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The 9 Most Popular Perfumes of the 70s + Original Video Ads
This publication is part of our series of articles on the history of perfume during the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.There is nothing wrong with taking a nostalgic stroll down the decades once in a while. The 1970s were all about embracing one’s individuality and no longer being constrained by societal rules. With the hippie, glam rock, and disco styles gaining traction, the stylish found it easier to be bold and daring. Bell bottoms, mini-skirts, and sharp suits dominated the fashion market as extravagance and casual chic struck a wondrous balance.Of course, the designer perfume industry was finally enjoying mainstream commercial success by the time the 70s rolled around, so there are several iconic fragrances from the era that continue to enchant enthusiasts. Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Cacharel, Revlon, and Estee Lauder left an indelible mark on the 70s perfume industry.Here is our homage to some of the most popular fragrances during the 70s that we consider to be evergreen.
Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent (1971)
This classic white floral aldehyde was created for the urban woman willing to stay in touch with her femininity. As you can see from the commercial video ad below, this fragrance was absolutely made for confident woman.
Boasting an unlikely melange of clean, soapy notes with a smoky, tobacco-like accord, the fragrance dominated the 70s. The aluminum silver and cobalt blue bottle, designed by Pierre Dinnand, was even more symbolic of the decade than the perfume itself. In 2003, Rive Gauche was reformulated by the brand, and the modern iteration is brighter and sweeter.
Aromatics Elixir by Clinique (1971)
Clinique’s foray into the fragrance world began with this one-of-a-kind floral chypre that thrived on a sultry and smoky combination of patchouli, herbs, chamomile tea and rose. Aromatics Elixir unmistakably made an impression. It was a powerful perfume that was made even more special due to its incredible sillage. We unfortunately can’t find a 70s ad, so we’ll have to do with this modern ad:
If you lived through the 70s and would love to experience moments from that decade again, you can always rely on your perfumes to immediately take you on a sensorial journey into the past. On the other hand, if you have only heard about the 70s and would love to know more about it, try and get a sniff of any of the mentioned fragrances. You never know what kind of stories a perfume can tell!
Diorella by Dior (1972)
Arguably the most popular perfume launch by luxury fashion house Dior in the 70s, Diorella is a true icon.
The gorgeous floral scent celebrates glamour, glory and luxury. Feminine and lightweight, it was the epitome of charm with its musky concoction of citruses and florals. Diorella captured the spirit of freedom that prevailed at the time. The classic chypre opened with lime, basil, and bergamot, but the heart was predominantly floral with honeysuckle, jasmine, carnation, and rose.
Wild Musk Oil by Coty (1972)
This amber-floral fragrance captures the wild spirit of the 70s admirably. The popularity lasted into the 80s:
Musky but rosy, Wild Musk Oil was a comforting scent that soon became a staple in many women’s fragrance wardrobes. Coty’s affordability was the key to its runaway success at the time, with all women willing to try out this perfume that promised a luxurious scent at less than half the price. The warm, vanilla accord at the base enveloped the wearer like a hug.
Charlie Blue for Women by Revlon (1973)
One of the most beloved perfumes of the 70s, Charlie Blue for Women by Revlon was reputed as the perfect airy floral for daytime wear.
With elegant woody and musky undertones, the fragrance presented a delightful floral bouquet of rose, jasmine, and gardenia alongside sweet citruses. The combination of vanilla and sandalwood at the base added to its charm, making it a memorable feminine scent.
Cristalle by Chanel (1974)
Fresher and woodier than the average floral chypre on the market in the 1970s, Cristalle immediately made a lasting impression on those who smelled it.
Formulated by respected nose Henri Robert, the perfume was drenched in a blend of dewy hyacinth and lemon. The base presented a combination of oakmoss and rosewood base, which added a lasting sophistication.
Opium by Yves Saint Laurent (1977)
Spicy, bold, and perhaps a little divisive, Opium is one of the most iconic perfumes of the 70s. We can’t find a video commercial from the 70s, but here’s one from 1980:
The original warm, smoky, and fiery blend is no longer accessible, but its woody, amber scent, with a hint of balsam and pepper, is still widely recognizable. The richness and complexity of Opium’s oriental accords was frequently associated with mysterious glamour and extravagance. At the time, its controversial name and ad campaigns created quite the stir.
Anais Anais for Women by Cacharel (1978)
Sensual and romantic, Anaid Anais had an entire generation of fragrance lovers in a chokehold for most of the 70s. With a delightful blend of floral accords and citrus notes, Anais Anais came quite close to capturing summer in a bottle. After a luscious and decadent opening of black currant, orange blossom, and honeysuckle, the fragrance settled into gorgeous florals, namely lavender, rose, jasmine, lily, and iris.
Polo Green for Men by Ralph Lauren (1978)
With Ralph Lauren rapidly making a name for itself in the fashion industry, it was only a matter of time before the designer brand found success in the perfume niche. The 70s ads got lost in time, but luckily we found these 80s and 90s ad:
Polo Green for Men by Ralph Lauren was refined, simple, and fresh. The 70s did not see men experimenting with fragrances; they placed their faith in the classic, clean aftershave scent. Polo Green for Men’s relaxing natural scent fit the bill. The opening contrasted aromatic notes with spices, while the floral heart and woody base smoothed out the fragrance.
This is our first post of our series about the more recent modern perfume history. Read further and explore the most iconic fragrances of the 80s.
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