Gianni Versace: the Man behind the Medusa and the baroque architecture of scent: a retrospective of vintage Versace fragrances.
Originally published in 2014; fully revised and updated in 2026.
This guide focuses on the vintage era of Versace perfumes, covering releases up to the early 2000s. For information regarding more contemporary fragrances, it's recommended to consult guides by more specialized authors.
To understand the fragrances of Versace is to understand, first, the man who conceived them. Gianni Versace was born in 1946 in Reggio Calabria, at the very tip of the Italian peninsula, into a household where cloth, needle, and the grammar of beauty were daily presences.
His mother Francesca was a dressmaker, and it was in her atelier that Gianni received his earliest education in the relationship between material and form. He absorbed it, one suspects, not as a trade but as a philosophy, the conviction that beauty is something to be made, with hands, with will, and with a refusal of timidity.
Gianni Versace arrived in Milan in 1972, entered the fashion world through a commission for a Florentine leather goods house, and in 1978, with the financial backing of his brother Santo and the creative conspiratorship of his sister Donatella, founded the house that bore his name.
The first Gianni Versace catwalk show electrified the Milan fashion world immediately: here was a designer who dressed women in snakeskin and chainmail, who quoted Byzantine mosaic alongside punk leather, who understood that the purpose of glamour was not to reassure but to overwhelm.
The fragrances were, from the first, the olfactory extension of this aesthetic: operatic in character, unapologetic in their intensity, and calibrated for the man and the woman who wanted to be noticed in any room they entered.
To analyze the early perfumes of Gianni Versace is to revisit a time when the house operated as an extension of the designer’s own visceral creativity: a period defined by maximalism, unapologetic sensuality, and an Italian bravado that has become increasingly rare in contemporary perfumery. Let's go and explore the quintessential Versace perfumes.
The Foundation: Gianni Versace (1982) and L’Homme (1984).
The house’s debut, Gianni Versace (1982) for women, was a sprawling, ornate floral aldehyde that captured the essence of 80s opulence. It was not merely a perfume; it was a statement of power. Discontinued in 2005.
Shortly thereafter, Versace L’Homme (1984) arrived, a masterpiece of composition that remains the definitive standard for the house’s masculine identity. It is a leather-chypre of unparalleled sophistication, balancing sharp, biting lemon with a dark, resinous base that suggests the meticulous precision of a bespoke Italian suit. Still in production.
For the collector, these are the indispensable pillars of the Versace lineage.
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| Gianni Versace original, for women, ad 1982 |
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| Versace l'Homme ad, year 1984 |
The Experimental Era: V’E (1989) and Versus (1991).
As the house evolved, so did its olfactory narrative. V’E (1989), with its magnificent bottle shaped like an antique inkwell, represented a shift toward a more ethereal, avant-garde sensibility, a fragrance that felt like a Mediterranean dream rendered in glass. It was subtle yet complex, challenging the prevailing trend of "loud" scents. Discontinued in 2000.
Conversely, Versus (1991) (both the feminine and masculine iterations) captured the house's youth-oriented, rock-and-roll vitality. These scents were daring, textured, and possessed a distinct stylistic clarity that feels remarkably timeless today. Discontinued shortly after 2000.
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| V'E by Versace, 1989 |
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| Versus for Her, year 1991 |
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| Versus for Him, year 1991 |
The Icons: Blonde (1995) and The Dreamer (1996).
We arrive at the zenith of the pre-millennium era with two polarizing legends. Blonde (1995) is, quite simply, the ultimate diva of the Versace collection. A narcotic, tuberose-heavy triumph, it is a fragrance of extreme intensity that demands attention. It remains one of the most sought-after vintage scents for those who appreciate the bold, uncompromising florals of the 90s. Discontinued in 2000.
The Dreamer (1996), however, serves as the poetic bridge to the modern era. A composition of tobacco flower and lavender, it possesses an airy, dreamlike quality that felt entirely new upon its release. It is perhaps the most "intellectual" of the vintage Versace men’s line, favoring atmosphere over brute force. Still in production.
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| Blonde, year 1995 |
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| The Dreamer, year 1996 |
The Casual Revolution: The "Jeans" Series (1994-2000)
The "Jeans" series (Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, White, Black, Metal Women, Metal Men, and Baby) marked a deliberate move toward accessibility.
