V'E Versace by Versace c1989

Launched in 1989 and introduced to the U.S. market by 1993, V’E Versace reflected the opulent yet contemporary ethos of Gianni Versace's brand. The name itself, V’E, invites curiosity. Likely derived from Italian roots, the "V" can be interpreted as "Vita" (life) or "Virtù" (virtue), while the "E" might signify "eleganza" (elegance) or simply "and," when translated. Together, "V’E Versace" becomes a linguistic emblem of vitality and elegance—a fitting descriptor for both the fragrance and the modern woman it was designed for. Pronounced as “Vee-Ay Versace,” its lyrical quality evokes sophistication and an international flair, perfectly aligning with the global appeal of Versace fashion.

The name V’E Versace conjures images of refined femininity imbued with strength and vitality. It speaks of a woman who is unapologetically modern, dynamic, and sensual. The branding evokes emotions of confidence, allure, and an unspoken invitation to indulge in the finer things. For the women of the late 1980s and early 1990s—a time when empowerment and elegance began to merge in the cultural zeitgeist—this perfume name would have resonated deeply. It symbolized the merging of tradition and modernity, a balance many women sought in their lives and identities.

In scent, V’E Versace translates this narrative into a luxurious floral chypre that combines woody and mossy undertones with the freshness of florals. This blend embodies versatility: sensual and grounding, yet sparkling and vibrant—a mirror of the multifaceted woman it was meant to adorn.

The late 1980s and early 1990s were characterized by bold, statement fragrances. The era was defined by the popularity of powerhouse perfumes like Yves Saint Laurent's Opium (1977), Dior's Poison (1985), and Calvin Klein's Obsession (1985), each reflecting an unapologetic sensuality and intensity. Chypre fragrances, with their intricate compositions of citrus, florals, woods, and moss, were celebrated for their complexity and elegance.

In this competitive landscape, V’E Versace both aligned with and diverged from the trends of the time. While it maintained the sophistication of a classic chypre, its modern floral twist and light, sparkling attitude set it apart. This freshness, paired with the chypre's trademark sensuality, made it a "future classic," as Versace's marketing proclaimed—a fragrance that offered both timeless allure and contemporary relevance.

 The promotional description for V’E Versace emphasized a harmony of elegance, vitality, and sensuality—qualities intrinsic to the Versace brand. Terms like "modern floral with sparkle and attitude" positioned the perfume as accessible yet aspirational, sexy yet sophisticated. This duality reflected the growing confidence of women at the time, who sought fragrances that could transition seamlessly from boardrooms to evening soirées.

The brand’s emphasis on sensuality and femininity spoke to women who were redefining these traits on their terms. Versace's use of evocative language—“sexy becomes her”—cemented the fragrance's identity as more than a scent; it was a statement of empowerment, individuality, and allure.

V’E Versace encapsulated the spirit of its time while paving the way for future trends in perfumery. Its luxurious chypre composition balanced modernity with tradition, making it both a reflection of contemporary tastes and a forward-looking creation. For women of the late 1980s and early 1990s, V’E Versace was not just a fragrance but an emblem of the confidence, complexity, and glamour that defined their lives.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a luxurious, woody and mossy floral chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: ylang ylang, jasmine, Bulgarian rose, lily of the valley, aldehydes, green notes, Amalfi lemon, bergamot
• Middle notes: African orange blossom, rose, orris, cyclamen, narcissus, lily, gardenia
• Base notes: balsams, frankincense, Virginia cedar, amber, oakmoss, heliotrope, sandalwood, musk

Scent Profile:

The fragrance of V’E Versace unfolds like a sensory journey through an enchanting world, each ingredient whispering its story in a unique voice. The scent is a luxurious symphony of floral, woody, and mossy chypre elements, combining elegance and vitality in every nuance.

The first encounter with V’E Versace is a luminous burst of vitality. The exotic, creamy warmth of ylang-ylang entwines with the heady and intoxicating allure of jasmine, creating an opulent opening. The lush sweetness of Bulgarian rose blooms alongside the delicate purity of lily of the valley, a bouquet of contrasts that captivates immediately. A touch of sparkling aldehydes lends an effervescent lift, enhancing the crispness of green notes, while the zesty brightness of Amalfi lemon and bergamot adds a tangy, refreshing clarity. Together, these top notes are both invigorating and sophisticated, like sunlight dancing through the morning dew.

As the fragrance deepens, the heart reveals its floral tapestry. The radiant, honeyed sweetness of African orange blossom mingles with the velvety richness of rose, evoking a romantic and timeless femininity. Orris, derived from the iris root, introduces a powdery elegance that tempers the florals, while the fresh and slightly soapy quality of cyclamen adds a clean yet floral nuance. The narcotic, almost green earthiness of narcissus intertwines with the creamy voluptuousness of gardenia and the stately grace of lily, creating a lush and layered bouquet. This middle phase is soft yet complex, as if wandering through a garden in full bloom, with each flower offering its distinct essence.

The dry-down of V’E Versace is where the fragrance reveals its depth and sensuality. The resinous warmth of balsams and the smoky, mystical allure of frankincense wrap around the woodsy strength of Virginia cedar and the creamy richness of sandalwood. Amber adds a golden warmth that feels almost like a caress, while the mossy, slightly earthy presence of oakmoss anchors the composition with a chypre sophistication. Heliotrope, with its soft, almond-like sweetness, blends seamlessly with the subtle animalic muskiness of musk, lending a skin-like sensuality. Together, the base notes are evocative of deep woods and velvet textures, a luxurious warmth that lingers long after the scent has settled.

