John Varvatos Platinum Edition by John Varvatos

Bottle Design:
Jon Cisler Design

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John Varvatos Platinum Edition John Varvatos 2013

7.6 / 10 38 Ratings

A popular limited perfume by John Varvatos for men, released in 2013. The scent is woody-leathery. It was last marketed by Elizabeth Arden.
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Main accords

Woody

Leathery

Spicy

Smoky

Earthy

Fragrance Pyramid

Top Notes

Bitter orange

Cinnamon

Sage

Bergamot

Coriander

Heart Notes

Frankincense Leather

Leather

Vetiver

Base Notes

Sandalwood

Woody notes Amber

Amber

Perfumer

Rodrigo Flores-Roux

Ratings

Scent

7.638 Ratings

Longevity

6.831 Ratings

Sillage

6.432 Ratings

Bottle

7.741 Ratings

Submitted by Michael · last update on 10/23/2023.

Source-backed & verified

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to

John Varvatos 10th Anniversary Edition

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№ 02 - L'Air du Désert Marocain Eau de Toilette Intense

Bottega Veneta pour Homme Essence Aromatique

Soir de Marrakech Eau de Parfum

Reviews

3 in-depth fragrance descriptions

10/23/2023

9Scent 6Longevity 5Sillage

SteelerOpera
27 Reviews

SteelerOpera

2

The best smelling dirty ashtray

I've had this bottle since it came out but hadn't worn it in years. I remember liking it when it was released, but for some reason, it was never part of my rotation. I wore it to bed the other night and it was wonderful. I was worried it might show signs of turning, but I think since the bottle is opaque, it is preserved well. When I first smelled this I was working the fragrance counter at a major retailer; I think I was the only one who liked it lol. When I wore it the other night, I was reminded of the same scent image I had 10 years ago: a great-smelling dirty ashtray. I know some may turn their nose at this description, but I love deep, dark, bold fragrances and the description fits. It's nice to remember that JV actually made good fragrances at one time. Sadly, this one, like almost all JV frags, is not the best performer. Having said that, I was surprised that I kept getting wafts of this throughout the night, but it was basically gone by the time I woke up. There are strong similarities between this and 10 ans, so if you are able to get a hold of either fragrance and love bold scents, jump at the chance!

08/30/2016

8Scent 7Longevity 7Sillage

Flanker
59 Reviews

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Flanker

Top Review 11

13 reviews after 3 years?

As an addition to a SOUK, the Platinum Edition landed in my mailbox. Never heard of it or seen it before.
The JV’s have not really impressed me so far, which is why my expectations were not particularly high.

The bottle is entirely in chrome with a small leather loop around the neck and the JV emblem as a pendant.
It looks simple and beautiful; there’s nothing to complain about. The spray unit is certainly not the best since the invention of the bottle; however, it does its job without "leaking" -> fits.

Right after spraying, the scent is very present and unusual. A mix of fresh bergamot, light spices, and cinnamon, which gives it a certain pronounced sweetness in the opening. The bitter orange plays a very subordinate role and is somewhat of a scapegoat. The fresh components prevent the fragrance from tipping over or becoming too cloying. On a test strip, this phase takes some time to calm down and transition into the heart note.

When sprayed on the skin, I found that the transition happens faster and more harmoniously.
I find the opening to be quite daring and rather original at the same time.

Heart and base notes work closely together. Leather, incense, and vetiver... One might think that these three components together are too much of a good thing. However, my personal experience is that vetiver, in combination with one's own skin, often exudes a certain flair of soft or gentle leather. At least, that’s the association I have. Yes, I sometimes think of soft, supple, black leather, and the small leather loop around the bottle fits in very well here.

None of the three components is overly dominant to the point where the scent becomes too much for me. Incense only flashes up now and then.
Rather, the heart note is accompanied by a relatively dry amber and sandalwood. Together, the fragrance exudes a certain sensuality and sweet warmth.

It is truly not a run-of-the-mill Mr. Happy scent. To me, it feels warm, slightly dirty, sensual, and very interesting.
I usually get headaches from such scents (probably more psychological ;-)) and primarily prefer clear, transparent fragrances. However, this one manages to keep my attention.

