Retro Fragrances
Ah, the scent of our youth. They might be old school, but these fragrances will forever have a place in our hearts (and minds). Just one spritz transports us back in time, sparking myriad memories of places, spaces and people from a time gone by. Come join us on this fragrant journey.
Fragrance: Calvin Klein CK One
Notes of: Fresh and citrusy lemon and bergamot
Fragrance flashback: To times when a 'unisex' fragrance was a big thing... and a young Kate Moss appearing in the accompanying ad campaign was a masterstroke. A forever classic.
Fragrance: Cacharel Anais Anais
Notes of: Lily and hyacinth
Fragrance flashback: To wishing we were 'mature' enough to carry off such an elegant, ladylike bouquet.
Fragrance: Calvin Klein Eternity
Notes of: Cut grass, musk and sandalwood
Fragrance flashback: To our older sisters who would waft this sophisticated and alluring scent through the house before meeting their current boyfriend. We wanted to be her SO badly.
Fragrance: Thierry Mugler Angel
Notes of: Chocolate, honey, vanilla and caramel
Fragrance flashback: Angel caused such a stir when it first appeared on counter back in the 90s, thanks mostly for its innovative star design and its chocolatey aroma. This was [i]the</> scent to own.
Fragrance: Clinique Happy
Notes of: Rose, patchouli and iris
Fragrance flashback: We knew we were growing up when we liked the same scent as our mothers. Sparkling, uplifting and a true joy to wear, then and now.
Fragrance: Davidoff Cool Water
Notes of: Waterlily, jasmine and watermelon
Fragrance flashback: To the cool girls who filled the corridors of school with this super sweet scent. Have Cool Water, have instant high school cred.
Fragrance: Dior Poison
Notes of: Coriander, tuberose
Fragrance flashback: The ultimate in seduction, Poison was off limits to our childlike mitts. An intoxicating nectar, we always knew it was mum's night out when the Poison bottle appeared. Decadent, rich and utterly distinctive. No children allowed.
Fragrance: Emporio Armani She
Notes of: Cardamom, pear, almond, vanilla and cedarwood.
Fragrance flashback: When we couldn't afford designer clothes, our teenage self made do with this very grown-up, beautifully packaged scent. It smelled fresh yet fancy, and the minimalist bottle was always a talking point. We loved it then and we love it now.
Fragrance: Gucci Rush
Notes of: Rose, gardenia, patchouli and vanilla
Fragrance flashback: In a similar vein to Emporio Armani's She, Gucci Rush satisfied our younger self's desire for the finer things (read: labels) in life, but without the designer price tag. The distinctive red perspex casing took pride of place on our dressing table for many, many years.
Fragrance: Giorgio Beverly Hills
Notes of: Jasmine, tuberose, vanilla and orchid.
Fragrance flashback: To sneaking into our elder sister's bedroom to sniff the exotic golden nectar. Unattainable Hollywood glamour in a bottle.
Fragrance: Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey
Notes of: Lily, freesia and woody notes
Fragrance flashback: The first time we caught a whiff of Issey Miyake's fresh but rich floral in the early nineties, we were hooked. Fragrance suddenly became interesting.
Fragrance: Jean Paul Gaultier Classique
Notes of: Rose, orange blossom and vanilla
Fragrance flashback: To seeing the risqué bottle on counter in Boots, tempting us to spritz this statement and blatantly sexy scent without mum seeing us. Once it was ours, it was only ever allowed to be worn on Very Special Occasions. Teenage restraint at its best.
Fragrance: Moschino Cheap & Chic
Notes of: Lily, rose and freesia
Fragrance flashback: The unusual packaging first drew our eye to Moschino's playful fragrance, but it was the distinctive and upbeat floral notes that made us young fans of this quirky blend.
Fragrance: Paloma Picasso
Notes of: Ylang Ylang, hyacinth and carnation
Fragrance flashback: To our glamorous grandmother's bedroom which was a lady den of cosmetics, costume jewellery and, of course, a clutter of fragrance bottles. This rich and highly distinctive scent is the fragrance equivalent of a very expensive handbag. We heart it.
Fragrance: Ralph Lauren ROMANCE
Notes of: Lotus flower, lily, rose and white violet
Fragrance flashback: Our university graduation ball. Moving from scruffy student to the real world of work and responsibility, Romance was the icing on the cake of this transition. Still as elegant and grown up today.
Fragrance: Stella McCartney STELLA
Notes of: Peony, rose and woody accords
Fragrance flashback: The debut fragrance from Stella McCartney back in 2003 arrived on the scent scene just as we were entering the world of work, hence was the perfect next step from Romance, and the ideal fragrance to wear for work and play. Not too sweet, not too heady, just a subtly floral blend that very quickly became a signature scent and remains one of our favourites today.