V’E Versace evolves as an interplay of light and shadow, vitality and seduction. Its luxurious ingredients are expertly balanced, offering an olfactory experience that is both timeless and modern. Each phase of the fragrance, from the sparkling brightness of its top notes to the sumptuous complexity of its base, tells a story of confidence, elegance, and sensuality. It is a scent that defines femininity in bold, luxurious strokes while inviting the wearer to revel in its multifaceted charm.

Bottle:

The V’E Versace perfume bottle, designed in 1989 by Thierry Lecoule, is an exquisite blend of artistry, symbolism, and luxury. Inspired by Gianni Versace’s personal inkwell, or calamaio, the design captures the designer’s appreciation for craftsmanship and his penchant for reimagining historical objects as contemporary works of art. The bottle’s concept reflects a harmonious fusion of form and function, embodying Versace’s vision of elegance and sensuality.

The perfume bottle itself is a minimalist yet striking creation. Designed to complement the inkwell-inspired case, the bottle is wedged at the center, creating a visual interplay of precision and asymmetry. This juxtaposition of modern geometry and historical reference lends the bottle an aura of timeless sophistication. Its clean lines and understated elegance mirror the refined nature of the fragrance housed within.

The case, crafted by Baccarat, elevates the presentation of the perfume into a sculptural masterpiece. Resembling a tilted planet, the case leans slightly off its central axis, encapsulating the bottle in a unique and dynamic embrace. The hinged lid is engineered to close gently, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of Baccarat and ensuring a tactile, luxurious experience. Made in an ultra-limited edition of only 90 pieces, the crystal case became an immediate collector’s item, a treasure for connoisseurs of fine art and fragrance alike.

This extraordinary design earned critical acclaim, including the prestigious Grand Prix de Création de la Ville de Paris in 1989. Its innovative concept and flawless execution were celebrated as a testament to the synergy between artistic vision and technical mastery. The perfume bottle and case set a new standard for luxury presentation in the fragrance world.

In 1992, the V’E Versace parfum housed in the Calamaio cube, encased in Lucite, was offered at select high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman for $200. For the most discerning collectors, a 15ml edition in Baccarat crystal was available at a staggering $3,000, with a strictly limited production of only 200 pieces per year. These offerings underscored the exclusivity of the fragrance and its appeal to an elite clientele who valued both artistry and luxury.

The design of the V’E Versace perfume bottle and its presentation exemplified Gianni Versace’s commitment to creating objects that transcended mere function to become symbols of beauty and sophistication. Whether encased in the Lucite Calamaio cube or nestled within the rare Baccarat crystal case, the bottle stood as a testament to the enduring allure of Versace’s vision and the artistry of French craftsmanship.

 

Product Line:

The V’E Versace product line was thoughtfully designed to offer an immersive fragrance experience, allowing women to indulge in its luxurious floral chypre essence in various forms. Each product within the line not only complemented the others but also catered to different moments and needs, seamlessly integrating the fragrance into a woman's daily routine.

At the pinnacle of the collection was the Parfum Extrait, the most concentrated and opulent expression of V’E Versace. Housed in an elegant flacon, it captured the fragrance’s most intricate and luxurious notes, offering exceptional longevity and depth. Designed for special occasions, a few drops of this pure essence transformed into a statement of sophistication and sensuality, ideal for moments when nothing less than perfection would suffice.

The Eau de Parfum provided a slightly less concentrated, but equally impactful, version of the fragrance. With its harmonious balance of florals, woods, and moss, the EDP offered a rich, all-day wear experience. It was perfect for women who sought a bold, lingering presence that effortlessly transitioned from day to evening, embodying the essence of modern elegance.

For those who preferred a lighter touch, the Eau de Toilette delivered a fresher, more sparkling interpretation of the scent. Ideal for daytime wear or warmer seasons, the EDT highlighted the vibrant top notes while retaining the luxurious floral and chypre foundation. It was versatile and understated, appealing to women seeking a subtle yet captivating fragrance.

The V’E Versace Soap infused the daily ritual of cleansing with a touch of opulence. Richly scented, it transformed an ordinary bath or shower into a luxurious escape. The creamy lather left the skin delicately fragranced and feeling smooth, providing an indulgent start or end to the day.

The Shower Gel elevated personal care with its refreshing and aromatic formulation. As the warm water activated the gel, the scent of V’E Versace unfurled in a soft, enveloping cloud, turning an everyday routine into a sensory experience. Its hydrating properties ensured the skin was not only clean but also lightly scented, layering beautifully with other products in the line.

Designed to hydrate and perfume the skin, the Body Lotion offered a lightweight, silky texture that absorbed quickly while delivering a delicate veil of fragrance. Used alone, it provided a subtle expression of the scent. When layered with the EDP or EDT, it enhanced the longevity and complexity of the fragrance, making it a favorite for those who valued a complete and polished aroma.

The V’E Versace product line reflected the brand’s dedication to luxury and versatility, allowing women to experience the fragrance in multiple forms. Whether through the refined intensity of the Parfum Extrait or the everyday indulgence of the soap and body lotion, each product offered a unique way to embrace the vibrant, sensual essence of V’E Versace. Together, the line created a harmonious suite that spoke to the modern woman’s desire for elegance and indulgence in every aspect of her life.

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.