelmed by the entire line. Whenever I visit again, I'll retest this but don't have high hopes of it ever being in my collection.

 

[Aswifter1]

Maybe I need to revisit my sample but I remember it being very similar to L’eau d’Issey

 

[StylinLA]

I recently tried a sample decant. It was decent, but a pass for me at that price.

I'd probably buy it if it was about half as much.

 

[RedRaider430]

I liked it but not enough to buy a full bottle of it. I have similar scents that I like much better.

However, I did buy a 10 ml decant of it, just to give me a touch of it now and then.

 

[Melbourne21]

Everything I have tried from LV has disappointed, but then again - what was I really expecting..

 

[e_s1950@yahoo.com]

I like it but wasn't really wowed. At that price I'm expecting a bit more complexity or something that would help justify the price.

 

[Speedway]

So this is a LV-bashing thread?

 

[ultravisitor]

I bought a spray sample from Imagination by Louis Vuitton.
Had very high expectations because of all the hype.

1. Stop listening to hype.
2. Repeat step one.

That said, I do really love some of the LV fragrances. I was there the day the men's line went on sale and was really underwhelmed. I did leave with a sample, though, and it really grew on me over the course of a week.

I still don't think they're all winners, but the ones I love are ones I really love.

 

[slpfrsly]

I haven't tried this but it's my experience with these LV fragrances that they're never going to come across as cost effective to most of us on basenotes, simply for the fact that they're tweaking/updating/improving/reforming what has already existed in the designer world for the last 20 years.

I've liked everything I've tried from LV tbh. Not loved, just liked. If you ignore the prices, it's good stuff. When you look back at the pricing, I'm not sure any are worth it - maybe Ombre Nomade is acceptable value, at a push.

 

[wilfred]

gave away my decant, didn't want to smell like a bar of cinnamon-laced soap.

 

[RPLens]

I haven't tried this but it's my experience with these LV fragrances that they're never going to come across as cost effective to most of us on basenotes, simply for the fact that they're tweaking/updating/improving/reforming what has already existed in the designer world for the last 20 years.

I've liked everything I've tried from LV tbh. Not loved, just liked. If you ignore the prices, it's good stuff. When you look back at the pricing, I'm not sure any are worth it - maybe Ombre Nomade is acceptable value, at a push.

I would have no problem buying a bottle of Meteore or l'Immensite.
I'm actually planning to buy Meteore in the near future.

It's just that I found Imagination absolutely ridiculous.

 

[the_good_life]

Louis Vuitton, as in LVMH, is the epitome of masstige. Expect for-profit-product, not passion or curiosity-driven creativity. Masstige for-profit-product certainly needn't be bad (though you will always pay a premium for brand, more so than for intrinsic quality) but by its very nature will never be ingenious or sublime.

 

[Oslo-Fjord]

I like it. Great for spring and summer.

 

[hednic]

I like it. Great for spring and summer.

For me - Fall and Winter too!

 

[slpfrsly]

I would have no problem buying a bottle of Meteore or l'Immensite.
I'm actually planning to buy Meteore in the near future.

It's just that I found Imagination absolutely ridiculous.

Makes sense. I haven't tried Imagination so can't offer any comment. It's understandable that some of their fragrances would be weaker than others.

 

[RPLens]

Louis Vuitton, as in LVMH, is the epitome of masstige. Expect for-profit-product, not passion or curiosity-driven creativity. Masstige for-profit-product certainly needn't be bad (though you will always pay a premium for brand, more so than for intrinsic quality) but by its very nature will never be ingenious or sublime.

not passion or curiosity-driven creativity

I agree with what you say in general about LVMH.
But I have lost this drive for "passion or curiosity-driven creativity" over the years.

I started this hobby a long while ago, searching for the most unique and obscure fragrances.
The special ones.

I have fully stopped that search.

In the end, I just want to smell good.
These weird niche fragrances with barnyard aouds, cheese notes, taco seasoning or wet concrete are not for me anymore.

I have fully lost my love for l'Air du Desert Marocain for example, which I considered a masterpiece years ago.

I'm really enjoying these designers-on-steroids which are released in the niche market today.
Except for Imagination, of course.