Luckily for you, the development of perfume makes the most interesting history lesson of all. And as it’s The Perfume Shop’s 25th birthday this year, we’re celebrating by taking a look at the biggest fragrance trends of the last 25 years…
1992: the gourmand trend
This is the year The Perfume Shop was born and Thierry Mugler Angel was launched, kicking off the gourmand trend – a trend that reflected a global need for sweetness and positivity amid the recession and the pressures of the early 90s. Never before had the notes of caramel, praline, honey and vanilla smelt so delicious, reminding everyone of their favourite dessert and leaving them wondering whether perfume could get any more addictive.
1996: the water trend
Davidoff Cool Water for him may have launched back in 1988, but the water trend didn’t stop there. Cue Davidoff Cool Water Woman, the perfume women everywhere had been waiting for. Finally, they could indulge in the notes of pineapple, melon, rose and peach, inspired by the Bavarian Alps.
2000: the floral trend
The turn of the century brought optimism with it, following the recovery in the economy and the quelling of the threatened catastrophe of the Millennium computer bug. So what better than a fresh, floral scent to keep spirits high? Flower by Kenzo signified that flowers can inspire a beautiful world, with its notes of Bulgarian rose and Palma violets whisking us off to a dream land. What more could you ask for?
2010: the celebrity trend
With the launch of Instagram, celebrity fans felt WAY closer to their idols. The world was well and truly changing, and celebrity perfumes were the new big thing. The best one? Beyoncé Heat, a mix of red vanilla orchid, almond macaroon and honeysuckle nectar. Mmmm…
2016: the rose trend
The year of romance, people. Yep, 2016 brought with it an abundance of rose perfumes. We found ourselves in a floral frenzy, thanks to Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa Excelsa, with its notes of African dog rose and Turkish rose – oh, and papaya flower and daffodil. How divine! For guys, there’s Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Unlimited, a blend of rose and pineapple. Yum.
2017: the milky trend…
Hells, yeah. 2017 is the year of the milk notes. Sarah Jessica Parker Covet Pure Bloom shows us how coconut milk and plum can smell exotic, while Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Sucré pairs almond cream with peach nectar and confirms that you CAN get addicted to perfume. We’re obsessed.
… and the fresh-air trend
With London breaking its annual air pollution limit just five days into 2017, it’s clear why the fresh air trend has arrived. Don’t we all just want to take a deep breath without the risk of taking in the dirt and pollution of towns and cities? Course we do. Cue Elizabeth Arden White Tea (sea breeze accord) and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Bloom (fresh air accord) to remind us of the pleasure of fresh air.
