Givenchy!!!! Omg noooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What did you do???? (LVMH: I hate you!)

[Andy the frenchy]

Givenchy re-relased their collection 'Les Parfums Mythiques' in a new bottle format (so-called 'Timeless') but.... I can't find Vetyver and Xeryus on their website anymore!!!! (Xeryus Rouge and Monsieur are still there, though)

They didn't discontinue these, right????? I'm under shock.....
I can live with a single bottle of Xeryus, but Vetyver was one of the most beautiful thing the world has created, in my top 5 (if not top 3) vetiver frgrances, and coming from the vetiver lovers that I am, it speaks volume.....

I'm devastated.

 

[hednic]

I'm in good shape as I happen to have full bottles of the original Xeryus and Vetyver.

 

[Andy the frenchy]

I'm in good shape as I happen to have full bottles of the original Xeryus and Vetyver.

So do I, but I wish I would have bought an extra bottle of Vetyver when it was running around $40.... Oh well.

 

[hednic]

Also have a full bottle of Eau de Vetyver from 1959 but it's a tad different.

 

[ToughCool]

VETYVER - EAU DE TOILETTE

The fragrance of Hubert de Givenchy.

www.givenchybeauty.com

 

[Andy the frenchy]

VETYVER - EAU DE TOILETTE

The fragrance of Hubert de Givenchy.

www.givenchybeauty.com

Translation of the French website: "The product VETYVER is unfortunately not available anymore".

Interestingly enough, it is indeed still available on the US website. But you will notice that it is not classified anymore in the 'Parfums Mythiques' collection, nor has it been rebottled in the new 'Timeless' bottles. Also: it can only be found when searching for "Vetyver', but doesn;t appear when surfing through the Parfums Mythiques collection menu, nor through the Men's fragrances menu.

It is my belief that these are leftover stocks, but it will be out-of-stock soon.

 

[ToughCool]

View attachment 320292

Translation of the French website: "The product VETYVER is unfortunately not available anymore".

Interestingly enough, it is indeed still available on the US website. But you will notice that it is not classified anymore in the 'Parfums Mythiques' collection, nor has it been rebottled in the new 'Timeless' bottles. It is my belief that these are leftover stocks, but it will be out-of-stock soon.

Got it! Didn’t realize on the French site! Was just trying to help 😉

 

[Andy the frenchy]

Got it! Didn’t realize on the French site! Was just trying to help 😉

Thanks. I sincerely wish you proved me wrong on that one... Vetyver is a great loss for the frag addicts!

 

[N.CAL Fragrance Reviewer]

View attachment 320292

Translation of the French website: "The product VETYVER is unfortunately not available anymore".

Interestingly enough, it is indeed still available on the US website. But you will notice that it is not classified anymore in the 'Parfums Mythiques' collection, nor has it been rebottled in the new 'Timeless' bottles. Also: it can only be found when searching for "Vetyver', but doesn;t appear when surfing through the Parfums Mythiques collection menu, nor through the Men's fragrances menu.

It is my belief that these are leftover stocks, but it will be out-of-stock soon.

That is disheartening. Classics have survived for long periods of time for good reason.

I suppose hunting down older bottles would be the next best thing.

 

[GoldWineMemories]

Could just be a glitch. Those new bottles suck. Andy, do you have a modern or vintage version of Vetyver? I'm sure I've read your review on fragrantica before, I always look for them. May be time to finally get a bottle.

 

[Andy the frenchy]

Could just be a glitch. Those new bottles suck. Andy, do you have a modern or vintage version of Vetyver? I'm sure I've read your review on fragrantica before, I always look for them. May be time to finally get a bottle.

I can't recommend it enough, if you want to have one of the best (the best?) representation of brown/nutty vetiver here around. And this one is stunning also for whom is not a big fan of the 'harsh' vetivers. Very classy. I have seen it recently for around $60, but only a few bottles left. I suggest you rush for it. I have a 2016 bottle, exactly like that one:

 

[nosey74]

How is this version?