You can't test every fragrance extensively. Surely, this one has been sprayed on a test strip by some and perhaps two seconds later went straight into the next trash can... JV written off (as I almost did too). On the skin, it exudes a certain charm from the very beginning. It clearly stands out from other everyday scents. It has a uniqueness that I personally appreciate. The fragrance is noticeable, even though it’s not loud. Sillage and longevity are good; both, however, are not overwhelming (thankfully).

In summer, I would not particularly recommend the Platinum Edition.
While it would certainly work, as the scent does not smell musty, etc. at higher temperatures, there are more suitable representatives in your perfume cabinet for the warmer time of the year.

The fragrance is only available in the 125ml variant. Since 2013, it has been on the market as a "limited edition." There should not be any procurement issues yet. A handful of clicks on the web and done.

I cannot explain why the fragrance has only received 13 reviews and one comment so far. It is for this reason that I took the time to type down my impressions. Even if it may not appeal to everyone, it is undoubtedly a special fragrance...

04/15/2015

8Scent 7.5Longevity 7.5Sillage

Ben2007
1 Review

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Ben2007

Very helpful Review 5

Smoked Ham and Dessert

It's a pity that there are no comments on Varvatos Platinum Edition yet, especially since the reviews so far have been quite good. I want to give it a try because I find this fragrance very remarkable. My first impression was: expressive, harmonious, delicious. Upon the second sniff, as I focused more on the top notes, I thought to myself: No, this is not working at all...

But let's take it step by step: The fragrance starts off, as already hinted, quite intense and I would almost not call this scent a fragrance at first, as a mixture hits you that reminds one of smoked ham, freshly shoe-polished leather boots in a garage, or a turpentine rag - softened by a hidden warm undertone.

The powerful and somewhat animalistic start lasts for a good hour. The sillage is quite pronounced. After that, everything softens and the fragrance gradually becomes softer, more harmonious, and rounder. From this develops an absolutely pleasant, warm, and gourmand-like scent that defines the true character of Varvatos Platinum and does not change significantly until the end. It is not sweet, rather dry and malty-caramel-like with very long lasting power (up to 12 hours perceivable on the skin). Compared to other fragrances, I would place it in the direction of Tom Ford Noir (Eau de Toilette) or the VW fragrance Petrole. It also slightly reminds me of the very last phase of Mugler's Amen.

In any case, I have never smelled a fragrance that undergoes such a pronounced turnaround. I occasionally enjoy smelling it and delight in this transformation. Personally, I will not wear it, as I do not want to leave the house smelling strong in the morning, waiting for the fragrance to eventually change into something pleasant. Moreover, there are too many culinary associations (like smoked ham and dessert) present for me, and that doesn't quite fit with a perfume.

Nevertheless, I consider Varvatos Platinum to be a successful and beautiful fragrance. An experimental work of art that challenges, is fun, and somehow "plays with your nose." Ambivalent, delicious, and fascinating.

Statements

10 short views on the fragrance

Elysium

8 years ago

8Scent 7Longevity 6Sillage

3

The fall is coming, you can notice the later dawns and earlier sunsets. JV PE fits perfectly with its leathery- smoky-spicy-woody accords!

Topfpflanze3

2 years ago

7.5Scent 7Longevity 7Sillage

2

Honey and Tonka sweetened soft leather. Very unique. The woody Varvtos basic DNA is perceptible throughout

Flanker

9 years ago

8Scent 7Longevity 7Sillage

7

I’d love to write a statement...but I’m just too fascinated by the scent progression. Do you smell that? What the...yes, exactly...wow. So, curious?

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Henryhill667

6 years ago

8.5Scent 7Longevity 6Sillage

6

1

Old villa in New Orleans.
Wooden floorboards creak as you enter.
Leather sofa in the smoking room invites you to linger.
Orange sage tea is brewing.

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Stulle

6 years ago

7Scent 7Longevity 7Sillage

5

Like a thunderclap from the '70s: somehow retro, but not old. Dark, bitter, masculine-woody warmth.

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FrauW

7 years ago

4

Warmer winter scent. Wonderful!

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Globomanni

8 years ago

9Scent 7Longevity 6Sillage

2

THE highlight of the Varvatos perfumes I've tested so far. Distinct, masculine, super-woody with a hint of leather and incense. Bitter orange opening.

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