Etat Libre d’Orange Fat Electrician Review (Antoine Maisondieu) + Etienne’s Pick Draw

Etienne de Swardt of Etat Libre d'Orange

Etienne de Swardt at Esxence 2014 Photo by Tama Blough (RIP)

Etienne de Swardt, declared his independence from “business as usual” in 2006. Freeing himself from the predictable sterility of market driven fragrance and beauty, he formed his own perfume house – Etat Libre d’ Orange, where he brought to life a new sincerity and freedom of expression in fragrance.  For more than a decade, Etat Libre d’Orange has been creating evocative, challenging scents that push the limits of perfumery while maintaining a sense of ironic whimsy, wrapped around distinctively luxurious fragrance profiles. One of our favorites is Etat Libre d’Orange Fat Electrician. This is what Etienne said when I asked him about the creative brief for Fat Electrician  and what inspired him.

Etat Libre d'Orange Fat Electrician 2009

Poster for Fat Electrician

Fat Electrician, because we bow to non-sense & fun at Etat Libre d’Orange as long as it stays ultra-qualitative. The curse of beauty, dedicated to vain narcissism, Greek modern tragedy and burlesque. “Nothing is forever” said the fat lost angel when divorced twice with too many bills and kids ;-)” – Etienne de Swardt

Eric Estrada in 2010,  33 years after he played  the hot California Patrolman in the 1977 show CHIPs (looks like Times Square NYC)

Etat Libre d’Orange Fat Electrician by Antoine Maisondieu was composed in 2009 and it was one of his favorites (20017); “CaFleureBon’s Three  Etat Libre D’Orange Perfumes you should be wearing”; (we asked Etienne his opinion on  which ELdO “you must buy”). The story behind the fragrance is about a porn star who  after his career ended became an anonymous electrician living in New Jersey.So why  Eric Estrada?  I thought of all the TV and movie macho men of the  70s and 80s who, well, gained weight, went through a few wives and will probably be on Dancing With The Stars  if they can move at all. Everyone else, just pull up your pants!-  Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Editor Sebastian Jara asked for this bottle and its to his nose a gourmand vetiver; one you shouldn’t pass on!

 

Etat Libre D'Orange Fat Electrician

photo by Sebastian

Thanks to Europerfumes the US distributor and  Etienne de Swardt , we have we have ONE 100 ml  bottle for a registered CaFleureBon reader and Looking Feeling Smelling Great subscriber in the USA or the EU only. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what strikes you about this review and where you live. Draw closes 5/12/2019.

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebon @ etatlibredorange @lookfeelsmellgreat @official_europerfumes, @twistedlily

We announce the winners only on our website so like Cafleurebon and use our blog feed … or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

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93 comments

  • I’ve tried a few ELdO perfumes but not this one. Sebastian’s description of the association of the chestnut note with vetiver intrigues me the most. I’d love to give a smell.
    Thanks for the draw! I live in EU.

  • Mihaela Ungureanu says:

    I trust and like Sebastian! “Pull up your pants!” I want this fragrance for my boyfriwnd, to pull off his pants! Regards… from Romania

  • woof, i love this brand… i love vetiver fragrances and it sounds verry different and interesting vetiver… would be great if i win the Bottle

  • samppahoo says:

    A creamy vetiver with hints of chestnut and smokeyness sounds great to me. I love vetiver but it can sometimes be too harsh and herbal, so if Etat managed to create a blend to tone that down, I’ll be happy to try it. Thanks for the draw and the review, I’m from the EU.

  • I’m a Vetiver lover. Would love to add this to my small collection. Maryland USA

  • Jeremy Francis says:

    What strikes me about this fragrance is the name. I am curious to find out about the juxtaposition of the fragrance’s smell to its name. Or, perhaps, the pleasant surprise of its close correlation in smell to its name. I reside in the state of Florida.

  • Judespeak says:

    What interests me about Fat Electrician is that I’ve been closed off to most gourmand scents because I’ve found them too syrupy-sweet. The way Sebastian describes this scent makes me think it might be a doorway into undiscovered territory, vis-à-vis one of my favorite notes in perfumery, vetiver. A side-door into gourmand, if you will. Thanks for the draw. Texas, USA

  • fazalcheema says:

    Sebastian reminds us it is vetiver fragrance and in fact, I actually started hearing about Fat Electrician as one of the suggestions when people asked for vetiver perfumes. My fav. from line is Jasmine et Cigarette. I am in US

  • JozefJak says:

    Wow, the vetiver with a gourmand notes sounds rally interesting. I have few bottles of ELdO, but I haven’t try this yet. It can be very good vetiver fragrance. Thanks for the draw! I live in Poland.

