Bottega Veneta

Comparing BV EdP and BV Eau de Velours (EdV). They both start similarly - big blast of pencil shavings after the initial spray which turns into a woody spicy scent after they dry on the skin. The big difference is the accord of bergamot and pink pepper which give EdV more body and dimension. This is not a light and airy bergamot. It is deep, rich and heavy. EdV's opening therefore is more "perfumey" and mature. I don't think most women younger than 40 wouldn't want to wear it whereas the orig can be rocked by women as young as 25. After about 10 mins, the EdP has turned into the scent of makeup with a slight touch of powder. In EdV it's hard to tell if the same transformation is taking place because the citrus and pepper dominate everything. 5 mins later and the bergamot has disappeared revealing that, yes, the same transformation took place. Both frags are now neck and neck but EdV's makeup accord is deeper. For most of the first hour the EdP and EdV are dominated by the powdery makeup accord. There doesn't appear to be much leather in either if at all. 1 hr in the makeup accord have wound down. Projection and sillage seem stronger in EdV. 5 mins later the makeup accord is completely gone in both. Now it is replaced by leather. This isn't leather shoe leather like in Tuscan Leather, Ombre Leather, Uomo Signature or Encre Noire. This isn't car leather either like in Memo's Italian Leather or Bentley's For Men Absolute and Infinite Intense. It's not leather bound books like Byredo's Bibliotheque either. I'm not sure I would classify this as women's leather bag leather because it smells nothing like the leather handbags of women I know. It's fragrant but reserved. In texture it feels velvety like suede or Nubuck. The scent is hard to describe because I have no personal point of reference so it doesn't smell like I am looking at a specific object but a large bolt of animal skin. There's a faint hint of pencil shavings in both. In EdV it's additionally scented by plum and spices. The note breakdown in both promise jasmine and/or roses but I'm getting neither white nor pink florals. At least not yet. The leather notes lasted for about an hour before fading. By 2hr 30 mins I can detect nothing from the arm I sprayed with the EdP and very faint traces of the plum in the one I sprayed with EdV. Waiting to see if anything else develops or that was it. So far no jasmine, oakmoss or patchouli in the EdP and no rose, jasmine or patchouli in the EdV. If they were ever there they were likely but players or dominated by the stars of each respective show. Again, I'd say EdP skews younger because of the straightforward notes. The addition of spiced fruits, while beautifully blended skew EdV toward an older, more mature and more sophisticated frag connoisseur. Comparable frags 1 Cuir Amethyste, Kelly Caleche and Tenue de Soirée. 3hrs in I'm still getting a faint whiff of both although they need to be warmed up. 4 hrs 30 mins. Apparently I went anosmic 2hr ago but I can smell both again. They're still there and there's been no development. Scent is pretty linear since the drydown. 7 hrs in. Both are finally well and truly gone.

**My heartfelt thanks to ElenaLondon, for the generous samples she sent to me (and my mother) of this simply stunning scent!** My feelings toward Bottega Veneta (not so much her, but her exorbitant prices) aside, this perfume is something that really (and I mean really) impressed me. The extract is rather expensive, but happily the Eau de Parfum is more reasonably priced and combines rather simple notes, of obviously high quality materials, to create something luxurious and utterly elegant. On the initial spray, I could not help but sigh deeply on the exhale, as it already had me under its spell. The opening is spicy and clear, with a piquant pink pepper and a brilliant, but not all that bitter, bergamot. Underlying these notes, there lurks a thick and beautiful floral aroma that continues to expand, growing creamier and fuller as it dries. Jasmine is the only floral note listed; however, I can detect a hint of soft rose and, perhaps, a hint of some peonies as well. Sambac jasmine is the strongest scented jasmine there is, and here it swirls around the wearer like a magical mist creating an aura of velvety sweetness and an almost teasing sexuality. As it settles a bit, the flowers become somewhat drier and warmer; like a hot wind has scorched and dried the blossoms, but left their heavenly aromas untouched. The final drydown, in typical chypre fashion, combines a wonderfully soft mossiness with a thick exotic patchouli. Earthy, but definitely NOT "dirty", Bottega Veneta goes from a bright and sassy girl to a feminine vision before she emerges as a confident, warm and down-to-earth lady. This scent is, despite all my preconceptions and biases, truly gorgeous. And, other than the rather thick jasmine/floral heartnotes, I see no reason why a man could not wear this scent. Though it is not exactly "oriental", it does become (and remain) something warm, sexy and rather mysterious. Sillage: good Longevity: very good Overall: 4.25/5 On seeing this House had released a scent, my first knee-jerk reaction was: "OH NO, say it isn't so!"...now, as it is gracing my skin, surrounding me and my nose keeps returning to my wrist...I can only say: "Yes, OH YES!!". I still think their clothing (and accessories) are extremely overpriced, for what they are; but I can tell you one thing: Bottega now has my respect, as far as the perfumes go. If the EDP is this nice, I can only os-magine what the Extract is like... *drools*

