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Xeroxvzrxa – :
This is the one that makes you love Vetiver. Clean. Fresh. Green. Super masculine in the most straight forward and direct way. I love it that Givenchy didn’t try to reinvent the wheel here. Like the perfectly executed Mediterranean entree, it’s all about the best quality ingredients selected to compliment and bring out the best in the main component, then prepared simply so they don’t get in each other’s way. Longevity could be better but I can’t see how that would be possible while maintaining the integrity of the composition. The bergamote makes way for the sandalwood to show at its best. And the vetiver shines from beginning to end. On the plus side, it’s priced right so you can re-apply at will without cringing. This fragrance has SO much going for it as it is that I can’t quibble about things like “it used to be better” or “ it used to last longer”. Maybe it did. But worrying about it brings nothing to the table. I’m going to enjoy this for what it is because it’s really good.
4+ out of 5.
dmitriyruss – :
Dark, dry, minimalistic
The way I like it
igo70 – :
The return of an old friend..
I was reminded this morning how much I enjoy Givenchy’s Vetiver fragrance. Exceptional, clean, outdoorsy fresh, and distinguished are all appropriate adjectives describing this beautiful blend.
While I love this fragrance, I am somewhat disappointed with longevity and projection performance. After four hours, I found this blend stayed very close to skin level. Pity..
Performance aside, this creation by Givenchy is truly extraordinary and should be added to any collection. The scent itself is superb and ranks high among vetiver renditions. Flexibility and/or versatility is first class allowing wear to most events across all seasons. The fragrance is office safe and is a crowd pleaser. Worthy of mention is Givency’s presentation of this fragrance – the “frosted” bottle is a nice touch – well done, Givenchy.
Final tally for Givenchy’s Vetiver is 4.1 stars out of 5 stars. If performance were better, definite consideration for Top 5 ranking. All considered – I highly recommend adding to any collection. You will love the fragrance and flexibility – and the beauty is – you can always reapply, if needed. This fragrance also comes with a solid love for the fragrance community.
Enjoy your day and happy fragrance hunting…
Aerohopleneripvt – :
I confirm what other people have said about this one: minimalistic, vetiver a cappella and elegant.
It’s actually vetiver for breakfast, lunch and diner all day long. It’s so overpowering that I can hardly smell the other notes. I was kind of expecting this but it did not scare me as I like vetiver. I probably need more time to appreciate it but I’m wondering if I don’t prefer vetiver blended with more ingredients. I might try to layer this one with a fresh cologne like Cologne Impériale from Guerlain to add a little twist. In that respect Carven Vetiver is alright but it fades so quickly I wouldn’t buy it anymore.
I guess I still haven’t found my favorite vetiver yet. I can’t wait to buy Tom Ford Grey Vetiver and Guerlain Vetiver.
UPDATE: I have started layering it with Eau d’orange verte from Hermès. Some people have spontaneously said I smelled great. It’s definitely one to mix with another if you don’t want a dull vetiver. I have found a decent way of going through my bottle but I will definitely not buy it anymore. Unfortunately there was nowhere I could test before buying.
Игорь К. – :
If the pre-reformulation version was suppose to be better, it must have been magnificent because the (reformulated) version I have is absolutely gorgeous. The 3 stages it goes through is devine. The stages are exactly as it says in the note pyramid above. I’m getting 4 hrs out of this juice which is average for an EDT for me. Projection is within my realm, which I like, so it is perfect.
Wear what you like and enjoy it, I do.
Nundseignee – :
For me, the perfect perfect vetiver. I adore vetiver, and this one is the best.
mitin789 – :
Meh …
I didn’t really like this one.
I get the ooumph of vetiver which you get in Kenzo Air, but way too intense and bitter.
At least Givenchy doesn’t pretend with this one… this is vetiver on steroids.
I like vetiver when it is blended with others stuff, but when it is this in your face and intense, it is not for me.
I sold this on ebay.
Score: 68.9%
Proverbs 27:9
Sothheltappag – :
Just a warning: Vetyver has been reformulated…again. The newest formulation doesn’t feature the brown and green box and bottle with the brown and green label (as pictured here). It comes in a grayish silver box and the label on the bottle is gray and silver. It’s been around for at least a year now, maybe two. Unfortunately, it’s a shell of its former self. Givenchy has more or less ruined it. The previous version was excellent–my favorite vetiver of all time. This one feels so flat and boring and thin it’s not even worth wearing. I usually don’t get too offended by reformulations, sometimes they’re for the better and sometimes the fragrance loses a little bit of what it had before…But in the case of Givenchy Vetyver I was really disappointed, and sort of annoyed that they messed with a masterpiece and left us with something completely mediocre in its place. If you can find the brown and green version, jump on it, as there can’t be too many floating around out there anymore.
