Perfumes have been around since ancient Egypt, Persia, and the Roman empire. However, the ones we have today (that evoke sensuality, luxury, and style) graced the scenes around the 19th century.
From iconic fragrances that define femininity to the launch of unisex scents that blend genders, the perfume industry has undoubtedly impacted generations in the last 100 years. Some have remained the same, while others have been improved. If you are interested in taking a peek in a little history about perfumes, here are six popular fragrances that changed the world.
- Thierry Mugler’s Angel (1992)
Creative perfumer, Thierry surprisingly fused patchouli fragrance and sweet gourmand note (chocolate) together to create what was though to be impossible, perfection. The product of Thierry’s creativity created a whole new perfume designs inspired by gourmand scents.
The fact that Mugler’s designs were far from boring even made Angel unique with its star-shaped bottle. Whether you are 18 or 80, Angel has been appealing to all ages of women since the 90’s.
- Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium (1977)
It wasn’t a surprise that Yves Saint Laurent’s caused a stir with Opium. With a fragrance that remains amazingly inviting and a name so controversial, a committee was formed to get it pulled off the market. It was said that the brand was promoting drug use, which cause more patronage till today.
Opium remains undoubtedly a loved fragrance as it remained controversial with its “dark” reputation. You’ll find different opium versions and more on parfumdreams if you want to take a whiff at Yves Saint Laurent’s creations. Today, Opium remains a statement maker among women and proof that little bad publicity can be good for business.
- Jo Malone London’s Nutmeg & Ginger (1990)
From being a London florist to a perfumer, Jo Malone initially created the Nutmeg and Ginger fragrance as a bath oil to thank her loyal flower-loving customers. With the positive comments, and her vast knowledge with many sweet-smelling flowers, Jo championed the the idea of of layering fragrances and has remained one of the brand pillars.
- Revlon’s Charlie (1971)
Originally launched as strong competitor of the Estée Lauder’s line of fragrances, the Charlie franchise has witnessed more than 20 spin-offs over the last 4 decades. Charlie positively changed the way the world saw women as Its advertising campaign was the first to be inclusive. The perfum advertisements also featured women ambassadors that wore trousers. The popular Oprah once said that Charlie’s girls (super models) inspired her to be fabulous and confident.
- Estée Lauder’s Youth Dew (1952)
Youth Dew was created as bath oil you can splash in water and also apply on the skin. Apparently, 1950s history had it that perfume was more a gift men bought for women, rather than something a woman both for herself. So, the oil bath idea made women indulge in Youth Dew, a creative idea that has resurfaced in modern times.
- Chanel’s Chanel No5 (1921)
Perhaps, the most iconic perfume of all time, Coco Chanel thought it right to bring together the traditional flower scent and a sexually provocative allure with Chanel No5.
In her attempt at effective marketing, Coco Channel will spray her rich friends with her perfume over dinner and gave free bottles to selected few, a move that perhaps inspired free perfume samples. Though Coco Chanel never married or had children, she poured all her energy into creating fragrances we cant get enough of more than a century later.
Initially, it was thought that gourmand scents would be a woman thing. Well, if turns out that food lights up emotions in men, taking them back to sweet memories of childhood days.