## A Blast from the Past: The Most Iconic 80s Perfumes That Still Reign Supreme in 2024
To talk about 80s perfumes is to transport ourselves back to an era when glamour was everything. Neon shades, voluminous perms, and XL accessories were the norm. Alongside bold makeup, perfumes were the finishing touch, the final accent to any look. It was impossible to leave the house without a seductive scent to match your personality.
Although trends in the perfume industry have evolved significantly since then, there’s something undeniably magnetic about 80s fragrances. They remain bold statements, more relevant than ever in 2024. So, cue up your favorite Madonna song and let this list remind you of the best women’s perfumes from the 1980s. While some iconic fragrances have sadly been discontinued, we’ve curated a selection that is still available today.
### 80s Perfumes Making a Comeback in 2024
1. Obsession by Calvin Klein (1985)
When Calvin Klein launched Obsession in 1985, the world changed. Literally. The brand and its now-legendary advertising campaigns became an obsession, captivating the hearts of women everywhere. Every woman wanted to wear this amber liquid from the oriental family, a fragrance that exuded confidence and allure. Its top notes of basil, bergamot, mandarin, sandalwood, coriander, oakmoss, cedar, orange blossom, jasmine, and rose, create a captivating symphony of aromas. The base notes of amber, incense, vanilla, civet, musk, and vetiver, linger on the skin, leaving an unforgettable trail.
2. Coco by Chanel (1985)
In 1985, Karl Lagerfeld’s muse, Inès de la Fressange, starred in the campaign for Chanel’s new fragrance: Coco. Her image graced magazines worldwide, and she also starred in an iconic commercial that ended with the unforgettable phrase, “Nobody says no to Coco.” And indeed, no one said no to this timeless scent, neither in the 80s nor in 2024. The nose behind this elegant composition was Jacques Polge, who crafted a perfume from the Oriental Spicy olfactory family. It envelops you from the moment it touches your skin with notes of Bulgarian rose, coriander, peach, jasmine, and mandarin. At its heart, cloves are perceived alongside rose extract, orange blossom, mimosa, and white clover, while the base notes of sandalwood, tonka bean, opoponaco, amber, civet, vanilla, and labdanum create a captivating symphony of aromas. A daring elixir housed in a violet bottle, Coco has graced the shelves since 1985, a testament to its enduring elegance.
3. Poison by Dior (1985)
This provocative and intense fragrance, created by Edouard Flechier and Maurice Roger, belongs to the oriental family and leaves an unforgettable trail. Its fresh top notes of coriander, wild fruits, Brazilian rosewood, and anise pique your senses. At the heart, Indian tuberose absolute, gives an intoxicating floral scent, while incense, honey, cinnamon, and opoponax add depth and complexity. Opoponax, a resinous gum from a tree found in Africa and the Middle East, adds a unique touch of warmth and sensuality. The base notes of vanilla, amber, moss, vetiver, and Virginia cedar create a rich and lingering aroma that lingers long after the initial spray.
4. Samsara by Guerlain (1989)
Jean-Paul Guerlain was the mastermind behind this classic woody amber perfume. The story goes that he created it for the woman in his life, a woman who wore no perfume. To create this masterpiece, he traveled to the Orient to source the most precious extracts of jasmine and sandalwood, which he then blended with ylang-ylang and vanilla. The result is a seductive perfume that represents sacred love, as “Samsara” means “eternal rebirth” in Sanskrit. Initially launched in 1989 in an elongated wine-colored bottle, Samsara underwent some modifications to its formula and is now housed in a transparent glass bottle designed by Raymond Guerlain in 1912. The bottle features art nouveau-inspired lines and a heart-shaped cap, a testament to the romantic essence of this enduring fragrance.
These iconic perfumes from the 80s not only represent a bygone era of glamour and exuberance, but also stand as timeless classics that continue to captivate and inspire. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their ability to transcend trends and speak to the heart of femininity.