Best Valentine’s Day fragrances. Modern classics. Your grandmother used them, your mother fell in love with them and now we covet the timeless fragrances from as early as the 1920s. Re-launched, re-released or revamped check out the modern-day fragrances that originated from their classic counterparts. Who will you be wearing this Valentine’s Day?
by Anna McDougall
For the Bride-to-Be: Estee Lauder, Beautiful
First launched in 1985, Estee Lauder’s Beautiful fragrance is the timeless exquisite expression of femininity. Mrs Estee Lauder blended a sensuous and sophisticated melange of more than 2000 flowers in 19 varieties with citrusy notes and velvety warm woods and spices – is it any wonder that brides all over the world use it as their fragrance of choice. After it’s 2012 relaunch with model Constance Jablonski, this Valentine’s Day, it’s even easier get him down the aisle with the mesmerising Beautiful fragrance.
Fairytale Romance: Guerlain Shalimar
In the 1920s Jacques Guerlain created the first ever oriental fragrance, Shalimar, inspired by the exotic fairytale of the love between an Indian Emperor and his cherished wife, a devastatingly feminine fragrance and an all-time classic. Cut to the present, voluptious, warm and sensual, Guerlain launched the little sister to Shalimar called Shalimar Initial L’Eau. A lighter and drier spring bouquet with lily of the valley, freesia and hyacinth but still the familiar warm hug of vanilla. Channel your inner Natalia Vodianova.
Summer Love: Jean Paul Gaultier, Classique
First created in 1993 as ‘a fragrance that promises pleasure’, seduce your summer love one last time this Valentine’s day with the summer edition, Classique Summer 2012 evoking exotic vibrancy and flirty flavours. Thanks to a fresher, lighter and flirtier composition, the deeply sensual and innately attractive Classique Summer 2012 opens with clementine from Sicily, rose and orange blossom. Exotic flower of ylang-ylang forms the perfume’s core together with petals of Sambac jasmine, lily of the valley and white iris. The bottle remains in the female corset design.
The Ultimate Seductress: Yves Saint Laurent, Opium
Originally described by the late Yves Saint Laurent as “the fatal ecstasy of falling in love” Opium was re-launched in 2012 fronted by the luminous Emily Blunt in an ad campaign to get any man under her spell. Opium Vapeurs de Parfum this seductive, Mediterranean fragrance, hypnotises with a balance of sensual and luminous, warm oriental notes with distinctive spicy character. The composition embodies the contrast of white flowers and resins, a Valentine’s Day he won’t forget.
The Whirlwind Romance: Chanel, Coco Noir
From Coco in 1984, and Coco Mademoiselle in 2001, take a breath of fresh nocturnal, baroque air with Coco Noir, synonymous with picturesque late nights and hazy mornings. The black bottle and intimate, seductive fragrance is for the daring Chanel girl who’s not afraid to stand out from the crowd. With striking top notes of Grapefruit and Bergamot accentuate the floral accord, with Rose and Jasmine, while Indonesian Patchouli and Sandalwood notes add warmth. Part of a long list of your Valentine’s Day escapades, keep them guessing with Coco Noir.
Young Love: Dior Miss Dior Le Parfum
Formerly Miss Dior in 1947 and then Miss Dior Cherie, 2012’s perfume extract is rich in character. Passionate, fragile and sophisticated, celebrate your first love (or your second, third, fourth..) with this fragrance suitable for a special summer rendezvous! Experience promienent oriental floral notes and a high concentration of mandarin, Bulgarian rose absolute, Turkish rose absolute, patchouli, amber and vanilla.
The Glamour Couple: Elizabeth Arden Red Door Aura
The roof of your car down, a black tie, a shimmering gown, your Valentine’s day is a night of opulence. Set it alive with Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Aura. The new, more modern version is given vibrant citrusy notes that open the composition along with orange blossom, Italian bergamot, rose flowers and elegant jasmine. Created in 1989, the original Red Door remains a classic symbol of glamour and luxury, inspired by the famous Red Door Spa center.
One True Love: Nina Ricci, L’Air du Temps
Ever the same, and for good reason, the heaven sent fragrance by Nina Ricci first introduced in 1948 is the ultimate evening scent, inspiring romance, confidence and elegance. The fragrance blends rich floral tones of gardenia and jasmine with hints of sandalwood and iris. The scent is so pure in its composition that each flower is almost individually identifiable. A testament to it’s indescribable qualities, one bottle of L’Air du Temps is still sold every five seconds around the world.
