March 2010, I had the opportunity to review a trio of terrific fragrances from Emilio Pucci under the Vivara Label called “Vivara Variazioni.” These new scents were a re-imagining of Emilio Pucci’s iconic Vivara fragrance that he introduced in 1966.The name VIVARA, I’m was told, comes from the rugged island near Capri which inspired the affection and creativity of the couturier. exclusive to Disney Epcot.
Inside, the scent is reminiscent of the original Vivara, but while it starts as a light floral, it quickly presents itself as a fresh, posh spice (“Victoria” would love it, even though it wasn’t named for her or her chanteuse companions). You can really smell the Indonesian patchouli, but it isn’t heavy or sweet. The drydown is almost powdery, with all the notes well blended. It lasts as a kiss on the skin, without turning or fading quickly.
Top notes: galbanum, Italian bergamot and amaretto accord
Middle notes: jasmine, orange flower and narcissus flower
Base notes: Florentine iris, vetiver and Indonesian patchouli
Why, turquoise? Turquoise itself has lots of symbolism. The Egyptians associated it with every life form in the waters of the Nile. For the first North Americans, the stone was worn as an amulet. For Tibetans, it represents both sky and water. Turquoise is a symbol of success and strength with an exceptional colour that lies between the green of Jupiter and the blue of Venus.
I always associate turquoise with the warmer months, as it looks so cool, especially with white and beige. I think of this limited edition Vivara Turquoise scent in a similar way: it can stand up to the heat, but still feel summery and cool. It’s a ladylike scent, but it’s a generation-spanning hipster.
You will love the packaging,too: a metallic silver, cardboard square box brightly colored and covered in the same Pucci print as the top of the bottle: swirls of turquoise, silver, white and purples. Inside, the bottle holding this scent is a direct nod to the pop art of the 1960’s: a soft, squat mushroom with a softly domed top, On the Spring 2010 trio, the bottoms of the bottles were clear, so you could see the tinted “juice,” within. Although I don’t like to quote from press releases, the description of the design of the Pucci print for this limited edition was so creative, I had to include it: ” The blue is framed by two mauves, one bright, almost purple, and another more delicate, lilac or violet. Grey appears in harmony, the ideal neutral. The black lines, characteristic of Pucci, delineate the zones of colour on the top while the base plunges into deep turquoise. The blue lacquer, dazzlingly brilliant like bright enamel,evokes a radiant design object.”
Tempted? While you might not be able to find Vivara Turquoise everywhere, that is what’s going to make it the most coveted to collectors. It’s a limited edition, after all. It launched in June, so if you want your bottle, make your Vivara Turquoise your first purchase when you first enter EPCOT (then go on the rides and see the exhibits). If you hurry, you might also find it online at Harrods.com
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I use provided samples for most of my reviews. Learn more in the “A Note About Compensation” section of the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html 