Best John Varvatos by John Varvatos Alternatives & Similar Perfumes

“Živeli” (ZHEE-vuh-lee) is a common Serbian toast used to wish good health and a long life. In this extrait, a juicy burst of plum brandy melts into a leathered tobacco, encapsulating a celebratory night out with friends. Giddy joy is further fluffed by cherry and raspberry notes, while the leather aspect is warmed by honey, saffron and labdanum.

This composition is 24% parfum concentration, with 70% natural ingredients. Capped in Mexican Riviera Gray marble in a delicately etched glass bottle.

According to ancient religious scriptures, Mary mother of Jesus was informed of her destiny by the Archangel Gabriel when she was about 13 years old. Artists over the centuries have been captivated by the idea of this scene, a startled schoolgirl recoiling in shock from the supernatural being. The lily, symbolizing purity and innocence, is not only a common element of these artworks, but is also the inspiration for this extrait. In principio, Latin for “in the beginning”, is a meditation on the creamy radiance of lily, supported by the down-low sensuality of ylang ylang. Mace, sweeter than nutmeg and softer than incense, lends clarity, while sweet/tart kumquat sharpens the focus.

Limited to 58 bottles, 48% extrait.

Blended with:

White lily absolute, 
Kumquat essential oil, 
Mace absolute, 
Nutmeg tincture, 
Bitter orange essential oil , 
Ylang Ylang essential oil, 
Elemi essential oil, 
Tuscan cypress essential oil, 
Pompia essential oil, 
Turkish rose absolute, 
Rosewood essential oil, 
Frankincense rivae, 
Juhi jasmine absolute, 
Cistus tincture, 
Ambergris.

Important notice:

Zanini blends are living botanical compositions, crafted entirely from natural materials and free from synthetic fixatives or stabilizers. As with all things living, subtle variations are part of their nature: over time, you may notice a gentle evolution in colour, texture, or the appearance of natural sediment. These are not imperfections, but part of the character of the raw materials themselves.

These blends are olfactive smellscapes (but neither aromatherapy, nor ‘spray-and-go’ perfumes) and sensory experiences, closer to works of art created in the scented plane (rather than, say, visual or audio).

Certain essential oils and absolutes that are used in Zanini’s 100% natural blends may potentially cause allergies in some people. Please spray Zanini’s blends on fabric (on sleeves, scarves, etc.). 

Zanini advise that those who are prone to allergic reactions, pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with chronic illnesses to be extra careful. Before trying natural blends, study the list of ingredients and consult with a doctor if you are not sure or a had a history of allergies. If you do decide to put these blends on your skin (unable to resist the temptation) always test the blend on the inside part of your elbow first and wait.

Do not spray these blends liberally as a cloud in the way you would spray a conventional perfume. Zanini’s smellscapes need to be… carefully applied and experienced. Be mindful that some oils can also make your skin hyper-sensitive to UV.

A bright, multi faceted, spring-like floral with a citrus edge featuring sweet Turkish roses.

Bon Parfumeur open olfactive dimensions and invite you to add your own story.

Try 101 for an effervescent bouquet of pink flowers.

Perfumer: Alexandra Monet 

Spiritually, number one represents beginnings, focus and determination. Kajal l, with its fresh, engaging warmth, has been crafted to underscore one’s innate dignity and charisma. Cassis, grapefruit and mandarin provide the big “hello!”. Guaiac wood, cardamom, orange blossom and cashmeran draw people in, while a soft vanillic cloud of sandalwood and oud extend the allure.

Perfumer: Christian Carbonnel

The abandoned chapel of a Cistercian abbey. Cold stone walls, covered in moss. The waxen wood of ornate pews, the linseed oil of an unfinished painting. Myrrh and frankincense linger in the air, along with  . spicy white lilies. The subtle scent of golden pollen mingles with that of solemn green leaves. The call of the divine.

Perfumer: Hugo Lambert

Hélène Napoleone was the daughter of Napoleon’s last lover, Albine de Montholon, and although it was never confirmed if the now-exiled Emperor was indeed her father, he did give her his name, so…? Her namesake fragrance is a vivacious bouquet of fruits and florals, headlined by sparkling pear and creamy magnolia. The charm deepens with the amber base, warmed by sandalwood and patchouli.

A floral flight of a thousand fragrances from the Pays de Grasse.

Bel Air, in a contemporary interpretation, exalts the most exquisite flowers of Grasse in a sumptuous, luminous bouquet.

A fragrance in which Centifolia rose, jasmine, tuberose, iris, violet, and mimosa bloom sensuously, eternally. A genuine jewel of light, the bottle is a faithful replica of its predecessor, now tenderly tinged with coral. Bel Air, inspired by an idyllic garden, enchants the eye and heart with its petite pastel flask that radiates intensely bucolic beauty.

Klea opens with crisp mandarin and bergamot, while olive leaf adds an aromatic quality. As it warms on the skin, light and dewy floral notes of water lily, magnolia and jasmine reveal themselves. The citrus and florals intermingle with an aquatic sea salt note, reminiscent of warm skin drying in the sun after a dip in the sea. Papyrus and cedar ground the fragrance with a gentle woodiness, while amber, Egyptian musk and tonka bean add a softly regal quality.

In India, flowers are sacred symbols and an essential part of daily life. “Malli Nadu” means “land of jasmine”, inspired by the paradise of perfume ingredients found in India. There’s jasmine sambac, cultivated in India since antiquity, with its radiant fruity/green sheen and animalic undertone. There’s tuberose, an opulent, powerful floral, along with davana, an aromatic plant unique to India with a profile that vibrates between apricot and herbaceous. Palmerosa oil supplies a geranium-like lift, while Indian vetiver and sandalwood deepens and softens the composition. Perfumer Ilias Ermenidis sought to translate the romance of India into this luminous scent, which he calls “a fragrance for lovers”

Perfumer: Michèle Saramito

A new addition to Bloom’s portfolio, an elegant cologne with sweet sun kissed citruses, honeyed neroli and amber background.

With classic formulas it’s the quality of the ingredients that matters. Marie Jeanne might be a new perfume house, but it’s founded by a young perfumer from a family connected to Robertet for several generations.

Robertet is a bit like De Beers of the fine natural perfume materials - matières premières, for decades they have been dealing with the finest, purest and most precious stuff a perfumer can dream of.

This is Marcelle, a classic elegant cologne but with highly likely the best bergamot from Italy, grapefruit from Spain, neroli from Tunisia and petigrain from Paraguay among other notes in the formula.