I wrote a review on it a while ago and I stand by all of what I said. I want to update you on my journey with it since then. I like to be alone with it, relax and have time to experience it since what stays close to the skin is different than the sillage. One spray with the fine spraying small nuzzle is enough, I like it on my wrist to explore. It's calming. It's almost invisible and promisingly there as a ghost you want around. Fun fact I felt sophisticated one day and sprayed two or three times on my neck before going out. I only wear it if I feel good about myself, and want a slight statement kick to underline my look. Don't mistake it for a powerlook, sophistication isn't just a powersuit and Hermés but a state of being open to explore, open minded, friendly, playful and relaxed. So that day I was in the car (funnily I see some compare the leather in it to new leather seats in a car..) with my mother. She was wearing a new scarf, took it off and asked me if it smelled (?) mysky? I said no, and realised she had smelled my perfume. That was the day I discovered its resemblence with an old linen closet. The wooden musty smell you get when it's been in a cottage surrounded by nature, not opened for years. You have to have experienced it to understand. It's in the heat of summer and I was surprised how warm and sweet it was. I sprayed two times around my neck and left for the summerhouse. Bottle waiting for me at home. It's how lovers are supposed to be. Away from each other on family holidays. I have half a bottle left, unfortunately that means I can't wear it as much as I would have liked. (Discontinued). It's for special occations. When nothing else that I have in my limited collection will do. I prioritice exploring new territory and this has opened new doors.

This perfume has a 4.16 rating out of nearly 6,000 votes. There is a reason for that. It’s phenomenal. Once upon a time it was incredibly unique but it’s been copied so many times that it may seem like you’ve smelled it elsewhere. You have, it’s not your imagination...but it was the one that started this particular scent profile. It’s a modern chypre, with emphasis on modern. This isn’t a classic chypre by any means but it’s mossy enough where it does have that feel to it. If this perfume was a color it would be grey/violet with muted green undertones. It’s earthy and mossy but there is this sweet ghost like violet colored atmosphere that surrounds it, along with a sueded leather. It feels luxurious and classy yet badass all at the same time. It’s one of those perfumes that ghosts in and out...even when you think it’s gone other people can smell it. I do go anosmic to it pretty easily so I’m always asking other people if they can smell it. They always can, even 12 hours later. I wore this perfume when it came out and fell hard for it, then discovered other things and sort of forgot about it. I recently rediscovered it and I must say, it may be my favorite perfume of them all. It’s hard to say what it is about it that makes me love it so much. I’m not even sure myself. All I know is that it’s heaven in a bottle to me and I can’t stop wearing it even though I have hundreds of other options.

Great, great fragrance. Let alone the gorgeous bottle and the super sophisitcated ad. The first Bottega Veneta fragrance starts off very citrusy (bergamot) and stays fresh and uplifting for the most of the time. It's really a clean, out of the shower feeeling. Then a soft floral Jasmine heart reveals - still mixed with those fresh, citrusy notes. The drydown is soft, a creamy suède - no you won't smell the leather purses are made of - but something much more airy and sophisticated. And no, I do not get any patchouli (even if it is listed!). Hours later, you can smell a more stable base made of oakmoss and some woods, I'd say a creamy cedarwood (not listed); still, the bergamot lingers! Absolutely elegant, classic and refined. This is a fragrance that does not scream, that stays subdued but is there, and you have to lean over to inhale. The perfect fall/winter fragrance for business meetings, non intrusive but assertive at the same time. Will tell a lot about your coolness, professionalism and trustworthiness. I adore it, to the point I have bought it 3 times. PS: based on the rewiews I bought Rogue as a cheaper dupe for the expensive Bottega Veneta. They're very similar in the drydown only, but the first 15 minutes of Rogue are loud, screchy fruity plum almost gagging. If you can get past the very ordinary mainstream opening, yes, you could call it a dupe.

I’m writing a second review of this one just because I’ve been wearing it consistently for a while, and it has opened up to me further, in that time. It really is That B*tch. Austere. Powerful. Has a fullness and plushness under the dry, astringent opening that needs time to unlock, and it sticks around all day. Very different on skin and paper, beautiful oakmoss and patchouli that do not cause a migraine for me, where they often do. It’s not hot, and it isn’t cold either, it takes on different aspects depending on the weather, showing more of its leather in the winter and its herbal notes in the summer. There are some negative reviews, and it definitely isn’t for everyone. I get it. It is not suited for more decadent modern tastes, that are focused on vanilla and caramel and warm spices and foody scents or clean fruity and transparent scents as the pinnacle of femininity. This is sharp edges, it’s a death glare, a black leather jacket, it’s Linda Evangelista in her prime, it’s not soft, virginal, or made to make you feel small, edible and delicate. You’re the one doing the eating when you wear something this, and you do it in cold blood. Accept no substitutes, and if you like leather and you can find this at a good price still, it’s a must.

