Happy Anniversary Ralph, Calvin and Coco

By Deborah Fulsang

As February trudges along at a heavy snow-packed pace, we start looking for things to celebrate. Like anniversaries. Fragrance anniversaries. 

15 years ago
Take Ralph Lauren Romance for instance. The brand launched the sparkling scent in 1999, a light-hearted floral chypre that was concocted by Harry Fremont—the accomplished perfumer that has also mixed scents for everyone from the likes of Vera Wang to 50 Cent, Britney Spears to Michael Kors. Limited edition 15^th anniversary Romance EDP, $105 (100 ml), www.thebay.com

20 years ago
This year also marks the 20^th anniversary of another big American designer fragrance. It was 1994 when Calvin Klein launched ckOne. The unisex scent, a fresh citrus-floral-herbaceous spritz, broke the mould. It was as synonymous with Grunge and the era’s disaffected, sexually ambivalent Generation X as a Nirvana album. At the height of its popularity, it was selling 20 bottles every minute.

30 years ago
In 1984, Chanel perfumer Jacques Polge crafted the fragrance Coco in tribute to the muse and iconoclast Gabrielle herself. The spritz still enjoys a loyal following for its plush fruity-floral-leathery essence. American perfume expert Michael Edwards reportedly calls this iconic scent a “classic soft oriental” while Polge apparently has used the word “baroque” as the most fitting descriptor. Either way, this rich scent with a heady floral heart, amber base and spicy veil of clove is luxe and lush—and timeless. EDP, $102 (50 ml), www.chanel.com; www.thebay.com

Find out more on Chanel Coco in our Perfume-o-pedia.

So go ahead. There’s no time like the present to celebrate and rediscover a scent that’s stood the test of time.