ysl m7 reformulated | YSL cologne m7

The story of Yves Saint Laurent's M7 is a complex tapestry woven with threads of daring innovation, commercial disappointment, and ultimately, a controversial reformulation. Launched in 2002, M7 was a bold departure from the traditionally safe and sweet masculines that dominated the fragrance market. Its medicinal oud accord, blended with mandarin orange, myrrh, and patchouli, was divisive from the outset. While some hailed it as a groundbreaking masterpiece, others found it challenging, even off-putting. This polarizing reception contributed significantly to its commercial failure, leading to its eventual discontinuation.

However, the story doesn't end there. In 2008, a seemingly clandestine reformulation occurred, allegedly under the direction of L'Oreal, who had acquired YSL Beauté. This reformulated version, while retaining some semblance of the original DNA, was noticeably different. This article delves deep into the saga of YSL M7, exploring its initial release, its critical reception, the details of the reformulation, and the enduring legacy it holds within the fragrance community. We will also touch upon its related iterations like YSL La Collection M7, YSL M7 Oud Absolu, and attempt to clarify the often-confused lineage surrounding "YSL Cologne M7" and "YSL Old Absolu".

The Bold Genesis: YSL M7 (Original Formulation)

Released in 2002, M7 was created by Jacques Cavallier and Alberto Morillas, two of the most respected perfumers in the industry. They were tasked with crafting a fragrance that embodied the spirit of Yves Saint Laurent: avant-garde, sophisticated, and unapologetically luxurious. What they delivered was a scent that challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of masculine perfumery.ysl m7 reformulated

The original M7 was defined by its prominent oud accord. However, unlike many oud-centric fragrances that followed, M7 didn't present a purely barnyard or fecal interpretation of oud. Instead, it offered a more refined, medicinal, and almost sterile take on the note. This was achieved through a careful blending of Cambodian oud with other complementary ingredients.

Key notes of the Original YSL M7:

* Top Notes: Mandarin Orange

* Heart Notes: Patchouli, Myrrh

* Base Notes: Agarwood (Oud), French Labdanum, Vetiver

The opening of M7 was marked by a bright and zesty mandarin orange, which provided a brief moment of freshness before the dominant oud accord asserted itself. The heart notes of patchouli and myrrh added depth and complexity to the composition. The patchouli contributed an earthy, slightly chocolatey nuance, while the myrrh brought a resinous, slightly smoky quality.

The base, of course, was where the magic (and the controversy) resided. The agarwood (oud) was the star of the show, but it was supported by French labdanum and vetiver. The labdanum added a warm, ambery sweetness, while the vetiver provided a dry, woody counterpoint. The overall effect was a fragrance that was both powerful and refined, medicinal and inviting.

Why Did the Original M7 Fail Commercially?

Despite its artistic merit and the pedigree of its creators, the original M7 was not a commercial success. Several factors contributed to its underwhelming performance:

* Ahead of its Time: In 2002, the Western fragrance market was not yet ready for oud. Consumers were accustomed to lighter, fresher, and sweeter masculines. The bold, medicinal oud of M7 was simply too challenging for the average consumer.

* Polarizing Scent Profile: M7 was a fragrance that people either loved or hated. There was very little middle ground. This polarization made it difficult to market to a broad audience.

* Marketing Missteps: Some argue that the marketing campaign for M7 didn't effectively communicate the fragrance's unique appeal. The ads, while visually striking, didn't necessarily convey the scent's complexity and sophistication.

* Price Point: M7 was positioned as a luxury fragrance, which placed it at a higher price point than many of its competitors. This price point may have deterred some consumers from taking a chance on a fragrance they weren't sure they would like.

The Silent Shift: YSL M7 Reformulated (2008)

In 2008, without any official announcement or fanfare, YSL M7 was reformulated. Many fragrance enthusiasts believe that this decision was driven by L'Oreal, who had acquired YSL Beauté in 2008. The primary motivation behind the reformulation was likely to reduce costs and make the fragrance more appealing to a wider audience.

The reformulated version of M7 retained some of the original's DNA, but it was noticeably different. The most significant change was the reduction in the concentration and quality of the oud. The medicinal, almost antiseptic, oud accord of the original was replaced with a smoother, sweeter, and more generic oud note.

Key Differences Between the Original and Reformulated M7:

* Oud Quality and Intensity: The most significant difference was the oud. The original featured a potent, medicinal, and complex oud accord. The reformulated version used a less expensive, sweeter, and less challenging oud.