Sold in a truly unique packaging, a sort of Coke bottle inside a metal can, they were positioned as a more casual, democratic expression of the brand, they retain a level of compositional integrity that puts most modern designer fragrances to shame.
They are snapshots of a specific moment in 90s culture: youthful, vibrant, and incredibly wearable.
"Blue" Jeans, 1994.
"Red" Jeans, 1994
"Baby Blue" Jeans, 1995.
"Green" Jeans, 1996.
"Yellow" Jeans, 1996.
"Black" Jeans, 1997.
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| "Green" Jeans, 1996. |
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| "Yellow" Jeans, 1996. |
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| "Black" Jeans, 1997. |
The Legacy.
In the decades that followed, the house navigated the complexities of corporate restructuring, and while many releases lost the "hand-made" feel of the Gianni era, there are survivors.
Modern compositions such as Bright Crystal (2006), Versace pour Homme (2008), Versense (2009), Eros (2013), deserve recognition as the few successful descendants that maintain the house’s DNA, retaining a touch of that original Mediterranean spirit, even if they lack the baroque density of their predecessors.
In all likelihood, it is still too early to tell if these latest perfumes will hold great collector value in the future.
A word of caution: since 2010, the Versace fragrance market has literally exploded. Unfortunately, this has led to a surge in sophisticated counterfeits and forgeries. It is strongly recommended to purchase only from authorized retailers or, at the very least, from highly reputable and trusted sources.
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| Bright Crystal, 2006 |
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| Pour Homme, 2008 |
For the Collector.
To acquire these vintage Versace bottles is to curate a library of scent. They are not merely relics; they are testaments to an era when perfumery was an architectural pursuit, constructed with structural rigor, emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to the Versace aesthetic. They are the essential chapters in the history of luxury.
As always, when purchasing vintage perfumes for collection (or potential future resale), it's strongly recommended to buy from trusted, reputable sources. For particularly rare and valuable pieces, it is always best to ensure the seller includes a certificate of authenticity.
It is widely acknowledged that Gianni Versace was an exacting perfectionist regarding his fragrances, viewing them as an intrinsic extension of his creative vision. Nothing was left to chance; every scent was directly overseen by the designer himself.
Consequently, Versace perfumes launched prior to 1997 command a higher premium among collectors, as they represent the unfiltered essence of his artistic legacy.
Dating Vintage Versace Perfumes: A Connoisseur’s Guide
Decoding Versace batch codes requires a nuanced approach, as these numerical indicators must be cross-referenced with production and distribution data to ensure accuracy.
To reliably date your collection, one must first identify the specific era of manufacture, as the provenance of Versace fragrances is categorized into three distinct periods.
The Three Eras of Versace Perfumery.
The Initial Era (1981–1988): produced under license in France alongside with Yves Saint Laurent perfumes. Bottles from this period are characterized by the "Made in France" designation.
When Yves Saint Laurent chose to reclaim the license for their fragrances in 1986, moving to in-house production, Versace recognized the strategic necessity of doing the same. It was a significant turning point, and in 1988, Gianni Versace finally succeeded in reacquiring the license for his own perfume house.
The GIVER Era (1988–2004):
Production shifted to Italy under the Giver production and distribution. These pieces are marked "Made in Italy."
The Euroitalia Era (2005– ):
The current ongoing period, marked by the transition to Euroitalia production and distribution, also produced in Italy.
Analyzing Batch Codes.
While the syntax of batch codes has evolved significantly across these three decades, a consistent rule applies since 1982 : the leading digit of the code corresponds to the year of production.
To achieve an authoritative verification of your bottle’s age, collectors should treat the batch code not as a standalone fact, but as a secondary validation to the manufacturing label and distribution company.
FIRST ERA, "Made in France" (1981-1988):
As Versace perfumes were produced in conjunction with Yves Saint Laurent, they utilize the same batch coding system. You may therefore apply the standard YSL dating criteria when evaluating these early Versace pieces.
To confirm their origin, always inspect the box and bottle for the 'Made in France' or 'PARIS' designations, as these are the defining markers for this era.
