Cialenga by Balenciaga c1973

Cialenga, a fragrance by Balenciaga, was introduced to the market in 1973, crafted by the renowned perfumer Jacques Jantzen. The name "Cialenga" is intriguing, as it doesn’t have a direct translation or clear meaning in any particular language, which suggests that Balenciaga may have chosen it for its abstract qualities and the images it evokes. The name feels exotic, mysterious, and perhaps even slightly foreign, with an almost lyrical quality that seems to dance off the tongue. This makes it both memorable and captivating, much like the fragrance itself. When spoken, "Cialenga" conjures visions of elegance and allure, and perhaps, of a lush, verdant garden rich with blooms. It’s a name that invites curiosity and promises a sensory escape—an invitation that would appeal to women looking for sophistication and an air of mystery in their fragrance choices.

Cialenga is a soft, fresh green floral chypre, a composition that captures the era's sophisticated tastes. This fragrance opens with delicate fruity notes, revealing a heart of floral splendor featuring jasmine, Taif roses, and hyacinth. These floral elements blend seamlessly with the exotic, warm tones of ylang-ylang, grounding sandalwood, and earthy patchouli, creating a fragrance that is both sensuous and grounded. Its unique profile would likely evoke images of lush, green landscapes kissed by morning dew, with flowers in full bloom—an experience that feels both familiar and dreamlike.

For women in the early 1970s, Cialenga would have represented a departure from the more overtly sweet or floral perfumes that had been popular in prior decades. This was a time when the women’s liberation movement was in full swing, and traditional norms were being challenged across the board. Many women were seeking ways to express their individuality and independence, and fragrance became a powerful tool in this pursuit. Cialenga, with its sophisticated green floral chypre composition, offered a modern alternative that was refined and elegant yet somewhat unconventional.

The 1970s were characterized by an emerging preference for more natural and earthy scents, a shift away from the intense aldehydes and heavy florals of previous years. The fragrance landscape was increasingly embracing elements like moss, vetiver, and patchouli, and the green floral chypre genre was gaining popularity. Cialenga's blend of florals with green, earthy undertones aligned with this trend, but its composition of Taif roses and jasmine gave it a rich, exotic character that distinguished it from the lighter, airier scents dominating the market. It also likely resonated with women who sought a fragrance that mirrored the era's evolving attitudes—something that was strong, layered, and gracefully complex.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a soft, fresh green floral chypre fragrance for women with fruity notes. A floral blend of sensual jasmine, Taif roses and hyacinth, with the rich exotic oils of ylang ylang, sandalwood and patchouli.

• Top notes are hyacinth, citruses, black currant and green notes
• Middle notes are iris, jasmine absolute, ylang-ylang, clove, tincture of Taif rose and lily
• Base notes are musk, vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli, oak moss and Virginia cedar

Scent Profile:

Cialenga opens with a soft burst of green freshness that immediately conjures the crispness of a spring morning. The top notes of hyacinth bring a lush, almost watery floral tone that is simultaneously bright and dewy, reminiscent of delicate petals glistening with morning dew. This is quickly joined by a splash of citrus that enlivens the senses with a subtle zest, while black currant adds a hint of tart fruitiness that deepens the bouquet. The verdant green notes evoke freshly cut stems and leafy foliage, grounding this initial rush of brightness in the rich, vivid vitality of nature.

As the scent develops, the heart reveals an opulent floral blend, where jasmine absolute takes center stage. Its fragrance is warm, sweet, and deeply sensual, like a moonlit garden in full bloom. Paired with it is the intoxicating tincture of Taif rose, which offers a uniquely intense and slightly spicy rose profile, lush and enveloping. There’s a complexity here, as clove brings a soft spiciness that adds depth, weaving through the florals with a hint of warmth. The exotic essence of ylang-ylang follows, radiating a creamy sweetness that enhances the florals with a touch of tropical allure. Finally, the soft, powdery iris and gentle lily add a quiet, ethereal quality, like a whisper of petals caressing the skin.

In its final stages, Cialenga settles into a rich, earthy base. The warmth of sandalwood emerges first, its creamy and slightly sweet woodiness wrapping around the scent like a comforting embrace. Patchouli adds a deep, earthy character, grounding the fragrance with its dry, slightly smoky quality. The green, resinous tones of vetiver meld beautifully with the faintly leathery oak moss, which brings a touch of forest floor—evoking a walk through a shadowy grove with sunlight filtering through the trees. Virginia cedar adds a soft, dry woodiness, while musk lingers delicately, providing an understated sensuality that clings softly to the skin. Together, these notes blend into an enchanting dry-down that is both deeply comforting and enduring, leaving a trail of elegance that is unmistakably unique.

Cialenga’s rich tapestry of notes intertwines with a remarkable harmony, transporting you to a vibrant garden blooming within a secluded forest. Each element—whether floral, woody, or green—enhances the next, making the fragrance feel alive and dynamic, yet gracefully sophisticated. This scent unfolds in a gentle but persistent manner, making it feel like a shared secret between you and the changing landscapes of nature, evoking feelings of elegance, mystery, and timeless beauty.

Product Line:

Cialenga by Balenciaga was presented in a variety of formats, each catering to different preferences and occasions. At the pinnacle of the range, the parfum was available in sizes as delicate as 1/8 oz to as substantial as 1 oz. These offerings allowed admirers to indulge in the most concentrated form of Cialenga, capturing the fragrance’s essence with lasting power and depth. The smallest of these, the 1/8 oz and 1/4 oz parfum bottles, would have provided just a whisper of the scent, ideal for those who valued exclusivity and subtle elegance. Meanwhile, the 1/2 oz and 1 oz parfum sizes would have been reserved for those who wished to make a statement, enveloping themselves in the rich layers of Cialenga for a longer-lasting and more intense experience.

The Eau de Toilette format expanded the accessibility of Cialenga, allowing for a lighter, more versatile rendition of the fragrance. Available in an array of spray sizes, from the compact 0.8 oz and 1 oz sprays, ideal for travel or discreet reapplication throughout the day, to the generously sized 4 oz spray for those who wished to envelop themselves in the scent. The larger 1.6 oz and 3.4 oz sprays struck a balance between portability and longevity, suiting both everyday use and special occasions. The Eau de Toilette’s lighter concentration offered a refreshing alternative to the parfum, with a more expansive sillage that subtly enhanced the wearer’s presence.

For those who preferred a splash application, Cialenga offered options in 2 oz, 4 oz, and a particularly indulgent 8 oz size. The splash bottles evoked a sense of luxury and ritual, encouraging wearers to apply the fragrance with their hands, perhaps even dabbing it onto pulse points in a more personal and tactile experience. These splash bottles would have appealed to those who found joy in the art of perfuming, treating it as a moment of quiet indulgence.

Finally, the collection also included Cialenga soap, which provided a fragrant prelude to the parfum or Eau de Toilette. The soap was more than just a cleansing bar; it was a luxurious introduction to the scent, enveloping the user in a gentle, creamy lather that hinted at the fragrance's complex notes. This allowed wearers to layer their scent, creating a more immersive and cohesive aromatic experience that could carry through from bath to parfum, embodying the essence of Cialenga in every step of their routine.

Each of these products catered to different aspects of fragrance application, allowing Cialenga to become a part of daily life in multiple ways. Whether through the intense intimacy of the parfum or the refreshing lightness of the Eau de Toilette, every product brought a unique aspect of Cialenga’s elegant chypre character to life.

Bottles:

Fate of the Fragrance:

This perfume has been discontinued, date unknown. Still sold in 1992.