Black

Black by Bvlgari (1998)

Released in 1998 and crafted by master perfumer Annick Menardo, Bvlgari Black is one of the most distinctive and cult-followed designer fragrances ever created. Built around bergamot, green tea, jasmine, rose, leather, vanilla, and musk, this unisex composition captured something unique in perfumery: the smell of rubber tires, warm leather, smoky tea, and quiet vanilla. The result was so distinctive and ahead of its time that Black has become one of the most legendary discontinued designer fragrances of the past three decades.

Bvlgari Black has been discontinued and authentic bottles command increasingly premium prices on resale markets. Fragrance collectors actively hunt for original bottles as the supply continues to dwindle. Our interpretation references the original 1998 Menardo formulation as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum, made in the EU.

Bottle size: 50ml · Concentration: Eau de Parfum (up to 40% perfume oil) · Made in EU

The Annick Menardo Signature

Annick Menardo is one of the most distinctive perfumers in modern fragrance, known for bold compositions including Hypnotic Poison for Christian Dior, Lolita Lempicka, and Azzaro Visit. For Bvlgari Black, she created something so unique that no one has ever successfully replicated it: the smell of car tires, smoky lapsang souchong tea, and warm vanilla. The fragrance has become a benchmark for distinctive perfumery design.

How It Smells

The opening is immediately and unmistakably distinctive: warm rubber and smoky black tea laced by bergamot. There is no shy citrus burst. Bvlgari Black announces its character from the first spray, and once smelled, never forgotten.

The heart introduces delicate jasmine and rose softened by the continuing smoky tea character. The dry-down settles on smooth leather, warm vanilla, and clean musks. A base that lingers on skin for many hours with refined, slightly smoky, deeply distinctive depth. Unlike anything else.

Notes

Top: Bergamot, Green Tea, Smoky Tea
Heart: Jasmine, Rose, Rubber Accord
Base: Leather, Vanilla, Musk

How Our Version Compares

Our interpretation captures the bergamot-smoky tea opening, jasmine-rubber heart, and warm leather-vanilla base that has made Bvlgari Black one of the most cult-followed discontinued designer fragrances of recent decades. Built as a long-lasting Eau de Parfum at up to 40% concentration, typically 8 to 10 hours on skin, longer on fabric.

Common Questions

Is Bvlgari Black really discontinued?

Yes. The fragrance is no longer in active production. Authentic bottles command increasingly premium prices on resale markets, and Fragrantica and Basenotes fans actively mourn its loss while hunting for remaining original bottles.

Does Bvlgari Black really smell like rubber tires?

Yes, as part of its identity. The rubber accord is balanced by smoky tea, jasmine, and warm vanilla, creating a sophisticated and distinctive composition rather than a literal industrial smell. The result has become legendary in perfumery for its boldness.

Is this fragrance unisex?

Yes. Annick Menardo designed it as a unisex composition that wears beautifully on any skin.

How long does this fragrance last on the skin?

Typically 8 to 10 hours on skin, longer on clothing. Leather and vanilla based fragrances famously cling to fabric.

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer: This product is inspired by and compared to Bvlgari’s Black, but is not identical and is not affiliated with Bvlgari or LVMH. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Product names are used for reference only.