No one but Coco Chanel, the woman who shaped fashion with her iconic silhouettes, also ushered in a new era of fragrance.
No one but Coco Chanel, the woman who shaped fashion with her iconic silhouettes, also ushered in a new era of fragrance.
October 13, 2025
No one but Coco Chanel, the woman who shaped fashion with her iconic silhouettes, also ushered in a new era of fragrance.
She proved that beauty lies not only in what we see, but also in what we perceive through scent, by launching the legendary Chanel No.5 and transforming it into an everlasting signature of her brand. From then on, the 1980s saw an explosive influx of designers into the captivating world of perfumery.
Just like the flawless cuts and audacious ideas seen on haute couture runways, Dior fragrances are a symphony for discerning souls, where every drop of scent is a bold statement.
1947: Christian Dior transformed his six-story office building into a garden overflowing with the mugwort and gardenia notes of Miss Dior. From this vision, a Chypre Floral masterpiece was born, featuring jasmine, rose, and verdant galbanum – a characteristic Middle Eastern note – painting the first portrait of French elegance. To this day, Miss Dior undeniably remains the heart of Dior Parfums, an icon that has undergone numerous "rebirths" to suit modern tastes. While the original 1947 version (Miss Dior Originale) remains a precious heritage, the latest Miss Dior Eau de Parfum, launched in 2021, has become a contemporary essence, imbued with graceful beauty by Blackpink's Jisoo, leading a new generation with eternal femininity.
1956: Dior continued to depict the ethereal woman in elegant straight-cut dresses and short skirts, accompanied by Diorissimo – a delicate morning dew bearing the scent of lily of the valley. Featured in Dior's "Les Créations de Monsieur Dior" collection, Diorissimo whispers of a classic, pure beauty, a hidden gem for those seeking understated elegance. Regrettably, this fragrance line is no longer as heavily promoted by the fashion house, making way for more modern scents.
1985:Poison exploded onto the scene, a "forbidden apple" reflecting the audacious spirit of the 80s, which embraced provocative names for perfumes. Shaped like a tempting apple, Poison was so successful that on its launch day in Parisian stores, a bottle sold every 50 seconds. Poison's power spawned illustrious descendants like the captivating, vanilla and almond-infused Hypnotic Poison (1994); Pure Poison (2004), shimmering like a pristine white flower yet exuding an underlying allure and elegance; and Poison Girl (2016), a sweet, rebellious note perfectly attuned to Gen Z.
1999: With J'adore, the French fashion house aimed to offer customers a fragrance that declared, "as seductive as a stiletto and as comfortable as Tod's shoes." True to this ethos, J'adore quickly became and remains one of Dior's best-selling perfumes worldwide. Favored by women for its luxurious yet feminine olfactive experience, the line has been continually updated with new versions such as J'adore Absolu (2018) and J'adore Infinissime (2020). Notably, the launch of J'adore Parfum d'Eau (2022) marked a breakthrough: an alcohol-free version offering an unprecedented pure and delicate scent experience.
2002: Once criticized for sensitivity related to addiction, Dior Addict's slogan, "Admit it," remains a legal "addiction," coveted for its intense, mysterious notes of vanilla, orange blossom, and jasmine. Though it has undergone adjustments to become softer, Addict's bold, seductive essence remains intact, along with Eau de Toilette and Eau Fraîche versions offering fresher interpretations of this rich fragrance.
2007: Once a legend of the 80s, Midnight Poison (2007) – the fifth version of Poison with its legendary purple hue – regrettably, despite being worn by actress Eva Green in one of the "most expensive dresses in brand history" for its advertisement, quietly left the market in the early 2010s, leaving longing for those who cherished its mystery.
2012: Dior introduced Miss Dior Le Parfum, a more intense and seductive version of the original Miss Dior, featuring rich rose and patchouli notes.
2018: A new radiant era was officially marked with the launch of Joy by Dior. Unlike Dior's opulent, classic scents, Joy brought a bright, fresh breeze with floral and citrus notes, promoted by actress Jennifer Lawrence.