 

[TrboDieselPwrd]

How is this version?

View attachment 320402

In short, it's excellent.
This is the previous version to what Andy has posted above, but I imagine they are very close. There may be a reformulation in there somewhere, but IMO you can't go wrong with the older version as long as it hasn't been left sitting in a window.
I'll reiterate what has already been said -- and for me, this a reference nutty/"dusty" vetiver in the way that Guerlain is for green/citrusy/rooty vetivers. Definitely worth at least a try if your vetiver leanings are more classical, and yet, I see pieces of the Givenchy in modern vetivers such as Elie Saab and Nishane Sultan Vetiver (I find it's drydown to be similar to Givenchy's, but on steroids).

 

[Andy the frenchy]

How is this version?

View attachment 320402

It's indeed the bottle just before mine. I haven;t tried it, but my guess is that there are no differences.
Some online sellers might put that older pic on their website, but it's very likely that whichever you will order, you will receive the one I own. Pics are often not accurate.

 

[nosey74]

It's indeed the bottle just before mine. I haven;t tried it, but my guess is that there are no differences.
Some online sellers might put that older pic on their website, but it's very likely that whichever you will order, you will receive the one I own. Pics are often not accurate.

Yes I have been deceived by older pictures and getting newer bottles. I always ask the seller first and if they don’t respond I don’t buy.

 

[Ken_Russell]

Thank you for the info just the same-at the very least (if not even far more/much better) regarding the possibility and even the necessity to revisit either of these again.
While ideally finding reliable (re) testing sources for either of these, having so far had almost incredibly good testing experiences with the vintage or at least older versions of both.

 

[emtee]

I bought a partial bottle of this from ebay after discovering it was discontinued and being unable to find a new bottle for sale anywhere. It is indeed very nice but doesn’t last long on me. Think I prefer the Guerlain all things considered but glad to have it in the collection.

 

[DeathArrow]

I still can find Xeryus for about €35 at online discounters. Should I buy it? Is it any good?

 

[nosey74]

I still can find Xeryus for about €35 at online discounters. Should I buy it? Is it any good?

I have the original vintage version and to me it’s a nice aromatic woody spicy.

 

[Diddy]

An excellent vetiver fragrance. I know several people that prefer it to classic Guerlain Vetiver. As disheartening as it is that Givenchy would get rid of it, there’s thankfully no reason to panic as there are many excellent vetivers easy to obtain.

 

[Andy the frenchy]

An excellent vetiver fragrance. I know several people that prefer it to classic Guerlain Vetiver. As disheartening as it is that Givenchy would get rid of it, there’s thankfully no reason to panic as there are many excellent vetivers easy to obtain.

Yes. But the Givenchy shot way beyond its price tag. But not for long, it seems..

 

[Andy the frenchy]

I still can find Xeryus for about €35 at online discounters. Should I buy it? Is it any good?

In my opinion, yes. Green, with a great moss base. Not exceptionnal as Vetyver, but I personally love it.

 

[Diddy]

Yes. But the Givenchy shot way beyond its price tag. But not for long, it seems..

True. For me it falls under the category of fragrances I wish I had gotten a couple bottles of from discounters, as I do enjoy it very much as well and realize prices will possibly shoot up to unreasonable prices as these things tend to do. The only thing the fragrance lacked for me was performance, becoming a skin scent within a couple hours and riding there for about 6-8 hours. Smell wise, it’s a solid 9 compared against all other vetivers I’ve tried (which is appreciably less than your vetiver experience). For me, it’s asking current price is about the limits I’d pay. I’m also in a position that I have enough Guerlain Vetiver EDC, TF Grey Vetiver, Encre Noir Sport, Prince de Galles Sport, L’Occintane Eau de Vetyver, others, plus various vetiver oils etc that I am happy with my coverage of vetiver presentations. It’s important people know that context as they read my thoughts. I’m good. If I didn’t already have a solid selection of vetiver for my tastes, it would be a different story. Which I suppose brings up the more important aspect of this discussion… if someone doesn’t have much vetiver or is a vetiver lover looking for a full bottle of something, then in my opinion Givenchy Vetyver has to be a strong consideration at this very time as it is not only an outstanding choice for smelling vetiver but appears to be getting the guillotine.