Natali_Jitoruk – :
still batter them most vetiver in the market
umurzakoff_rust – :
i,m a big fan of givenchy but i think Guerlain won this battle
ps:i only wore givenchy once and this is my first impression.
Наталика – :
Among the classic vetivers (Guerlain, Carven, Lanvin) Givenchy’s Vetyver is the most natural and honest to the vetiver root. It simply is a balls to the wall vetiver with an austere soapy bergamot opening that at times feels hard to crack and an earthy dry down that smells of dried smoky roots and grass. If you wish for vetiver a cappella look no further.
damr16 – :
Excellent quality, good lasting power, modest pricing – switch on to autopilot with this one and relax!
HeileHindDror – :
Thumb slightly up. I got a sample of the recent reissue a few months ago, and for the most part I like it as a straightforward green scent with a persistent limey component. At first I couldn’t tell that much difference from the pre-2000 Guerlain, which was my first and only vetiver at the time. Now, however, I see that the Givenchy is lacking some of the soft, sweetened roundness of the Guerlain (which I thought wasn’t entirely necessary anyway). It has some of the sharp medicinal edge of Etro or the early stages of Encre Noire, but is still not as light, reedy and streamlined as the post-2000 Guerlain or the later stages of Encre Noire. For now, I still tend to like cleaner vetivers, such as the latter two, relegating the super soapy ones like Mugler or OV to a different mental category. From this house, I’d honestly be more likely to buy Monsieur de Givenchy for its citrusy green, because it just stands out more to me, and I can only expect finding unforetold vetiver scents in the future that I might enjoy even more than my current favorites. So for me, Givenchy’s rendition is just a mile marker on the route to vetiver (:-D). Plus I don’t know how long it’s gonna be before they re-discontinue the re-release.
bmw325 – :
I’m not sure,but I think this fragrance is the one I’ve been looking for, for a long time. I didn’t have any name or brand to go by to look for it. I just knew it smelled dry and elegant. Well, I ordered this fragrance blindly without trying a sample of it and I just received it today. I tried it on,and it does smell dry,and I can smell something a little nutty,then that goes away and then I smell something aromatic,maybe like carrot tops.? It is nice and I think I like it. It has an elegance about it. I don’t like 2 other Givenchy colognes,”Givenchy Gentleman” and “Xeryus”. So I hope I like this one. I will have to wear it more often to see if I like it. The only thing negative,I think, with this cologne is it doesn’t seem to have much strength and projection is very low. Even if this is the cologne I was looking for,it’s hard to tell cause they reformulate some of the ones they bring back,and then there’s the thing about my skin chemistry or ph has changed since the 80’s when I tried the cologne out.
zharptica – :
A timeless classic that exemplifies sophistication, elegance and class. Very unique and made with a variety of vetivers to bring out all the characteristics of vetiver with a touch of citrus, coriander and sandalwood to create a true masterpiece. The result is an earthy, nutty, warm yet crisp vetiver that is not loud and aggressive, but gentlemanly and humble with sparks of attitude. Not for everybody, only mature and confident individuals wear this who know what they want from life. Longevity and projection is average. Now I know why Hubert de Givenchy wore this and it suited him perfectly. Class wearing class! I adore Guerlain Vetiver and respect Sycomore, but Givenchy’s Vetyver is majestic and stands high above both of them. Highly recommended. I sampled the vintage version and it left me speechless. What are you waiting for? Go out and try it!
murascheow10 – :
Givenchy is all Vetiver !!!. Yes there is some notes of Bergamot and Sandalwood which both makes it more a summer/fall scent with a spicy aroma. Givenchy uses different Vetiver’s grown in different parts of the world. The blend of all three create a earthy vib with a slightly smokey scent.
I found this one incredible, one spray is a real blast of Vetiver which goes on and stays with you all day.
If not Givenchy…a good alternative is Gurelain and Tom Ford also having an excellent aroma of Vetiver.
Tom Ford Vetiver, has is slightly lighter base with a more citrus angle. Guerlain Vetiver is definitely more spice with a sage/leather base.