2021: The year 2021 was a significant milestone as Dior celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Miss Dior line with the new Miss Dior Eau de Parfum. Formulated by François Demachy, this fragrance emphasizes fresh floral notes and natural beauty, once again affirming the continuous evolution of this icon.
2024 - 2025: Dior continues to solidify its leading position in high-end perfumery by focusing on global ambassador campaigns with renowned faces such as Jisoo (BLACKPINK) for Miss Dior and Natalie Portman (now an ambassador for Dior's beauty products, including fragrances, not just Rouge Dior). Limited editions and enhanced versions of classic lines are regularly released.
Vera Wang's success as the "queen of wedding dresses" is woven from romantic sweetness. Her perfumes echo this, serving as gentle love melodies with delicate notes, portraying the fragile yet profound beauty of flowers.
2002: Saks Fifth Avenue witnessed a sensation when Vera Wang launched her first eponymous fragrance, a symphony of Bulgarian rose, calla lily, and gardenia. Interestingly, 50% of the customers at that time were men, who also perceived Vera Wang's sophistication and sought the fragrance to gift their loved ones. To this day, this scent remains a classic choice for romantic souls, opening the door for the American fashion house's fragrance empire.
2005: Wang's second fragrance, Sheer Veil, was an echo of golden roses, purple roses, morning violets, gardenias, and white lilies – painting a romantic, delicate veil that enveloped all senses.
2006: Inspired by dreaming teenage girls, Wang created Princess in the shape of a heart bottle with a golden crown cap. Originally a playful accessory associated with girls' childhoods, Princess quickly became a symbol of femininity and youthful dreams for that generation and remains one of the best-selling lines, continually releasing new versions like Pink Princess or Princess Revolution to maintain its appeal.
2007: Inspired by Vera Wang's favorite flower, Truly Pink was born, a heartfelt melody of blush pink roses.
2011:Lovestruck emerged, telling a modern love story with pink guava and plumeria notes, embodying a youthful, passionate spirit.
2025: Vera Wang continues to strengthen her position in the bridal fragrance segment and feminine floral scent lines. The brand remains a top choice for those seeking sweetness, romance, and an ethereal quality, perfectly reflecting her dream-like wedding gown designs.
Renowned for minimalist, refined designs and provocative advertising campaigns, Calvin Klein fragrances are equally bold compositions, infused with the fashion house's spirit in alluring bottles. "Klein's scents have never been shy," affirms Ann Gottlieb, a perfumery expert long associated with Calvin Klein.
1985:Obsession – a classic melody of jasmine, musk, and orange blossom – caused a stir with its audacious advertising campaign featuring provocative images of nude bodies. Far from being offensive, this fragrance created an unprecedented craze for its powerful scent, a symbol of desire and passion, and continues to be reissued and remains a choice for lovers of intense oriental notes.
1988: Moving away from the sensual realm, Eternity – a single freesia note – was incorporated into Klein's creative map. "What's that smell?" was the storm of questions Eternity graciously received whenever someone passed by, as it captivated women's hearts with its novelty. The Eternity line for men was quickly launched in parallel, creating similar positive sensations. To this day, remaining a pillar of eternal love and harmony for Calvin Klein, Eternity continuously releases flanker versions to refresh the scent, maintaining its market position.
1994: Known for distinctive scents for each gender, Klein broke all gender boundaries with the launch of ck one – the first unisex fragrance, featuring cardamom, jasmine, and fresh tea leaves. "It created the first gender crossover activity in perfumery," Gottlieb affirms. Ck one remains an icon of freedom and rebelliousness, popular with younger generations and constantly refreshed with themed limited editions.
2005: Once again sparking significant controversy with an advertising campaign featuring model Natalia Vodianova in suggestive attire, raising concerns about causing traffic accidents, Klein launched Euphoria – a refined blend of pomegranate and amber notes. Not by chance, Euphoria remains a captivating, mysterious fragrance, sought after by beauty enthusiasts for its unique fusion of fruit and oriental wood, a perfect choice for evening events.
2007: After trademarking the term "technosexual," Calvin Klein named its creation ck IN2U for her as a digital message. A blend of pink grapefruit, sweet orchid, and vanilla soufflé, ck IN2U for her was the first fragrance sold on secondlife.com, a virtual world with 8 million inhabitants.
