Diva

Diva, inspired by Emanuel Ungaro Diva (1983)

Aldehydes, the fizzy, slightly soapy materials behind many classic French perfumes, lift the first spray alongside bergamot, mandarin and a peppery edge of coriander and cardamom. Two roses, Turkish and Moroccan, then take over with jasmine, ylang-ylang and a clove-like carnation. Orris root brings the powder Ungaro itself mentions. Underneath, oakmoss gives the damp, forest-floor bitterness that defines a chypre, and honey with civet adds a dense, slightly animal richness.

About the original

Diva was the first fragrance from the house of Emanuel Ungaro, released in 1983. Ungaro describes it as a semi-oriental floral chypre with a sensual powdery note, which sums up its mix of rose, moss and amber. The house still sells it as an Eau de Parfum, next to a separate scent called Diva Rouge. No perfumer is credited in a source we consider reliable, and whether today's bottle matches the 1983 formula has not been established.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Emanuel Ungaro stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Its character divides people: admirers of classic chypres tend to find it familiar, while newcomers to the style can read the moss and civet as old-fashioned. Rich in feel, it carries plenty of powder. A wearer who wants something sheer or sugary should look elsewhere.

Related scents

• Guerlain Mitsouko
• Emanuel Ungaro Desnuda

Notes of the original fragrance, as listed in fragrance references.

Top notes: Aldehydes, Tuberose, Coriander, Cardamom, Bergamot, Mandarin

Heart notes: Turkish Rose, Moroccan Rose, Carnation, Ylang-ylang, Narcissus, Orris Root, Egyptian Jasmine

Base notes: Honey, Oakmoss, Civet, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Amber, Musk, Vetiver, Vanilla

The top is bright and a little soapy from the aldehydes, cut with bergamot and mandarin. Coriander and cardamom give it a dry, spiced lift, and tuberose hovers just behind.

Rose dominates the heart, rounded out by jasmine, ylang-ylang and narcissus. Carnation adds spice and orris root a cosmetic, powdery smoothness.

The drydown is mossy and resinous: oakmoss and patchouli for depth, honey and vanilla for sweetness, civet and musk for a skin-like animal note, with sandalwood, amber and vetiver holding it together.

Is this Diva or Diva Rouge?

It is the original Diva from 1983. Diva Rouge is a separate fragrance that Ungaro sells alongside it.

What does civet add to Diva?

Civet is an animalic note that smells musky and slightly earthy. In Diva it sits under the honey and moss and gives the base its depth rather than smelling dirty on its own.

Is Diva very powdery?

Yes, noticeably. Orris root and the aldehydes give it a powdery, cosmetic feel, which Ungaro highlights in its own description.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Emanuel 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 Emanuel 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.