 

[Andy the frenchy]

True. For me it falls under the category of fragrances I wish I had gotten a couple bottles of from discounters, as I do enjoy it very much as well and realize prices will possibly shoot up to unreasonable prices as these things tend to do. The only thing the fragrance lacked for me was performance, becoming a skin scent within a couple hours and riding there for about 6-8 hours. Smell wise, it’s a solid 9 compared against all other vetivers I’ve tried (which is appreciably less than your vetiver experience). For me, it’s asking current price is about the limits I’d pay. I’m also in a position that I have enough Guerlain Vetiver EDC, TF Grey Vetiver, Encre Noir Sport, Prince de Galles Sport, L’Occintane Eau de Vetyver, others, plus various vetiver oils etc that I am happy with my coverage of vetiver presentations. It’s important people know that context as they read my thoughts. I’m good. If I didn’t already have a solid selection of vetiver for my tastes, it would be a different story. Which I suppose brings up the more important aspect of this discussion… if someone doesn’t have much vetiver or is a vetiver lover looking for a full bottle of something, then in my opinion Givenchy Vetyver has to be a strong consideration at this very time as it is not only an outstanding choice for smelling vetiver but appears to be getting the guillotine.

I agree, it's not a show-off green vetiver (not bad mouthing, as I love each and every kind of vetiver). But I perceive this one as being the epitome of understated elegance. Nutty, dusty but not dirty.
I agree that performance is not the best, but it makes for a strength here, at least for me: this is the perfect timeless business meeting fragrance: present but not invasive, with personality, but not assaulting, classic but not dated and possibly easier to wear than Guerlain in delicate occasions.

I would pay even more for it, personally. Not $200 to be clear, but I wouldn't either for Malle's VE, so.... but I find it to be vastly superior to the Tom Ford for example, that retails in that range....

 

[Tea_Lilly]

I'm glad that I saw this post today - I searched the U.S. Givenchy website for vetyver and was able to order it. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Mythrol]

My brother was just giving me the heads up on Givenchy Vetyver. It’s sad to see a classic go. My first impulse was to buy a bottle of it to make sure I had it in my collection and then I had a realization. Do I want a bottle of Givenchy Veryver or another bottle of Mugler cologne? For me personally I’d rather make sure I had more Mugler Cologne.

That’s not a knock on Givenchy Vetyver in the least. I like it a lot for what it is but I know from my personal use I’d only reach for Givenchy after a handful of other vetiver fragrances.

For those that love Givenchy it’s a good heads-up to get a bottle before prices go up.

 

[Andy the frenchy]

My brother was just giving me the heads up on Givenchy Vetyver. It’s sad to see a classic go. My first impulse was to buy a bottle of it to make sure I had it in my collection and then I had a realization. Do I want a bottle of Givenchy Veryver or another bottle of Mugler cologne? For me personally I’d rather make sure I had more Mugler Cologne.

That’s not a knock on Givenchy Vetyver in the least. I like it a lot for what it is but I know from my personal use I’d only reach for Givenchy after a handful of other vetiver fragrances.

For those that love Givenchy it’s a good heads-up to get a bottle before prices go up.

