Givenchy Les Parfums Mythiques Extravagance D'Amarige: A Timeless Green Floral Revisit
Unpacking a Classic for Modern Wear
In the world of luxury fragrances, some scents are more than just perfumes; they are historical markers, reflections of an era, and testaments to enduring artistry. Givenchy’s Les Parfums Mythiques collection is precisely that: a carefully curated re-issue of some of the brand's most iconic and beloved fragrances. Among them stands Extravagance D'Amarige, a scent originally launched in 1998, now presented to a new generation of connoisseurs. This re-release allows us to re-evaluate a fragrance that, in its time, offered a distinct counterpoint to the aquatic and gourmand trends dominating the late 90s.
The original Extravagance D'Amarige entered the market as a vibrant, green, and subtly spicy interpretation of the wildly successful Amarige line. While the original Amarige was a voluptuous, opulent white floral, Extravagance aimed for a lighter, more effervescent, and decidedly modern feel, without sacrificing sophistication. It positioned itself as an everyday luxury, a signature scent for those who appreciated a nuanced floral composition with an unexpected zesty, herbaceous edge. The Les Parfums Mythiques edition seeks to faithfully reproduce this unique character, making it accessible once more.
The inspiration behind Extravagance D'Amarige was joy, spontaneity, and a certain playful elegance. It evokes the feeling of a bright, clear spring day, full of life and unexpected beauty. The concept was to capture the essence of a woman who is confident, independent, and possesses an innate sense of chic without being overtly flashy. It’s a fragrance that doesn't shout for attention but subtly commands it with its distinctive and uplifting presence. This ethos remains central to its appeal in the Mythiques collection.
Despite its initial release being overshadowed by its more famous predecessor, Extravagance D'Amarige has garnered a cult following among fragrance enthusiasts. Its reputation in the community is one of an underappreciated gem, a sophisticated green floral that stands apart. It's often praised for its excellent blend, unique character, and surprising versatility. For those weary of mainstream releases, Extravagance D'Amarige offers a refreshing dive into a well-crafted, timeless composition that feels both classic and surprisingly contemporary.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Annick Menardo, known for Bvlgari Black, Dior Hypnotic Poison, and Lolita Lempicka. She is celebrated for her innovative and often unconventional approach to perfumery, blending bold notes with elegant structures.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray is a vibrant burst of sharp Green Mandarin and a distinctive, herbaceous Nettle. Pink Peppercorn adds a sparkling lift, while Tagetes provides a bitter-green floral edge, making for an invigorating and unique start.
As the sharp opening mellows, the fragrance transitions to a radiant floral heart. Orange Blossom and Jasmine offer classic white floral elegance, complemented by soft Wisteria. Delicate fruity notes of Lychee and Strawberry add a subtle sweetness, keeping the florals light and airy.
The final phase is an elegant blend of warm woods and soft musk. Creamy Sandalwood and clean Cedarwood form the base, with Amber adding depth. Musk provides a skin-like sensuality, and Iris contributes a powdery, sophisticated nuance, ensuring a harmonious and long-lasting finish.
Performance Dashboard
Lasts a solid 7-8 hours on skin, often extending to 9-10 hours on clothing, which is excellent for an EDT concentration.
Projects moderately to strongly for the first 2-3 hours, easily noticeable within arm's length, then settles closer to the skin.
Leaves a noticeable, elegant scent trail that is present without being overwhelming, subtle enough for professional settings.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Draws compliments for its unique elegance and sophisticated character, particularly from those who appreciate classic and distinctive perfumery.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and Distinctive Scent Profile
- ✅ Excellent Performance for an EDT
- ✅ Versatile for Various Occasions
- ✅ Timeless Elegance
- ✅ Well-Blended Composition
- ❌ Initial Sharpness can be pronounced for some
- ❌ Not a Mass Pleaser due to unique character
- ❌ Availability might be limited as a re-issue
Price & Value
“Worth the investment for its quality, unique character, and impressive performance in the luxury designer segment.”
📜 Reformulation History
The "Les Parfums Mythiques" collection itself is a reinterpretation of classic Givenchy fragrances. While it aims to capture the spirit of the original 1998 release, it adheres to modern regulations. No significant batch variations are reported for this specific Mythiques edition.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Individuals aged 30+
- Confident & Independent Personalities
- Those Who Appreciate Green & Classic Florals
- Professionals Seeking a Signature Scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Younger Audiences (under 25)
- Those Sensitive to Sharp Green Notes
- Fans of Modern Gourmands or Fruity-Sweet Scents
The Family
The opulent white floral that Extravagance is a flanker of.
Another classic reissued in the same Les Parfums Mythiques collection.
A warm, spicy oriental floral from the same re-issue line.
A unique, green aromatic for men also part of the Mythiques collection.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a bright, green, and elegant citrus-floral profile, with a similar sophisticated freshness.
A classic green floral with a more pronounced mossy, chypre character, but a comparable sophisticated green freshness.
Shares a classic, elegant, and slightly melancholic green-iris richness, appealing to a similar sophisticated sensibility.
A very green, herbaceous fragrance that captures a similar vibrant, natural greenness.
💡 Clone Alternatives
Offers a clean, green, and elegant floral blend that shares a sophisticated, uplifting feel, though more rose-centric.
A much lighter, more casual option, but its prominent green tea note and citrus freshness can evoke a similar bright, invigorating greenness.
Some users find its fresh, slightly green, and citrusy opening to have a fleeting similarity in its uplifting and clean character to other unique fresh scents, despite being a different category.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who appreciate bold, complex, and sophisticated classic florals.
A vintage-style green, fruity chypre with a similar elegant, unconventional freshness.
Shares a unique, sparkling, and sophisticated quality that appeals to those who like distinctive, non-floral scents.
A classic, delicate, yet complex white floral with a green undertone, offering similar timeless floral elegance.
For fans of sharp, green, and slightly metallic florals that make a statement.
More from Givenchy
🧪 Layering Ideas
- Light Musks (e.g., The Body Shop White Musk)
- Subtle Woody Notes (e.g., clean Sandalwood oil)
- Sheer Citrus Colognes (e.g., Atelier Cologne Bergamote Soleil)
🏆 Final Verdict
Givenchy Les Parfums Mythiques Extravagance D'Amarige is not just a fragrance; it's a statement. It’s a sophisticated, green floral that defies easy categorization and stands proudly outside current trends. If you're tired of mass-market sweet or generic fresh scents and crave something with genuine character and a touch of classic French elegance, this is a fragrance that demands your attention.
Its unique blend of zesty green notes, delicate yet distinctive florals, and a refined woody-musk base makes it incredibly versatile for a range of occasions and seasons. The performance is solid, offering excellent longevity for an EDT, ensuring you'll enjoy its evolving beauty throughout your day. While its initial green sharpness might be a point of consideration, its beautiful, evolving heart and drydown are supremely rewarding.
For the discerning individual who values originality, quality, and a timeless sense of style, Extravagance D'Amarige is an exceptional choice. It’s a fragrance that speaks of confidence, intelligence, and an understated luxury. Don't overlook this mythic re-issue; it might just be the distinctive signature scent you've been searching for.