Perfume use can be traced back thousands of years to the early Egyptians who burned incense and aromatic herbs, which explains the actual origins of the word “perfume”. It comes from the Latin words, “per” and “fumus”, which mean “through” and “smoke”.
Knowledge of perfumery came to Europe as early as the 14th century and continued in popularity throughout the centuries. In the 1970’s the first big perfume launch took place with Yves St Laurent’s Rive Gauche in France. 1973 saw one of the first US launches, when Revlon introduced Charlie.
The trend then followed in the United Kingdom who introduced Mary Quant’s Havoc in 1974.
Havoc was a perfume that was marketed towards the younger generation who didn’t have as much disposable income and therefore became affordable to smell sexy. It was also lighter because the spray was dispersed on a larger area. And if they so wished, women could spray a little into the air, then just walk into it, giving a total coverage.
Green floral scents caught on in the 70’s with Chanel No 19 in 1971, Estee Lauder’s Alliage in 1972, Private Collection in 1973, Hermes’ Amazone in 1974 and Shiseido’s Inoui in 1976. The market has since become one that thrives to make us feel sexy, whilst encouraging a feel of romance (all in a bottle)!
Men’s fragrances were then developed and introduced late 1950’s and began to drive women wild!
MENS FRAGRANCE
After years of women’s fragrances, Christian Dior introduced a man’s fragrance called Eau Sauvage, a scent that drove the women crazy! Late 1950s saw the rebellious spark of the men’s fragrance revolution. Shulton launched Old Spice and Maurer & Wirtz introduced Tabac Original which was a huge success in 1959.
The proverbial straw was the famed Dior House that produced Eau Sauvage in 1956. In 1973, Paco Rabanne pour Homme became the new “it” male fragrance with warm honey notes that created a sensual feeling that had not yet become popular in men’s fragrances. In 1976, Grey Flannel, created by fashion designer Geoffrey Beene was launched with a distinct violet smell. Described as “androgynous,” and “ambiguous,” the fragrance’s success encouraged other perfume creators to come up with new and innovative mixes. Men’s fragrance fashion has become more colorful, varied and seductive with Davidoff’s Cool Water, Armani Mania and Hugo by Hugo Boss.
As men’s and women’s fragrances became more similar in scent, the market was then showing interest in a unisex fragrance market.
UNISEX FRAGRANCE
Unisex fragrances have been made so that both genders can enjoy a scent. The fragrances are created so that the scent is tempting enough for a man yet delicate enough to be used by a woman, neither being a masculine or feminine scent.
One of the most influential designers of the past twenty-five years, Yves St Laurent, launched the first Unisex fragrance in 1975 with Eau Libre. The 1990’s saw other designers launch their unisex perfume collections with the same respect as men’s aftershave and women’s perfumes. Design house Calvin Klein Launched their CK One in 1996 which was classified as a flowery fragrance. More designer fragrances began to stage prime position in the noughties with exquisite examples such as “fragrance for humanity” Gaultier² (pronounced Gaultier to the power of two) in 2005 and Tom Ford Black Orchid in 2006. Acqua di Parma, synonymously known for luxury and quality unveiled Colonia Assoluta, their unisex fragrance.
Due to the beautiful unisex scents appealing to both men and women equally we ensue to bring a wealth of choice to you.