I was afraid when I opened my splash bottle that this was just another generic patchouli bomb; however, I am pleased to report that this is not the case. Bottega Veneta is mossy, leathery patchouli with a sprinkle of pink pepper for a pleasant bite that really elevates the fragrance. Sophisticated and mature without being too austere. Surprising sillage & longevity for the tiny amount I dabbed on my wrists — I’m enveloped in a heavenly cloud of pure luxury. Though I think it’d be perfect in a professional setting, any woman over the age of 25 could rock it on most occasions (I as a 20-year-old feel a little young for it, but there’s no way I’m letting that stop me). This one is something special. I see a full-sized bottle in my future. ETA: Seeing a lot of negative reviews for this recently. I understand that not everyone will enjoy the same fragrances, but if you are unsure about this one, do try it again when autumn rolls around. That’s when it really shines.

This perfume morphs so much on my skin. Overall I like it. I do get the leathery smell as well as some earthiness but still quite sophisticated. It has been YEARS since I've smelled it but for some reason in a certain point in the dry down I got Liz Claiborne...perhaps the oak moss. It is a nice cooler weather scent and a bit more of a mature and sexy scent IMO. **Update** BV has grown on me so much. I do not want to be without this stunner! I now have Gris Dior and I can see how there is a comparison as when I first sprayed GD i immediately thought of BV. But side by side while there is a similar note in both they are quite different. BV is leather and sexy and would be a woman in designer fashion forward clothing while GD is more rose and powdery and a very well put together woman in feminine clothing. Despite a similar note somewhere in each they are different enough that having a bottle of each would be warranted.

This perfume is most beautiful in dry down--it's mostly powder and oak moss on my skin, lending the "leather" aspect. I don't perceive any jasmine, and bergamot was present primarily in the early opening moments. It's a reserved sort of austere fragrance--starched white button down, a fresh manicure, chignon, boss energy, effortless elegance. This bottle is a bit out of character for me--I don't usually like leather notes, and I don't purchase a lot of designer fragrances at this point in my collecting. However, I do love oak moss, and while most of my collection skews very femme, there are times I like a bit of a harder attitude in the form of "cold" fragrances--scents that feel removed and austere rather than warm and welcoming. Feels like a great work-friendly scent or a scent I'll wear when I need to project refined taste and confidence.

Tried a sample of this last year and I have wanted it ever since. I heard it was being discontinued (not sure if true) so I decided to buy a couple of bottles whilst I still had the chance. I'm so glad I did. This smells like luxury, cashmere, leather, a comforting, luxurious and sensual scent. The top notes are pretty much soil and leather. It smells very earthy, and well I really wasn't sure about it. Until... The dry down is stunning! Leather jasmine, bergamot and patchouli are what stand out on me. It smells like I'm wearing a very expensive ball gown, opera gloves, a leather jacket and a cashmere scarf, and a beautiful masculine man is standing next to me. The longevity is fantastic. Had it on 6 hours already and it's still radiantly beautiful. Tempted to buy a couple more bottles as it truly is a stunner!

Jasmine/ plum/ patchouli/ leather -- so says Botega Veneta's ad on their premier perfume. Could it really be this simple? I am sure there are other ingredients thrown in there but this scent's development follows this fragrant route. Fresh lightly indolic jasmine opens followed closely by the deepening sweet richness of plum then the dankness and spiciness of patchouli interfers until it settles into the softest animalic warmth of suede. A marriage of Italian chic and German precision (Tomas Maier is, after all, a German) -- this chypre frag succeeds brilliantly. It is warm but not frilly, its development properly delienated and in its simplicity and understated elegance, it is relentlessly chic. Like the darker/spicier Daim Blond (its distant cousin) -- this can be unisex. A beauty! Recommended!

Highly evocative. It may take you a while to warm up to its uniqueness. This is a gem compared to the cloyingly sweet fruit-choulis currently saturating the market. It's sharp opening blends into a creamy background. Reminds me of soft quilted leather and luxury. It's not the intense S&M leather in men's cologne, it's just smoother and more lactonic. This is feminine without being "girly" High heels clicking on marble floors, subtly inviting but not a pushover, she's definitely not a Pollyanna. She wears a crisp button-up and cashmere scarf; mohair sweaters and moto jackets, black patent leather heels, and pale pink nude nail polish. While I use the imagery of a female, this is definitely unisex. It does remind me of Armani Cuir Amethyste, which I adore, it's just a little less peppery.

