Colette 34

The Verdict

Colette 34 stands as one of the more intriguing entries in Le Labo's catalog, a fragrance born from the collaboration between perfumer Frank Voelkl and the legendary Parisian concept store Colette. Released in 2017 as one of three exclusive fragrances for the boutique, it arrived just months before Colette closed its doors forever in December of that year, making it an instant collector's item.

The limited community reviews that exist paint a picture of quiet sophistication. Described by reviewers as smelling like warm fig tea, Colette 34 brings together the green, sappy richness of fig with the brightness of bergamot and the delicate spice of tea leaves. It is not a fragrance that demands attention but rather one that reveals itself elegantly and softly to those who come close enough to notice.

As a discontinued exclusive, Colette 34 occupies a unique space in the fragrance world where scarcity amplifies desirability. For those fortunate enough to have experienced it, the consensus is one of gentle admiration rather than fervent obsession.

What It Smells Like

Colette 34 opens with the brightness of bergamot that quickly gives way to the heart of the composition: a lush, green fig note that carries both leafy freshness and creamy, lactonic depth. This is not the sharp, one-dimensional fig found in many summer fragrances but rather a fully realized interpretation that captures the entire fruit, from stem to flesh.

The tea note weaves through the fig, adding an elegant astringency and a subtle spicy quality that prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying. Jasmine provides a white floral backdrop that adds complexity without overwhelming the central fig-tea accord. The musk base grounds everything in a soft, clean finish.

The overall effect is of a sophisticated, understated composition that manages to feel both comforting and refined. Reviewers describe the experience as drinking a cup of warm fig tea in a sunlit Parisian apartment.

When to Wear It

Colette 34 is best suited for spring through early fall, when its green, figgy character resonates with the natural world in bloom. Its soft projection makes it ideal for intimate occasions such as quiet dinners, cultural outings, and professional environments where subtlety is valued.

This is a fragrance for personal enjoyment rather than social statement. It rewards close encounters and creates an atmosphere of quiet luxury around the wearer without announcing itself to an entire room.

Longevity & Projection

Given the extremely limited number of reviews available for this exclusive, performance data is sparse. The available descriptions suggest moderate longevity with soft, close-to-skin projection. This is consistent with the fragrance's overall character of understated elegance.

Reviewers who have experienced Colette 34 describe it as a fragrance that stays close, revealing itself gently over time rather than projecting outward. This intimate sillage is part of its charm for fans of the composition.

The Community Says

Community discussion of Colette 34 is necessarily limited by its extreme rarity. The fragrance was created as part of a trio of exclusives for Colette, alongside Colette 19 and Colette 25, and was available only at the boutique's Paris location. When the store shuttered in late 2017, these fragrances became instant relics.

The few reviewers who have documented their experience describe it in appreciative terms. Fragrantica users highlight its warm fig tea character and elegant softness. Basenotes discussions from the time of release expressed excitement about the collaboration between Le Labo and Colette, noting the special nature of these limited creations.

Who Should Buy This

Colette 34 is for the dedicated fragrance collector who values rarity and the story behind a scent as much as the composition itself. Lovers of fig-based fragrances and green, tea-inflected compositions will find much to appreciate here. It also appeals to those who prefer the Le Labo aesthetic of minimalist packaging and artisanal character.

This is not a fragrance for anyone seeking easy availability or value for money. Its discontinued status means that finding a bottle requires persistence, connections, and a willingness to pay collector prices. Those who prefer bold, projecting fragrances should also look elsewhere.

The Bottom Line

Colette 34 is a beautifully composed fig-tea fragrance that represents a specific moment in fragrance history: the collaboration between one of niche perfumery's most respected houses and one of fashion's most iconic retail spaces. Its rarity only adds to its mystique, making it a fragrance that exists as much in memory and desire as it does on skin.