Bottega Veneta by Bottega Veneta is classified as a Floral Chypre, but I would describe this as a Fruity Chypre. The luxurious bottle evokes feminine leather, mirroring the juice inside. First, I will address the issue of fruity vs. floral. According to the note listing, bergamot and pink pepper contribute to the fruity aspect, but as mentioned by other reviewers, plum seems to be a noteworthy note. So, here we have fruity leather, and possibly a modern take on Mitsouko. However, if Mitsouko (pre-reformulation) is an attic-confined trunk full of dusty leather-bound books, then BV is a freshly polished library full of leather-bound books. The library is spacious, maybe a window is open, but the trunk full of books holds other strange archaic treasures waiting to be discovered. Perhaps this distinction embodies the divide between the “vintage” fragrances and contemporary compositions. In 2013, we are stuffed to the gills with stuff and gadgets, yet our pastoral sentiments point toward a “fresh” and simple ideal as we attempt to process the daily deluge of information. At the end of the day, we are simply too tired and overwhelmed to rummage through the attic. Also, 100 years ago, it was a sign of progress, and perhaps status, to leave the house smelling like the latest chemistry. Now, we associate “chemical” odors with toxicity while body odor is synonymous with poverty and ignorance; time for your huge dose of aldehydes and civet! So we long for a simple time, free of pollution and full of pastoral landscapes and “organic” gardens.

I love this perfume, it is warm , feminine and has a great staying power. perfect for winter, a small amount on the neck and wrists will do .not a teenie perfume

I discovered this only recently. Found a sample of it in an old magazine when cleaning. I fell in love with it instantly. It smells great. Leathery, powdery, sweet.. very sexy and unique.. Goes great with leather jacket or any leather accessories. Love it. The only problem is the staying power is very, very poor. I have to reapply it very often so at least others can smell it on me. When they do, they all compliment me and ask what it is. I wish the company made its staying power better!

This fragrance is soft, warm, complex and well rounded. I adore it! I feel very chic when I wear it.
True, the sillage could be more radiant, but it wears close to the skin and lasts all day - it gives you a feeling of intimacy. Would go well with silky lingerie and pearls!
On me, the dry down is musky, creamy and a little powdery. It also smells a little like pencil shavings, I really like that aspect. I only get a hint of citrus and leather, it's more like a soft woody floral on my skin. All in all, it makes for an interesting, sophisticated and memorable fragrance. It's a keeper in my collection!!
Notes of bergamot, Brazilian pink peppercorn, plum, lily of the valley, Sambac jasmine, leather, Indian patchouli and oakmoss.

Lollipop leather. Goes on really strong with a blast of patchouli which has a real mainstream feel. And it has a really nice leather note. Once well settled on skin it become much more pleasant. I am a Cuir de Russie fan but I guess this one is a nice modern take on leather. Definately feminine.

This fragrance is very light. Almost to the point of being scented water. I dont know if it is just me and have a hard time detecting it on myself but i never catch wisps of this fragrance throughout the day on myself. Other people might notice it though but i dont know. I hope they bring out an "intense" version of this scent that is stronger. That aside it is a nice fragrance. It probably should have been marketed to men as it could easily be a masculine scent. Also, the bottle would look quite at home on any dude's nightstand. The little leather tie around the cap is a nice, classy touch too. Bottega Veneta is smokey, leatherey fragrance. Musk and a soft touch of light citrus too. Very smooth and clean. No floral that i can detect either. I'm giving it 4 lippies because i like masculine fragrances that are marketed to women. I think it's an odd conundrum. If you are into light fragrances or dont like to wear perfume much you would probably like Bottega Veneta.

The packaging lured me in, it looked classic without being frumpy, clean and streamlined, but with an earthy, feminine layer. and I was hoping for the same in a perfume. The leather note dominates without much floral. Smells cold and not particularly feminine, but still sexy much in the same way a man's dress shirt worn on a female is sexy. Too cold for the winter, too murky for spring and too heavy for summer. Just right for fall. Not "me," but a nice palate cleanser. Poor lasting power.

I resisted this one for a long time, probably more out of my own preconceived notions about mass-market releases. But I kept going back to the cosmetics counters for "just a spritz" over a few months. Eventually I bought a small bottle and, truly, I end up wearing it most days. Despite owning much too many bottles for my own health, I reach for BV when I just want to smell good and not think about it.
It's got that very nice suedy/apricot fuzz smell everyone mentions. A bit of Chanel and Guerlain mixed in. It reminds me a *bit* of 31 Rue Cambon and Bois d'Armenie, for reference. I say a *bit* because, let's not kid ourselves, this stuff is made from cheap ingredients and does not have the bones of the aforementioned perfumes. But the potential is there, and it's very easy on the nose. It does not project a huge amount, which is perfect for work. I have to say the staying power is very poor, at least in any meaningful way. Sure there's a mild skin musk scent left on my skin after 2-3 hrs but nothing to recall the smooth leathery yumminess of the first few minutes.
Overall it's an absolute winner in the category of the mall offerings. I don't think it will displace any true classics, but that's not its mission. Would strongly recommend it to lovers of orientals/leather/gourmand scents.
Incidentally, a male friend of mine swoons every time I wear this, telling me that to him BV is reminiscent of Eau Sauvage... Not sure what he's picking up there, but I think that's a very interesting link. All that to say that on a man, this would also smell very very good.

I have been cruising duty free shops looking for my fragrance soul mate for the last decade. I almost passed this up because it did not impress in bottle form. But wearing it is believing and I can say I finally found THE ONE!!! It's warm, elegant and slightly more oriental on my skin with a hint of suede. To me, it smells like sophistication in a bottle. Staying power is great and it wears close to the skin, which I think is the mark of a perfect perfume. Also, I'm a headache sufferer with a sensitive nose, but my olfactory senses have nothing but love for this fragrance. Beautiful but definitely not boring.

The leather is very subtle and integrates well with the musk. Not a stupendous, groundbreaking fragrance but lovely and extremely wearable just the same. Spray on your clothes and it will last you 24 hours. Spray on you and it is as everyone says it is, close to the skin, close to the nose.