Colette 19

The Verdict

Colette 19 by Le Labo was one of three exclusive fragrances created by perfumer Frank Voelkl for the legendary Parisian concept store Colette in 2017. Described by the brand as "bright and luminous," it represents the lightest and most transparent entry in the Colette trilogy. The collaboration between Le Labo and Colette was a natural pairing of two brands that shared an appreciation for curated, design-forward aesthetics.

Community reception is difficult to gauge comprehensively due to the fragrance's extreme exclusivity. It was available only at Colette's Paris boutique, which famously closed its doors in December 2017, making the window for purchasing this fragrance remarkably brief. Those who sampled it describe a composition that prioritizes freshness and green-citrus transparency, consistent with Le Labo's ability to create polished, wearable fragrances.

Colette 19 exists today primarily as a collector's item and a footnote in Le Labo's diverse catalog of city and store exclusives.

What It Smells Like

The composition centers on jasmine, bergamot, bitter orange, and violet, but according to Le Labo's own description, the freshness and green character of basil plays a significant role alongside the citrus elements. The opening creates sensations described as "soft petals and dewy leaves," suggesting a composition that merges herbal greenness with gentle florals.

The citrus-aromatic classification points to a fragrance where bergamot and bitter orange provide the structural backbone, while the jasmine and violet add subtle floral nuance rather than dominant sweetness. The overall accords lean toward citrus, fresh spicy, aromatic, green, and herbal, painting a picture of a fragrance that smells like a sun-lit herb garden viewed through clear glass.

The effect is deliberately transparent and accessible, designed to appeal broadly without demanding attention. It represents the kind of effortless sophistication that both Le Labo and Colette built their reputations upon.

When to Wear It

Colette 19 is a spring and summer fragrance designed for daytime wear. Its bright, green-citrus character makes it ideal for casual outings, outdoor activities, and any occasion where fresh, unobtrusive elegance is appropriate. The composition's lightness means it will not overwhelm in warm weather.

Its unisex character makes it equally suitable for men and women who appreciate clean, herbal-citrus compositions without strong gendered associations.

Longevity & Projection

Fragrantica ratings place longevity at approximately 3.2 out of 5 and sillage at 3.08 out of 4. These moderate scores suggest a fragrance that performs respectably without being a powerhouse. The citrus-herbal composition type naturally lends itself to shorter wear times, which is typical of fresh, transparent fragrances in this style. Reapplication may be needed for all-day wear.

The Community Says

Now Smell This covered the launch of the Colette trio, noting the collaboration's significance and Frank Voelkl's involvement. Among the three Colette fragrances, Colette 25 appears to have generated more enthusiasm from the community, with Colette 19 appreciated but viewed as the most straightforward and accessible of the three. Fragrantica lists the fragrance with modest review counts, consistent with its limited availability.

Who Should Buy This

Colette 19 is for the Le Labo completist and collector who values exclusivity and provenance. It suits those who appreciate green-citrus compositions with herbal accents and who find beauty in transparent, effortless fragrances. The Colette connection adds cultural cachet for those who appreciated the boutique's role in Parisian fashion and design.

Anyone seeking a readily available everyday fragrance should look to Le Labo's mainline or city exclusive offerings instead. Similarly, those who prefer deep, complex, or long-lasting compositions will find Colette 19 too ephemeral for their tastes.

The Bottom Line

Le Labo Colette 19 is a luminous, green-citrus composition that captures the spirit of its Parisian namesake with effortless freshness, best appreciated by collectors and those who value provenance as much as the scent itself.