My Grandma’s perfume

While shopping in the mall I smelled a passerby wearing something like the perfume my grandma –who passed when I was 6 years old — used to wear. I was instantly sad and excited and ran after the person. Unfortunately, I could not find her. Later on, I went to Eatons in Pacific Centre, Vancouver and smelled every scent they had. The closest scent to my memory of my Grandma’s perfume was “First” by Van Cleef and Arpell — but that could not have been her scent because “First” was developed in 1976.

By the way, the irony here is that I am violently allergic to petrochemical-based perfumes. I could not wear my grandmother’s perfume even if I could find it. Still I dearly wish I could smell her perfume just once more.

P.S. Here is the technical description of “First” – First was launched in 1976. The nose behind this fragrance is Jean-Claude Ellena. Top notes are Aldehydes, Bergamot, Black Currant, Peach, Mandarin Orange and Raspberry; middle notes are Narcissus, Hiacynth, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Carnation, Ylang-Ylang, Orris Root, Tuberose, Turkish Rose and Orchid; base notes are Civet, Oakmoss, Honey, Amber, Sandalwood, Musk, Vetiver, Tonka Bean and Vanilla. (Retrieved from https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Van-Cleef-Arpels/First-776.html)