Bvlgari 1998 EDP

U ££ Statement

Black

by Annick Menardo

Share
Card A shareable image of this fragrance - its verdict, notes and profile. Save or copy it to post anywhere.

Bvlgari Black is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1998, created by Annick Menardo. Black opens with Bergamot, Rose, and Tea, settles into a heart of Cedar, Sandalwood, and Jasmine, and dries down to a base of Musk, Leather, Amber, and Oakmoss. Bvlgari's Black carries a Statement verdict, a woody-led wear.

This isn't for everyone, but if you're after something truly different, Black redefines 'unique'. It's a cult classic, deeply divisive with its infamous rubber note, but universally praised for its daring originality. Discontinued and now fetching ridiculous prices, it's a piece of fragrance history.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Modern
  • Mysterious
  • Edgy
  • Luxurious
£60.05 at Perfume Click 60ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Black Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

ScentArt

ScentArt Explorer What is ScentArt?

Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter
Also Works:
Spring

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual
Also Works:
Formal

Its bold and unique profile, with a reputation for strength (at least in vintage formulations), makes it a bit much for the office. It truly shines for dates and casual outings, exuding a mysterious and confident aura. It's too specific for most formal events and certainly not for sport.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Geraniol from Rose
  • Oakmoss Evernia prunastri extract from Oakmoss

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk
  • Vanillin from Vanilla

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Black opens with smoky tea and a hint of fresh rose before diving headfirst into an audacious, almost industrial rubber accord. This unusual, edgy heart is softened by creamy vanilla and warm amber, balanced by earthy oakmoss and rich leather in the base. It settles into a surprisingly comforting, smoky-sweet skin scent that lingers for hours.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Black Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Black Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 29 September

ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.

Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.