Both longevity and Sillage are rated high and I can’t say enough…VETYVER ROCKS. An excellent masculine aroma, perfect for the daytime and evening occasions.
If you can find Givenchy Vetyver in the store buy it, it’s worth every dollar.
It’s a shame that Givenchy Vetyver isn’t sold in the stores where I shop anymore. I personally like to smell the frag and buy it if I like it. After searching I finally found a 100ml and bought it.
ALL I CAN SAY IT’S AMAZING !!!!!!! 9/10****
GoldMike2011 – :
The Les Parfums Mythiques – Vetyver by Givenchy bottling is a fantastic and exemplary scent that pays homage to the original creation, Eau de Vetyver in 1959 by Hubert de Givenchy.
I have and know the original bottle – pristine & stored away (it is divine!) My review for that is on its own page – where it belongs. For wear, I bought this with a lot of hope after discussing it with people who have wonderful noses and a deep passion for vetiver, as do I. I’ve actually had this in my collection for a while, but held off writing a review, yet I adore it…so, it was only a matter of time. I have pointed several people to it as a truly exceptional vetiver that stays in the classic realm – yet is gorgeous & timeless. In the modern world of reformulation and with Givenchy’s line of Les Parfums Mythiques having some bottles fall way short of their original juice (Xeryus, for example)…one must be selective and judge each bottle on its own merit.
Vetyver shows incredibly well – elegant, refined and with the classic four-note composition. The splash of bergamot on top is wonderful – not too loud, but crisp and inviting. No bitters, just a nice squeeze of juice that refreshes with nice vibrant, sharp vetiver showing immediately upon application (not dark or brooding – this is beautiful, rich, and very green vetiver!) With the bergamot, it is slightly “wet” and very fresh – even a touch “rooty”. Please note, this is a true vetiver composition – which will show as the dominant note throughout (from the moment it leaves the atomizer and hits your skin), vetiver is the absolute focal point.
It is simply accented by the three other notes in the top, heart and base – but done so well. The coriander is a very key note in the heart, adding a nice earthy and wonderful spice to the composition. The vetiver gets a little drier at this point as the bergamot fades away and the famous “nutty” vibe begins to emerge. Still a radiant green, but slowly drying on your skin…the vetiver dusted by the coriander allows you to smell the earthiness of the root. The “nutty” vibe is different from other famous bottles and I will refrain from comparison. I will say, that this is simply amazing! I, personally, love the use of coriander here and understand the historical context back to the original bottling. Very warming on the skin…it also starts to wear a bit closer – but still very good projection for a “classic” vetiver composition. A little body heat, and this radiates wonderfully – but not too loud.
The is a refined composition that exemplifies, not amplifies, the vetiver and the accompaning notes to offer you three different accords. It is about balance and displaying the glorious root from its opening of radiant freshness (with bergamot) to accentuating its earthiness (with coriander) in the heart and finally its woodiness with the final note in the composition, sandalwood.
Late in the heart, the coriander slowly begins to fade – the vetiver root now has the dry, slightly crunchy nutty accord. One can breathe deep and it smells like the vetiver has been laid under the hot sun to dry out the root. The rich earthiness of the root shines through, slightly accented and assisted by the deft use of the dusty coriander spice.
The sandalwood enters quietly and shows us the amazing depth of the vetiver in this bottle. It is very warm and woody at this point with a hint of earthiness (which is the vetiver itself, not the coriander – that has since faded). It is distinct and very gentlemanly. The sandalwood is smooth and has a light creamy texture. This never stops projecting wonderful, rich vetiver – but what you smell in the dry down is the woody vibe that still maintains the “nutty” texture that was established before. It is so brilliant! Although the sandalwood is not loud, it blends wonderfully with the vetiver – letting it breathe on your skin for hours with a nice subtle, smooth texture with a warm, radiant glow.
Some have described this as linear – but I believe it is a perfect display of balance and symmetry. This is an olfactory metaphor for the life of the plant and its glorious root – pulled out of the ground and rinsed off, lied out in the sun to dry out in a bushel and then the root separated from the plant – becoming a semi-hardened ‘wood’ full of precious essential oil. The vetiver in this bottle is of very high quality. The use of bergamot, coriander and sandalwood is done to perfection – letting the vetiver root shine and offering nice touches & nuances of flavor. It has confidence, poise, beauty and perfect harmony. There is never a moment during the wearing that anything feels unnatural or out-of-place…all the accords and subtleties merge into one another.
