Some of our oldest and most cherished memories are bottled up in vintage perfumes. These iconic fragrances have become historical artifacts and stand as cultural symbols representing more than just fragrance in a bottle.
Vintage perfumes have ignited cultural trends, and their legacies are embedded in history. They could never become dated museum pieces, as part of their timeless appeal is their enduring, ageless aromas. Experiencing vintage perfumes today is inspiring, as these scents enchant with their timeless aromas and mesmerize with their legacies.
Discover our list of the most iconic perfumes and it will be clear why more and more perfume devotees are reigniting their love for vintage perfumes and sniffing these retro scents from years gone by.
Table of Contents
Explore some of the most iconic vintage perfumes
Find the ultimate vintage perfumes and discover the revolutionary scents that changed the perfume industry forever.
1. Chanel No. 5 EDP
Few perfumes evoke precious memories quite like Chanel No. 5 EDP. The iconic perfume was launched in 1921— recently celebrating its centenary — and is one of the most celebrated vintage perfumes of all time. This abstract fragrance contains over 80 notes, but it is the unique use of aldehydes that set the scent apart and gave it legendary status. Chanel No. 5 was ahead of its time in every possible way and has been commemorated by artists like Andy Warhol and endorsed by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe. Today, Chanel No. 5 remains one of the most famous perfumes in the world, and this dressing table staple has stood the test of time with its romantic aromas. This vintage perfume is a must-have if you want to own the most memorable aldehyde fragrance around.
2. Guerlain Shalimar EDP
Guerlain Shalimar EDP combined vanilla and incense to become the first oriental perfume in history. The scent was created in 1925, inspired by the famous love story between an emperor and an Indian princess — the story that would ultimately inspire the building of the Taj Mahal in India. Shalimar EDP — which means “temple of love” in Sanskrit — is a celebration of the gardens of the East with notes of bergamot, jasmine, and rose. The drydown of vanilla, incense, leather, and tonka bean gives an opulent and rich finish to the fragrance. This vintage perfume is a celebration of eternal love and is an enduring symbol of luxury.
3. Jean Patou Joy EDP
When Jean Patou Joy EDP was launched in 1930 it was known as the most expensive fragrance on the planet, thanks to its precious florals obtained from Grasse. The fragrant aromas included tuberose, ylang-ylang, aldehydes, and pear. The heart and base lingered on the skin with aromas of jasmine, musk, and sandalwood. Joy revolutionized the market with its vibrant formulation, but it is one of the few iconic fragrances no longer available today. Jean Patou Joy EDP will always be remembered for its daring optimism and escapism that instantly lifted the senses.
4. Estée Lauder Youth Dew EDP
Estée Lauder Youth Dew dominated the 50s with its mix of warm spices, amber, and woods. The fragrance launched in 1953 and was spicier than any other fragrance available at the time. Top notes include rose and jonquil that blend with jasmine and muguet in the heart. A delicious base of moss, vetiver, and patchouli stays on your skin, making you smell great all day. This vintage perfume is still available today in its original formulation and will instantly transport your mind back in time. Youth Dew EDP is crowned by many as the sexiest perfume ever created — and 50 years after its launch, this groundbreaking formula still enchants with its rare composition.
5. Dior Diorissimo EDT
Dior Diorissimo EDT is a fragrance masterpiece created by renowned perfumer Edmond Roudnitska in 1956. This vintage perfume was created to accompany Dior’s groundbreaking “New Look” fashion launch. The fragrance is inspired by Christian Dior’s most treasured flower — lily of the valley — a flower Dior believed is an emblem of hope, happiness, and joy. This vintage perfume is dewy and bright; immediately introducing lily of the valley and ylang-ylang. The heart fills with amaryllis and boronia before settling on civet and sandalwood. This cutting-edge vintage perfume broke away from the sweet trend of the time to deliver a floral perfume reminiscent of a walk in a timeless garden. It has since been reimagined in new versions of an eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and extrait de parfum that are equally enchanting.
6. Givenchy L’Interdit EDT
Travel back in time with the aromas of spices, florals, and woods in Givenchy L’Interdit EDT. Hubert de Givenchy created this perfume for his friend and muse, Audrey Hepburn. When he announced it was time to mass market the fragrance, she playfully replied, “But I forbid you!” or in French, “L’Interdit” — and immediately Hubert had a name for the fragrance! This vintage perfume was released in 1957 and contained a mesmerizing blend of aldehydes, iris, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood. The scent was classic with an edge, just like Givenchy’s fashion designs. The vintage perfume was reimagined in 2018, featuring a sensual twist of tuberose, jasmine, vetiver, and patchouli — while staying true to the uniqueness and trendsetting nature of the original.
7. Yves Saint Laurent Opium EDP
The daring launch of Yves Saint Laurent Opium EDP caused a stir when it hit the shelves in 1977. The perfume was ahead of its time, with powerful aromas of cloves, jasmine, carnation, and cinnamon. The one-of-a-kind scent also leaves a trail of myrrh, tolu balsam, labdanum, and vetiver on the skin. The audacious vintage perfume played by its own rules, just like the updated 2009 EDP version that smells like amber, spices, and balsamic accords. This vintage perfume is the top choice for its completely distinct and timeless aroma. Opium EDP is a seductive perfume that shocked the beauty industry and continues to intrigue perfume lovers around the globe.
* Explore more alluring fragrances from luxury brands in our latest blogs on Gucci, Prada, Juicy Couture, Burberry, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Issey Miyake.
