Serge Lutens Le Participe Passe

for women and men

Serge Lutens Le Participe Passe is an Oriental scent with fresh spice, amber warmth, and citrus lift that feels distinctive without turning heavy.

Serge Lutens Le Participe Passe

Serge Lutens Le Participe Passe

3.3 oz EDP Spray
$159.00 USD
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Serge Lutens Le Participe Passe
$159.00 USD

Free tracked delivery

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Genuine branded fragrance, new and sealed. Securely shipped from the US.

Ships from the US

Free tracked delivery, typically 3–7 business days.

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Genuine & sealed

100% genuine branded fragrance, new, sealed and in original packaging.

Easy returns

Unopened items may be returned under our returns policy.

Scent Dossier

Serge Lutens Le Participe Passe takes an Oriental structure and keeps it lively with crisp citrus, aromatic spice, fruit, and warm balsamic depth. It wears with more character than a basic fresh scent, yet it never feels overly thick or formal. That makes it a strong pick for cooler-day casual wear, low-lit evenings, and date settings where you want something interesting, slightly warm, and clearly unisex.

Accords

Fresh Spicy
Amber
Balsamic
Fruity
Citrus
See the Closest Scents to This Profile

A Scent For

This suits someone who likes fragrance with personality but does not want a dark, heavy statement. It has enough spice and balsamic warmth to feel intentional, yet the citrus and aromatic edge keep it wearable for relaxed daytime use too. Good for shoppers who want a unisex scent that feels a little unusual without becoming difficult. Not the best choice if you only enjoy ultra-clean, soapy, or straightforward fresh fragrances.

Occasions

Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out

Seasons

Fall
Fall
Spring
Spring
Winter
Winter

Time

Versatile
Versatile

Sillage

Sillage
3/4
Strong

Longevity

Longevity
4/5
Long Lasting

When and Where

Fall, Winter, and Spring are where this really makes sense, especially from afternoon into evening, though it can still handle casual daytime wear. It fits dinners, weekends, creative workplaces, and date nights better than very formal black-tie settings. With solid longevity and moderate sillage, it has presence without taking over a room. In high heat, the balsamic warmth and spicy edge may feel less comfortable than a cleaner citrus or aquatic style.

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Artemisia
Artemisia
Bergamot
Bergamot

Middle Notes

Fruity Notes
Fruity Notes
Pepper
Pepper

Base Notes

Balsam
Balsam

Deeper Detail

How it Opens

You get a brisk, slightly bitter citrus snap up front, with bergamot keeping things bright while artemisia adds a dry herbal edge that feels green, aromatic, and a little sharp. Instead of reading sugary or dense, it comes across energetic and a touch offbeat. There is spice in the air early on, but it feels controlled rather than loud, giving the scent an intriguing start that stands apart from standard fresh picks.

How it develops

After the opening settles, the fruit and pepper move in and round out the sharper edges. The fruity effect is not candy-like; it adds softness and a subtle juicy lift, while the pepper keeps the scent active and lightly textured. As it dries down, balsam gives it a warm amber feel with a resinous, slightly sweet coating. It stays noticeable and characterful, becoming cozier rather than heavier or overly rich on skin.

History

Le Participe Passe launched in 2018 and was created by Christopher Sheldrake for Serge Lutens. Within the brand, it sits in the more distinctive side of the lineup, taking an Oriental idea and giving it a fresher, spicier, more aromatic direction. It is often appreciated for offering warmth and personality without the dense weight some shoppers expect from this family.

Perfumier

Christopher Sheldrake

Country of Origin

France

Year Created

2018

Our Verdict

Buy this if you want an Oriental scent with real character that stays fresh-spicy and wearable instead of turning dense. Skip it if you want a plain clean scent or something very light and minimal.

The Closest Scents to Serge Lutens Le Participe Passe

Le Participe Passe is known for its fresh spicy and amber character, with artemisia, bergamot, and pepper leading into a balsamic base. This edit explores the shared territory of aromatic, spicy, and woody fragrances. The recommendations share that foundation but differ in emphasis, structure or detail, offering a varied selection for those who appreciate this scent profile.

Sauvage Eau de Parfum shares the fresh spicy and amber foundation of Le Participe Passe, with bergamot and Sichuan pepper creating a similar aromatic lift. It differs by adding lavender and nutmeg for a more aromatic, masculine edge, and ambroxan in the base for a modern, synthetic warmth. The result is a bolder, more assertive scent.

Read the Full Profile →
Fresh Spicy
Amber
Citrus
Aromatic
Vanilla
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Everyday
Everyday

Sauvage Eau Forte echoes the fresh spicy opening of Le Participe Passe with bergamot and spices, but shifts toward a lighter, more citrus-forward character. The lavender middle note adds a classic aromatic touch, while the musky woody base is softer and less balsamic. It is a fresher, more casual take on the spicy aromatic theme.

Read the Full Profile →
Aromatic
Fresh Spicy
Woody
Musky
Citrus
Casual
Casual
Everyday
Everyday
Work / Office
Work / Office
Travel
Travel
Dior Sauvage

Dior Sauvage

for men
$125.00

Sauvage mirrors the fresh spicy and amber accords of Le Participe Passe, with pepper and bergamot providing a sharp opening. It diverges with lavender and geranium in the heart for a more aromatic floral nuance, and a base of ambroxan and cedar that feels drier and more mineral. It is a rugged, iconic interpretation of the spicy aromatic style.