It is, if I may…a classic string quartet with a virtuoso violinist supported by a 2nd wonderful violinist to offer nice bright accents (bergamot), a mid-range viola that allows the harmony & sound to fill out and offers great ambiance (coriander) and finally, a cellist (sandalwood) who delivers the warm undertones and offers fantastic foundation. Most importantly, all follow the awe-inspiring lead player – who shines above all in the spotlight, and whose name is on the marquis… “Vetyver”.
Near perfection. Outstanding. A truly wonderful, modern bottling of a timeless classic.
Bravo!
глобус66 – :
Changed my mind on this one. It’s a decent vetiver, but too vegetal and musty for me. Reminds me way too much of carrots. You may very well like Givenchy Vetyver, but my search for the perfect vetiver continues…
qdb435speagoessenda – :
I have a dry root of vetiver here, and this one in the designer scents, is the aroma that comes closest to it. In short, excellent!
Tosha1995 – :
One of the best vetiver fragrances I’ve ever had the pleasure of smelling.
The vintage Guerlain Vetiver, which was THE vetiver fragrance of its heyday, seemed to do everything right, but it had a dark austerity that could make it hard to love. Givenchy Vetyver, on the other hand, takes that simplicity but makes it less cold-hearted and more natural-smelling. Givenchy Vetyver is all about the vetiver roots; dirt and grass, with a strange carrot-like smell in there. It’s a pretty linear fragrance, but it works like a charm and lasts a very long time. This one has shot to the top of the list of my favorite vetiver fragrances, right up there with Vetiver Pour Elle. If you want a vetiver fragrance, no matter what gender or age, look no further than Givenchy Vetyver. It’s good stuff.
Wayslesythita – :
According to many positive reviews and notes, I blind buy this fragrance and I am very happy with it. It is a masterpiece. But, it has poor longevity and projection 🙁
vetalik – :
Givenchy Vetyver is an excellent vetiver fragrance with a solid, intelligent construction and nearly flawless development. From it’s bright bergamot opening to it’s earthy, nutty base, Vetyver is a great option for someone looking for a vetiver based scent that is not excessively dark and dirty or too clean, green, and soapy. Yet, at the same time, it is a little bit of each of these. It can be worn all year round, easily straddles the casual and formal, and has good projection and longevity. Vetyver is a multi-dimensional scent that remains interesting and dynamic throughout its duration.
One of my favorite vetiver fragrances, and definitely worth looking into.
UPDATE: Watch out for the new version of this–it come in a gray and silver box and the bottle is frosted glass with a white and silver label. It’s been reformulated, and isn’t nearly as good as the juice in the brown and green box and frosted glass bottle with brown and green label. I don’t know what Givenchy did to it, but they screwed it up. When you buy it make sure you ask which one their selling.
jenalee1 – :
Classic, simple, realiable, solid, endless, classy, mandatory! Together with Sycomore and Vetiver Extraordinaire one of the best ever. “Pur Excellance”. Finally reissued!
No desctription needed!
Rating: 9.5/10
alinaturskay – :
I’m afraid that this cologne was terrible on my skin’s PH. having waited 4 months to track it down in London, when I finally tried it the vetiver was overpowered by coriander.
I enjoy Indian cuisine but this cologne had me reeking of Indian cooking ingredients, such was the pong from the Coriander! As for the bergamot – it was non existent and the sandal wood was too subtle to deal with the overload of coriander.
I shall stick to Comme des garcons vetiver 4 and for a while at least, shall be eating Italian!
балаш – :
Well, OdeKloyto said everything.
I just can’t believe such minimalistic perfume was created back in 1959.
bouhanehame – :
Simplicity is always best. Givenchy’s Vetyver has to be the most elegant, straightforward and well-behaved vetiver-starred scent that I had the chance to smell (knowing that there are a lot unsmelled vetivers for me ahead). After this, I don’t think I need to search for the one in a while.
It is linear, citrusy, fresh, yummy, rooty, nutty, woody, earthy. And very Givenchy.
Thank you to whoever had the idea to make this scent available again. On the other hand, such a shame that it is in limited distribution. I had to go to great lengths to be able to pick up a bottle of it.
makc0502 – :
excellent vetiver. found it in milano 2 months ago after 35 years when it was retired. good to have it back hoping it lasts in the market.