No. 1 Imperial For Women

The Verdict

Clive Christian No. 1 Imperial For Women represents the extreme upper echelon of luxury perfumery. Released in 2014 as a concentrated edition of the already legendary No. 1, this fragrance was produced in an astonishingly limited run of just 10 flacons at 50 ml each, making it one of the rarest commercial fragrances ever created.

The Imperial edition enriches the original No. 1 with greater complexity and depth. Where the standard No. 1 is already a grand aldehydic floral chypre in the tradition of Chanel No. 5 or Patou's Joy, the Imperial version pushes further into opulence with thicker, richer concentrations of its finest ingredients. Reviews of the original No. 1 describe a composition that reveals magnificent beauty in its drydown, and the Imperial promises to amplify precisely those qualities.

Whether this level of exclusivity and price represents true value is the eternal question with Clive Christian. Passionate advocates describe the No. 1 line as pure class that lasts all day, while skeptics dismiss it as a gimmick for those with more money than sense. The truth, as with most ultra-luxury goods, likely lies somewhere between.

What It Smells Like

While the specific note breakdown for the Imperial edition is described only in broad terms as fruity notes and intense spices opening into an opulent floral heart over precious woods and musk, the original No. 1 for Women provides a roadmap. That fragrance features apricot, peach, cardamom, plum, pineapple, and bergamot in its opening, leading to a lavish heart of ylang-ylang, iris, jasmine, carnation, rose, and orchid, all resting on a bed of sandalwood, vanilla, benzoin, tonka bean, musk, and amber.

The Imperial intensifies these elements. Community descriptions of the original No. 1 note a rich, creamy mix of milky rose and jasmine over prominent cardamom, with the drydown revealing rich, powdery vanilla mixed with woody chypre elements. The overall impression is fruity, warm, sweet, and lightly spiced, with a powdery elegance that reads as beautiful, elegant, and understated rather than loud or attention-seeking.

When to Wear It

A fragrance of this caliber and rarity demands occasions that match its stature. Black-tie galas, milestone celebrations, and formal evening events are the natural settings. The rich, warm character of its fruity-floral-wood composition makes it best suited for cooler months when its depth and complexity can unfold properly without being overwhelmed by heat.

Longevity & Projection

Reviews of the original No. 1 consistently praise its lasting power, with users describing it as a scent that lasts all day. The Imperial's concentrated formulation should perform at least as well, if not better. The projection is reportedly moderate and elegant, sitting close enough to feel intimate while still leaving a beautiful trail.

The Community Says

Community opinions on the Clive Christian No. 1 line are remarkably polarized. Fans describe it as one of the most magnificent fragrances ever created, a grand classic-smelling aldehydic floral chypre made with high-quality materials that are extremely hard to find nowadays. Critics counter that it fails to deliver sophistication proportional to its price and that similar quality can be found at a fraction of the cost. The Imperial edition itself is so rare that meaningful community discussion is virtually nonexistent; nearly all impressions are based on the standard No. 1.

Who Should Buy This

Clive Christian No. 1 Imperial For Women exists for the most dedicated fragrance collectors, those for whom rarity and exclusivity are paramount values. If you have experienced and loved the original No. 1 and desire something even deeper and more complex, this is its ultimate expression. For everyone else, the standard No. 1 for Women offers the same DNA at a comparatively accessible, though still premium, price point.

The Bottom Line

With only 10 bottles ever produced, Clive Christian No. 1 Imperial For Women is less a fragrance recommendation and more a piece of perfumery history. It represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury fragrance craft, for better or worse, and its extreme scarcity makes it a true collector's grail.