
Rochas Byzance, a perfume for women, was first launched in 1987. It was created by perfumer Nicholas Mamounas and is known for its rich, warm, sweet, and spicy scent. Over the years, the perfume has gained a cult following, with fans mourning its discontinuation. However, a new version of Byzance was released in 2019, featuring a similar bottle design but a different scent, which has received mixed reviews. With its complex blend of notes and distinctive character, Byzance continues to captivate those who encounter it, leaving a lasting impression.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Launch | 1987 |
| Brand | Rochas |
| Perfumer | Nicholas Mamounas |
| Fragrance Type | Eau de Parfum |
| Fragrance Family | Oriental Floral |
| Fragrance Notes | Bergamot, Pear, Rose, Freesia, Vanilla, Musk |
| Fragrance Characteristics | Sweet, Warm, Rich, Enveloping, Sexy, Spicy, Powdery, Woody |
| Bottle Design | Byzantine Art-inspired, Gold Cap, Deep Blue Bottle, Textured Rope |
| Discontinuation Status | Discontinued |
| Current Availability | Limited, Sold on Websites like eBay |
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What You'll Learn

The original 1987 Rochas Byzance perfume has been discontinued
Byzance was a rich, warm, and sweet scent, with notes of jasmine, tuberose, ylang-ylang, Turkish rose, and other white flowers. It was spiced with anise, carnation, cinnamon, and cardamom, with fresh mandarin, basil, and aldehydes rounding out the top notes. The heart and base notes were softened with a vanillic veil of amber, sandalwood, heliotrope, and cedar.
Luca Turin, in his book, expresses his confusion as to why Rochas perfumes are not more successful, as they are of great quality. The house of Rochas tends to create perfumes that fall along the wayside, often releasing perfumes that are out of date and missing the mark.
The 2019 version of Rochas Byzance is a completely different fragrance from the original 1987 version, with a lighter and weaker scent. The original had a heavy, church-like note that made it elegant and long-lasting. The new version has been described as lacking the magic and depth of the original.
The original Rochas Byzance has become a collector's item, with fans of the fragrance seeking out vintage bottles.
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A new version of Rochas Byzance was released in 2019
The 2019 version of Rochas Byzance has been described as being nothing like the original, with a lighter and weaker fragrance. The original perfume, released in 1987, is said to have a heavy church-like note that made it elegant and long-lasting. Despite this, the new version has received positive reviews, with some people saying it is like a warm hug and that it is a success.
The Rochas Byzance perfume has a rich history, with its unique bottle design and intriguing scent. The bottle is said to have all the refinement expected of Byzantine art, with gold elements and deep blue adding a touch of mystery. The perfume itself is described as a citrussy fragrance that casts a heady spell, with an initial burst of bergamot and pear, followed by notes of rose and freesia, and a trail of vanilla.
The 2019 version of the perfume continues the legacy of Rochas Byzance, offering a new interpretation of the original scent while maintaining its captivating and addictive qualities. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of this iconic fragrance.
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The 2019 version has a different scent and packaging
The 2019 version of the Byzance perfume has a different scent and packaging from the original 1987 version. The 2019 perfume is described as having a "warm hug" scent, with notes of pear, vanilla, and booziness. The original perfume, on the other hand, is said to have a heavier, church-like note that gives it elegance and longevity. The 2019 version comes in a blue box, while the original perfume bottles seem to have a gold colour scheme.
The 2019 version of Byzance seems to have divided opinions. Some people seem to prefer the original scent, with one person saying that the 2019 version would have turned them off of the perfume line if they had tried it first. However, others seem to appreciate the new scent, calling it "captivating, mysterious, and addictive".
The house of Rochas, the creator of Byzance, has a history of releasing perfumes that fall by the wayside, often releasing perfumes long after they were popular and missing the boat. This could be the case with the 2019 version of Byzance, which some people feel is falsely branded as it has little in common with the original scent.
The original Byzance perfume has gained a cult following, with people mourning its discontinuation and comparing it to other classic perfumes like YSL Opium. The 2019 version may have tried to capitalise on this following, but the change in scent and packaging seems to have created a disconnect between the two versions.
