Diva

The Story

Launched in 1983 and composed by the legendary Jacques Polge, later in-house perfumer at Chanel, Diva was Emanuel Ungaro’s first fragrance, a sumptuous chypre floral dedicated to the idea of a goddess. Its curvaceous bottle echoes the silhouette of an Ungaro gown, and the scent remains a cult classic, a hidden gem of 1980s perfumery beloved by collectors.

How It Smells

This is opulent, powdery vintage glamour. It opens with sparkling aldehydes, spicy coriander and cardamom, and a hit of bright citrus over a rich tuberose. The heart is a velvety bouquet of rose, carnation, ylang-ylang, narcissus, and jasmine, lush and a little spicy. Then the base reveals its chypre soul: honeyed oakmoss, patchouli, sandalwood, and a daring touch of animalic civet and musk, smoothed by amber and vanilla. The result is sensual, sophisticated, and unmistakably retro, a powdery floral that feels like fine soap, powder, and warm skin.

The Notes

Top: aldehydes, coriander, cardamom, tuberose, bergamot. Heart: rose, carnation, ylang-ylang, narcissus, jasmine. Base: oakmoss, patchouli, sandalwood, civet, amber, musk, vanilla.

How Our Version Compares

Our interpretation rebuilds Diva at 40 percent perfume oil, a far higher concentration than the lighter eau de toilette and eau de parfum sprays most people know, where the actual oil content is often only a small fraction of that. Made in the EU to careful standards, it is formulated to track the character you remember while giving you stronger projection and noticeably longer wear on skin. Because the oil load is so high, a little goes a long way: one or two dabs at the pulse points is usually enough for the day, and the scent unfolds slowly through its top, heart, and base over many hours rather than burning off within the first one. An oil based fragrance also sits closer to the skin and reacts to your own warmth and chemistry, so the way it develops on you will be subtly your own rather than identical to anyone else. If you want to stretch the wear even further, apply it to freshly moisturised skin, which holds the oils far better than dry skin and slows down evaporation. Storing it away from heat and direct light will also keep the blend smelling true for longer. This is an independent interpretation inspired by the original accord, blended in our own workshop, and it is not the branded fragrance itself.

Common Questions

Is this the original Ungaro fragrance? No. It is our independent interpretation of the accord, rebuilt at 40 percent perfume oil.

Is it a vintage style scent? Yes. Diva is a classic 1980s chypre floral, powdery and sophisticated, for those who love retro elegance.

Is it strong? It is rich and long lasting by nature, and our high oil version projects well, so a light hand is all you need.

When should I wear it? Its powdery, opulent warmth suits evenings and cooler weather and special occasions.

Comparative Advertising Disclaimer

Ungaro and Diva are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Ungaro in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.