Batch codes from this era typically consist of a four-to-five-digit sequence. The leading digit denotes the year of production (e.g., the code 41231 corresponds to the year 1984).
SECOND ERA, "Giver" (1988-2004).
Following the acquisition of his fragrance line, Gianni Versace moved production to Italy, marking a transition toward complete creative and manufacturing control: "GIVER" i.e GIanni VERsace.
During this period, the "Made in France" designation was replaced by "Made in Italy".
To accurately identify bottles from this era, one must examine both the manufacturer and the distributor indicated on the packaging:
Manufacturers:
-Giver S.p.A.
-Versace Profumi S.p.A.
-Vepro S.p.A.
Distributors:
-"Vepro USA": (1991–1995; no US distributor before 1991)
-"Versace Profumi USA" or "Fragrance Marketing Group Inc.". Both operated concurrently as distributors starting in 1995.
Dating and Batch Code Syntax (1988-2005).
During this era, batch codes typically consist of five to six digits. As established previously, the leading digit indicates the final numeral of the year of production (e.g., a code beginning with 2, such as 212345, could signify either 1992 or 2002).
Collector’s Note: Because the leading digit is not unique to a single decade, it is essential to cross-reference the batch code with the distributor’s information. Identifying the specific distributor will clarify whether the production year falls within the 1990s or the early 2000s.
THIRD ERA, "Euroitalia" (since 2005).
2005–2009: Batch codes consist of six digits. The leading (first) digit denotes the year of production (e.g., a code beginning with "5" indicates a 2005 production year).
2010 onwards: The format expanded to seven digits. In this sequence, the first two numbers correspond to the year of production (e.g., a code beginning with "15" indicates a 2015 production year).
Alternative Coding (2011–Present): You may also encounter an alternate alphanumeric format consisting of four digits followed by one letter. In this specific sequence, the first digit from the left represents the year of production.
Secondary Identifiers.
To date vintage perfumes with precision, employ a triangulation of secondary identifiers:
Barcodes: Widespread adoption beginning in 1989–1990.
Green Dot Symbol: Introduced in 1991-1992.
Design & Copyright: Analyzing shifts in bottle/box aesthetics.
Beyond design aesthetics and batch codes, regulatory shifts provide an immutable timeline for dating. The most significant of these is the comprehensive list of allergens, which became mandatory on packaging between 2003 and 2005.
By evaluating these markers in tandem, you can establish an accurate production timeline, even in the absence of a legible batch code.
Versace perfumes: decoding reformulations.
The most reliable way to identify a reformulation is to look for the "formula code," usually situated at the conclusion of the mandatory allergen list: a labeling standard mandated by EU regulations in 2003. However, since fragrance -houses are not legally obligated to publish this internal reference, many brands, including Versace, choose not to include it.
How, then, can a collector detect if a fragrance has been modified? The key is to conduct a comparative analysis of the ingredient labels. Even the slightest alteration, whether an ingredient has been added, deleted, or merely shifted in its order of concentration, is a definitive indicator that the formula has been reworked.
It is worth noting that a "reformulated" fragrance is not necessarily lesser in quality. Reformulation is often an inevitable evolution dictated by changing regulations or the availability of raw materials. Ultimately, your own sense of smell is the final judge.
When a perfumer succeeds in making a reformulation virtually identical to the original, it stands as a testament to their exceptional technical craftsmanship.
A Note for Collectors: Do not confuse the copyright date on the packaging with the actual age of the juice. That date pertains solely to the legal protection of the design (the bottle and box aesthetics).
To accurately track changes within the Versace archives, your focus must remain on the allergen declaration on the packaging, specifically observing the presence and the sequence of the listed components.