Read the Full Profile →
Fresh Spicy
Citrus
Aromatic
Woody
Amber
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Everyday
Everyday
Evening Out
Evening Out
Work / Office
Work / Office
Bond No. 9 Dubai Garnet

Bond No. 9 Dubai Garnet

for women and men
$243.00

Dubai Garnet shares the fresh spicy and amber core of Le Participe Passe, with bergamot and black pepper offering a similar piquant start. It differs by introducing floral notes of jasmine and rose, plus a musky oakmoss base that adds depth and sophistication. This makes it more opulent and evening oriented, with a unisex floral twist.

Read the Full Profile →
Aromatic
Floral
Fresh Spicy
Amber
Musky
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party

Polo Red aligns with Le Participe Passe through its fresh spicy and woody accords, using bergamot and pepper for brightness. It sets itself apart with a fruity cranberry and grapefruit top, plus a base of coffee and mahogany that adds a sweet, gourmand warmth. The result is a more playful, energetic scent with a modern edge.

Read the Full Profile →
Woody
Fresh Spicy
Citrus
Aromatic
Amber
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Everyday
Everyday
Evening Out
Evening Out
Bois 1920 Classic 1920

Bois 1920 Classic 1920

for women and men
$175.00

Classic 1920 mirrors the fresh spicy and aromatic character of Le Participe Passe, with artemisia, bergamot, and juniper creating a similar herbal opening. It differs by adding lavender, carnation, and jasmine for a more complex floral heart, and a vanilla patchouli base that feels richer and more traditional. It is a classic, refined aromatic oriental.

Read the Full Profile →
Aromatic
Citrus
Fresh Spicy
Woody
Amber
Casual
Casual
Everyday
Everyday
Work / Office
Work / Office
Travel
Travel
Xerjoff 1861 Zefiro

Xerjoff 1861 Zefiro

for women and men
$246.00

1861 Zefiro shares the warm spicy and amber accords of Le Participe Passe, with bergamot and elemi providing a similar aromatic lift. It diverges with cardamom, cinnamon, and iris in the heart for a spicier, more powdery feel, and a base of honey, incense, and precious woods that is deeper and more resinous. It is a more intense, evening appropriate scent.

Read the Full Profile →
Warm Spicy
Amber
Woody
Aromatic
Sweet
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party

Jimmy Choo Man Extreme echoes the fresh spicy and aromatic profile of Le Participe Passe, with black pepper and red thyme offering a similar piquant start. It differs with clary sage and geranium in the heart for a greener, more herbal character, and a base of tonka bean and vetiver that adds sweetness and earthiness. It is a bolder, more modern masculine.

Read the Full Profile →
Aromatic
Woody
Fresh Spicy
Amber
Warm Spicy
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out

Le Male shares the aromatic and amber accords of Le Participe Passe, with bergamot, lavender, and cardamom creating a similar fresh spicy opening. It differs by adding mint and artemisia for a cooler, more herbal twist, and a base of vanilla, tonka bean, and sandalwood that is sweeter and more gourmand. It is a classic, sweet aromatic oriental.

Read the Full Profile →
Aromatic
Vanilla
Warm Spicy
Sweet
Amber
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Party
Party
Parfums de Marly Kalan

Parfums de Marly Kalan

for women and men
$246.00

Kalan aligns with Le Participe Passe through its warm spicy and woody accords, with black pepper and blood orange offering a similar spicy citrus opening. It diverges with lavender and orange blossom in the heart for a floral aromatic nuance, and a base of moss, sandalwood, and tonka bean that feels smoother and more refined. It is a sophisticated, unisex spicy scent.

Read the Full Profile →
Warm Spicy
Woody
Aromatic
Amber
Citrus
Casual
Casual
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Versace Eros Najim

Versace Eros Najim

for men
$147.00

Eros Najim mirrors the amber and woody foundation of Le Participe Passe, with cardamom and pepper providing a similar spicy start. It differs by adding caramel, oud, and saffron in the heart for a sweeter, more exotic character, and a base of incense and patchouli that adds a smoky, resinous depth. It is a richer, more intense oriental.

Read the Full Profile →
Amber
Woody
Warm Spicy
Sweet
Aromatic
Date Night
Date Night
Evening Out
Evening Out
Formal
Formal
Party
Party
Bond No. 9 Brooklyn

Bond No. 9 Brooklyn

for women and men
$249.00

Brooklyn shares the fresh spicy and woody accords of Le Participe Passe, with cardamom, grapefruit, and juniper berries creating a similar aromatic opening. It differs by focusing on geranium leaves and cedar for a greener, woodier profile, with less sweetness and balsamic depth. It is a lighter, more casual daytime scent with a crisp, green character.

Read the Full Profile →
Fresh Spicy
Woody
Citrus
Aromatic
Green
Casual
Casual
Everyday
Everyday
Work / Office
Work / Office
Travel
Travel