Black Jeans (1997)
by Versace

One of the most aptly named fragrances. This is VERY dark, but mildly sweet and spicy and enjoyable. Longevity is awesome as well. Many talk about the harsh opening, I actually dig the opening, its like a shot gun blast of dark spices and some citrus scrambling around to find ther place before the show begins. Works year round, spray a bit more in the summer, while 2 sprays should satisfy in the winter. Blue Jeans and Green Jeans and Baby Blue Jeans are equally as good longevity wise; I recommend having all 4. Metal Jeans is not so good...a bubble gummy sweet mess.

The opening blast of rubbing alcohol does not bode well for my enjoyment of Black Jeans, but it is mercifully very brief and soon supplanted by an appropriately dark, spicy medley of nutmeg, ginger, orange rind, and clove/carnation on a leather and patchouli backdrop. Tempered by dry aromatics and a very generous dose of labdanum, Black Jeans’ patchouli takes on a pipe tobacco character that aligns it closely with massive, dark fougères like Pascal Morabito’s Or Black and Aramis Havana.

The tobacco-like patchouli accord grows to dominate Black Jeans for much of its development. While not as dense or loud as either of the two aforementioned heavyweights, Black Jeans is still a weighty and powerful fragrance, with ample projection and generous sillage. In fact, for a late 1990s scent, it’s surprisingly bold and demonstrative. Paradoxically, Black Jeans doesn’t endure all that long on my skin. It enters its leathery, labdanum-rich fougère drydown inside of two hours, and is difficult to detect at all by the four or five hour mark. It’s not tragically short-lived, just surprisingly so for something so assertive in character. I very much like the stuff, but in the era of sterile aquatics and lightweight fruity fougère “sport” colognes, it’s no wonder that Black Jeans didn’t survive.

I get a spicy geranium dominating in the opening of Black Jeans. It reminds me of Penhaligon's English Fern at first. But then it veers in a different direction, with a potent vetiver taking over. I think the effect of the vetiver with the other spice notes may be giving the tar impression some are experiencing. It isn't quite tar to me, but there is something reminiscent of it. Eventually that quality disappears and one is lef with the vetiver by itself. Much later musky notes emerge, taking place of the vetiver.

I think the development in Black Jeans is interesting. It is not a fragrance I would ever buy for myself, but I think it is well done. Very masculine in my judgment.

I really don't like the opening at all. Chemically, strong, a bit all over the place. Then it dries down to the most wonderful thing I've ever smelt. Brilliant longevity, and the drydown is just so nice I find myself sniffing at it all day. Persist with this if you don't like it initially, the drydown is DEFINITELY worth it.

It smells really good right from the start; aromatic citruses over the waxy flowers. Develops some dark woody leathery tones in the drydown. It whispers quietly *Fahrenheit”* to me….

People have been mentioning tar on this scent. Personally I don’t get it, although there is some dark chemical-like accord lurking in the background.

Base is surprisingly deeeeep mixture of salty vetiver, rounded musk and savory herbs. Very sensual, masculine smelling.

Black Jeans is a unique dark fougere juice. It is placed in a very good looking bottle. You should probably get in now before the supplies run out.

Unrefined, macho version of YSL Rive Gauche PH. The dominant barbasol note of Rive Gauche turns up as a cooked cabbage note in Black Jeans.

Did not like it.