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| Allergens list, since 2003 |
VERSACE perfumes TIMELINE
Gianni Versace, original (1982)
Versace l'Homme (1984)
V'E Versace (1989)
Versus Uomo (for Him, 1991)
Versus Donna (for Her, 1991)
Blue Jeans (1994)
Red Jeans (1994)
Baby Blue Jeans (1995)
Blonde (1995)
Baby Rose Jeans (1995)
The Dreamer (1996)
Green Jeans (1996)
Yellow Jeans (1996)
Black Jeans (1997)
White Jeans (1997)
V/S Women (1998)
V/S for Men (2000)
Metal Jeans Men (2000)
Versace Woman (2000)
Versace's Essence (Exciting, Ethereal, Emotional, 2000)
Metal Jeans Women (2000)
Versus Time (Action, Relax, Energy, Pleasure, 2002)
Jeans Couture (Man, Woman, 2002)
Versace Man (2003)
Jeans Couture Glam (2003)
Versace Jeans Woman (2004)
Crystal Noir (2004)
Versace Man Eau Fraîche (2006)
Bright Crystal (2006)
Versace (2007)
Gianni Versace Couture (2008)
Versace pour Homme (2008)
Versace Versense (2009)
Versus (new) (2010)
Vanitas (2010)
Yellow Diamond (2011)
Eros (2013)
Versace pour Homme Oud Noir (2013)
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| (from Ebay) Versace l'Homme, first edition, note the word "Versace" in thin letters. |
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| Early years: "MADE IN FRANCE" (first era, 1982-1988) |
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| (from Ebay) Versace original, Made in France, batch 21751 = year 1982 |
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| Labels during early years. Note the word "PARIS" on the stickers |
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| Versace, Early Years, bottles Made in France (1982-1988) |
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| Bottles "Made in Italy" (since 1988) |
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| "Made in Italy" and "Made in France" |
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| Made in France, PARIS, batch nr. 43011 = year 1984 (same YSL batch numbers) |
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| Made in Italy, NO reference about USA distributor= before 1991 batch nr. 82801= year 1988 |
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| Made in Italy by Versace Profumi SPA. NO reference about USA distributor = before 1991 Batch nr. 01491 = year 1990 |
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| Made in Italy, no US distributor 01491 = year 1990 |
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| Versace Profumi spa (italian) no US distributor batch nr. 01831 = year 1990 |
(1991-1995)
"GIVER spa", or "VERSACE PROFUMI spa" , or "Vepro spa"+ distributor : "VEPRO USA"
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| (from Ebay) Versace l'Homme, Versace Profumi SpA, US Distributor VEPRO USA batch 11691 = year 1991 |
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| (from Ebay) Versace l'Homme, Versace Profumi SpA, US Distributor VEPRO USA batch 12031 = year 1991 |
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| VEPRO USA (1990-1995) batch 20131 = year 1992 |
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| Made in Italy, VEPRO USA batch 20131 = year 1992 |
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| (from Ebay) Versace Profumi spa, Vepro USA (1990-1995) batch 31381WB = year 1993 |
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| VEPRO SPA (italian manufacturer) VEPRO USA (US distributor) = generically years 1991-1995 |
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| VEPRO USA (1991-1995) batch 43221WB = year 1994 |
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| VERSUS, Versace Profumi spa VEPRO USA (1990-1995) batch nr 50201 = year 1995 |
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| Versace l'Homme: shifting to THICK and CAPITAL letters, since 1994. |
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| Versace l'Homme 10th anniversary ad (1994) (from Ebay) |
(1995-2005)
"GIVER Spa" or "Versace Profumi spa"
+ distributors "VERSACE PROFUMI USA"
or "Fragrance Marketing Group INC"
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| GIVER, and Fragrance Marketing Group (since 1995) batch 50861WB = year 1995 |
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| Blonde, GIVER and "Versace Profumi USA" label (since 1995) batch nr 60591 = year 1996 |
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| The Dreamer, first Edition ("Nebula" box) |
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| Versace l'Homme, distr, Fragrance Marketing Group USA (since 1995)
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| (from Ebay) Yellow Jeans batch 62141BWB = year 1996 |
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| GIVER and Versace profumi USA (since 1995) batch 624781WB = year 1996 |
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| GIVER, Versace Profumi USA (since 1995) batch 617205 = year 1996 |
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| (from Ebay) GIVER, Versace Profumi USA (since 1995) batch nr. 708602 = year 1997 |
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| (from Ebay) GIVER, and Versace Profumi USA batch nr 82801 = year 1998 |
