Givenchy Greenergy Review: The Discontinued Cult Classic We Still Crave
An insider's look at the legendary 'unicorn' scent from Givenchy and why it's worth the hunt.
Hello, my darlings. Sofia here, fresh from a private viewing in Paris where the champagne was crisp and the whispers about next season's launches were even crisper. But today, I want to talk about a ghost. A beautiful, vibrant ghost from the past that still haunts the wish lists of every serious fragrance collector. I'm talking about a scent that was so ahead of its time, the market simply wasn't ready. Let's pour one out for the one and only Givenchy Greenergy.
Launched in the year 2000, Greenergy was part of a wildly conceptual trio called the "Oblique" collection. The other two, Rewind and Fast Forward, were equally futuristic, but Greenergy—officially named Oblique Play—was the breakout star. This wasn't your father's spicy fougère or the ubiquitous aquatic of the '90s. This was something else entirely: a sharp, crystalline, almost digital green fragrance that felt like stepping into a hyper-real greenhouse. It was clean, it was cool, and it was utterly unique.
Givenchy's intent was to capture the energy of the new millennium, a feeling of forward momentum and clean-slate optimism. They bottled the scent of a new era, blending natural elements like mint and basil with a synthetic, almost metallic sheen. Unfortunately, like many true visionaries, it was perhaps too different. It was quietly discontinued, only to be briefly resurrected in 2007 as part of the 'Les Parfums Mythiques' collection before vanishing again. This scarcity, my friends, is what turned a brilliant fragrance into a bona fide legend. Finding a bottle today is a quest, a treasure hunt for those in the know.
Its cultural impact is a fascinating case study in posthumous fame. In its time, it was a niche curiosity. Today, it's revered online as a 'unicorn'—a benchmark for modern green fragrances that few have managed to match. It represents a specific type of minimalist, intelligent perfumery that is more relevant now than ever. For those of us who remember it, it's a pang of nostalgia for a future that felt bright and clean. For new collectors, it's the ultimate 'if you know, you know' acquisition that grants instant credibility.
The Nose Behind the Scent
A collaboration between two legendary perfumers: Alberto Morillas (Acqua di Giò, CK One) and Ilias Ermenidis (Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme).
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
An electrifying, photorealistic blast of crushed mint leaves and torn basil, immediately followed by a wave of sharp, zesty clementine and grapefruit. It’s cold, invigorating, and incredibly vibrant.
The initial sharpness mellows, warmed by a whisper of clean cardamom and nutmeg. The black currant adds a touch of juicy depth, transforming the scent into a confident, humming aura of cool green spice.
A clean, airy, and almost architectural base of light vetiver and crisp cedarwood. It retains the green, minty character of the opening, settling into a subtle, intelligent skin scent that feels effortlessly chic.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a solid 5-6 hours on skin, fading to a personal skin scent after the 3-hour mark.
Projects moderately for the first 1-2 hours, creating a noticeable but not overwhelming clean aura.
Leaves a polite, subtle trail of freshness. More of a personal scent bubble than a room-filler.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
More of a 'conversation starter' than a mass-market compliment puller. Elicits comments on its uniqueness and freshness from those with discerning taste.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ A truly unique, timeless, and artistic scent profile.
- ✅ Masterfully blended by world-class perfumers.
- ✅ Incredibly refreshing and invigorating without being harsh.
- ✅ Holds legendary 'cult classic' status among collectors.
- ❌ Discontinued and extremely difficult to find.
- ❌ Exorbitant prices on the secondary resale market.
- ❌ Performance is moderate by modern standards.
Price & Value
“For collectors and true lovers of green scents, it is worth the price for a piece of perfume history. For casual users, the price is unjustifiable.”
📜 Reformulation History
Collectors note a subtle difference between the original 2000 'Oblique Play' release and the 2007 'Les Parfums Mythiques' re-release. The original is often considered slightly richer and more complex, but the 2007 version is still an excellent representation of the scent.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Unisex, for individuals aged 25+
- Admirers of unique, artistic green fragrances
- Those with a minimalist and sophisticated style
- Fragrance collectors seeking a 'unicorn' scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Fans of sweet, gourmand, or heavy oud/amber scents
- Anyone seeking a loud, 'beast mode' fragrance
- Budget-conscious buyers, due to its high collector's price
The Family
Part of the original 2000 'Oblique' collection, a warmer scent with cherry and pistachio.
Part of the original 2000 'Oblique' collection, a marine/ozonic scent with melon and jasmine.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar fresh, green 'mojito' accord of mint, lime, and vetiver.
A high-quality, hyper-realistic mint that captures the same invigorating spirit.
Another sophisticated, mint-forward aromatic fragrance with a clean, spicy base.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Users report it captures a similar fresh, green, minty vibe, though it lacks the complexity and depth.
While different, it offers a 'wild grass' greenness that appeals to a similar audience.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
Appeals to lovers of fresh, dewy, photorealistic green scents.
A classic 'green' fragrance with a unique tomato leaf note that is similarly artistic.
Another modern, refreshing mint-based fragrance with a creative twist.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple vetiver fragrance (e.g., Guerlain Vetiver) to enhance the woody base and longevity.
- A molecule scent like Iso E Super or Ambroxan to give it a modern lift and boost projection.
- A bright citrus scent (e.g., Acqua di Parma Bergamotto di Calabria) to amplify the opening notes.
🏆 Final Verdict
Should you join the hunt for Givenchy Greenergy? If you are a true fragrance aficionado, the answer is an unequivocal yes. This is more than just a perfume; it's a time capsule. It's a reminder of a moment when a major house took a real risk on an artistic, conceptual scent. Its beauty is in its clarity, its intelligence, and its refusal to shout. It is the scent of clean air, new ideas, and effortless cool. Owning a bottle isn't just about smelling good—it's about holding a piece of perfume history in your hand. If you see it, buy it. You will not be disappointed.