Our take
What does Irresistible Rose Velvet smell like?
Givenchy spun Irresistible into Rose Velvet around late 2022 with the original trio: Anne Flipo, Dominique Ropion and Fanny Bal. The brand files it under floral chypre musk. The opening plays pink pepper against blackcurrant bud, and neroli brightens the mix. That cassis has a green, almost sulphurous twang you'll either love or hate. Then the rose settles in three forms: essence, rose water and musk rose. An iris concrete makes it denser and more powdery, which explains the velvet in the name. On skin the rose feels thick and soft, closer to suede than to fresh petals. The base runs on clean patchouli, sandalwood and white musk. Compared with the 2020 Irresistible, fruitier and lighter, Rose Velvet is darker and more grown-up. The pear of the original is gone. Same family DNA, a few years older.
When to wear it
A rose for cool weather, quiet enough for the office. Two sprays will do, since the iris and patchouli project well.
It belongs to the Floral, Chypre family. Irresistible Rose Velvet is one of 40 creations by Givenchy in our encyclopedia.