  • I absolutely love this fragrance! It was this, and Hemingway that were the portal by which I started to love vetiver fragrances. I’ve been wanting to purchase this one for about a year now, hopefully I’ll win!

  • Max Carbajal says:

    I always wondered why did they name it Fat Electrician? Now It makes sense… in a weird way!
    I love gourmand perfumes, even more than the vetiver ones so a gourmand vetiver sounds like heaven to me.
    Regards from Italy!

  • I love this house…. So original and “I’m trash” just an amazing creation. Would love to add this to my collection.

    Love from Maryland USA

  • Doc2SmellG8 says:

    I love vetiver scents and hearing how this has a creaminess with the chestnut and vanilla really has sparked my interest. My favorite part of this electrifying review was hearing about the inspiration.
    I live in Laguna Hills, California.

  • gtabasso says:

    The review of a gourmand vetiver interests me. I tried this when it first came out. I didn’t find anything gourmand about it, but I wasn’t into bitter vetiver then. I love vetiver now and would like to revisit this. My notes on this fragrance from years ago: smokey; herbal; then dries down dry, bonfire smoke and a little like B.O.

  • This interests me because I have not tried anything from this house and I love vetiver fragrances! I live in the USA – IL

  • recursivemask says:

    I love vetiver, and I love the image this evokes about the perfume. I’d love to get a chance to try this. I live in the US.

  • This combo action sounds amazing! This is definitely one I’d love to try. I’m a big fan of vetivers, this is one I think i would make a daily. I watch Sebastián’s reviews and this one made me want to go search it out.
    USA tx

  • andalabanda says:

    I love, love, love Fat Electrician and I think I still have a sample somewhere in the house. It is indeed a “creamy vetiver” as Sebastian describes it, and it is perfectly unisex. As far as I know, the inspiration for the perfume is Bobby Kendall, a former porn star and actor who after his career ended has become an anonymous, fat electrician somewhere in New Jersey. I hope to win a full bottle to added to my ELDO fragrance collection. I am in Pennsylvania,United States.

  • Marcus Fairbanks says:

    I love it… my co-worker recommended it to me in December and I blind bought it… I’m the skinny electrician at work now lol

  • Ron A.G.S says:

    Right off the bat, I’m FAT- but by no means an Electrician…. Gourmand NOTES + VETIVER= ……. I’ll take the NY Gigolo in demise tho……. I’ve heard so so very much about this one, but NEVER TRIED IT sadly…. Thank you so so very much 4 giving me the opportunity to learn MORE about this scent. From the line, I own & ♥️”Remarkable People”, “You or Someone Like You” & “True Lust Rayon Violet De Ses Yeux”…..

    I’m absolutely STOKED at the chance of possibly winning and trying this. I’m in New York & New Jersey Sir….. Hook-me-up Seb my brother!!! Great content-as always….

  • I like that this Is a modern take on vetiver. I am sure that gourmand nuances make the scent even more interesting. I would love to have a chance to try it. (Illinois)

  • Dhruba Dasgupta says:

    I still don’t get the connection of the fat electrician, but I definitely find this one to be highly interesting as vetiver is so rarely paired with sweet notes. Although Dior Eau Sauvage Parfum isn’t necessarily a vetiver dominant scent, I love the mix of the bergamot, vetiver, and myrrh. This one seems to remove freshness and go straight to sweetness. I hope to sniff it one day!

  • Very curious about this fragrance, the combination of Vetiver and gourmand seems to be quite fascinating. Also i love the general concept of this house, something really a bit different to many others.

    Living in EU, Germany

  • Chestnut is not a note I am familiar with in parfum, but I adore vetiver. Sebastian always gives me a great review and this time is no different. I’ve never tried any of the fragrances from this house, but I’d love to try this one. Thanks for the draw. I’m in the USA

  • Robert Quinlan says:

    I love that eldo seem to have fun with fragrances, from the names to help compositions and stories behind them but always done with such a high quality.
    A gourmand Vetiver, I can see why the background story for this fragrance that Sebastian spoke about connects to this scent. I appreciate uniqueness and this is one i’d love to try.

  • Even the name shocks at first, after you learn the story, it all makes sense: creamy vetiver with chestnut and vanilla, plus some smoke. Interesting. I am from EU

  • Marceal Martinez says:

    I love this house, love these notes and want to get my hands on a bottle

  • I like ELDO creations for their boldness and sense of no compromise. I haven’t come across Fat E. yet, would be lovely to see how that angel translates into action that Etienne mentions:)
    (I’m from the EU, Hungary.)

