by La Rive
Chatte by La Rive is a strikingly affordable dupe for Chanel No. 5, capturing the iconic aldehydic, floral-powdery, and musky character of the vintage formulation. It opens with a bright, soapy-fresh burst of aldehydes and ylang-ylang, quickly settling into a softer, powdery core reminiscent of the classic Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum, with a subtle incense-like depth. The scent is clean and architectural, with a minimal animalic edge, mimicking the original's ethereal, slightly chemical brilliance without the full-bodied longevity or richness of the real thing. It performs best during evening wear and some users find it thrillingly nostalgic—or even reminiscent of old Chanel bottles or Nivea cream—but some note it as overly synthetic or faint on skin. Most users agree that while Chatte lacks the sustained sillage and depth of legacy Chanel versions, it offers a remarkably close approximation at a fraction of the price. It’s particularly favored by those seeking a budget-friendly, nostalgic echo of the vintage Chanel No. 5 that feels accessible and unobtrusive. The overall impression is one of bold, inspired copying—not perfect, but emotionally resonant for those drawn to the classic fragrance's aura.