Nice to hear from you! The leafy kind of vetiver (Mugler Cologne, Creed original Vetiver...) is probably my least favorite. If I still owned my big 300ml bottle of Mugler Cologne, I would have gladly swapped it against your bottle of Givenchy haha

 

[Mythrol]

Nice to hear from you! The leafy kind of vetiver (Mugler Cologne, Creed original Vetiver...) is probably my least favorite. If I still owned my big 300ml bottle of Mugler Cologne, I would have gladly swapped it against your bottle of Givenchy haha

Haha. I wish! I’ve worked my way through a lot of Mugler. Especially when it was so cheap to get. What I’ve realized at this point is if I find a fragrance I love, I just go ahead and buy multiple bottles. Between discontinued and reformulated fragrances it’s just not worth the risk anymore. There’s probably a dozen or more fragrances I missed out on getting multiple bottles of that I regret. Never again. Lol.

 

[Mak-7]

So do I, but I wish I would have bought an extra bottle of Vetyver when it was running around $40.... Oh well.

If this is as devastating as you make it sound, there are still bottles available and not for a very high price, around $60 or so. Its 50% increase from 40, but $20 is almost nothing these days on grand scheme, especially for something seemingly so important to you.
No bad intentions on my part, just dont know how to type it out with a readable positive attitude.

 

[Andy the frenchy]

If this is as devastating as you make it sound, there are still bottles available and not for a very high price, around $60 or so. Its 50% increase from 40, but $20 is almost nothing these days on grand scheme, especially for something seemingly so important to you.
No bad intentions on my part, just dont know how to type it out with a readable positive attitude.

I have a bottle since a long time, and not exactly in a mood now to further increase my collection. Givenchy Vetyver is a gem in the vetiver world. If Malle bottled it, it would be sold for $300. (oh wait... that's basically what they did already)

There's only one seller at $70 (60+$10 shipping), that's a 75% increase compared to my $40 shipped on FragNet, and again, it's only one seller.
There are also a few bottle left on Givenchy's website for full retail ($96+ship+tax) and a few on ebay around $80-100.

So yes, if i wanted, i would have bought another one, even before posting this thread. And if I reasonably could, I would. But now is not the right time for me, nor wardrob-wise, nor financially, to invest on back-up bottles. The bottle left under $100 are a few. Then, when it's gone, it will jump to the price it is retailing for online in France: the one and only retailer I could find lists it for 199 euros.

Just doing public services by warning Basenoters that it's on it's way out. Many time wasters already did so around 489 times for Acqua di Gio Profumo which is crap-level to my nose, so I thought very useful to do so for Givenchy's Vetyver and Xeryus, that deserve it much more that Armani's.

 

[Mak-7]

There's only one seller at $70 (60+$10 shipping), that's a 75% increase compared to my $40 shipped on FragNet, and again, it's only one seller.
There are also a few bottle left on Givenchy's website for full retail ($96+ship+tax) and a few on ebay around $80-100.

But it's a few. Then, when it's gone, it will jump to the price it is retailing for online in france: the one and only retailer I could find list for 199 euros.

If they discontinued it - wouldnt some more pop up on fragnet and elsewhere in an attempt to clear stock? Maybe that will be ur chance to stock up on it withing the reasonable price range?

 

[Varanis Ridari]

I keep hearing "Anakin nooo! You're going to a place I cannot follow" in my head.

But yes, agreed this is an excellent vetiver.

 

[Andy the frenchy]

If they discontinued it - wouldnt some more pop up on fragnet and elsewhere in an attempt to clear stock? Maybe that will be ur chance to stock up on it withing the reasonable price range?

Apparently they already did. Givenchy US have still it on sale, but not listed (you have to look for it). Givenchy France does not have it anymore. And it's quite some time that I saw it less and less often, and with prices slowly gauging. very much what happened to YSL's La Collection Rive Gauche and Pour Homme....
Now... is there somewhere in a warehouse a huge lot left that will pop out on FragNet by miracle 20 years after discontinuation, like it recently happened for Insense'? That, I don't know.

But if they show up on sale around $50 on FragNet, I might get an extra pop. I sincerely wish that you're right on that one.

 

[Andy the frenchy]

I keep hearing "Anakin nooo! You're going to a place I cannot follow" in my head.

But yes, agreed this is an excellent vetiver.

