Ava, the shining star – Ava Gardner and Le Galion
Ava Gardner met Paul Vacher, perfumer and owner of Le Galion. Dazzled by her, he asked her to become the ambassador and face of Sortilège, a perfume that pays homage to extravagant parties and the typical scent of 1950s high society. After the incredible success of the perfume, Ava asked Le Galion to compose a fragrance tailored especially for her. The perfumer, who appreciated her nobility and femininity, agreed, and L'Astre became Ava Gardner's personal perfume.
In 2022, Le Galion launched L'Astre, a modern reinterpretation of a formula that had been kept secret for decades. In collaboration with Ava Gardner's heirs, who granted access to her archives, L'Astre was created, capturing the glamour of these two great names of the 20th century. Their influence continues to this day.
‘An elixir of opulence that releases inhibitions and prevents hesitation. A perfume that seeks – and is sure to find – the fullest attention. L'Astre is a grand, exuberant and attractive floral fragrance. Its leitmotif consists of aphrodisiac spices that symbolise Ava Gardner's burning gaze and ethereal beauty. I then worked on a spectacular floral accord – mainly white flowers – to emphasise its impressive aura and give a nod to the large bouquets of that era. Finally, the seductive formula continues in the amber background, warm, enveloping and, in my opinion, borderline unrestrained...’ – Rodrigo Flores-Roux – Perfumer at Givaudan
‘The Ava Gardner Trust is delighted to launch L'Astre, Incendiary Star, in collaboration with the world-renowned House of Le Galion. This release highlights the timeless and enduring relationship between Ava and Le Galion in a remarkable way. This contemporary reinterpretation evokes the opulent fragrances of Hollywood's Golden Age and is a perfume that Ava would wear: distinctive, warm and inviting. It reminds me of the fragrances Ava wore, as I remember them. It is the authentic Ava Gardner!’ – Ava Thompson, curator
