Classique Cabaret Eau de Parfum Jean Paul Gaultier 2019 female 39

The Verdict

Jean Paul Gaultier's Classique Cabaret Eau de Parfum arrived in early 2019 as a limited edition flanker dressed in a shimmering red gown, both literally (the iconic female silhouette bottle wears a crimson dress) and figuratively. Created by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin, this Oriental Floral takes the Classique template and reimagines it for a night at the cabaret, replacing the original's powdery intimacy with warm spice, sweet florals, and a marshmallow softness that feels simultaneously nostalgic and modern.

Of the many Classique flankers and limited editions that Jean Paul Gaultier has released over the years, Cabaret stands out as one of the most creative and successful. It retains enough of the original's DNA to feel like part of the family while venturing far enough afield to justify its existence as a separate fragrance.

What It Smells Like

The opening is all about ginger, and it is a complex, multi-faceted ginger at that. The first impression is a hot flash of freshness, almost soapy, before quickly transitioning to something sweeter and warmer. It evokes candied ginger and ginger biscuits, with a spicy warmth that sets the stage for the theatrical performance to follow. Citron provides a bright, almost effervescent counterpoint that keeps the ginger from becoming too dense.

The heart introduces orange blossom, which is executed with real skill. It presents both its fresher, neroli-leaning aspect and its sweeter, more tropical personality simultaneously, creating a bold and provocative warmth that is intimate and deeply floral. Marshmallow adds a pillowy sweetness that softens everything without burying the more interesting elements.

The base brings rich vanilla and amber, which intensify the floral character and add a tropical, slightly sensual quality. There is a glossy, waxy sheen to the drydown that distinguishes it from the original Classique's powdery aesthetic. Where the original whispers, Cabaret performs, yet it maintains an elegance that prevents it from becoming brash.

When to Wear It

Cabaret is a cold-weather evening fragrance that earns its theatrical name. It is perfectly suited for winter nights out, holiday parties, date nights, and formal dinners where a touch of glamour is appropriate. One reviewer noted it is absolutely perfect for cold winter days when you need something to cheer you up, and that captures its spirit well.

The warmth and sweetness of the ginger-vanilla combination make it too heavy for warm weather, but in autumn and winter, it wraps around you with the comfort of a cashmere blanket. Its moderate projection makes it appropriate for social settings where you want to be noticed without overwhelming the room.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is a strong suit. The eau de parfum concentration delivers all-day wear on skin, and on clothes, the fragrance can persist for days. This makes it a reliable choice for long evenings where you need your fragrance to go the distance.

Sillage is moderate, sitting at roughly 2.6 out of 4 based on community ratings. The fragrance creates a noticeable warm aura around the wearer without projecting across entire rooms. Some wearers may wish for more aggressive projection given the theatrical concept, but the moderate sillage actually suits the fragrance's character: it draws people in rather than pushing the scent outward.

The Community Says

Community reception has been warmly positive. Fragrantica reviewers describe it as very elegant, sophisticated, and warm, with the orange blossom singled out as divine and one of the best from the designers. Several reviewers have compared the drydown to a more mature, glamorous version of Kilian Love Don't Be Shy, describing Cabaret as the glamorous aunt of that popular sweet fragrance.

One prominent fragrance blogger called it the best Classique version aside from the original, praising its ability to deliver entertainment and excitement while maintaining the DNA of the house. The ginger note in particular has been celebrated for its complexity, offering fresh, sweet, and spicy facets that evolve throughout the wear.

Who Should Buy This

Classique Cabaret is ideal for women who love the spirit of the original Classique but want something warmer, more festive, and more modern. If you enjoy fragrances with ginger, orange blossom, or marshmallow notes, this delivers all three with considerable skill. It also works well for those building a cold-weather evening rotation who want something glamorous without being overwhelming.

This is not the right choice for those seeking a faithful recreation of the original Classique's powdery sensuality, nor for anyone who finds warm, sweet fragrances cloying. The limited edition status also means prices may be elevated on the secondary market, so factor that into your decision.

The Bottom Line

Classique Cabaret Eau de Parfum is Jean Paul Gaultier at its most charming and inventive, a limited edition that transcends its novelty status to become a genuinely compelling fragrance. The ginger-orange blossom-marshmallow combination is executed with real artistry, creating something that feels like getting dressed up for a night of glamour and excitement. It deserves a wider audience than its limited edition status allows.