2014: Calvin Klein introduced Reveal, a salty, sensual skin scent, embodying powerful and confident femininity.
2019: The Calvin Klein Women Eau de Parfum Intense line launched, celebrating the diverse beauty of modern women, with notes of orange blossom, eucalyptus, and cedarwood, promoted by Lupita Nyong'o and Saoirse Ronan.
2025: Calvin Klein continues to reinforce its classic fragrance lines and relentlessly innovates. The brand maintains its bold advertising strategy, focusing on a spirit of freedom and gender neutrality, while exploring new trends like sustainable and vegan fragrances to meet modern consumer preferences.
Lauren's fruity-floral perfumes were born with a poetic mission: to encapsulate the free-spirited essence and timeless beauty of the American lifestyle in an elegant bottle. It's a story of breezy afternoons, vast landscapes, and understated luxury.
1978: In the advertisement for the Lauren fragrance, the model wore classic Native American-inspired patterns – an image quintessentially American, reminiscent of the wild West. Ralph Lauren himself, a master of American style, had infused every opulent costume in the classic film The Great Gatsby (1974) with soul. He not only shaped a sophisticated, classic 1920s aesthetic but also solidified his vision of an America rich in culture and history, where a tribal-patterned scarf or a tailored suit carried deep heritage. Perhaps that's why Lauren, more than just a perfume, is a symbol of timeless American elegance and nobility.
1990: Not merely an inspiration for the floral scent of Safari, America also served as a launchpad for Lauren to expand his empire with an adventurous autumn collection, featuring home decor and zebra-patterned linen bedding, painting a complete lifestyle.
1998:Romance, an explosive scent, immediately became a fashionable fragrance upon its release thanks to its captivating patchouli notes. According to Klein's experts, Romance created a fierce rivalry with Eternity and achieved resounding success in the public's heart. To this day, Romance remains one of the best-selling fragrances, an endless symphony of love and romance, cherished for its enduring elegance and charm.
2000: With its fresh teal bottle, Ralph emerged as a radiant fruity-floral breeze, directly aimed at the hearts of teenage girls. "Fashion awareness and fragrance use among teenage girls is undeniable," noted expert Jan Moran. Ralph remains a top choice for the younger generation, a symbol of youth, bringing freshness, energy, and radiance like a morning smile.
2003: Following the perfect harmony between fashion and fragrance, the women's Blue perfume label was launched immediately after the Blue Label product line was released. Blue is a refined, sensual symphony, evoking the freedom of the vast ocean, the boundless sky – a picture of tranquility and liberation.
2006:Ralph Hot – the third fragrance in the Ralph series – carried a rich, warm cinnamon scent, like a cozy late-autumn sunbeam. In contrast to the cinnamon note of 2006, Ralph Rocks, with a strong, rebellious, rock-and-roll spirit for passionate souls, was launched in 2007.
2010: As an odyssey in the quest for the ultimate scent, the masculine, adventurous Polo Explorer breathed new life into the Ralph Lauren fragrance legacy, bringing the essence of expeditions into wild and majestic nature. This perfectly continued the Polo line's heritage, already an icon of sporty spirit and strong masculinity, an invitation to explore new horizons.
2013: With a powerful, bold scent blending juicy red cranberry, spicy saffron, and mysterious redwood, Polo Red made a strong debut and was quickly embraced by men as a declaration of determined individuality and energetic appeal. Since then, the Polo Red line has continually expanded with versions such as Polo Red Intense, Polo Red Rush, Polo Red Extreme, and most recently, Polo Red Parfum (2023). Each version is like a musical piece with different tonalities – some powerful, some captivating, like burning flames of passion.
2019: While Polo Red brought intensity with vibrant red fruits, Polo Deep Blue Parfum immersed itself in the refreshing coolness of the vast ocean, with deep sea notes, invigorating bergamot, and calm woody undertones. This filled a missing note in the Polo symphony, an invitation to dive deep into the ocean's heart, a powerful white-capped wave for those who love to explore the mysteries of freedom and adventure.
