In the 1960s, a particular kind of rogue flourished in French cinema, exemplified by actors Jean Gabin and Lino Ventura. Their natural habitat was the smoky gambling den, the atmosphere thick with vice and retro masculinity. With Jovoy's woody aromatic perfume Les Jeux Sont Faits (“The Bets Have Been Placed”), François Hénin wanted to pay homage to those louche and romantic icons that marked an era.
English gin clinking in a tumbler with ice — aromatic, fresh, and cold — is evoked by the astringent herb angelica as Les Jeux Sont Faits sounds its first notes. Its juniper-like sharpness gives way to accords that recall the woodwork, leather chairs, and gaming men in clandestine gambling clubs: tobacco leaves, cumin, sandalwood, patchouli and leather. To offset these olfactory signifiers of masculinity is a warm and fruity accord rounded off by vanilla and labdanum, which also recalls Old Cuban rums.
As it dries down, Les Jeux Sont Faits' balance of herby petitgrain, boozy accords, woods and spice warmed with vanillic notes makes for one sexy scent you can bet on: this one's a winner.
