The Way We Wore It

A look back at the biggest perfume milestones

Dior La Collection Particuliere Passage No°4

Jeff Westbrook/Studio D

1920s: EAU COUTURE
“Before the ‘70s, France was the world leader in fragrance, and their scents were very complex,” says perfumer Kilian Hennessy. “To this day, it’s very difficult to identify the notes in the ever-popular Chanel No. 5 [created in 1921].”

1970s: AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Revlon’s Charlie changed the game in 1973, says Hennessy. “With strong notes like jasmine and orange blossom, new American scents matched the image of the liberated woman.”

1980s: POWER PERFUME
Composed of a few straightforward notes, Dior’s Poison, created in 1985, was bold and recognizable. “In the time of big shoulder pads and big hair, fragrances had to make big, loud statements, too,” says Coty’s Catherine Walsh.

1990–1994: HOLY WATER!
A backlash against ‘80s excess, suddenly everyone wanted to smell like a glass of water, says Walsh. The popular marine scent L’eau d’Issey (1992), literally means “Issey’s Water.” Two years later, unisex fragrance CK One’s packaging mimicked a bottle of water.

1995: THE FOOD OF LOVE
Thierry Mugler’s Angel launched in 1992 but only became a success three years later — and kicked off a gourmand trend in the process.

RSS Share:

Kaboodle

Pop Sugar More [+]

LOG-IN TO POST A COMMENT


Organic Chemistry What Does Winter Smell Like? This Season's Beauty Must-Haves Ornamental Value Beauty Surprises Inside Fashion, Beauty & Hair Archive	5 Tips for Successful Networking Meet the Marie Claire Psychic Millionaire by 30? Easier Than You Think 100 Fashion Must-Haves Find Your Best Hair Color

The Masthead with Marie Claire

An insider's behind-the-scenes look into the making of Marie Claire...

SPONSORED LINKS