Burberry London Special Edition (2009) for Women: A Vivir Reporter's Honest Review
When Burberry launched its London Special Edition for Women in 2009, it wasn't just another fragrance; it was a seasonal statement. Building on the established success of the original Burberry London (2006), this limited release aimed to capture the essence of the city during its most vibrant season. The fashion house, renowned for its timeless British elegance, extended its olfactory narrative with a lighter, fresher interpretation designed for the warmer months. This wasn't a reinvention, but a carefully curated refresh, a common strategy for brands to maintain consumer interest and offer seasonal novelty.
In the competitive luxury fragrance market of 2009, special editions served a dual purpose: to re-engage existing fans with a new twist on a beloved classic and to attract new customers seeking something unique yet familiar. Burberry positioned this edition as an ode to London in bloom, a city awakening with fresh energy. It aimed to be a sophisticated yet approachable scent, aligning with the brand's overall aesthetic of understated luxury. While many limited editions can feel like a quick cash grab, this release promised a thoughtful evolution of the London DNA, focusing on luminosity and warmth without sacrificing elegance.
The inspiration behind the 2009 Special Edition was clear: spring in London. Imagine walking through Hyde Park as flowers burst into color, or experiencing a gentle afternoon shower followed by bright sunshine. The concept was to distill this sensory experience into a bottle – a fragrance that felt bright, optimistic, and distinctly British. It sought to evoke a sense of refined joy, a perfume that could transition effortlessly from a brisk morning walk to an elegant afternoon tea. This approach ensured that while it was a 'special edition', it remained firmly rooted in the brand's core identity of classic sophistication.
Within the fragrance community, Burberry London Special Edition (2009) quickly garnered a reputation as a charming and versatile floral-fruity scent. While not as universally iconic as its predecessor, it developed a loyal following among those who appreciated its delicate balance of freshness and warmth. Collectors sought it out for its unique take on the London theme, and many consider it a hidden gem, a testament to Burberry's ability to craft appealing, wearable fragrances that resonate with an audience seeking quality and refinement beyond fleeting trends. Its limited availability has only added to its allure, making it a sought-after item on the secondary market for those nostalgic for its particular charm.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Dominique Ropion. A master perfumer with a distinguished career, Ropion is known for his bold, innovative, and often complex creations. He has crafted numerous iconic fragrances across various luxury brands. His work often features a meticulous balance of strength and elegance, particularly in his floral compositions. Other notable creations include Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, Thierry Mugler Alien, and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray delivers a bright, invigorating burst of citrus. Juicy grapefruit provides a slightly tart, effervescent quality, immediately uplifted by the sweet and zesty freshness of tangerine. This opening is vibrant and clean, setting a cheerful and energetic tone that lasts for the first 15-30 minutes.
As the citrus subsides, the heart of the fragrance blossoms into a soft, elegant floral bouquet. Honeysuckle takes center stage, offering a sweet, nectarous, and slightly green floral aroma. This is beautifully complemented by the classic sophistication of rose, adding a delicate romantic touch. Tiare flower introduces a creamy, exotic, and subtly tropical nuance, rounding out the floral core with a gentle warmth. This phase is prominent from 1 to 2 hours after application.
The drydown is where the fragrance settles into a comforting and refined base. Clean, soft musk emerges, providing a subtle skin-like warmth and enhancing the longevity of the florals. Creamy sandalwood anchors the composition, adding a smooth, slightly woody depth without ever becoming heavy. The lingering scent is a delicate, warm floral whisper, sophisticated and intimate, remaining present for 4+ hours.
Performance Dashboard
This EDT typically lasts a solid 6 to 8 hours on skin, with some reports pushing it closer to 5 hours depending on skin chemistry. It performs adequately for a daytime scent, requiring a reapplication for evening wear.
The projection is moderate for the first 2-3 hours, creating a pleasant scent bubble around the wearer. It’s noticeable to those in close proximity but not overwhelming, making it suitable for various environments without causing disturbance.
The sillage is gentle, leaving a soft, elegant trail that is present but not intrusive. It's the kind of scent that gets noticed as someone passes by, but doesn't linger heavily in a room, maintaining an air of refined discretion.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
This fragrance generally receives polite, pleasant compliments. It's often described as 'nice,' 'fresh,' or 'elegant,' indicating it's broadly appealing and inoffensive, making it a safe choice for social settings.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Elegant and refined floral-fruity profile, ideal for spring.
- ✅ Versatile enough for various daytime occasions, including office settings.
- ✅ Uplifting and bright, evoking a positive mood.
