For Women

A grand, luxurious floral-aldehyde perfume that opens with radiant sparkle and evolves into a lush bouquet of white flowers over a warm, elegant woody base.

Fragrance Notes
Top Notes: Aldehydes · Bergamot · Mandarin · Peach · Raspberry · Black Currant Buds
Heart Notes: Jasmine · Rose · Hyacinth · Lily-of-the-Valley · Tuberose · Carnation · Ylang-ylang · Narcissus · Orchid · Orris Root
Base Notes: Oakmoss · Sandalwood · Amber · Musk · Vetiver · Vanilla · Honey · Civet

Scent Story
First greets you with bright, effervescent shimmer—aldehydes and citrus that give a bold entrance. Then the heart blooms with white florals—jasmine leads, supported by rose and hyacinth and others—soft, rich, and opulent. As it dries down, woods and moss add grounding, while notes of amber, vanilla, and musk wrap everything in warmth. There’s a powdery, luxurious texture too—a feeling of vintage elegance.

Wearability & Lifestyle
Ideal for evening wear or special occasions—gala, dressy dinners, formal events. Best in cooler weather (fall, winter, or cool spring nights) when its lush florals and deeper base have room to shine. Perfect if you want to wear something grand, timeless, glamorous. Pairs beautifully with elegant gowns, structured silhouettes, and jewelry that matches the opulence.

Quick Specs
Brand: Van Cleef & Arpels
Fragrance Type: Eau de Parfum / Eau de Toilette
Launch Year: 1976
Fragrance Family: Floral · Aldehyde · Woody · Classic Vintage
Recommended Use: Evening / Special Occasions · Cooler Weather · Statement & Elegant Mood

Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love First if you're drawn to bold florals with character—white flowers with powder, aldehyde sparkle, and a base that holds through the night. It’s one of those “luxury perfume” moments in a bottle—rich, classic, and something that feels like heritage as well as high fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does First by Van Cleef & Arpels smell like?
First by Van Cleef & Arpels smells glamorous, floral, aldehydic, powdery, and warmly woody. It opens with aldehydes, bergamot, mandarin, peach, raspberry, and black currant buds, then blooms into jasmine, rose, hyacinth, lily of the valley, tuberose, carnation, ylang ylang, narcissus, orchid, and orris root before settling into oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, musk, vetiver, vanilla, honey, and civet.

Is First by Van Cleef & Arpels a floral aldehyde fragrance?
Yes. First by Van Cleef & Arpels is a floral aldehyde fragrance with woody and amber warmth. Aldehydes, jasmine, rose, tuberose, hyacinth, orris root, oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, musk, vanilla, honey, and vetiver create a rich, elegant, and classic vintage scent profile.

When is the best time to wear First by Van Cleef & Arpels?
First by Van Cleef & Arpels is best worn in the evening, especially during fall, winter, and cool spring nights. Its aldehydic sparkle, lush florals, oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, musk, vanilla, honey, and vetiver make it ideal for formal events, dressy dinners, galas, weddings, and elegant special occasions.

Who would enjoy First by Van Cleef & Arpels?
First by Van Cleef & Arpels is ideal for women who enjoy grand floral perfumes with vintage elegance, powdery texture, and warm woody depth. Anyone who loves aldehydes, jasmine, rose, tuberose, hyacinth, orris root, oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, musk, vanilla, and honey will appreciate its luxurious character.

Does First by Van Cleef & Arpels last long?
First by Van Cleef & Arpels typically lasts about 5 to 7 hours on most wearers, depending on skin chemistry, application, and environment. Notes such as oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, musk, vetiver, vanilla, honey, and civet help the fragrance leave a floral, powdery, woody, and warmly elegant trail.

Is First by Van Cleef & Arpels good for everyday wear?
First by Van Cleef & Arpels can be worn daily by women who enjoy classic statement florals, but it is best suited for evenings, cooler weather, and polished occasions. Its aldehydes and fruit notes add brightness, while jasmine, tuberose, rose, oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, and musk give it a grand elegant presence.

Is First by Van Cleef & Arpels more floral or powdery?
First by Van Cleef & Arpels is more floral than powdery, with jasmine, rose, tuberose, hyacinth, lily of the valley, carnation, ylang ylang, narcissus, orchid, and orris root creating a lush bouquet. Aldehydes and orris root add the refined powdery elegance.

Is First by Van Cleef & Arpels authentic and recognizable?
Yes. First by Van Cleef & Arpels is recognizable for its sparkling aldehydes, radiant citrus and fruit opening, opulent jasmine, rose, tuberose, hyacinth, orris root heart, and warm oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, musk, vanilla, honey, and vetiver base. Its floral aldehyde woody profile creates a luxurious and memorable vintage scent.