2025: Remaining a long-standing icon of American style, Ralph Lauren consistently introduces the latest versions of iconic fragrance lines such as Romance, Polo, and Ralph. Not only blurring the lines between fashion and fragrance, the fashion house, renowned for its preppy, sophisticated, and sporty spirit, frequently collaborates with athletes and celebrities to maintain an active image, encapsulating the "American dream" into every scent, truly a timeless legacy that continuously seeks new horizons in the world of fragrance.
Known for flawless and meticulous style, Coco Chanel not only liberated fashion but also pioneered trendsetting – from encouraging women to embrace tanned skin, embodying dynamism and freedom, to opening the door for an entirely new fragrance category: aldehyde florals. Inheriting and expanding upon the spirit, "Our perfumes are always feminine, modern, and immune to the passing of time," which Jacques Polge – Chanel's gifted "nose" for decades – cultivated, Chanel today continues to redefine beauty and elegance in the new era. Every product from the brand is an endeavor to encourage each woman to confidently express her unique identity, breaking free from rigid norms to achieve self-possessed and sustainable luxury, where true beauty radiates from inner freedom.
1921: Alongside the 2.55 bag and tweed suit, Chanel No.5 is also a living legend introduced by the French fashion house, a masterpiece blending aldehydes with jasmine, creating unique depth and complexity. To this day, Gabriel "Coco" Chanel's lucky number 5 has perhaps brought fortune to this line, as it remains "the best-selling perfume of all time," a timeless symbol of luxury, mystery, and femininity. To resonate with the essence of various generations and styles, numerous versions have followed, such as Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and L'Eau, yet retaining the original "Chanel No.5" spirit.
1971: If Chanel No.5 was named after Coco's lucky number, Chanel No.19 embodies the designer's birthday, carrying a refined blend of verdant galbanum, fresh neroli oil, and noble iris. This exquisite scent was one she frequently wore and a cherished gift she gave to friends. Chanel No.19 remains a sophisticated choice, symbolizing sharp elegance, a "green" and luxurious fragrance imbued with a proud allure.
1984: Thirteen years after Coco Chanel's passing, the company created Coco, with an intense, oriental, and fruity scent, as a tribute to her. Coco Mademoiselle, a younger, more "girlish" version, with a captivating dry oriental cold scent, was launched 17 years later (2001) and quickly became an icon of modern, confident, and undeniable feminine allure.
1996: Always nurturing an idea of a fresh oriental scent, Chanel's then-chairman launched Allure, coinciding with the 5th anniversary of Allure magazine's inception. When it comes to subtle, unpretentious charm, an irresistible natural magnetism, Allure is indispensable.
2002: "I had an opportunity and I took it," Coco Chanel's famous quote, became the inspiration for Chance, a fragrance aimed at ambitious women in their 20s. Chance quickly became one of Chanel's most youthful, dynamic, and joyful fragrance lines, with popular versions such as sweet Chance Eau Tendre, fresh Chance Eau Fraîche, and energetic Chance Eau Vive, like sparkling rays of hope.
2007: Guided by the philosophy of nurturing and developing what the legendary Coco cherished most, Jacques Polge – Chanel's master "nose" - delved deep into the brand's history to discover six new fragrances for the Les Exclusifs collection, exclusive scent masterpieces embodying singular and eternal luxury. Also that year, the legendary Chanel No.5 was "reborn" with a lighter, clearer version, Chanel No.5 Eau Première, like a pristine morning mist of the eternal icon.
2010: Chanel did not forget men when it launched Bleu de Chanel, a powerful, mysterious woody aromatic fragrance, a declaration of freedom and elegance, quickly rising to become one of the world's best-selling men's scents. It's more than just a fragrance; it's a symbol of sophistication, versatility, and masculinity, diversified with various concentrations like the fresh Eau de Toilette (2010), the profound Eau de Parfum (2014), and the intense, luxurious Parfum (2018). Despite fierce competition from rivals like Dior Sauvage or Armani Acqua di Giò, Bleu de Chanel firmly holds its position as an unshakeable "king" in the high-end men's fragrance segment, solidifying its status with superstar Timothée Chalamet as its face.
