Eau de Parfum II

The Verdict

Gucci Eau de Parfum II, created by Antoine Maisondieu and Daniela Andrier in 2004, occupies a bittersweet place in fragrance memory. As a playful, berry-forward companion to the original Gucci EDP, it carved out a distinctive niche with its signature blackberry note and youthful floral character. Its discontinuation has transformed it from an accessible designer fragrance into a sought-after collector's item, with fans lamenting that Gucci cruelly ripped it from production, leaving us all in a scent-less wasteland.

The community is genuinely mixed on whether the nostalgia matches the reality. Some treasure it as a delightfully brisk, fruity, green floral with irreplaceable character. Others find it an essentially pedestrian floral that is way too sweet for its own good. The truth likely lies between these extremes, colored significantly by individual skin chemistry and expectations.

What It Smells Like

The opening bursts with bitter orange, mandarin, black currant, and red berries, creating an immediate impression of tart, bright fruitiness. Some reviewers find the initial spray very strong in a cassis-grass note that can be sharp and green rather than purely fruity. The berry sweetness is bold and unapologetic, announcing itself with youthful exuberance.

The heart is where the signature note emerges. Blackberry weaves through peony, violet, freesia, jasmine, and lily-of-the-valley, creating what reviewers describe as a distinctive blackberry nuance in a floral ambience. The berries on top are sweet and strong at first, but the sweetness eventually settles and becomes more musky as it progresses. The base of cedar, musk, and heliotrope provides a soft, powdery landing that is clean and understated, a reserved wood-and-musk dry-down that contrasts nicely with the fruity opening.

When to Wear It

Spring and summer are the natural seasons for Gucci EDP II. Its bright, fruity character feels most at home in warm weather and casual daytime settings: shopping trips, garden parties, brunch with friends, and relaxed weekend outings. The youthful energy of the composition suits lighter occasions better than formal events.

This is not a fall or winter fragrance, nor does it have the gravitas for formal evening wear. Its casual, effervescent character is its defining quality, and trying to force it into serious settings works against its strengths.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is the most contentious aspect of Gucci EDP II. Reports vary dramatically across the community. Some describe great sillage and longevity, with the scent playing out consistently for several hours. Others report longevity more like an Eau de Toilette, with very modest sillage and approximately two hours of detectable wear.

The variation likely reflects both skin chemistry differences and the age of individual bottles, as remaining stock has been sitting for years since discontinuation. Those who find bottles with strong performance consider it a hidden gem; those who experience the weaker side find it frustrating given the effort required to source it.

The Community Says

Basenotes reviews reveal the polarization clearly. One reviewer praised it as a delightfully brisk, fruity, green floral where green notes rescue the composition from banality. Another dismissed it as an aquatic, fresh and sweet fragrance with approximately two hours of longevity and skin-level projection.

The negative review community on Basenotes includes a memorable critique calling the violet-blackberry-black currant-jasmine combo literally clobbering the senses in the most assaultive manner possible. Fragrantica forum discussions show more warmth, with fans sharing tips on where to find remaining bottles and mourning its discontinuation. The hunt itself has become part of the fragrance's mystique.

Who Should Buy This

Gucci EDP II is for berry fragrance enthusiasts and fans of early 2000s fruity florals who are willing to hunt for a discontinued bottle. If you love the combination of tart berries with light florals and clean musks, and if the thrill of finding a hidden gem appeals to you, this is worth pursuing.

However, those with limited patience for inconsistent performance, those who need reliable longevity from their fragrances, or those who prefer spending their money on currently available alternatives should look elsewhere. The nostalgic premium that comes with discontinued fragrances means you may pay more for less certain quality.

The Bottom Line

Gucci Eau de Parfum II is a charming, youthful fruity floral whose distinctive blackberry signature earned it a devoted following that persists well beyond its discontinuation. While inconsistent performance and growing scarcity complicate the recommendation, its unique character and playful spirit make it a worthwhile discovery for those who can find it.