Byredo Deep Viola Review: The Secret Scent Insiders Are Wearing
An exclusive look into the most enigmatic fragrance from the Night Veils collection.
Let me bring you in on a secret, something the mainstream fragrance crowd hasn't caught onto yet. For the past few months, my sources at Harrods have been buzzing about a particular scent, one that's quietly becoming the signature for London's most discerning insiders. It isn't shouted from billboards; you won't see it in every magazine. This is Byredo's Deep Viola, and it's a masterpiece of modern perfumery hidden in plain sight, exclusively on those iconic green-and-gold shelves.
Launched in 2019 as part of the enigmatic Night Veils collection, Deep Viola was never meant for the masses. This collection is Ben Gorham's exploration of nocturnal rituals, scents designed to bloom after dark. They are Extraits de Parfum, the most potent concentration, created for intimacy and immense longevity. While other Byredo creations like Gypsy Water and Mojave Ghost have become global phenomena, Deep Viola remains an elusive, almost mythical creature. It’s the scent for those who have graduated from the popular kids and are seeking true, artistic depth.
The inspiration is beautifully gothic and romantic. This isn't your grandmother's powdery, delicate violet. Imagine a wild, dark purple viola pushing its way through the cracks in the cold stone floor of an ancient, incense-filled cathedral. There's a touch of rebellion in it, a modern edge that cuts through the classic floral structure. It’s the scent of a leather-bound book of poetry, of secrets whispered in a dimly lit bar, of a confident soul who finds beauty in the shadows.
In the circles I move in, wearing Deep Viola is a quiet statement. It says you're not just following trends; you're seeking out olfactory art. It has become a code among those who appreciate complexity over mass appeal. It’s a challenging, intellectual fragrance that rewards patience, revealing its multifaceted character over hours of wear. This isn't just a perfume; it's a narrative, and I'm here to give you the exclusive chapter-by-chapter breakdown.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Created under the creative direction of Byredo founder Ben Gorham, with the likely involvement of master perfumer Jérôme Epinette, who is a frequent collaborator responsible for many of the brand's iconic scents.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A bold, slightly medicinal opening with spicy saffron and green angelica seeds. A flicker of bergamot provides a brief lift before the darker notes take over. It's an assertive and unconventional start.
The heart reveals a dark, earthy viola, stripped of any powderiness. It's fused with a smooth, almost industrial leather accord and the buttery, rooty feel of orris. This phase is a sophisticated, edgy leather-floral that lasts for hours.
A long, smoldering finish where the leather and violet are enveloped in a soft cloud of frankincense smoke and a subtle, non-animalic oud. A touch of dry vanilla adds a hint of warmth, leaving a mysterious, resinous trail on the skin.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional. Lasts a full 10-12+ hours on skin and will remain on clothing for several days. True to its Extrait de Parfum concentration.
Strong for the first 2-3 hours, projecting at arm's length. It then settles into a prominent, intimate scent bubble that is not overwhelming but consistently present.
Leaves a noticeable and elegant trail, especially with movement. It's a sillage that invites curiosity rather than announcing your presence from afar.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Receives 'you smell interesting/unique' compliments rather than generic 'you smell nice' ones. It's a conversation starter appreciated by those with a discerning nose.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Incredibly unique and artistic scent profile
- ✅ Exceptional longevity due to Extrait concentration
- ✅ Exclusive and feels like a personal discovery
- ✅ Beautifully blended high-quality ingredients
- ✅ Evolves significantly on the skin
- ❌ Very high price point
- ❌ Limited availability (Harrods exclusive)
- ❌ Not versatile for everyday wear
- ❌ Polarizing scent that may not be for everyone
Price & Value
“A significant investment, but justifiable for serious collectors due to its uniqueness, concentration, and artistry. The cost-per-wear is reasonable given only 1-2 sprays are needed.”
The Family
Another scent in the same exclusive Night Veils Extrait de Parfum collection, focused on a different floral.
A dark, chypre-rose fragrance also part of the Night Veils collection.
The pure leather-focused offering within the Night Veils collection.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar dark, earthy, non-powdery violet note, though Black Violet is woodier and lacks the prominent leather.
Explores a similar animalic, complex leather accord, though it is less floral.
Shares a similar smoky, resinous, and complex character, but focuses on oregano and opoponax instead of violet and leather.
💡 Clone Alternatives
While not a clone, it is the most famous 'gasoline' violet-leather fragrance and shares a conceptual vibe at a much lower price point, though it is less refined.
Captures a similar high-quality leather note with a touch of violet leaf, offering a more accessible and less complex alternative for leather lovers.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its gothic, incense-laden take on a classic floral (rose).
For its dark, resinous, and oud-forward profile that is similarly bold and artistic.
For its similarly melancholic and earthy take on a floral (chrysanthemum) with an incense base.
More from Byredo
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A single-note vanilla fragrance to soften the leather and amplify the base.
- A dry, woody scent like Molecule 01 (Iso E Super) to enhance projection and add a cedar-like facet.
- A simple musk fragrance to add a layer of clean sensuality to the deep drydown.
🏆 Final Verdict
Byredo Deep Viola is not a perfume you simply wear; it's a statement you make. It's an olfactory piece of art for the confident connoisseur who has tired of the mundane and seeks the profound. The price is steep, the availability is limited, but the experience is unparalleled. This is your chance to own a piece of modern perfumery that is dark, intelligent, and utterly unforgettable. If you want a signature scent that no one else will be wearing, that whispers of mystery and sophistication, your search ends here. It’s an investment in a powerful, personal aura.