  • Loredana O says:

    Interesting choise for the perfume’s name…
    Also, the vetiver is one of me preferred note in perfumerie.
    It would be a wonderful gift for my husband, an electrical engineer

  • Interesting combination… the typical marrons glaces of my childhood combined with my favourite note, vetiver?
    Sebastian made me hungry!

    My favourite from ELdO is Rien, and I live in IL, USA.
    Thank you!

  • I have no idea, how chestnuts are supposed to fit in a fragrance – I’m very aware of how they taste, though. The brand and this particular scent seems quite unique and it sounds like this one is a whole new take on vetiver.
    Best wishes from Germany

  • Crisstyyn says:

    Wow, what an interesting name for this fragrance as i absolutely love the vetiver combined with nuts and a touch of smoke on a man, i am 100% sure i would love this masculine scent on my man 🙂 regards from uk

  • I tried this a long time ago but was not aware that it had gourmandish notes as well. That was new to me, thanks Sebastian. I remember loving this a lot, but never got around to getting myself a bottle. This would be a great opportunity. I am in Bulgaria.

  • Sebastian’s reviews are always great. I liked the idea of a gourmand, smooth vetiver. I find that ELDO make very smart and unique choices with most of their releases. Would love to try this. From the EU.

  • Dimitris Mathioudakis says:

    I have sampled it. It’s a unique type of vetiver. A Great scent by ELDO.

  • Great review from Sebastian as always. I’ve tested this fragrance several times and i liked it. It didn’t blow me away but it’s a good safe scent in my opinion, with the “eldo” signature smell in it. Thanks for the chance, i’m in the EU.

  • Enjoyed the review by Sebastian. This sounds like a great Vetiver fragrance. Not much experience with ELDO fragrances. Only Remarkable People and it’s one I really enjoy. Thanks, US

  • Fat Electrician? The name is hilarious! I hope the name is not a reflection of the perfume. 🙂 I like smoky fragrances, I like vetiver and I like gourmand scents. All in one? Must be a great combination. I would share this with my husband who likes creamy, soft, gourmand perfumes. Greetings from EU, Romania. Thank you Sebastian for another inspiring review!

  • marcopietro says:

    Nice review Sebastian! The description perfectly renders the juice of this fragrance, a vetiver made creamy by chestnut, with a modern vibe. Really unique and fascinating. I appreciate the concept of the brand and I always find the genesis of the names of different fragrance very fun and interesting, moreover, most of them are really fantastic. I love Tom of Finland, The Afternoon of a Faun and Philippine Hoseboy.
    I am in EU. Thanks!

  • The name is so hilarious and impossible to miss! I have been coming around to more vetiver focused fragrances and would love to get my nose on a semi gourmand take on it! I’m from Pennsylvania!

  • Greg Burris says:

    I’m your winner right here!! Bring on the Vetiver!! The butt crack is not in the bottle… is it??
    Thanking you , Greg Burris

  • bigscoundrel says:

    The gourmand and vetiver combination really grabs my attention. Like Sebastian said, you don’t see this often. I’m in the USA.

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Really good review by Sebastian . Enjoyed the idea of semi-gourmand vetiver fragrance with chestnut cream , olive leaves , vanilla and myrhh .

    Remarkable People is my favorite Etat Libre d’Orange.I should have got 100ml bottle , and not 50ml.

    Thanks for the review and the generosity.

    In US

  • California Dream says:

    I own remarkable people and love it! I would like to enter to win this vetjver with chestnut cream. I thought the photos were really great too

  • I have smelled Fat Electrician before so I would be so grateful to win this one. US

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    I love vetiver, it is my favorite note in perfumes.
    I remember trying Fat Electrician a while back and liking it. Different take on the main note. Pretty good actually. I’d love to win this bottle now that hot weather is approaching.
    Thanks. Live in the US

  • Interesting notes composition. Personally I love both Vetiver and gourmand fragrances , so combination of both is beyond intriguing.
    Vetiver and chestnut cream , vanilla , a bit smoky touches ?!? Why I do not know Fat Electrician ???
    My favorite Etat Libre d’Orange – Remarkable People and You or Someone like You . Own the second one. I’m also curious about the pumpkin one Like This . Hope it’s not disconnected , because last few times it was not available at local boutiques.
    Enjoyed the review , and thanks for the draw.
    USA

  • I had the opportunity to smell a sample vial of Fat Electrician and loved it. I am drawn to vetiver fragrances and I especially love the smoky and vanilla mix. I also find the irony of the title amusing. Can’t wait to sample more of this company’s fragrances. Thanks.

