by Emilio Pucci
Vivara (1965) is a retro green chypre with a distinct vintage identity, characterized by a sharp, herbaceous opening dominated by aldehydes, green notes, and a fleeting peach-like fruitiness that some reference as banana-like. The mid-phase reveals a soft floral heart of jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, and rose, subtle in intensity but interwoven with an aromatic, slightly spicy core that feels both Mediterranean and slightly bitter. The base is rich and earthy, featuring oak moss, amber, sandalwood, and a lightly sweetened leather note, with some users noting a powerfully herbal or vegetal dry-down reminiscent of Alliage or Scherrer. Longevity is strong, with many noting it lasts well past moderate to very long, and it carries a moderate sillage—surprisingly, despite the reputation of vintage parfum, it isn't overwhelmingly intense.