Gucci By Gucci Eau De Parfum Review: The Discontinued Icon Worth The Hunt
A deep dive into the modern chypre that defined an era of unapologetic glamour and why it's a cult classic today.
Let’s talk about a fragrance that feels like a secret whispered among those in the know. I’m talking about Gucci by Gucci Eau de Parfum. If you were paying attention to the fragrance world in the late 2000s, you remember the moment this scent arrived. It landed in 2007, a time when Gucci, under the creative direction of the brilliant Frida Giannini, was the absolute pinnacle of sleek, powerful, and slightly decadent glamour. This wasn''t just a perfume; it was the olfactory embodiment of the entire Giannini era—a confident, modern statement that felt both classic and daringly new.
This fragrance was positioned as the brand''s new signature, a pillar to anchor their fragrance line for a new generation. It stepped away from the louder, more flamboyant scents of the Tom Ford era and introduced a more refined, yet undeniably potent, sensuality. Gucci by Gucci wasn''t a fleeting floral or a simple gourmand. It was a modern chypre, a notoriously complex and sophisticated fragrance family, but reimagined with a juicy, contemporary twist. The brand wanted to create something timeless, a scent that a woman could wear for years, and for a while, they absolutely succeeded. It was an instant commercial hit, its distinctive brown and gold bottle becoming a fixture on the most discerning vanities.
The inspiration was clear: the modern Gucci woman. She''s strong, she''s sophisticated, and she has an innate sense of style that feels both powerful and feminine. The fragrance was designed to mirror this duality. The concept was to blend classic perfumery structure, the chypre, with modern, accessible notes like guava and pear. This created a tension in the scent that was utterly captivating. It was a fragrance for the boardroom and the cocktail bar, a scent that announced your presence with quiet authority rather than a shout. It was the scent of a woman who didn''t need to ask for attention, she simply commanded it.
Today, Gucci by Gucci holds a unique, almost cult-like status in the fragrance community. Its discontinuation a few years ago was met with genuine dismay, sending collectors and long-time fans scrambling to secure the last remaining bottles. This scarcity has only enhanced its allure. It’s now spoken of with a certain reverence—a modern classic that was taken from us too soon. It represents a specific, glamorous moment in fashion history, and wearing it now feels like owning a piece of that legacy. It’s a testament to its quality and unique character that, even years after it left the department store shelves, it remains one of the most sought-after and discussed fragrances from the house of Gucci.
The Nose Behind the Scent
Ilias Ermenidis of Firmenich. A masterful perfumer known for creating emotionally resonant and luxurious fragrances, his portfolio also includes notable scents like Givenchy L''Interdit Rouge and fragrances for major houses.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
A surprising and sophisticated burst of juicy, ripe guava and crisp pear. It''s bright and alluring, a modern fruity nectar that immediately grabs your attention without being overly sweet.
The initial fruitiness softens, allowing a creamy and exotic Tahitian Tiare Flower to emerge. This white floral heart adds a layer of lush, feminine elegance, beautifully bridging the gap to the deeper base notes.
The iconic and unforgettable final act. A deep, earthy patchouli is masterfully blended with rich, warm honey and a soft musk. It''s sensual, slightly sweet, and incredibly long-lasting, creating a signature scent trail.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional. Easily lasts 8-10+ hours on skin and will linger on clothing for days. This is a true all-day performer.
Strong for the first 2-3 hours, projecting within an arm''s length. It''s noticeable and present without being overwhelming.
Leaves a beautiful, moderate-to-strong scent trail. This is a fragrance that gets noticed as you walk by, leaving a memorable impression.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Unique and unforgettable scent profile
- ✅ Outstanding longevity and performance
- ✅ Exudes sophistication and confidence
- ✅ A modern classic with a cult following
- ✅ Massive compliment getter
- ❌ Discontinued and difficult to find
- ❌ Price on reseller markets can be high
- ❌ The prominent patchouli note can be polarizing
- ❌ Can be too heavy for hot weather or enclosed spaces
Price & Value
“For lovers of the scent, it''s worth the premium price. The quality and uniqueness are hard to replace, making it a worthy investment for a signature scent.”
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray delivers a vibrant burst of juicy Guava and sweet Pear, a truly captivating fruity opening that immediately draws you in.
As the fragrance settles, the exotic and creamy Tiare Flower blooms, intertwining with the lingering fruitiness to create a rich, sophisticated floral heart that is both alluring and elegant.
The true magic unfolds in the drydown, where deep, earthy Patchouli lays a luxurious foundation, softened by the warm embrace of Honey and a subtle, sensual Musk. This creates a long-lasting, mysteriously sweet, and slightly smoky trail that is utterly addictive.
Performance Dashboard
Exceptional longevity, easily 8-10 hours on skin, often detectable even longer.
Commands attention for the first 3-4 hours, creating a noticeable yet elegant scent bubble.
Leaves a captivating and enduring trail that makes an impression without aggressively filling a room.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Richer, more complex scent profile than lighter concentrations.