Despite the differences, both versions of the perfume have their admirers, and the unique scent and packaging of the 2019 version may appeal to those looking for a modern take on a classic fragrance.
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The 2019 version is a lighter scent than the original
The 2019 version of Byzance is a lighter scent than the original 1987 perfume. The original Byzance has been described as having a "heavy church-like note" that made it elegant and long-lasting. It is a sweet, creamy, powdery, spicy fragrance that is "rich, warm, enveloping, sweet and sexy". It is a complex and symphonic scent with notes of jasmine, tuberose, ylang-ylang, Turkish rose, and other white flowers, spiced up with anise, carnation, cinnamon, and cardamom.
In contrast, the 2019 version of Byzance is described as a "whole new scent" that is lighter and weaker than the original. It is an oriental floral scent with radiant pear and neroli, followed by a floral heart of freesia and heliotrope, and ending on rich notes of vanilla and musks. While it still has some of the depth and magic of the original, it is a more modern interpretation.
The 2019 version of Byzance is a successful update to the original perfume, which has been mourned by fans as a decade-specific scent that has been unjustifiably discontinued. The new version retains some of the magic and depth of the original while offering a lighter and more modern interpretation. While some may be disappointed that the 2019 version is not an exact replica of the 1987 original, it is a successful reformulation that captures the essence of Byzance in a new way.
The original Byzance by Rochas has a strong following, with fans describing it as a "beautifully balanced spicy-woody-floral scent" and a "classic, opulent beauty". It is an exotic fragrance that makes a statement and wraps the wearer in a warm and cosy blanket. The 2019 version, while different, still captures some of these qualities with its warm and captivating scent.
The house of Rochas is known for creating perfumes that are unique and stand out, and Byzance is no exception. The 2019 version continues the tradition of creating distinctive fragrances that evoke a sense of mystery and elegance. While the 2019 version is a lighter interpretation, it still captures the essence of Byzance and offers a modern take on a classic fragrance.
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The original Rochas Byzance is considered a classic fragrance
The original Rochas Byzance, launched in 1987, is considered a classic fragrance. It is described as a sweet, creamy, powdery, spicy scent that is rich, warm, enveloping, and sexy. The fragrance is complex and symphonic, with notes of jasmine, tuberose, ylang-ylang, Turkish rose, and other white flowers, spiced up with anise, carnation, cinnamon, and cardamom. It has a soft, vanillic veil of amber, sandalwood, heliotrope, and cedar, creating a sweet vanilla-amber accord.
Luca Turin, in his book, mentions that Rochas has many great perfumes, and he wonders why they are not as successful as they should be. The original Byzance is one of those perfumes that is sometimes mourned by its fans as it is a decade-specific scent that has been unjustifiably discontinued. It is considered a classic fragrance, comparable to vintage YSL Opium, and is known for its beautiful bottle designs.
The fragrance has a strong initial burst, and it is recommended to spray it at least 30 minutes before leaving the house. Over time, it mellows into a nice white floral, spicy, powdery, oriental floral scent. The original Byzance is a well-loved fragrance, with fans expressing their desire to obtain backup bottles and collect the various beautiful bottles it has been sold in over the years.
In 2019, Rochas launched a new version of Byzance, which is considered a reformulation by some. This new version is described as having a completely different scent from the original, lacking the magic and depth of its predecessor. Despite the same name and similar bottle design, the 2019 version is lighter and less elegant, with some fans feeling cheated by the false branding.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Byzance perfume is no longer in production. It was originally launched in 1987 and was a popular fragrance, but it has since been discontinued.
Yes, you can still purchase bottles of the original perfume online, although they tend to be quite expensive.
Yes, the formula for Byzance has been altered since its original release. The 2019 version is notably different, with a lighter scent that some reviewers say lacks the depth and magic of the original.











