2017:Gabrielle Chanel, a new pillar fragrance, presenting a radiant white floral symphony of tuberose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, and orange blossom, was officially introduced. Unlike Jacques Polge's previous creations, this was a work nurtured by "the nose" Olivier Polge to honor the free, independent spirit of the extraordinary Coco Chanel, a scent that shines from within and constantly seeks its own sunshine.
2020: Chanel continued to refresh its iconic fragrance lines with Coco Mademoiselle L'Eau Privée, a lighter, more delicate version of Coco Mademoiselle, specifically designed for evening use or before sleep, like a gentle fragrant mist embracing dreams. In the same year, the Gabrielle Chanel line was also enhanced with the Essence version, offering new depth and richness to the original, with warm tuberose and juicy fruit notes, affirming radiant, vibrant beauty.
2025: Chanel continues to consolidate the supreme position of its classic fragrance lines while constantly innovating with subtlety. The brand maintains its philosophy of luxury, class, and timeless value; each Chanel perfume is not just a scent but a legacy inherited and shining, an eternal beauty etched into every note.
Under the magical hands of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, every Dolce & Gabbana fragrance creation becomes a declaration of boundless sensuality, an invitation to immerse oneself in the intense beauty of the Mediterranean. From the purest raw ingredients, notes are distilled and blended by the talented "nose" Olivier Cresp, continuously bringing stories of authentic beauty, passion, and vibrant life, like a sea breeze caressing the skin, awakening all senses of those who love beauty and fragrance.
1992: Dolce's sunny Sicilian landscape, with its ancient cypress trees and radiant orange blossoms, set the stage for the Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme fragrance, sold in fertile Europe. The bold advertisement featuring a woman in a corset, spraying Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme between her cleavage, caused a sensation, engraving the image of a free-spirited, instinctive beauty. To continue telling the story of the Italian woman, the original Pour Femme has been "reborn" in many versions to maintain its presence, serving as a precursor for many other sensual scents from the brand.
1997: The designers opened their first store in New York and launched the By Woman line, a captivating tangerine-scented fragrance, encased in a leopard-print bottle – directly connecting with their lavish runway fashion style, as a mark of wild allure.
1999: Few could have imagined the somewhat "unconventional" combination of two fragrances, D&G Feminine (a floral musk) and D&G Masculine (a woody scent), which marked the debut of this product branch in the U.S., bringing a fresh, youthful, and dynamic breeze. This duo, along with the SPF4 sunscreen launched the same year, not only expanded the Dolce & Gabbana universe but also completed a holistic Mediterranean lifestyle, where confidence and beauty are always celebrated under the radiant sun.
2001: With a dominant fresh Sicilian citron note, the fruity Light Blue Pour Femme launched and quickly became one of the top 10 fragrances in the U.S. and Europe. To this day, it remains D&G's "blockbuster," loved for its fresh, invigorating endless Mediterranean summer vibe, and continually expanded with summer limited editions like Light Blue Sun and Light Blue Forever. Each drop of scent is a sea breeze, a radiant ray of sunshine, just as Cresp once said, "It's a modern take on sensuality."
2003: Due to a malfunctioning fountain, the launch party for Sicily in New York City was dramatically interrupted by firefighters.
2006: An iconic D&G fragrance with warm vanilla notes of amber and intense white florals, The One was born as a declaration of magnificent, regal, and captivating allure, with Gisele Bündchen skillfully chosen as its face. Quickly cherished for its luxury and sensuality, The One for Men (2009) and other versions like The One Desire and The Only One followed the original, each bottle a whispered secret of mysterious charm.
2012: It wasn't until this year, inspired by fragrant Sicilian gardens, that the eponymous Dolce fragrance line came closer to the public, with a fresh, feminine scent of orange blossom and water lily, like a newly bloomed flower.
2018: Still inspired by gardens, but this time by the beauty of almond blossoms, Dolce Garden appeared on Dolce's fragrance map with a sweet, warm scent, bringing the mystery of secret gardens.
2025: Dolce & Gabbana continues to affirm its signature sensual style, constantly expanding its product lines, especially Light Blue and The One. The brand frequently collaborates with global stars for promotional campaigns, maintaining the powerful, audacious, and passionate image of Italy, a story continuously told through every drop of fragrance.
