Perfume of the day: Pucci Vivara
February 20, 2008 by Amy George
Filed under Fragrances
This month’s Sephora catalog had several perfume samples. One was Emilio Pucci’s new perfume, Vivara. The bottle is molto Pucci – but the scent is just not for me. Like life, Vivara is complex and just…messy. Since it’s a vintage fragrance that’s been ‘updated’ it makes me wonder if they just didn’t update it enough or if I would have liked the original more. I feel a bit better because NowSmellThis didn’t much care for it either. Maybe it’s the patchouli and the jasmine combo?
Sephora describes it thus:
Vivara: a classic reemerges. Launched in 1966, the original Vivara became an instant sensation. Slightly updated with a modern interpretation, this green floral fragrance contains hints of the Italian Riviera. Dazzling notes of sun-drenched almond amaretto, floral sambac jasmine, narcissus and a touch of orange blossom remind you of the aromatic fragrances of the Mediterranean and sweep you away on imaginary journeys. The design that lies beneath the glass bottle cap was inspired by Pucci’s Vivara print, which previously appeared on clothing and accessories.
Notes:
Italian Bergamot, Amaretto, Sambac Jasmine, Narcissus, Indonesian Patchouli, Iris Butter.
Style: Radiant. Lively. Timeless.
Slightly updated?! I just did a comparison of the notes in the original and new versions; precisely one note (bergamot) is shared by both. This is sort of like describing a hummer as an update of a Lamborghini, as both happen to have been fitted with Pirelli tyres.
I cannot believe these people… why not just launch a fragrance under a new name? The original (a citrusy, woody scent, with some floral notes) sounds so much more elegant and balanced than this new glop