I first tried this fragrance last spring – the spring of 2018. I sampled both Fleurissimo and Spring Flower (Creed 1996) at that time, and I recall being in adoration of Fleurissimo (I’ve since bought a bottle) while finding Spring Flower a tiny bit disappointing. I experienced lovely projection and longevity with Fleurissimo, but with Spring…
Category: 1990’s Fragrances
Kai
Incredibly tangible, lush white florals, specifically lily-of-the-valley, jasmine and gardenia open a wild bouquet. Kai (Kai 1999) smells a little daring and a little heady up close but far away it smells earthy, exotic, and sensous while also being a bit more subtle. And while this is not a fragrance with a tremendous amount of…
Dune
A salty, oakmoss-green and crisp, rose and peony are flanked by a haunting woody warmth (Dior 1991). The opening is sublime. Other delicate florals emerge in a bed of amber hued beauty. Airy yet opulent, Dune is a sunny, late summer or early fall day at an ocean beach – one with the smell of…
Aquaflore
A pretty, light floral? This is it. Aquaflore (Carolina Herrera 1997) is slightly fruity (citrus, peach and melon) airy and unassuming. Actually though, it’s very “clean” and in the drydown it smells like a rainy day… But it’s a “clean and rainy” done by Carolina Herrera of course, and it’s a (late) 90’s fragrance so…
Eau du Soir
Perfectly named, this fragrance is very reminiscent of a cool evening and I think that Eau du Soir (Sisley 1990) is gender less. It reminds me a lot of CK One in that way. Actually, Eau du Soir almost seems like the concept of CK One in a more sophisticated, ethereal and elegant form and…
Diamonds and Sapphires
This is a typical Elizabeth Taylor fragrance (Elizabeth Taylor 1993), in my opinion, in that it almost overwhelms you but doesn’t quite and then you’re left smelling something ambery, vanillic and a little smoky in a very 1980’s/90’s style. The green heliotrope and musky melon add more depth, density and interest. And rhubarb adds even…
Rosa Magnifica
This is an exceptionally potent and spicy rose at the start (Guerlain 1999). Or at least it is on my skin. It’s actually reminiscent of Nahema…and that worried me for the first half an hour. I think something about the combination of this particular violet and hyacinth with the rose reads as punchy, syrupy and…
Classique
Spicy pear, opulent plum, and sweet iris mixed with ginger are at the start of Classique (Jean Paul Gaultier 1993). Of course, bergamot plays a hefty role too… And you can’t forget to mention the eventually dominant orange blossom. Nor can you neglect the important notes of vanilla and star anise. At any rate, it’s…
Ferentina
I’ve had this somewhat rare Caesar’s World Ferentina (Caesar’s World For Women 1994) for over a year. My husband bought it at an estate sale last spring. And, while I smelled the bottle and sort of liked the fragrance I was blinded by the house. Caesar’s World of Las Vegas, NV doesn’t exactly evoke a…
Fragile
I have seen this fragrance (Jean Paul Gaultier 1999) a few times over the years on Instagram. It’s often celebrated for its unique bottle and the voluptuous tuberose. Well, it is one of the most imaginative bottles I’ve ever encountered… and the tuberose is indeed fabulous. Actually though, it reminds me of my childhood and…
