Byzance (2019)

The 2019 Byzance is Rochas's modern reworking of its 1987 original, and a far gentler thing. Floral still comes first for everyone, but most now also call it sweet and musky, with a minority finding woods and citrus.

Pear and bergamot open it with a soft, juicy freshness, and neroli adds a clean orange-blossom brightness. The heart is rose, freesia and heliotrope: a light, slightly peppery floral pairing warmed by heliotrope's almond-and-marzipan powderiness. Vanilla, musk and white woods make up the base, so the drydown is creamy and cosy rather than spiced.

Wearers are split almost evenly between moderate and long lasting on longevity, and about half find the sillage moderate, with a smaller share calling it strong. Autumn and winter share the seasonal votes and it divides evenly between day and night. It suits someone who likes a soft, sweet floral for the colder months and finds the vintage Byzance too much; if you know Rochas's original, think of this as its quieter descendant.

Byzance (2019) — unisex fragrance by Rochas (released 2019). Top notes: Pear, Bergamot, Neroli. Heart notes: Heliotrope, Freesia, Rose. Base notes: Vanilla, Musk, White Woods. — Parfica open fragrance database