Vivir Insider Exclusive: Unearthing the Iconic Power of Fendi by Fendi
The Discontinued Masterpiece That Still Commands Every Room
Alright, my darlings, gather 'round! You know me, Vivir Insider, and I’ve got something truly special on my radar, something that whispers tales of opulent evenings and unapologetic glamour. We're diving deep into a true icon: the original Fendi by Fendi. For those in the know, this isn't just a fragrance; it's a piece of history, a bold declaration from an era when perfumery dared to be grand. Launched in 1985, right at the zenith of 'power dressing' and audacious luxury, Fendi by Fendi was designed not just to complement, but to command attention, much like the brand's iconic leather goods and fur collections.
In a market increasingly saturated with fleeting trends and 'safe' scents, Fendi by Fendi carved out its own formidable niche. It wasn't about blending in; it was about standing out, a scent for the woman who owned her presence. Positioned as the olfactory embodiment of the Fendi woman – sophisticated, powerful, and undeniably chic – it perfectly mirrored the brand's aesthetic of strong lines, rich textures, and exquisite craftsmanship. While many brands sought broad appeal, Fendi by Fendi aimed for discerning connoisseurs, those who understood that true luxury often lies in confident individuality.
The inspiration behind this magnificent creation was nothing short of capturing the very essence of the Fendi house itself: the tactile richness of leather, the warmth of furs, and the audacious spirit of Roman elegance. It was conceived as an extension of the Fendi lifestyle, a scent that would envelop its wearer in an aura of unmistakable Italian luxury. Imagine the crisp rustle of silk, the soft embrace of cashmere, and the glint of gold hardware – all translated into a symphony of notes that speak of heritage and daring innovation. This wasn't merely a fragrance; it was an invisible accessory, a statement piece that completed the Fendi look.
Today, Fendi by Fendi holds a revered, almost mythical status in the fragrance community. Discontinued, yes, but never forgotten. It's a coveted vintage gem, celebrated by collectors and fragrance aficionados who yearn for the complexity and unapologetic character of classic perfumery. Its reputation precedes it: a powerhouse chypre, a masterclass in leather and animalics, and a scent that truly defined an era. It’s a testament to its enduring quality that even decades later, its cultural impact continues to resonate, inspiring new generations of perfumers and captivating those fortunate enough to discover its magic.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Jean Guichard, a legendary perfumer known for creating bold and opulent compositions, including Calvin Klein Obsession and Loulou by Cacharel.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray is a magnificent, almost shocking blend of bright aldehydes and sharp, green spices. The coriander and bergamot cut through with a vibrant energy, while that subtle cardamom adds a sophisticated twist. It’s a bold, declarative opening, a true '80s power move that demands attention, quickly hinting at the complexity to come. It’s not shy; it’s a confident hello.
As the aldehydes soften, the grand floral heart begins to bloom. The spicy carnation is prominent, intertwining beautifully with the classic rose and the creamy, exotic ylang-ylang. It’s a rich, warm floral embrace, but never overtly sweet. The green nuances from the lily-of-the-valley keep it from becoming too heavy, maintaining a sense of luxurious balance. This is where the fragrance truly starts to reveal its sophisticated, feminine core.
This is where Fendi by Fendi truly shines and leaves its indelible mark. The leathery, mossy chypre base emerges in all its glory. The rich, slightly animalic leather accord becomes the star, supported by the earthy depth of oakmoss and the creamy warmth of sandalwood. The civet adds that signature, slightly wild, sensual purr that makes it so captivating and unique. It’s a warm, enveloping, and incredibly long-lasting drydown that feels both elegant and powerfully seductive, an echo of timeless luxury.
Performance Dashboard
This is a true powerhouse! Expect Fendi by Fendi to easily last 10-12+ hours on skin, often lingering well into the next day on clothing. It’s built to endure.
For the first 3-4 hours, this fragrance projects significantly, filling a room with its opulent presence. It then settles into a strong, noticeable aura for several more hours before becoming a closer skin scent.
Fendi by Fendi leaves a beautiful, memorable sillage. It’s a distinct trail that announces your arrival and lingers gracefully after you’ve left, without being overwhelming if applied judiciously.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unmatched sophistication and elegance.
- ✅ Exceptional longevity and projection, truly a 'powerhouse.'
- ✅ Unique, complex, and distinctive scent profile; truly unforgettable.
- ✅ A masterpiece of the chypre genre, embodying classic perfumery.
- ✅ Evokes a sense of timeless glamour and confidence.
- ✅ Exquisite blend of leather, florals, and animalics.
- ❌ Can be overpowering if over-sprayed; requires a light hand.
- ❌ Discontinued, making it difficult and often expensive to acquire.
- ❌ Not a 'safe' blind buy; its bold character can be polarizing.