- ✅ Non-offensive and widely appealing, making it a safe choice.
- ❌ Limited availability makes it difficult and potentially expensive to find.
- ❌ Longevity, while decent for an EDT, might not satisfy those seeking all-day performance.
- ❌ Scent profile is pleasant but not groundbreakingly unique, potentially lacking a strong 'wow' factor.
- ❌ Can be perceived as too light or subtle by those who prefer bolder fragrances.
Price & Value
“For collectors or those who specifically cherish its unique profile, it can be a worthwhile investment. However, for a casual buyer seeking a similar scent, the premium price due to scarcity might not offer the best value compared to readily available alternatives.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a limited edition release, significant reformulations of Burberry London Special Edition for Women (2009) are not typical. However, like many older fragrances, bottles from its original release date may exhibit slight degradation of the more volatile top notes over time, which is a natural aging process. There are no widely reported issues with major batch variations affecting the scent profile significantly.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 20-45 who appreciate classic elegance with a fresh, modern twist.
- Individuals with a cheerful, sophisticated, and approachable personality.
- Those who prefer bright, versatile floral scents that are refined and non-offensive.
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who prefer heavy, gourmand, or intensely sweet fragrances.
- Individuals seeking a very bold, statement-making scent for clubbing or formal evening events.
- Very young teens might find it a bit too mature, and men might find it too overtly feminine.
The Family
The original, foundational fragrance from which this special edition was derived, offering a richer, more classic white floral profile.
The masculine counterpart to the original London line, sharing the brand's aesthetic but with a distinct woody-spicy character.
Another limited edition from the preceding year, offering a different seasonal interpretation of the London theme.
A subsequent limited edition, continuing the tradition of seasonal variations on the core London fragrance.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a clean, bright, and expansive floral bouquet, offering a similar sense of fresh elegance.
While more opulent, it offers a comparable sophisticated white floral profile with a refined, feminine appeal.
Presents a youthful, fresh floral-fruity vibe that aligns with the bright and approachable character of the Burberry Special Edition.
A classic, elegant white floral that conveys a similar sense of urban sophistication and timeless charm.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Offers a light, fresh floral impression with a hint of sweetness, providing a somewhat similar clean and bright aura at a budget price point.
Known for its clean, green, and aquatic floral scent, capturing a similar sense of crisp freshness and easy wearability for much less.
While simpler, it provides a clean, soft musk base that resonates with the drydown of the Burberry, ideal for layering or a very subtle floral musk experience.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its sophisticated, bright, and slightly fruity floral character, appealing to those who enjoy refined freshness.
Offers a crisp, juicy fruit opening leading into a delicate floral heart, providing a similar elegant and natural feel.
If you appreciate the fresh, uplifting aspect and desire a more aquatic-floral interpretation for warmer weather.
Captures a similar essence of a blooming spring garden, with delicate florals and a fresh, airy quality.
More from Burberry
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A light citrus body lotion or oil to enhance the top notes and add an extra layer of freshness.
- A clean, soft musk single-note enhancer to deepen the base and extend longevity without altering the main scent profile.
- A subtle, creamy sandalwood oil to emphasize the woody drydown and add a touch more warmth and sophistication.
🏆 Final Verdict
Burberry London Special Edition for Women (2009) stands as a charming, elegant, and highly wearable fragrance for those who appreciate understated luxury. It’s not about making a loud statement, but rather about exuding a refined, cheerful aura. This scent is a testament to Burberry’s ability to craft a fragrance that feels both classic and contemporary, offering a brighter, more effervescent take on its beloved London theme. It’s a beautifully balanced composition that transitions smoothly from its sparkling citrus opening to its delicate floral heart and comforting musky-woody drydown.
For the discerning consumer, this fragrance offers excellent versatility. It’s perfectly suited for professional environments, casual daytime outings, or any occasion where you want to project an image of effortless grace. While its limited edition status means it commands a higher price on the secondary market, its quality, distinctive character, and polite performance make it a worthwhile acquisition for collectors or anyone seeking a signature spring/early summer scent that stands apart from generic offerings. If you're looking for a sophisticated floral-fruity fragrance that embodies the spirit of London in bloom, this special edition is a worthy consideration.
Ultimately, Vivir Reporter recommends Burberry London Special Edition (2009) for those who value elegance, versatility, and a touch of nostalgic charm. It’s a fragrance that doesn’t shout but rather whispers sophistication, leaving a memorable, pleasant impression. If you can secure a bottle, it’s an experience that truly captures the essence of a beautiful season.