- ✅ Outstanding longevity, a true all-day fragrance.
- ✅ Excellent projection and sillage, leaving a memorable impression.
- ✅ Unique and sophisticated chypre floral character.
- ✅ Empowering and confident aroma.
- ❌ Can be polarizing due to the prominent patchouli note.
- ❌ May be perceived as too strong or dated by those preferring modern, airy scents.
- ❌ Higher price point.
- ❌ Discontinued and increasingly difficult to find, especially vintage batches.
Price & Value
“The higher price point for this EDP is absolutely justified by its superior performance, depth, and luxurious character.”
📜 Reformulation History
Yes, this Eau de Parfum has undergone reformulations since its 2007 release. Enthusiasts often seek out vintage batches for their reportedly deeper, richer quality, and potentially even greater longevity and sillage. Modern formulations are generally perceived as being a bit lighter and less dense.
Accords
Notes Pyramid
Scent Journey
The initial spray bursts with a bright, uplifting freshness of juicy pear and exotic guava, softened by a subtle hint of chamomile, offering a more luminous introduction than its EDP counterpart.
As it settles, the heart gracefully unfolds, revealing a delicate bouquet where the signature Tiare Flower is beautifully complemented by the airy sweetness of lily-of-the-valley and the radiant sparkle of neroli, creating a distinctly lighter, more open floral experience.
The drydown maintains a soft, warm embrace of patchouli, honey, and musk, a familiar and comforting base, though noticeably more ethereal and less dense than the EDP, leaving a refined, close-to-skin whisper.
Performance Dashboard
Expect a graceful presence for 3-5 hours, a charming whisper rather than a lasting declaration.
An intimate aura, projecting within arm's length for the first hour or two before becoming a personal scent experience.
A delicate trail that's noticeable upon close encounter, less pronounced than the EDP.
When to Wear
Community Verdict
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Lighter and fresher than the EDP for versatile wear.
- ✅ More prominent bright floral and fruity notes.
- ✅ Ideal for warmer weather or office environments.
- ✅ A soft, elegant interpretation of the original DNA.
- ❌ Significantly less longevity and projection compared to the EDP.
- ❌ May require reapplication throughout the day.
- ❌ Less depth and richness for those who prefer intense fragrances.
Price & Value
“A more approachable price point for a daily wear Gucci, offering good value for its specific character.”
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
- Women aged 25+
- Confident and sophisticated personalities
- Lovers of modern chypre and patchouli-dominant fragrances
- Individuals seeking a powerful, elegant signature scent
⚠️ Not Recommended For
- Those who dislike patchouli
- Fans of light, airy, or very sweet gourmand scents
- Casual, daytime wear in warm climates
- The very young fragrance wearer
The Family
A lighter, brighter, and more floral interpretation of the original, designed for easier daytime wear.
Explore More
🔍 Similar Fragrances
Shares a similar sophisticated, musky, and powerful feminine vibe, though with a different floral heart.
Another iconic modern chypre with a prominent patchouli base, but with a brighter, citrus-forward opening.
Features a fruity-patchouli combination, offering a similarly chic and modern feel.
Often compared for its pear and patchouli combination, though it leans sweeter with a toffee note.
💡 Clone Alternatives
A widely cited budget-friendly alternative that captures the fruity-patchouli essence.
Often compared to Coco Mademoiselle, but its fruity-floral-patchouli structure is also frequently mentioned by users as a close cousin to Gucci by Gucci.
❤️ You May Also Enjoy
For those who love dark, complex, and statement-making fragrances with a prominent patchouli note.
Shares a similar vibe of a powerful, confident, and modern feminine scent with excellent performance.
Another fruity chypre with a sophisticated, playful yet elegant character.
More from Gucci
🧪 Layering Ideas
- A simple vanilla fragrance to amplify the honey and add creamy sweetness.
- A molecule scent like Iso E Super (Molecule 01) to enhance the woody, musky facets of the drydown.
- A light, non-citrusy white floral scent to boost the Tiare flower in the heart.
🏆 Final Verdict
Gucci by Gucci Eau de Parfum is more than just a discontinued fragrance; it''s a time capsule. It captures a moment of peak glamour, confidence, and modern sophistication from one of the world''s most iconic fashion houses. Its discontinuation has only cemented its legendary status, turning it from a department store staple into a treasured find. The composition is a masterwork of balance—a perfect dance between juicy fruit, elegant florals, and a deeply sensual base of honey and patchouli.
Should you hunt it down? If you are a lover of bold, distinctive scents with character and history, the answer is a resounding yes. It''s a fragrance that makes a statement, one of quiet power and undeniable elegance. Wearing it feels like slipping on a perfectly tailored Gucci blazer—it instantly elevates you. It’s a piece of fragrance history that performs beautifully and smells even better. In a world of fleeting trends, Gucci by Gucci remains a timeless icon of unapologetic style. The hunt is absolutely worth the reward.