Fragrances by the decade

The history of perfume is as old as mankind itself. For centuries, perfumes have been revered for their ability to transport us to a different place and time. From the fragrant scents of ancient Egyptian temples to the ever-evolving range of modern perfumes, the past 130 years have seen an incredible variety of fragrances emerge. In this essay, we will explore the different eras of perfumes by the decades, from the 1880s to the present.

1880s

The 1880s saw the birth of modern perfumery, with the invention of synthetic aromatics such as vanillin, coumarin and eugenol. These ingredients allowed perfumers to create fragrances that were more complex than ever before. The decade saw the introduction of the first mass-produced cologne, Agua de Colonia by Farina, and the launch of iconic perfumes such as Jicky by Guerlain. These fragrances, which were heavily floral and woody in nature, set the tone for the perfumes of the next century.

1890s

The 1890s saw the emergence of a more sophisticated approach to perfumery. The decade saw the introduction of a new type of perfume called "eau de toilette," which was a lighter, more refreshing scent than traditional cologne. The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic fragrances of all time, including Chanel No. 5 and Tabac Blond by Caron. These perfumes were more complex in nature than their predecessors, with a focus on floral and citrus notes.

1900s

The 1900s saw a shift towards more modern fragrances. The decade saw the introduction of a new type of perfume called "eau de parfum," which was more concentrated and longer lasting than eau de toilette. It also saw the launch of some of the most iconic scents of the 20th century, such as Shalimar by Guerlain and Joy by Jean Patou. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on woody, musky and oriental notes. By the end of the decade, the art of perfumery had been firmly established.

1910s

The 1910s saw the introduction of a new type of perfume called "parfum de toilette," which was a lighter and more affordable version of eau de parfum. The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic fragrances of all time, including Arpege by Lanvin and L'Heure Bleu by Guerlain. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on floral, citrus and oriental notes.

1920s

The 1920s saw the introduction of the first "designer" perfumes, with fragrances such as Chanel No. 5 and Shalimar by Guerlain becoming household names. The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic scents of all time, such as Cuir de Russie by Chanel and Chanel No. 19 by Chanel. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on woody, musky and oriental notes.

1930s

The 1930s saw the introduction of a new type of perfume called "eau fraiche," which was a lighter and more affordable version of eau de parfum. The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic scents of all time, such as Miss Dior by Christian Dior and White Shoulders by Evyan. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on woody, musky and oriental notes.

1940s

The 1940s saw the introduction of a new type of perfume called "eau de cologne," which was a lighter and more affordable version of eau de toilette. The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic scents of all time, such as L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci and Youth Dew by Estee Lauder. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on floral, citrus and oriental notes.

1950s

The 1950s saw the introduction of a new type of perfume called "parfum extrait," which was a much more concentrated and longer-lasting version of parfum de toilette. The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic fragrances of all time, such as Diorissimo by Christian Dior and Cinnabar by Estee Lauder. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on floral, woody and oriental notes.

1960s

The 1960s saw the emergence of a more modern approach to perfumery, with the introduction of a new type of perfume called "eau de parfum." The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic scents of all time, such as Calandre by Paco Rabanne and Opium by Yves Saint Laurent. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on woody, floral and oriental notes.

1970s

The 1970s saw the emergence of a more daring approach to perfumery, with the introduction of a new type of perfume called "eau de toilette" which was a lighter and more affordable version of eau de parfum. The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic scents of all time, such as Giorgio by Giorgio Beverly Hills and Poison by Christian Dior. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on woody, musky and oriental notes.

1980s

The 1980s saw the emergence of a more playful approach to perfumery, with the introduction of a new type of perfume called "body mist." The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic scents of all time, such as Obsession by Calvin Klein and Dune by Christian Dior. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on woody, musky and oriental notes.

1990s

The 1990s saw the introduction of a new type of perfume called "eau de cologne," which was a lighter and more affordable version of parfum de toilette. The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic fragrances of all time, such as Angel by Thierry Mugler and Eternity by Calvin Klein. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on woody, musky and oriental notes.

2000s

The 2000s saw the emergence of a more modern approach to perfumery, with the introduction of a new type of perfume called "eau fraiche." The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic scents of all time, such as Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana and Daisy by Marc Jacobs. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on floral, citrus and oriental notes.

2010s

The 2010s saw the emergence of a more daring approach to perfumery, with the introduction of a new type of perfume called "eau de parfum intense." The decade also saw the launch of some of the most iconic scents of all time, such as La Vie Est Belle by Lancome and Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel. These perfumes were more complex than ever before, with a focus on woody, musky and oriental notes.

2020s

The 2020s have seen a shift towards more sustainable and natural perfumes. Perfumers are increasingly using plant-based ingredients to create fragrances that are both environmentally friendly and luxurious. The decade has also seen the launch of some of the most iconic scents of all time, such as AERIN Rose de Grasse by Estee Lauder and Byredo Parfums Blanche by Ben Gorham. These perfumes are more complex than ever before, with a focus on woody, musky, floral and oriental notes.

Conclusion

From the floral and woody scents of the 1880s to the modern and complex fragrances of the 2020s, the past 130 years have seen an incredible variety of perfumes emerge. Each decade has brought something new and exciting to the world of perfumery, and each era has left its own unique mark on the history of this ancient art.