My Insolence c2007

My Insolence was launched in 2007 by Guerlain as a modern follow-up to the iconic Insolence, continuing the house’s exploration of playful sophistication. The name conveys both familiarity and audacity. “My Insolence” evokes a sense of boldness, charm, and mischievous femininity—an intimate declaration of spirited individuality. The word itself suggests a fragrance that is flirtatious, confident, and delightfully daring, inviting the wearer to embrace a lively, personal expression of style.

The mid-2000s were characterized by a resurgence of fruity-floral fragrances, with trends favoring bold, characterful compositions that could combine sweetness with elegance. Perfumes of this period were often designed to reflect modern femininity: confident, playful, and multidimensional. A fragrance named My Insolence would have resonated with women seeking a scent that matched a lively, adventurous personality—something flirtatious yet refined, expressive yet wearable, echoing both the charm of the original Insolence and a contemporary sensibility.

Olfactorily, My Insolence is classified as a fruity floral fragrance for women. It opens with vibrant, juicy notes that immediately capture attention, followed by a heart of radiant florals that soften the initial playfulness with sophistication and elegance. The fragrance is rounded by a subtle base that provides depth and longevity, ensuring that its flirtatious energy persists throughout the day. Created by Christophe Raynaud and Sylvaine Delacourte, the composition balances sparkling fruits and delicate floral nuances with the signature Guerlain mastery of blending character, elegance, and approachability.

In the context of 2007, My Insolence was very much in line with contemporary trends in perfumery, embracing the popularity of bold, fruity-floral scents while standing out through Guerlain’s characteristic refinement and nuanced layering. The fragrance allowed women to express their individuality in a playful yet sophisticated way, embodying confidence, charm, and modern femininity in a single, memorable signature scent.

 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? My Insolence is classified as a fruity floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: raspberry, citrus notes
• Middle notes: almond blossom and jasmine
• Base notes: tonka bean, patchouli and vanilla

Scent Profile:

My Insolence opens with the sparkling, juicy sweetness of raspberry and the bright zest of citrus notes. The raspberry immediately evokes a sense of playful indulgence, its tart-sweet aroma bursting with vitality and reminiscent of freshly picked berries in summer. The citrus notes, likely including Italian bergamot or Sicilian lemon, add a crisp, tangy lift, balancing the richness of the raspberry with a sparkling freshness. Together, these top notes create a lively, effervescent introduction—bright, cheerful, and mischievous, perfectly reflecting the playful personality suggested by the fragrance’s name.

In the heart, almond blossom and jasmine unfold, bringing a soft floral elegance that deepens the fragrance’s character. The almond blossom has a delicate, slightly nutty sweetness, light and powdery, reminiscent of spring orchards in bloom, while jasmine, likely sourced from the Grasse region in France, contributes a luminous, creamy floral note with gentle indolic warmth. Jasmine’s natural complexity is often enhanced by subtle aroma chemicals that amplify its radiance, ensuring the floral heart remains clear and vibrant against the playful top notes. The combination of almond blossom and jasmine produces a sophisticated, feminine core—softly floral, lightly gourmand, and irresistibly inviting.

The base is anchored by tonka bean, patchouli, and vanilla, providing depth, warmth, and longevity. Tonka bean, often sourced from Brazil or Venezuela, contributes a sweet, slightly spicy, and almond-like warmth, enhancing the gourmand facets of the fragrance. Patchouli adds an earthy, subtly woody richness, grounding the lighter, playful notes with a hint of sophistication and mystery. Finally, vanilla, likely Madagascan in origin, provides creamy sweetness and a soft balsamic warmth, rounding the fragrance into a comforting, enveloping trail. Synthesized vanillin or ethyl vanillin may be blended to accentuate the natural vanilla, ensuring the gourmand facets are smooth, enduring, and not cloying.

The interplay of these elements—sparkling raspberry and citrus, soft almond blossom and luminous jasmine, and the warm, comforting base of tonka, patchouli, and vanilla—creates a fragrance that is simultaneously playful, feminine, and sophisticated. My Insolence is a multi-dimensional composition that dances between mischief and elegance, offering a lively introduction, a radiant floral heart, and a long-lasting, cozy finish, reflecting Guerlain’s mastery in balancing complexity and approachability in modern perfumery.

Fate of the Fragrance:

My Insolence was discontinued by 2013, marking the end of its brief but memorable presence in Guerlain’s portfolio. Despite its popularity as a playful, fruity-floral fragrance, changing market trends and the brand’s evolving collection led to its withdrawal. Today, it remains a sought-after fragrance for enthusiasts who appreciate its lively raspberry top notes, soft almond blossom and jasmine heart, and warm, gourmand base, preserving its legacy as a youthful, audacious, and sophisticated signature scent.