Victoria Beckham Fragrance: The Tom Ford Alternative Every Man Should Try
The Victoria Beckham fragrance collection offers a chic, modern alternative to Tom Ford, bringing understated luxury to the world of designer scents.
When it comes to luxury designer fragrance, Tom Ford has long set the standard with scents that are rich, sophisticated, and aspirational. But now, a new player has entered the arena with her own unique take on elegance: Victoria Beckham.
Known for her sleek, refined aesthetic, Beckham’s fragrances are making waves with an understated allure and a versatile appeal that’s winning over the stylish set… well, me!
With a carefully crafted line that reflects her eye for detail, Victoria Beckham’s scents are the perfect Tom Ford alternative for those looking to expand their fragrance horizons.
In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on the first three of VB’s fragrances – Portofino ’97, Suite 302, and San Ysidro Drive – all of which I’ve had on hand for over a year. And though her latest addition, 21:50 Rêverie, is still on my list to try, the initial lineup has plenty to explore.
A Fragrance Journey, Victoria Beckham Style
Victoria Beckham introduced her fragrance line with three evocative scents last year, each inspired by a location close to her heart. Portofino ’97 channels the bright spirit of the Italian Riviera; Suite 302 is a nod to the mystery of a Parisian hotel room; and San Ysidro Drive is all about the cool, earthy vibes of California. This year, she added 21:50 Rêverie to the collection—a scent that promises to capture the introspective calm of an evening alone.
While these fragrances are designed to be unisex, they have that understated sophistication and complexity that make them especially appealing for men who want their scent to be as polished as their wardrobe.
The Tom Ford Connection: Why Men Should Take Note
Tom Ford’s Private Blend has long been a favourite among fragrance enthusiasts for its daring and memorable scents. And like Ford, Beckham takes her cues from the world of high fashion, creating fragrances that feel luxurious but approachable. With her eye for quality ingredients, Beckham’s fragrances have that same layered depth but with a slightly more subtle, British twist—ideal for men who want something intriguing but not overpowering.
If you appreciate Ford’s boldness but want a fresh take, Beckham’s line is an exciting, wearable choice.
The Fragrances: Notes, Feelings, and When to Wear Them
Each fragrance in VB’s lineup has its own distinct vibe, blending scent and style to suit different moods. Here’s a closer look at the three fragrances I’ve had on hand and how they fit different moments in a man’s life.
If you’re interested in these fragrances and would like to try them, all four are available in a discovery kit here.
Portofino ’97: The One for a Fresh Start
Scent Profile: Portofino ’97 captures the laid-back elegance of the Italian coast with a refreshing blend of citrus and earthy notes. The fragrance opens with Sicilian lemon, bergamot, and mandarin, which gradually give way to a softer heart of neroli and cedarwood. The base notes of vetiver and musk bring depth, making it clean and crisp with just a hint of warmth.
When to Wear It: This is the fragrance to wear when you’re stepping out on a bright, breezy day. Think tailored linen shirt, classic chinos, and loafers—it’s ideal for warm weather when you want to feel fresh but refined. I’d say it’s perfect for brunches, beachside meetups, or even just those moments when you need a scent that’s effortless but has an edge.
Available in 50ml or 100ml here.
Suite 302: The One for Late Nights and Smooth Moves
Scent Profile: Suite 302 is my favourite from the lineup. It’s a moody, spicy scent inspired by the allure of a Parisian hotel room. Opening with black pepper and incense, it unfolds into a heart of rose and patchouli, grounded by a base of sandalwood and cedarwood. It’s warm, slightly smoky, and brings that kind of intensity you’d expect for evening wear.
When to Wear It: This is the fragrance to wear when you’re headed out for the night, dressed in a dark blazer, fitted shirt, and polished shoes. It’s bold and memorable, perfect for those nights when you’re looking to make an impression—ideal for dates, cocktail parties, or simply evenings when you want to carry a bit of mystery. Suite 302 is your “after-dark” scent, one that lingers and invites curiosity.
