Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele wants you to know this isn’t just a Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur review. With the 2019 unveiling came an introduction to an entirely new olfactive category: mineral aromatics. A mix of scent and emotion, it’s like nothing you’ve ever smelt before.

Michele sought inspiration from the irresistible connection between smell and its power to recall memory. And yet, as you will see in this Gucci Memoire d’une Odeur perfume review, it’s embarking on something new and different. When creating this scent with famed perfumer Albert Morillas, Michele “tried to imagine the recollection of a scent that couldn’t easily be identified.”

This is Gucci’s first unisex cologne, a “perfume unassigned a gender or a time.” It’s an unusual, distinct fragrance intended to evoke universal appeal. Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur isn’t meant for envisioning the past, it’s the new nostalgia. And it’s all about the memories you make while wearing it.

So, how does it smell?

Key Takeaways 

As this Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur review will tell you, this fragrance is soft, bitter, and fresh. It’s perfect if you’re searching for a wholly unique scent, something you’ve never smelt before. The first unisex cologne by Gucci, this scent will take you on an earthy journey through a forest of chamomile on a cool summer morning.

Gucci Mémoire D’Une Odeur Review

Fragrance Notes & Scent

Soft and airy with a touch of bitterness, Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur is an unforgettable scent. At first spritz, it’s noticeably fresh and cool from the Roman Chamomile, which is rather underutilized in the fragrance world. The stem provides bitterness while its flower, which has grown wild in Rome for centuries, lends a floral note that is earthy rather than sweet.

At its heart, the cool, floral notes continue with tenderness from both jasmine and Indian Coral Jasmine Nature Print (exclusive to Gucci). Known in India as Queen of the Night, it’s lighter and fresher in the day, lending a honeyed aspect.

There is depth from the musk at the middle, which forms a cozy bridge between the frosted greenery and the balanced, woody sandalwood and cedar at its base. Vanilla lends a creaminess that’s not a strong scent, and it doesn’t transform on the skin, but rather, it fades away slowly like dew on a cool morning.

Usage & Occasion 

Like a cup of chamomile tea, Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur is soothingly bitter with a cool, almost powdery dry down. It’s a gentle, calming scent with an icy greenness that thrives in spring and summer. Overall, it’s rather neutral, neither masculine, spicy, nor sweet, which makes sense—it is a unisex cologne, after all.

Because of its soothing nature, this scent is meant for the reflective and creative guy, someone who would rather read philosophy than race cars. It’s a sophisticated scent that’s perfect for drawing people in by allure rather than force. Quiet, approachable confidence comes to mind.

Its soft freshness also makes Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur versatile. Light and airy, it’s excellent for tender moments, yet also jibes in neutral environments like the office. It’s easy enough to wear as an everyday scent in warm months and transitions from day to night like a charm. Just know this scent is unusual. A few spritzes is the perfect conversation starter.

Packaging & Price

There is an interesting mix of newness and nostalgia going on with Gucci’s latest scent. It’s clear that Gucci is trying to do something different by bottling a whiff of earthy oneness that everyone can enjoy. Yet a “sense of memory” and a connection to the past are clear. The elegant green bottle is genderless, but it’s also vintage, a riff on Eau de Gucci’s bottle from the 90s.

Covered in stars and celestial firmaments, the box is also a nod to the past, recalling Giotto’s 14th-century frescoes found in Padua, Italy. Fragrance aside, this Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur review has made it clear its packaging is just as special as its scent.

Which brings us to our next point. For something so unique from a luxury designer brand like Gucci, Mémoire is reasonably priced. Procure 2oz for under $100 or 3.4oz for a few dollars more at Nordstrom. It’s not the cheapest designer fragrance on the market, but it’s hardly staggering.

Trend & Popularity

It’s important to know that Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur can be divisive. While many people absolutely love indulging in its soft and bitter freshness, some strongly oppose it.

Ultimately, I believe it’s a misunderstood scent. It’s different. It’s not going to smell like anything you’ve smelled before. If you’re expecting something strong or sweet, look elsewhere. That being said, I think if you spray it on with an open mind, you might be surprised.

You’re not likely to smell Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur everywhere you go. It probably won’t become a wildly popular fragrance. It doesn’t bode well in cool winter air, so it’s not going to be a timeless offering. However, it’s a beautiful scent in warmer months. And it’s perfect if you’re looking to stand out and not smell like everyone else.

Sillage & Longevity

While Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur may not last forever, it lingers on the skin nicely, especially in the warmer months. Some find that it escapes their skin after five hours, and others say it lasts for a good twelve. Ultimately, a generous spritz should last you around six to seven hours.

As for sillage? Mémoire may be a soft scent, but it still has a presence. Its trail is best described as moderate, leaving a sense of intimacy in its wake.

What We Like

It’s a distinct smell

While it may be divisive, there isn’t another fragrance out there quite like it. Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur is perfect for uniqueness.

Perfect for summer

That fresh, green coolness has the right amount of bitter. It radiates in the sunshine, and it’s a great choice for warmer months.

It’s Unisex

For the first time, Gucci has made a scent for anyone and everyone, regardless of gender. Who doesn’t love that?

Flaws But Not Deal Breakers

Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur is a beautiful, fresh scent, but it’s not perfect. Some find its bitterness unappealing and its sillage too light, but it’s important to know what you’re working with before you spray it on. An open mind might change the way you approach it. At the end of the day, no smell is going to appeal to everyone (unless it’s bacon).

What Customers Are Saying About Product

Not everyone will be happy with the scent. I get that. There are many instances where iconic scents turn people off. And Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur has plenty of fans that understand its earthiness. (It’s worth noting that some reviews also found that it lasted on their skin for a long time).

“Too light…it’s a nice fragrance but it doesn’t last at all and it’s too pricey. I swapped it for Gucci Guilty and I’m much happier.”  -Fragrancex

“It is weird how notes I usually dislike- chamomile, almond, and jasmine- really work here so well and combine the most beautiful and harmonious scent…I’m thankful it’s not sweet or loud… This one is airy, pure art and magical! Medium sillage but killer longevity- 12+ hrs on my skin and clothes.”    -Fragrantica

“It’s extremely unique in profile, and it certainly won’t be for everyone…it shows subtlety, restraint, creativity in a sea of gourmands and orientals…Albert Morillas is a genius.”  -Fragrantica

Final Verdict

Understandably, Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur isn’t for everyone. But if you’re looking for a unique scent that comes at a relative bargain considering perfumer Albert Morilla’s stellar track record (he brought us the iconic CK One, for instance), this should be your choice. It’s fresh and cool, light, and slightly bitter. Swipe it on in summer and enjoy its green aroma.

Alternative Options

This is a Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur review, but it does help to recall other scents that align with its profile. Though both are masculine, Christain Dior Fahrenheit and Polo by Ralph Lauren use chamomile smartly. Hermes Un Jardin sur la Lagune strikes a similar comparison to Gucci’s. It’s a woody, earthy scent with floral notes that also happens to be unisex.