  • Fat Electrician seems to have an interesting note break down and sounds easy to wear regularly! I live in USA

  • strangedim says:

    Cozy vetiver, I would love to smell it. I always loved the name of the perfume and it adds to the story knowing that the fat electrician is a former New York gigolo 🙂 I’m patiently waiting to try it in Romania, EU.

  • I have tried many Eldo’ creations and I like all of them. Actually, they are all on my purchase list. I haven’t tried yet Fat Electrician, but I am sure it will be my favorite electrician ever! <3 I am from Europe.

  • I always love Sebastian reviews for fragrances. I have been looking for a creamy chestnut vetiver scent. Thanks for the draw. I live in CA, USA.

  • “Fat Electrician” to a sexyyyy Electrician. My Husband. Thank you for the review. From EU.

  • I am most intrigued by the gourmand aspect of this vetiver fragrance. Vetiver isn’t always my favorite but adding chestnut cream – yum! I am in the US.

  • Amna Aziz says:

    Great review by Sebastian really intrigued by this Vetiver Gourmand. I know the brand are known for unusual compositions and unusual names. I believe it will be an intriguing concoction. Cheers From United Kingdom

  • Amna Aziz says:

    Etat libre d orange is an intriguing brand with unusual perfumes with unusual names. I am really interested by this gourmand vetiver. My favourite from the brand is rien intense. From United Kingdom Cheers

  • WaltherP99 says:

    Congrats Sebastian – top quality review as usual , and pictures by Michelyn complimenting it the right way.From mouth watering chestnut cream sweetness to a smoky and a bit green vetiver smell?
    I do own 2 Etat Libre d’Orange frags- 100 ml’s of You Or Someone Like (gift) and Like This – extremely underated fragrance that always makes me happy … by far my favorite from the ones i know.
    Virginia USA or London UK (and EU) … at least 97/100 times.

  • Sérgio Teixeira says:

    Wow. A gourmand vetiver??? Yes, please. And the name is just brilliant if you ask me. Portugal here. Thanks for the chance

  • I love the gourmand notes and the name is pretty interesting. I’ll love to try this one.
    I live in California

  • I haven’t tried any Etat Libre fragrance yet but I trust Sebastian’s nose and reviews. I’d love to sample this smooth vetiver as an introduction to vetiver. Hopefully the Fat Electrician does not electrocute on application 🙂 I’m in TX USA

  • Wow creamy vetiver? I love all perfumes that are creamy! The thought makes me drool. Greetings from Hayward, California!

  • I am registered here and subscribed to sebastian. I enjoyed his video and really enjoy vetiver. This fragrance sounds excellent and a vetiver gourmand sounds great. Making it brighter and more versatile as well ! What surprised me was the whipped cream note. I live in the USA and would love a chance to win.

  • I love Sebastian’s reviews very much!!
    But how I love Etat Libre d’Oranges funny perfumes’ names. I like vetiver very much and with gourmand notes it will be very interesting.
    Thanks for review and draw.
    US

  • I think anyone would have to be intrigued by the background story. I love the notes used and NEED to smell this take on vetiver.

  • I love vetiver! And I always enjoy Sebastian’s reviews. I actually have never smelled any fragrances from Etat Libre.
    I live in the USA.

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    Personally i do not fall easily into marketing traps like provocative campaigns , names , slogans or bottles.I will sample “Fat Electrician” because of the:
    a) Notes – result intrigues me the most . Gourmand vetiver hmmm
    b) I like Antoine Maisondieu
    c) Then comes the nice job done by Sebastian .He hyped it up the right way .
    I do have one Etat Libre d’Orange fragrance in my collection.When i was your my grandma was growing pumpkin and i’m so used to pumpkin pies , cakes , soups , cheesecakes and so on.I was looking for fragrances with pumpkin accord and then blind-bought Tilda Swinton Like and i love it.
    Tnx for the giveaway.
    Back and forth between USA and Scotland (EU/UK) . 1 week in US -> 1 week in Scotland and so on..

  • Love gourmands and the addition of chestnut cream sounds divine. From California.

  • Well, I very love the notes, sounds wonderfully. The name of it is also funny. 😀 And Sebastian’s review is very good. Thank you for the draw. I live in the EU.

  • Michael Prince says:

    Etat Libre D’Orange Fat Electrician sounds like an amazing fragrance. I haven’t tried anything from this fragrance house. A toned down vetiver note with the creamy chestnut transforming into the smoky resinous notes sounds truly amazing. I will have to sample this fragrance.

