Celebrating 90 years of fragrance anniversaries

By Alexandra Donaldson

We recently realized 10 years had passed since Viktor & Rolf launched its provocatively titled (and packaged) Flowerbomb fragrance. Feel old yet?

The anniversary left us thinking about what other brands are celebrating milestones this year.  And because we tend to dig deep when it comes to fragrance, we turned back to the better part of this past century to celebrate a slew of scents that have stood the test of time. Here, a few of our favourites:

10 YEARS AGO

In 2005, Live 8 took place, Camilla and Charles wed and Youtube was founded. Viktor & Rolf launched Flowerbomb, a floriental fragrance with “explosive elegance” to much acclaim and have gone on to launch the beautifully spicy Spicebomb for men as well.
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, $185 (100 ml), www.thebay.com

20 YEARS AGO

In 1995, OJ Simpson was tried—and aquitted—of murder, and Toy Story premiered. Jean-Paul Gaultier released Le Male—the masculine form to complement his corseted lady fragrance, and 24 Faubourg by Hermes was released and named for the first Hermes store in Paris.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male, $100 (125 ml),www.thebay.com
Hermes 24 Faubourg, $135 (50 ml), www.sephora.com

25 YEARS AGO

In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released from prison after spending 27 years behind bars, Germany reunified and J.K. Rowling began writing what would become Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In the fragrance, world, Lancome released the chypre Trésor.
Lancome Trésor, $102 (100 ml), www.sephora.com

30 YEARS AGO

In 1985, Back to the Future opened in theatres, Super Mario Brothers was released for Nintendo and Calvin and Hobbes debuted. Calvin Klein released Obsession and asked “who hasn’t felt a passion beyond reason?”. Dior Poison was also released, an amber, fruity and spicy fragrance that epitomized—like Obsession—the decade of excess.
Calvin Klein Obsession, $95 (100 ml), www.sephora.com
Dior Poison, $110 (100 ml), www.thebay.com

40 YEARS AGO

In 1975, the United Nations declared it was International Woman’s Year. Wheel of Fortune premiered, Microsoft was founded and the first episode of Saturday Night Live aired. For the olfactory-inclined, it was a banner year too: Grey Flannel by Geoffrey Beene was released, a refined and casual scent; and Karl Lagerfeld introduced Chloe—a much-coveted romantic floral fragrance.
Chloe by Karl Lagerfeld, $40 (100 ml), www.houseofbeautyworld.com
Geoffrey Beene Grey Flannel, $43 (120 ml), www.cosmeticsnow.com

50 YEARS AGO

In 1965, Joan Rivers made her debut on The Tonight Show and Martin Luther King Jr. marched with civil right activists from Selma, Alabama. Sonny and Cher were catapulted into fame with “I Got You Babe” and Bob Dylan went electric. In the perfume universe, it was a memorable year: Guerlain released Habit Rouge and Estee Lauder introduced Aramis.
Aramis Classic, $108 (100 ml), www.houseoffraser.com
Guerlain Habit Rouge, $58 (100 ml), www.fragrancenet.com

60 YEARS AGO

In 1955, the first McDonalds opened in Illinois. Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov was published and James Dean tragically died in a motor accident. Fragrantly speaking, Chanel Pour Monsieur was released—a spicy, fresh and sparkling fragrance for men.
Chanel Pour Monsieur, $98 (75 ml), www.thebay.com

70 YEARS AGO

In 1945, World War II came to an end. Casper The Friendly Ghost made his first appearance and Pippi Longstocking was published and translated to English. Elizabeth Arden released White Shoulders (originally by Evyan): It was a floral fragrance with warm undertones that exuded sensuality.
Elizabeth Arden White Shoulders, $20 (44 ml), www.amazon.com

85 YEARS AGO

In 1930, Mickey Mouse made his first comic-book appearance, Pluto was discovered and considered a planet and Ghandi made his Salt March. Joy by Jean Patou was released and presented as “the world’s most expensive perfume”. It was quite a pop-cultural statement, landing as it did at the tail-end of the depression.
Jean Patou Joy, $150 (75 ml), www.thebay.com

90 YEARS AGO

In 1925, the first issue of The New Yorker made its appearance, The Great Gatsby was published and Paul Newman was born. Guerlain released Shalimar, its most successful and enduring fragrance—an oriental scent with powdery and sweet notes.
Guerlain Shalimar, $76 (50 ml), www.sephora.com

Image: www.sweetapolita.com