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| (from Ebay), Blonde, 30 ml , year 1998 |
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| (from Ebay) V'E batch 91791HWF = year 1999 |
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| Versus, GIVER and "Versace Profumi" USA (since 1995) batch 91291RWF = year 1999 |
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| (from Ebay) The Dreamer, GIVER Spa, Made in Italy, dist. Versace Profumi USA, batch 924514 = year 1999 |
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| (from Ebay) Gianni Versace original, new box, batch year 2000 |
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| (from Ebay) Black Jeans GIVER, and Versace profumi USA (since 1995) batch 00031W = year 2000 |
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| (from Ebay) Versus, batch 01324Y1 = year 2000 |
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| (from Ebay) Versace's Essence GIVER profumi Spa, distr. Versace Profumi USA, batch 20053B1 = year 2000 |
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| GIVER, and Versace Profumi USA (since 1995) batch 119405 = year 2001 |
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| Dreamer, GIVER, Versace Profumi USA (since 1995) batch 215605 = year 2002 |
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| (from Ebay) The Dreamer distr. "Versace Profumi USA", batch 219311 = year 2002 |
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| Dreamer, GIVER, VERSACE PROFUMI USA distributor (since 1995) batch nr 229018 = year 2002 |
.JPG) |
| (from Ebay) GIVER, and Versace Profumi USA (since 1995) batch 207201 = year 2002 |
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| (from Ebay) Baby Blue Jeans batch 20152Y1 = year 2002 |
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| (from Ebay) Gianni Versace original, new box batch 228401 = year 2002 |
EUROITALIA (since 2005)
6-digits batches 2006-2009
7 digits batches : since 2010
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| Early Euroitalia address: MONZA (MB) now: Cavenago. |
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| EUROITALIA (since 2005) batch nr 618105 = year 2006 |
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| old stock: GIVER srl batch 600210, with the long list of allergens= beginning of 2006. (it should be marked "EUROITALIA") |
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| Versace l'Homme, long list of allergens (since 2003) batch nr. 600210 = year 2006 |
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| Versace l'Homme, modern version |
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| The Dreamer, second edition |
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| (from Ebay) EUROITALIA batch 724365 = year 2007 |
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| (from Ebay) Versense, launched in 2009 batch 930958 = year 2009 |
EUROITALIA and 7-digits batch codes: since 2010.
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| EUROITALIA 7-digits batch starting with "10" = year 2010 |
.JPG) |
| EUROITALIA, 7-digits batch Euroitalia old address ("Monza") starting with "11" = year 2011 |
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I've on my Versace Man batch code B2208 and it's made from Euroitalia.
ReplyDeleteCalculator says: year 2012. It's a 4th era? What do you think?
Ho un verde Versace Jeans con codice 62071AWB , distributore Versace profumi USA .
ReplyDelete2006 o 1996 ? grande abbraccio. Ricardo de Belo Horizonte, Brasil.
Buongiorno, bisogna controllare la lista degli ingredienti sulla scatola: se è corta, allora è del 1996. Se è lunga, allora è del 2005.
DeleteYou should check the ingredients on the box: if there is a short list of ingredients = year 1996. If there is the long list = year 2006.
Bye,
Laura
Very amazing. Could you advise the batch code for Lancome , Cartier
ReplyDeleteYour perfume related blog is truly excellent. Here I found many important information related to this. Such a wonderful article will be written in the future.
ReplyDeleteI love This Perfume. I personally use versace perfume. One of Mine Fav Perfume.
ReplyDeleteHow about 5 digits and a letter? 03072M Euroitalia, what would be the year?
ReplyDeleteHi, if it's distributed by Euroitalia , "the first number is the year". So it could be 2010 or 2020. Regards, Enzo
DeleteI have either a 2000 or 2010.... brown box, batch code 00179v1. The lettering is thicker "verscace l'omme" and centered... clear bottle with frosted sides, bar code, versace profumi... the side of the box says giver spa milano...on the bottle it also says giver... ingredient list is alcohol denat, aqua, parfum, propolene glycol, benzophenone - 2... i am hoping this is 2000 and not 2010. Then it says contains: and says basically the same ingredients...
ReplyDeleteHi Greg, your perfume is certainly from 2000. Had it been from 2010, you would find the long list of allergens printed on the box. Instead, you only have the short list (alcohol denat, aqua, parfum, propylene glycol, benzophenone-2), which was used until 2003. Enjoy your vintage Versace l'Homme! RotLS team
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