  • Michael Prince says:

    Etat Libre D’Orange Fat Electrician sounds like an amazing fragrance. I haven’t tried anything from this fragrance house. A toned down vetiver note with the creamy chestnut transforming into the smoky resinous notes sounds truly amazing. I will have to sample this fragrance. Im from the USA.

  • doveskylark says:

    I’ve always been interest in this fragrance, now more than ever knowing it was inspired by a retired porn star, now living in New Jersey working as an electrician. This reminded me of the podcast The Rialto Report, which focuses on the current lives of the stars of the golden age of porn. I wonder if this fragrance will recall the 70s and early 80s. I love Rien from this house.

  • citizenkage says:

    I’ve never tried this house but of course have heard of them and have heard many good things. Their style is a bit eccentric which I like. A gourmand vetiver sounds very interesting and something I’d like to try. Regards from USA.

  • yungcherrypops says:

    I loved Sebastian’s review because, as always, it was short, sweet, and to the point! Love the sound of Fat Electrician. A vetiver with gourmand notes? Sounds like Etat Libre d’Orange! I love Like This and Remarkable People, so I would love to win this draw. Alabama, USA

  • Uncle1979 says:

    I know Fat Electrician. No doubt it’s unique . Combination of vetiver and the cream is done very well. On me Fat Electrician is actual gourmand, and not some semi-sweet fragrance. I mean is more sweet and eatable, than earthy and smoky. It’s like a mix of 70% This is Her by Zadig & Voltaire, and 30% Lalique Encre Noir A L’Extreme for men.
    Appreciate the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • James Sykes says:

    What strikes me the most about the review is how the fragrance recieved its name. How that name and the aura of that electrician (ex gigolo) would translate into a fragrance. He still has that sex appeal! I can’t wait to add that to my collection. I’m from Michigan.

  • I have to say from all the editors, contributors, reviewers… call it what you want to call it Sebastian is the best IMO. He’s not only good as reviewer , but also in hyping up fragrances. Despina Veneti can hype up pretty well too. I’ve sampled “I am trash” because of her review for Cafleurebon last autumn, and bought it a week after.
    Modern vetiver with gourmand notes, some greenness and smokiness = I need a sample.
    Sebastian and Despina are enemies for my CC haha
    Thanks to all involved in this giveaway.
    USA most of the year, and Germany from time to time.

  • Integra204 says:

    I love the idea of a gourmand fragrance blended with a vetiver fragrance. Those types on their own are two of my favorite genres of fragrance. The conception story is charming as well. I live in Arizona, USA

  • bumbuliuki says:

    Lovely review by Sebastian !
    I’m used to vetiver being woody, earthy usually combined with other wood notes and citrus. Fat electrician sounds like an interesting take on vetiver, with gourmand aspects.
    As usual, Etat Libre D’Orage never fails to dissapoint with their fragrance names and concepts.
    I have tried a few Etat Libre D’Orage fragrance over time, Rien being my favorite from what I own.
    Thank you for the wonderful draw !
    Greetings from Romania.

  • ElenaChiss says:

    I know about Fat Electrician for a long time, but still, no chance to test it. I really did not know the story behind it and now that I know it’s kind of funny and sad at the same time. I am in EU. Thanks!

  • Etat Libre d’Orange is one of my favorite brands. I remeber testing their fragrances when they used to have a stand in one of popular perfumeries. They all seemed to be different from the rest and unusual. Despite sometimes weird and provocative marketing they are mostly surprisingly wearable. Breaking new grounds, having fun with surprising connections of notes and being avant-garde but in many cases somehow remaining simple and approachable at the same time. Not overtly bizarre and sophisticated, suitable for everyday use. Fat electrician is a very good example of it, mixing vetiver with creamy notes and presenting it in a new, very interesting light. It is a delicious vetiver. I would love to have it in my collection. I live in the EU.

  • I have never tried Fat Electrician, but the note breakdown and Sebastian’s review have me very interested to try it!

  • What strikes me about Sebastians review is Gourmand my favorite fragrance type along with a not I love vetiver, and I can’t say I open a Gourmand fragrance b that has vetiver as a note it sounds very different. And I love different fragrances! Also the name is to funny because my husband is an electrician

    I’m in the US thanks for the chance!

  • Andrew Martin says:

    Love his take on the scent. I have a sample and he’s right on!

    I live in Philadelphia, PA

  • Andrew Martin says:

    I have a sample and he’s right on! Love his take on it.

    I live in Philadelphia, PA

  • Andrew Martin says:

    Loved to hear the back story behind the scent.

    I live in Philadelphia, PA