The first thing that hit visitors arriving at the Saint Laurent show in Paris was the heady scent permeating the show space, a replica of a modernist residence with glass windows offering an unparalleled view of the Eiffel Tower.

“It’s, I would say, woody and spicy and kind of dark and mysterious,” mused François Arnaud. 

The “Heated Rivalry” star was attending his second Saint Laurent show and marveled at creative director Anthony Vaccarello’s world-building skills — down to the cognac-colored wood paneling on the walls and an oversized replica of a bust that once stood in Yves Saint Laurent’s apartment. 

“It’s not just about the clothes, it’s about the whole atmosphere. It’s very theatrical. It’s a whole experience,” Arnaud said. “It feels like the smell is coming out of the walls.”

Zoë Kravitz struggled to classify the fragrance. “It’s kind of musky, but it’s also kind of sweet,” she mused, before finally settling on the adjective “tobacco-y” — a perfect match for her fine turtleneck and men’s pants. 

A Saint Laurent ambassador, she has attended countless shows opposite the Eiffel Tower, but confessed she hasn’t visited the landmark in a while. “I went when I was little, a long time ago,” she said.

With its high ratio of VIPs per square foot, the space soon felt like the world’s most exclusive social club. Guests including Michelle Pfeiffer, Olivia Wilde, Rosé and Kate Moss mingled with rising actors such as Finn Bennett, Dominic Sessa, Mark Eydelshteyn and Mason Thames. 

Charlotte Gainsbourg confessed to a case of sensory overload — no wonder, given the camera crews that aggressively swirled through the dense crowd.

“Good thing you pointed out the scent, because I have a tendency to block everything out. It does smell very good,” she said. “For Saint Laurent events, we are always in a hyper immersive environment, between the materials, the color, the fragrance and location.”

The “Antichrist” star doesn’t have a signature perfume herself. “I’ve never found one,” she shrugged. “I like men’s fragrances, but other than that, I’m not a fan.”

Rossy de Palma solved the conunudrum of tracking down the perfect scent by creating one herself with État Libre d’Orange, called Eau de Protection.

“It’s the only perfume in the world that is designed to protect and not to seduce,” she said. Her outfit, a filmy belted jacket with puff sleeves, did a little of both. “I feel strong and beautiful. It’s giving oomph,” she said with a laugh.