- ❌ Might be perceived as 'dated' by those unfamiliar with classic styles.
Price & Value
“Absolutely worth the investment for serious collectors and lovers of vintage perfumery. While the initial outlay can be significant, you're not just buying a fragrance; you're acquiring a piece of olfactory history, a scent of unparalleled quality and character that will likely appreciate in value. For those who connect with its unique profile, it's priceless.”
📜 Reformulation History
Fendi by Fendi underwent several reformulations before discontinuation. The original 1985 formulation is highly coveted for its rich oakmoss, civet, and potent leather. Later batches were often lighter due to IFRA regulations, with less pronounced animalic and mossy notes. Vintage hunting should prioritize older batches for the truest experience.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
An invigorating burst of aldehydes and crisp citrus notes, quickly complemented by the warmth of coriander and cardamom, hinting at the richness to come.
The heart unfurls into a sophisticated bouquet of classic florals like rose and jasmine, interwoven with the slightly medicinal touch of carnation and the green facets of cypress.
A deep, resonant base of oakmoss and leather emerges, grounded by sandalwood and patchouli, with a lingering trace of musk and amber for a truly opulent finish.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional longevity, easily lasting 10-12+ hours on skin.
Robust projection that announces its presence confidently for the first 4-6 hours.
A rich, noticeable sillage that leaves a memorable trail.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unparalleled richness and depth
- ✅ Incredible longevity and projection
- ✅ Timeless, sophisticated chypre-floral character
- ✅ Highly coveted by collectors
- ❌ Extremely rare and expensive
- ❌ Discontinued, making it hard to find
- ❌ Can be overwhelming in warm weather
- ❌ Not for the faint of heart
Price & Value
“A significant investment, reflecting its rare and vintage status, with performance that justifies the pursuit for true connoisseurs.”
📜 Reformulation History
As a vintage fragrance, batch variations are significant. Early formulations are highly prized. Later formulations under different licenses may vary, and many are now discontinued and extremely difficult to find. The original 1985 release is considered the benchmark.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women (and confident men who appreciate classic chypres) aged 30+
- Individuals with a strong sense of personal style
- Those who exude confidence, sophistication, and an appreciation for vintage luxury
- Those who gravitate towards bold, complex, and statement-making fragrances
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Young fragrance beginners
- Those who prefer light, airy, or overtly sweet scents
- Someone seeking a 'safe' office scent in a modern open-plan environment (unless applied very sparingly)
- Those sensitive to strong animalic or mossy notes
The Family
A lighter, more floral interpretation, moving away from the heavy chypre.
A fresher, more aquatic take, a significant departure from the original's depth.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar aldehydic, mossy, animalic chypre structure with a strong floral heart.
Another '80s powerhouse, though more overtly floral, it shares that big, bold, unapologetic presence.
A majestic woody chypre, rich in oakmoss and florals, with an undeniable sense of elegance and power.
The ultimate leather chypre, for those who want to explore the genre's roots and embrace a truly daring scent.
💡 Clone Alternatives
While not a direct clone, some users find a shared animalic, leathery warmth, though it leans more Middle Eastern.
Often compared to Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle, it shares a strong, confident chypre structure, offering a modern interpretation of a classic feel.
Smaller artisanal houses occasionally release fragrances 'inspired by' discontinued classics, so keep an eye on niche forums for specific recommendations that aim to recreate the Fendi magic.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For its rich, opulent, spicy oriental-floral complexity and undeniable '80s glamour.
Another iconic, powerful chypre, known for its herbal, mossy, and floral depth.
If you love the leather in Fendi, this is a masterful, rich, and exotic leather-spice composition.
For a more modern, yet equally bold and luxurious take on a prominent leather note.
More from Fendi
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A pure vanilla oil or light vanilla-centric fragrance to soften the edges and add gourmand sweetness
- A clean, sheer musk to enhance longevity and add modern softness
- A smoky incense note (e.g., frankincense or myrrh) for a mysterious and opulent evening scent
🏆 Final Verdict
Look, in a world full of fleeting trends and 'safe' choices, Fendi by Fendi stands as a magnificent testament to a golden age of perfumery. It's not just a scent; it's an experience, a statement, a whisper of unapologetic luxury and confidence. This is the fragrance for the woman (or man, let's be real, scent has no gender for the truly discerning) who knows her worth, who appreciates the artistry of a bygone era, and who isn't afraid to leave a memorable, sophisticated trail wherever she goes. Its rich leather, complex florals, and animalic warmth create an aura of unparalleled elegance and power that simply isn't found in many modern releases. Yes, it's discontinued, and yes, it requires a hunt, but trust me, the reward of finding and wearing this gem is immeasurable. It’s a conversation starter, a confidence booster, and a deep, sensual embrace of true Italian craftsmanship. Don’t just wear a fragrance; wear a legend.