Two weeks ago I left work with a real craving for lobster (weird I know) and after badgering the other half that we should go to Burger & Lobster for dinner she agreed as she was meeting the lovely PR firm that represent John Varavatos among other brands. As she left her meeting she bounded over with a toothy grin (artistic licence) and presented me with Platinum Edition by John Varvatos, a bottle of aftershave I've been stalking over at Pinterest for what feels like an age.
A 125ml bottle of Platinum Edition is available from Selfridges or Debenhams for £79, so not cheap, but with 125ml to plough your way through and the strength that comes with this means that it'll be in your collection for well over a year making that initial outlay actually rather reasonable.
'Embodying the rebellious yet elegant attitude of the brand, John Varvatos' Platinum Edition eau de parfum is inspired by a man of the same character. Beginning with bergamot and bitter orange before notes of incense and leather are introduced, the fragrance is warmed with a base of amber and white sandalwood.'
- Head: Bergamot, bitter orange, sage, coriander, cinnamon and myrtle
- Heart: Incense, vetiver and leather
- Dry-down: Amber and sandalwood
The notes immediately suggest a very heavy and earthy fragrance and with leather sitting in the heart I confess I didn't have high hopes of liking this at all. As a lover of light and citrus fragrances I gained a little optimism from sight of a citrus note in the hope that this would provide some much needed balance.
First of all, this is strong, just a few squirts from the atomiser and the room is awash with a really sharp yet spicy aroma. Yes the bergamot is evident but the sharpness comes from the orange which feels heavy on the nose. Now that came as a massive surprise to given the freshness of Artisan Blu from John Varvatos (another lovely fragrance worth a sniff). Almost as soon as it hits the skin though this changes and the leather seems to come to the fore taking the edge of the sharp spice.
As it dries down through the heart notes you can feel this getting warmer on the nose for around fifteen minutes as the incense dries and blends with the leather to create an almost middle eastern vibe on the nose - despite this, and with a good sniff you can still detect the bitter orange. I really liked this touch, and better still as it settled around forty five minutes in this really did calm down - it became much lighter. The spiciness dropped off significantly and the warmth reduced.
In terms of heaviness I would put this with Fahrenheit. Despite my love of all things citrus and light this has such a unique effect on me and my skin. After applying it at 7.30 a.m. I can still pick this up on myself twelve hours later. It has received universal thumbs up when people have been accosted and asked "whatcha think to this?" once their evident shock subsided.
I would say this is perfect for daywear and I for one will be smelling delightful for the coming months as I waft into work wearing this. It's unique, earthy, screams masculine and lasts for an age, and then some. Looking to treat yourself or someone special then you can't go wrong with Platinum Edition by John Varavatos.
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This looks like a good fragrance. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of this before but I love the sound of this scent! x
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this, especially as you've said the smell is long-lasting x
ReplyDeleteOh wow what beautiful packaging and sounds like a pretty amazing product as well - would be perfect for a fathers day gift
ReplyDeleteLaura x
This sounds lovely and I love the bottle too!
ReplyDeleteThink I might have to purchase this for my boyfriend! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLauren | www.thelifeofastudentblogger.blog
This John Varvatos sounds lovely! Anything with sandalwood gets our vote. Sounds like a lovely warm fragrance x
ReplyDeleteThis really does sound like a lovely fragrance and the packaging is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI didn't hear about this fragrance before but it you say that you can put it on the same level with Fahrenheit, I can make an idea of how strong it is. The sandalwood notes are intriguing, I like them in a perfume.
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely and the packaging is gorgeous - I'm the kind of person who pays extra for pretty packaging!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good fragrance the bottle looks fab too.
ReplyDeleteThe scent of this sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - fragrances are definitely worth the high price if they have a strong smell and only need a few sprays :)
This sounds like the perfect cologne for springtime. I'll have to get my boyfriend to check it out.
ReplyDeleteThis cologne definitely sounds like one that Mr What Laura Loves would enjoy wearing! He has Farenheit too! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great fragrance. The bottle is really cool and sleek.
ReplyDeleteI do prefer a citrus scent as well but it is good that once the perfume settled in it had a palatable scent :)
ReplyDeleteThe bottle is beautiful! It is worth the price when you do not have to spray loads and seems like such a nice scent!
ReplyDeleteOoh this sounds lovely, I love the bottle - so stylish.
ReplyDeleteI'm willing to spend a bit more on a long lasting fragrance if it smells good too
ReplyDeleteBergamot is one of my favourite scents and so is orange. This sounds like something that I would really love my partner to wear
ReplyDeleteGreat one for the guys. Love the bottle very eye catching.
ReplyDeleteThe bottle design is pretty and it sounds like a nice fragrance for men.
ReplyDeleteI really struggle to find decent aftershave for my guy, this sounds like something I'd like... therefore he would like! ;)
ReplyDeletePresent for my brother = sorted! Thank you, he's particular about good scents, and I am always overwhelmed when it comes to navigating mens. Thanks! Samantha JL
ReplyDeleteThis would make a great present for fathers day, I love the bottle design and how you described the scent.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so lovely!!! Not sure whether I would've been fawning over this or the food at Burger & Lobster xD
ReplyDelete