Victoria Beckham's latest luxury fragrance is proving to be a major hit with shoppers, with many praising its ability to lift their spirits throughout the day. The Portofino '97 Eau de Parfum, a genderless scent retailing for £170, is currently available from Victoria Beckham Beauty, Selfridges, and Space NK.
A Scent Inspired by Italian Rendezvous
Inspired by early romantic escapes to the Italian Riviera with husband David, the perfume aims to bottle the essence of a secret seaside getaway. The brand describes it as an ode to those rendezvous, capturing the fresh sea breeze blended with deeper, warmer notes.
The fragrance composition features top notes of Calabrian bergamot and black pepper, which give way to middle notes of amber and incense. The scent settles into base notes of vetiver and patchouli, creating what VB Beauty calls 'the seductive scent of desire'.
Even the bottle's design carries the theme, with its distinctive blue hue specifically crafted to match the colours of the Ligurian Sea, drawing inspiration from vintage perfume bottles.
Overwhelmingly Positive Customer Reception
The perfume has garnered an impressive 4.8-star rating from 724 reviews on the brand's website. Feedback highlights the scent's complexity, longevity, and emotional impact.
One enthusiastic customer declared it their favourite of Beckham's four fragrances, writing: "Portofino just makes me happy every time I smell it. It’s very long-lasting. If I catch a whiff of it during the day it lifts my spirits." The reviewer was so enamoured they purchased a travel size to maintain the scent throughout the day, hoping the formula remains unchanged forever.
Another buyer shared: "Bought for my wedding. Gorgeous smell lasted all day. Now every time I wear it, I will be reminded of the amazing day. I got many compliments."
Considerations and Comparable Scents
While the majority of reviews are glowing, a small number of customers felt the scent's longevity did not meet expectations for the price point. One such review noted: "The smell is good, but absolutely unstable. After 30 minutes it evaporates."
For those seeking a similar olfactory profile, BYREDO's Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum is noted as a comparable scent, available for £150 at Cult Beauty. This fragrance also focuses on capturing memories and emotions.
In the wider luxury fragrance market, alternatives like Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle are available from Sephora for £78, described as embodying the essence of a bold and free woman.
Ultimately, Victoria Beckham's Portofino '97 has cemented its place as a beloved, mood-enhancing fragrance in the competitive world of luxury perfumery, with its romantic backstory and sophisticated blend resonating strongly with consumers.
