Anniversary

The Verdict

Roberto Cavalli Anniversary arrived in 2010 to mark the Italian fashion house's 40th anniversary, accompanied by the expected fanfare of Gisele Bundchen campaigns and glamorous launch parties. Behind the celebrity marketing, perfumer Olivier Polge crafted a composition that, according to the community, is more interesting and nuanced than the typical anniversary fragrance.

The consensus characterizes Anniversary as a fragrance of quiet sophistication rather than loud glamour. Reviewers describe it as "feminine" but elusive, not easily pinned down despite a seemingly straightforward fruity-floral note structure. The interplay between jasmine, patchouli, and vanilla creates what multiple reviewers identify as a slightly tobaccoish quality, lending unexpected depth to what could have been a conventional fruity-floral.

Polge's expertise is evident in how the composition handles its ingredients. Rather than creating a bright, obvious fruity scent, he delivers something smoother and more mysterious, a fragrance that reveals itself gradually and rewards repeated wearing.

What It Smells Like

The opening brings raspberry, green apple, and pink pepper together in a combination that is fresh and exotic without being overtly sweet. Reviewers specifically note that the raspberry produces a "flowery sweetness which blends nicely with skin rather than synthetic sweetness," distinguishing it from the cloying fruitiness of lesser compositions. The pink pepper adds a gentle, spicy warmth that hints at the complexity to come.

The heart is where Anniversary reveals its true character. Orange blossom, jasmine, and heliotrope create a glamorous floral center, but it is the jasmine that dominates the proceedings. The heliotrope contributes a powdery, almond-like quality that complements the orange blossom's creamy sweetness, creating a rich, multi-dimensional floral heart.

The base of Virginia cedar, patchouli, and vanilla provides the sensual, slightly dark foundation that sets Anniversary apart. The patchouli is prominent without being aggressive, and when combined with vanilla, it creates that distinctive "tobaccoish" quality that reviewers find so appealing. This is a warm, woody-gourmand finish that lingers on skin and fabric.

When to Wear It

Reviewers recommend Anniversary for "hot and sultry summer and autumn evenings if applied moderately." The warm, resinous base can amplify significantly in heat, so restrained application is key during warmer months. In autumn, the composition comes into its own, with the smoky patchouli-vanilla base harmonizing beautifully with crisp air.

This is predominantly an evening fragrance. The sensuality of the composition and its slightly dark undertones suit dinner dates, cocktail parties, and social gatherings where a touch of mystery is welcome. Moderate daytime application is possible but less ideal.

Longevity & Projection

Performance reports are generally favorable, with the patchouli and vanilla base providing solid persistence. However, reviewers caution that the fragrance can become what one describes as a "sillage bomb in hot weather," meaning that projection amplifies significantly with temperature. Applied moderately, it provides a pleasant aura; applied heavily in heat, it can overwhelm.

The cedar and patchouli base notes tend to last well on fabric and skin, with the vanilla sweetness lingering into the late dry down. Overall, the community rates performance as adequate to strong, depending on application and conditions.

The Community Says

Fragrantica reviewers highlight the unexpected depth of the composition. One describes it as "a nice Polge creation, feminine, it eludes you a bit. Not strong nor bold like the notes suggest, it is rather smooth, and a bit mysterious." Another notes that the most prominent notes are "jasmine, patchouli and vanilla, giving a slightly tobaccoish feel" moderated by orange blossom and heliotrope.

The Fragrantica news coverage positioned it as an expertly blended and sensual perfume, while individual reviewers appreciate that it avoids the trap of being just another fruity-floral. The fashion house's commemorative intent gives it an added layer of meaning for those who follow Roberto Cavalli.

Who Should Buy This

Anniversary is well-suited for those who enjoy sophisticated fruity-floral compositions with woody-oriental depth. If you appreciate patchouli-vanilla combinations and want a fragrance that is feminine but not predictable, this Olivier Polge creation deserves consideration. It works particularly well for evening wear during the warmer months.

Avoid this if you prefer straightforward, fresh fragrances, if patchouli is a note you find off-putting, or if you need a versatile all-day, all-season fragrance. The smoky, resinous character, while appealing in the right context, limits its daytime and cold-weather utility.

The Bottom Line

Roberto Cavalli Anniversary is a thoughtfully composed celebration fragrance that transcends its commemorative origins through Olivier Polge's expert blending of raspberry, jasmine, patchouli, and vanilla. Its mysterious, slightly smoky character offers genuine sophistication for evening wear, making it a worthwhile discovery for those who appreciate nuanced, sensual fragrances.