Available in 50ml or 100ml here.
San Ysidro Drive: The One for Laid-Back Elegance
Scent Profile: San Ysidro Drive brings a touch of California to your fragrance collection, with fresh, green notes that have a calming, earthy feel. With top notes of juniper and sage, it has a clean, herbal opening that mellows into a floral heart of lavender and iris. A base of moss and amber rounds things out, making it relaxed yet grounded.
When to Wear It: This is the fragrance to wear when you’re off duty but still want to look—and smell—put together. Imagine a day out in a lightweight jumper, straight leg jeans, and boots. It’s easy-going but elegant, perfect for weekends or creative workspaces where subtlety counts. It’s your “weekend chic” scent, ideal for casual, outdoor settings or any low-key event.
Available in 50ml or 100ml here.
21:50 Rêverie: The One I’m Eager to Try
Victoria Beckham’s newest release, 21:50 Rêverie, came out this year, promising a moody, contemplative profile that seems perfect for evenings when you’re winding down or enjoying a quiet moment. With notes of violet leaf, leather, sandalwood, and tonka bean, it sounds like the kind of warm, introspective fragrance that would work well in intimate settings.
Though I haven’t tried it myself yet, the scent notes suggest a rich, smoky feel that could make it a great choice for those pensive nights when you’re after something a bit more personal. Victoria Beckham has a knack for creating fragrances that feel effortless, and 21:50 Rêverie seems like it’ll fit right in with the rest of the line.
Available in 50ml or 100ml here.
The Design: Bottles You’ll Want on Display
Each fragrance in the Victoria Beckham line comes in a sleek, understated bottle that reflects her brand’s clean aesthetic. The rectangular glass and simple cap give these bottles a touch of elegance without screaming for attention. They’re stylish and minimal, blending nicely into any space. Like Tom Ford’s designs, Beckham’s bottles show that true luxury doesn’t need to be loud—it’s in the subtle, thoughtful details.
Wearability and Versatility: Scents That Adapt to Your Style
One of VB’s strengths is how each fragrance feels flexible enough to suit different occasions. Portofino ’97 and San Ysidro Drive both work beautifully for casual or daytime wear, while Suite 302 leans toward evening, offering a darker, spicier vibe that’s made for making a statement. Beckham’s unisex approach ensures each scent adapts to its wearer, making them easy choices for any man’s rotation.
Final Thoughts: Why Beckham’s Fragrances Deserve a Place in Your Collection
Victoria Beckham’s fragrances bring something fresh to the luxury fragrance market—a combination of elegance, versatility, and style that doesn’t feel overly gendered or inaccessible. Each of the three scents I’ve had on hand brings its own distinct character, from Portofino ’97’s bright Mediterranean vibe to Suite 302’s evening allure and San Ysidro Drive’s relaxed Californian charm. And while I’m yet to try 21:50 Rêverie, it has me intrigued.
For men who enjoy Tom Ford but are looking to expand into something equally sophisticated yet slightly different, Beckham’s fragrances offer a brilliant alternative. With their thoughtful compositions, they’re ideal for men who want to make a subtle but memorable impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Victoria Beckham fragrances unisex?
Yes, like all fragrances, they can be worn by anyone.
How do Victoria Beckham fragrances compare to Tom Ford’s Private Blend?
While both lines focus on luxury and depth, Beckham’s fragrances offer a slightly more understated, versatile appeal.
Which Victoria Beckham fragrance is best for evening wear?
Suite 302 is perfect for evening wear, with its spicy warmth and bold profile.
Where can I buy Victoria Beckham fragrances?
They’re available on her official website and select high-end retailers. The discovery kit containing all four fragrances is available here.
How long do Victoria Beckham fragrances last?
These fragrances have excellent staying power, especially Suite 302, which has great longevity on the skin.
Will Victoria Beckham release more fragrances?
Nothing official yet, but given the success of the line, more additions would be very welcome.