D@ne, it can't be true that it "smells terrible" if it is rated 4.16 out of 5 with 6,520 votes, can it? You don't like it, I get it... But it doesn't mean it smells terrible. Maybe leather isn't for everyone, but this leather is very much in the style of the Bottega Veneta intrecciato bag or wallet collection - ridiculously soft leather with unique, soft colours and lasting performance this brand is known for. If you have fallen for their superb products, you'll love this scent too. Obviously, for leather aficionados only. All BV original fragrances are discontinued (not just this one) and have now been replaced by the top-dollar Palladiano collection. ... Oh, wait, is Palladiano also discontinued? This house should keep going with fragrances - it has much to offer.

Bottega Veneta... where have you been all my life!? This is stunning, absolutely magnificent and yet so humble and modest. Such a beautifully modern take on the Chypre scent profile with just a touch of that old school allure. I wish so badly this wasn’t discontinued. This scent is dominated by leather, oakmoss and patchouli. It’s thick and dry, slightly green, slightly earthy, with a generous creamy facet from the leather and oakmoss making this scent exceptionally smooth. There’s a touch of jasmine and bergamot in there to give it some lift, but really it’s all about these three notes. It’s gorgeous, how they managed to create such a delectable oakmoss smell in 2011 is seriously impressive. I’ll be on the lookout for a bottle of this on eBay, I NEED it.

Bottega Veneta is divine. Looking at the cons picked up by AI, how can this be likened to baby powder? In truth, I don’t know how baby powder smells (I used unscented talcum), but I doubt a product made for babies would smell anything like this. Nor is this scent powdery. By the way, I come across pervasive references on this site (not talking about BV now but in general) that are non informative to me, and I wonder if many people outside of the US know how root beer (float), play-doh, jolly rancher or cobbler smell. And what on earth is horchata?! Sure, I’ve googled these and know what they are, but one can’t smell them on the web, can one? So when US folks draw such comparisons, I just blink blankly.

This is my older sister’s signature perfume since it appeared. She brought it with her from a business trip to Italy. She immediately fell in love with it and it became her favourite. I was so inspired by that story. So it strongly reminds me of her elegance and independence. It is a beautiful perfume, extremely refined and classy. It has a hint of citrus, soft florals, exotic patchouli and woody oakmoss... it somehow makes you think of premium leather goods. It’s fresh, but at the same time very elegant, always floating in the air when she leaves the room. It’s divine, how elegant it is. It’s a perfect example of understated taste and courtesy.

Ah, Bottega Veneta... A swirling, deep concoction with a sweet touch of bergamot to keep it lively. This is the perfect sophisticated leatherette fragrance. It is undeniably Italian and exudes opulence. Bottega Veneta manages to capture a duality of demure and bold. Poised, but assertive. Simply fantastic. Despite the leathery base and general sweetness of this perfume, I could happily wear it during the summer just as well as in the fall or winter. It lasts about 5 hours, which is not quite as long and strong as I was hoping for the price and the fact that it is an EDP. But, I don't mind, as I am entirely enamored with this elegant fragrance.

She is confident, well put-together, she doesn't mess around, but she is pleasant. She always dresses chic, always stylish and good fabric. She wears Bottega Veneta, or Fendi bag to work, she doesn't care, since she is the boss. She wears Bottega Veneta EDT as her signature. I wish I am like her ;) There is no sweetness in this on my skin, but I like it. On days when I crave some sweets, I hide JPG La Belle underneath, works magically Edit: lately I layer it with Kayali Musk, the combination reminds me of the opening of discontinued Bottega Veneta eau Legere, which is my fav part of that fragrance.

I have to admit, I'm not a fan of the opening of this one. I get a blast of alcohol that almost burns when you take a whiff; fortunately, it dies down fairly quickly. I would recommend that you wait a solid 30 seconds to a minute before you go in for your first whiff of the fragrance. As this dries down, I get a fairly indolic jasmine that is underpinned by leather on my skin. Personally, I love this combo, as it comes across as very soft and cuddlesome. This is a beautiful "come hither" scent that doesn't appear to be trying too hard. In my opinion, it's pretty, sophisticated, sexy and timeless.

It's a dream. Creamy whiskey whispers and leather with soft flowers, dries down peppery slight patchouli and the moss is soft. A statement for sure, and light enough to pat yourself on the cheek. Sophisticated and a little unusual. Unisex. To its right on a younger more male character. Scent 9/10 Projection from intimate Nozzle sprays fine clouds The bottle is a 10 All in all 9/10 I had to spend a week with it on initial encounter, there's a sweetness that makes you crave more. Which is why it's my signature at the moment. It grows on you! If possible! I love it.