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John Varvatos by John Varvatos, 2004

John Varvatos by John Varvatos, 2004 + add a photo
130 reviews
94% Positive Reviews
Rated #40 in Fragrances
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Posted
By Possum-Pie
I feel this is a step above the long lines of generic citrus dept. store fragrances...barely. It isn't linear like most, the dates and vanilla give it some depth. I did not get excited by it, I would wear it if I had it but wouldn't buy it.
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By pdxtony
People have said great things about this fragrance and they are all true. I have had compliments from women of all ages. Probably my fall/winter signature fragrance now.
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Posted
By Buysblind
A very original smelling and interesting perfume to say the least. It seems like no one's experience with John Varvatos is quite the same. I get a sort of dark cherry note in the top , brought about by the tamarind and date fruit which sticks around for a while as the fragrance moves into a spicy mid (cinnamon, coriander) and finally a vanilla/leather base. I've always felt like the bottle represents this fragrance pretty well. It's dark, but smooth and approachable. John Varvatos is well-suited for the winter and could also be considered something of a romantic fragrance. One thing I think everyone can agree on is that this fragrance is MOODY. As others have stated, on some days the projection is through the roof and on others it's minimal. The same goes for the longevity. And there are times when Varvatos maintains a tight, solid structure throughout its duration, and others when it seems to fall apart before your eyes, each note separating from the whole and bouncing around in a discordant frenzy. Its inconsistency is the only thing, in my opinion, keeping John Varvatos from being a truly great perfume, or designer classic. It has so many great things going on--yet it's marked by this one tragic flaw. That said, I still think it's a very good fragrance and one that I thoroughly enjoy wearing...most of the time.
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By PerfumeCollector
Generally I like 70's and 80's powerhouses and despise "modern" perfumes that smell wimpy and afeminate. Powerhouses are strong, dominant and with an attitude. Don't get me wrong, I like ladies perfumes that have character like Black Orchid, Norell and Arpege (and I have worn them in occasions), what I dislike is the lack of personality of modern perfumes like Chrome, L'eau d'Issey and A. di Gio. John Varvatos by John Varatos may be a modern perfume, but has character, personality and also some attitude. Is not a powerhouse, but is clearly a ubermasculine, a perfume that stands tall in the middle of today's mediocrity. It is also highly unusual with notes I have never smelled in any perfume before so you will not be smelling like the thousands of clones out in the market. An outstanding perfume that is innovative, bold and with cojones in a sea of wimpy scents that dominate the industry today.
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By kassana
Long time site enthusiast and I generally lurk the fragrance directory getting tips and buying loads of fragrances recommended by people on this site. I've never been compelled to write a review. Until now. I bought this via a friend for very cheap. Read a few things on it and thought I can't go wrong with what i paid for it. Anyway, it's one of the most unique powerhouse of smells in the history of commercial mass produced fragrances. Openings of sweet dates and spices is overpowering. The dry down is the best, it's smells like leather and roses infused with a real raw masculinity. Honestly,this is the stuff.
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By nfn1983
After reading many positive reviews of it I was really curious to test it. As it's a relatively rare fragrance in my country it took several months to find a sample! At first I got average top notes which regarding aforementioned positive reviews nearly disappointed me, coz I expected a differently lovely scent from it. but after a while turned to lovely partially sweet warm notes that made me partially satisfied with the fragrance. But wait, how familiar this scent is to me! Yes, I get 90% base notes of CARLOS SANTANA for men! believe me, if you don't give a try! Not a unique & must buy one, but good to have. I'll buy because I love Carlos Santana, but rare to find another one! Finally pointing to its reasonable price I'll give it a WEAK thumbs up!
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By Doc.T 1977
I'm not going to say this is a bad fragrance, However, I do believe it could use some assistance. I would classify this as a dark fragrance, in many ways similar to Hugo Dark Blue. Or on other words like a dark woodsy oriental. I am giving this a neutral First, the bad. While it is a darker scent, to me it seems to have no real direction. There is a slight Dr. Peppery note in there that I do enjoy however. It also seems to last fairly well without being overpowering and the scent dries to a darker sandalwood / amber type of accord. You could get a good 8 hours out of this without dousing yourself in it. A little goes a long way here.
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Posted
By Capone
JV is really a rich sophisticated and sexy masterpiece with vanilla, precious woods and a leather with some sweetness from the figs giving this an almost fignewton gormorand feel and a powdery vanilla finish i dont care about the lasting power the scent is amazing and i love this stuff
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Facts and Details

John Varvatos by John Varvatos, 2004
By:
Description:

The first thing <i>Basenotes</i> noticed about this scent is the distinguished looking bottle it comes in: Inspired by "Masculinity, Luxury and the texture of the Varvatos' Fashion Collection" -- A mix of smoked glass and leather. The scent itself was created by Quest International on behalf of Zirh / Shiseido using Varvatos' ideas. It's notes are familiar (Leather, Herbs) and unique (Medjool, Indian Tamarind Tree Leaves, Eaglewood, Auramber --- All never used before in perfumery) At launch the range includes: Eau de Toilette (75ml and 125ml), After Shave Gel, Deodorant and Hair & Body Wash.

Details:
DetailValue
Top NotesMedjool, Date Fruit, Mediterranean Herbs, West Indian Tamarind Tree Leaves
Middle NotesCoriander Seed Templar, Clary Sage Flower, Indian Ajowan
Base NotesAuramber, Vanilla CO2, Balsams, Eaglewood, Vanilla, Black Leather
Launched Date2004
GenderMen
PerfumerRodrigo Flores-Roux [Quest International]
AvailabilityIn Production
ByJohn Varvatos
Bottle Designer
Models:
Model Name/TypeMPNEAN/UPC
Links:
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Where to Buy It

Perfume EmporiumVan Ness Sifting Enclosed Cat Pan Sifting Enclosed Cat Pan at Perfume Emporium$38.99See It »
StrawberryNETJohn Varvatos After Shave Gel 125ml/4.2oz at StrawberryNET$44.00See It »
FragranceX.comJohn Varvatos Cologne by John Varvatos, 4.2 oz Eau De Toilette Spray for Men at FragranceX.com$51.00See It »
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