Rush 2 Gucci 2001

GUCCI RUSH 2 is nearly the strict antithesis of GUCCI RUSH. RUSH 2 is cool, slightly soapy, lightly floral, not at all sweet, and rather shortlived in the edt.

The somewhat dark, lingering oriental thickness of RUSH (imparted by mingling patchouli and vanilla) is not present in RUSH 2 at all. Rather, RUSH 2 is a tiny bunch of little white flowers on a cool morning with dew still clinging to kelly green blades of grass.

It's almost as though the Gucci people self-consciously sought to produce a fragrance which would appeal to all those who disliked RUSH. A better name for RUSH 2 might be:

~(GUCCI RUSH)!

Rush 2 is hardly related to Rush at all. This is an entirely different composition altogether.

Upon first application, I could barely smell it. The opening notes are extremely subtle and intimate. I would describe the rose, freesia and lily of the valley as having a soapy and fresh-like quality.

With the emergence of the heart, Rush 2 develops character. The scent strengthens considerably and shows elements of originality. The soapiness is still present, however I detect a subtle greeness, like a tropical, damp garden smell.

Rush 2 concludes with a simplistic black currant and musk blend, with this being the only fruity kick you will experience during the development of Rush 2, right at the very end.

I vividly remember a man that owned a perfume store where I used to live, raving on about Rush 2. He had me try it several times but I had to go back to this fragrance 3 years on because the scent hadn't stuck in my memory. Because of that I don't think this fragrance is very memorable, certainly not signature material in my humble opinion.

I used to be part of the crowd who thought Rush 2 bore no resemblance whatsoever to the original Gucci Rush. But now that I have worn both within a few days of each other, I have changed my mind. They ARE sisters! First of all, they have the same father, Michel Almairac. They were born a mere two years apart from each other and therefore part of the same "perfume trend generation". Like sisters who are close to one another, they are able to play together and layer well with each other. While original Gucci Rush is the louder, bossier, dominant older sister, Rush 2 tries to emulate her in certain ways.

In Rush 2, the fruity aspect of Rush's peach is replaced by a sweet juicy black currant note. The original had a strong gardenia note, while Rush 2 has gardenia but it rests shyly in the background, preferring to let cleaner flowers like freesia and lily of the valley do the talking. The original is the bad ass of the clan, sneaking out late to party while Rush 2 stays home and studies but lets the original sneak back in through her window because after all, they are close and she likes to live vicariously through the stories Rush brings home. Rush 2 is the daughter grandma likes better but original Rush is the one who will go on to be famous.

I emptied at least two bottles of this fragrance in my younger years. A scent I always liked, but then somehow lost sight of-or rather, lost track of.

When I read that this fragrance was no longer being produced, the familiar hoarding instinct kicked in, and I quickly purchased another bottle. The word "discontinued" always triggers strange behaviors in me... Now, many fragrances that I liked very much back then no longer seem to suit me today. But I thought, at least I have Rush 2 for nostalgic sniffing.

However, the first spray surprised me: I still really like the scent! It is still absolutely wearable today. Fresh, floral, a bit fruity, without the otherwise indispensable sweetness that is so common today, yet not bitter, no scratching, stinging, or biting-just nice, fresh, feminine, compatible with others, and very pleasant to wear.

And they are discontinuing this? WHY? Gucci Rush 2 (which, by the way, has absolutely nothing to do with the classic Rush!) is not a scent that will take your breath away or one that you will never forget, but as I said, it is office-appropriate and will make a pleasant impression. Or you might not stand out at all, depending on the situation. Very few will feel disturbed by this fragrance; many will find this adult fruity-floral pleasantly appealing.

The only downside: The bottle (is that supposed to represent a cassette case? Who even remembers cassettes??). I remember that you could only get the rest of the fragrance out by digging the corners of this plastic thing deep into your palms. But that won't stop me from wearing this lovely scent until it's empty.

After I had forgiven Rush for its "boxy appearance," I boldly reached for Rush 2.

This scent greets me more lovingly than the original version.

Rush 2 has, unlike its bottle, no corners or edges - instead, it welcomes me gently and friendly.
Even the blackberries are not square, but full and round - and roll towards me pleasantly aromatic.
Freesia and Narcissus spread floral brightness, with a hint of soft rose.
The palm wood is also cuddly - and the lily leans towards elegance.

An attractively floral-fruity daytime scent that, contrary to its name, knows no rush.
Rather a fragrance to lean back - and relax.

Indeed - haste makes waste.