perfume

Givenchy Extravagance d'Amarige Review: Bold Floral Fruity Gem

A deep dive into the opulent and discontinued fragrance that makes a statement.

By James Whitmore · · Updated

When you think of Givenchy, you likely picture elegant fashion and sophisticated beauty. But the brand''s fragrance portfolio has often pushed boundaries, offering scents that are as memorable as their haute couture. Among these, Givenchy Extravagance d''Amarige stands out. Launched in 1998, it was a departure from the softer, more classic Amarige, aiming for something with more intensity and a distinctly modern edge for its time. It arrived in a market that was beginning to embrace bolder, more assertive fragrances, and Extravagance d''Amarige certainly fit that bill, carving out a niche for those who wanted their scent to make a statement.

Positioned as a more daring sibling to the original Amarige, Extravagance d''Amarige was designed to capture a more contemporary, perhaps even rebellious, spirit. While Amarige was the embodiment of French femininity and romanticism, Extravagance aimed for a more playful, audacious, and even slightly provocative aura. It wasn''t just another floral; it was a declaration. In the Givenchy lineup, it represented a willingness to experiment and to offer consumers a choice that went beyond the expected, appealing to a younger, more adventurous demographic or those seeking a scent with more personality.

The inspiration behind Extravagance d''Amarige was to bottle a feeling of exhilaration and unrestrained joy. The name itself, "Extravagance," suggests a departure from the norm, a celebration of excess and boldness. It was conceived to evoke a sense of freedom, confidence, and a touch of playful mischief. This wasn''t a scent for blending in; it was for standing out, for embracing life''s vibrant moments with an unapologetic zest. The perfumers sought to create a fragrance that was both opulent and vivacious, a scent that would turn heads and leave a lasting impression.

Over the years, Givenchy Extravagance d''Amarige has garnered a dedicated following, though it remains a scent that divides opinions. Some find its unique blend of floral, fruity, and woody notes intoxicating and sophisticated, while others find it too potent or even polarizing. It''s a fragrance that has achieved cult status among certain fragrance enthusiasts who appreciate its boldness and distinctiveness in an era often dominated by more conventional releases. Its reputation is that of a scent that doesn''t play it safe, a characteristic that ensures its enduring appeal for those who seek individuality in their fragrance choices.

The Nose Behind the Scent

Michel Almairac. A celebrated perfumer known for his versatile talent, Almairac has crafted numerous iconic scents including Gucci Pour Homme II and Dior Fahrenheit. His signature style often involves balanced, harmonious compositions that are both memorable and appealing.

4.3 Overall
Longevity
4.5
Projection
4.0
Sillage
3.8
$90 - $150+ for 100ml (discontinued)
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Fruity 40%
Floral 30%
Woody 15%
Spicy 10%
Green 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top
TangerineMelonFreesiaBergamotGreen Notes
Heart
TuberoseJasmineLily-of-the-ValleyRosePeachCinnamon
Base
SandalwoodAmberMuskCedarVanilla

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

A bright, juicy burst of ripe melon and zesty tangerine, uplifted by crisp bergamot and a hint of green freshness. Freesia adds a delicate floral touch.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

The heart reveals an opulent floral bouquet dominated by creamy tuberose, mingling with jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, and rose. A subtle whisper of cinnamon adds warmth and sensuality.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

A warm, woody, and ambery base emerges with rich sandalwood, smooth cedar, amber, and musk. A touch of vanilla provides a comforting, lingering sweetness for a sophisticated finish.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 4.5/5

Lasts 8-10+ hours on skin, with excellent performance on clothing.

📢 Projection 4.0/5

Projects well for the first 3-4 hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble.

💨 Sillage 3.8/5

Leaves a pleasant, noticeable trail that is present without being overwhelming.

When to Wear

🌸SpringOK
☀️SummerAvoid
🍂FallBest
❄️WinterBest
💕 Date night🌙 Evening events🩩 Clubbing✨ Special occasions📌 Formal gatherings

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.3
👃 Scent
4.5
⏱️ Longevity
4.4
💨 Sillage
3.9
💰 Value
3.7
💌 Compliment Factor 4.5/5

Tends to receive many compliments due to its unique, sophisticated, and alluring profile.

Pros & Cons

  • ✅ Unique and distinctive scent profile
  • ✅ Exceptional longevity
  • ✅ Rich, opulent floral and fruity composition
  • ✅ Projects well
  • ✅ Evokes confidence and glamour
  • ❌ Can be overpowering if over-sprayed
  • ❌ Polarizing scent profile
  • ❌ Limited availability due to discontinuation
  • ❌ May be considered too intense for some settings

Price & Value

$90 - $150+ for 100ml (discontinued)
Premium to Luxury

“Worth the investment for collectors and enthusiasts who love its unique DNA and performance.”

📜 Reformulation History

No widely documented significant reformulations. Vintage bottles are often sought after, suggesting potential minor batch variations over its original production run.

Who It's For

✅ Ideal For

  • Women 25-55
  • Confident personalities
  • Those who appreciate bold, opulent floral-fruity scents

⚠️ Not Recommended For

  • Those who prefer light, fresh, or minimalist scents
  • Individuals sensitive to strong perfumes
  • Conservative professional environments

Explore More

🔍 Similar Fragrances

Trésor Lancôme

Shares a rich, romantic, floral-fruity profile with a warm base.

Eternity Moment Calvin Klein

Offers a sweet, floral, and slightly fruity blend with a creamy undertone.

Paris Yves Saint Laurent

A classic rose-centric floral with a similar sense of feminine opulence.

💡 Clone Alternatives

Generic Designer Floral-Fruity Various

Users sometimes find similarities in less prominent designer fragrances with a similar sweet, fruity floral profile.

Late 90s/Early 2000s Fruity Florals Various

Fragrances from that era featuring prominent melon, tuberose, or peach notes may offer a similar vibe.

❤️ You May Also Enjoy

Poême Lancôme

Rich, complex floral with a warm, enveloping drydown.

Samsara Guerlain

Classic, sensual, and opulent sandalwood-based floral.

Beautiful Estée Lauder

A classic, romantic floral bouquet with a grand, feminine character.

More from Givenchy

Amarige Givenchy
Ange ou Démon Givenchy
Gentleman Givenchy
Irresistible Givenchy
Ysatis Givenchy

🧪 Layering Ideas

🏆 Final Verdict

Givenchy Extravagance d''Amarige is more than just a fragrance; it''s a statement. If you are someone who isn''t afraid to embrace bold, opulent, and distinctly feminine scents, this is a must-try. Its unique blend of juicy fruits, creamy florals, and a warm, woody base creates an unforgettable olfactory signature. The performance is exceptional, ensuring you smell fantastic for hours on end, making it a reliable choice for special occasions or any time you want to feel glamorous and confident. While its discontinuation makes it a treasure hunt, for those who discover and fall in love with it, Extravagance d''Amarige offers a sophisticated, memorable, and undeniably luxurious experience that stands the test of time.

givenchyextravagance d'amarigediscontinued fragrancewomen's perfumefloral fruityluxury fragrancemichel almairacvintage perfume