Please tell Anakin to get himself a bottle of Givenchy Vetyver before he boards the spaceship.

 

[cheapimitation]

Gah, I'm tempted this is why forums are dangerous! So is it worth it at the $96 retail, or is it one of those things where it was very good for the price at $40 discounters? I've got Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire, Hermes Vetiver Tonka, Heeley Vetiver Veritas. I wonder if I would find this lacking or maybe fill a spot for a lighter vetiver.

 

[Opiate]

Even though vetiver fragrances don’t do much for me these days, this has been on my “to try” list for many years.
Your thread pushed me to buy it now while I still can.

 

[Andy the frenchy]

Gah, I'm tempted this is why forums are dangerous! So is it worth it at the $96 retail, or is it one of those things where it was very good for the price at $40 discounters? I've got Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire, Hermes Vetiver Tonka, Heeley Vetiver Veritas. I wonder if I would find this lacking or maybe fill a spot for a lighter vetiver.

Imagine Malle's VE without creamy cedar, and you pretty much get an idea of Givenchy's.

For me: Yes. There's a store called Donatella in Miami. $70 shipped, no taxes (outside of FL).
If I didn't have one, I would have bought it, even at $100. But I will only buy a back-up if I find it under $50.

Now, I wear vetivers often. If you wear those 3 times per year, I'm not sure it's worth.

 

[david]

Wow, I'm not getting this. I have pretty much all the main vetiver releases issued and to me personally, the old classic/original release of Givenchy Vetyver is way down the list. I'm referring to the green with black pattern packaging design - which I think was the first release. To me it's very sweet bubblegum smelling - could almost be a female release. Also has a tiny bit of that celery note going on. Are you reffering to a later release/ the mythology release ?
My favourite vetivers are the very first formula Lanvin Vetyver/ Vetiver Hombre - Aldolfo Dominguez/ first formula Annick Goutal Vetiver/ Bois de Vetyver from Bogart and the original Guerlain release. I prefer all of these over the classic Givenchy Vetyver I have.

 

[andym72]

Yes. But the Givenchy shot way beyond its price tag. But not for long, it seems..

Vetyver was unavailable for years before the dark label version of the Mythique range came out, and the Mythique was a huge reformulation (Guaiac Wood instead of Mysore Sandalwood for one thing).

Then there were accusations that the light label Mythique version (which I have) was a pale imitation of the previous Mythique. Personally never had any issues with the bottle I have, I think it smells wonderful.

And now it’s gone again entirely.

If you’re a purist, you could argue the “true” Giv Vetyver (aka the vintage stuff) has been gone for ages.

I would personally not get involved in such silliness. I really like the version I have, although no on else I know likes it when I wear it.

I’m rambling. The point is, it has come and gone a few times before. It disappearing again kinda fits the pattern.

It’s not like the Vetiver category is short of candidates!

 

[Andy the frenchy]

Vetyver was unavailable for years before the dark label version of the Mythique range came out, and the Mythique was a huge reformulation (Guaiac Wood instead of Mysore Sandalwood for one thing).

Then there were accusations that the light label Mythique version (which I have) was a pale imitation of the previous Mythique. Personally never had any issues with the bottle I have, I think it smells wonderful.

And now it’s gone again entirely.

If you’re a purist, you could argue the “true” Giv Vetyver (aka the vintage stuff) has been gone for ages.

I would personally not get involved in such silliness. I really like the version I have, although no on else I know likes it when I wear it.

I’m rambling. The point is, it has come and gone a few times before. It disappearing again kinda fits the pattern.

It’s not like the Vetiver category is short of candidates!

No. But honestly, in that sheer/nutty category, there aren't a lot. I don't know... it is a 'dark' vetiver, but very elegant. 'Very Givenchy'.

The Women category is not short of candidates, and despite that, it usually hurts to divorce of a single one. I feel kind of the same here... But I have a bottle which is still quite full, so I'm good for a few years.