Seamus Hammond
Poison is a perfume by Dior, first released in 1985. It has been described as a breathtaking perfume masterpiece with a complex and deep scent. The name Poison is said to be inspired by the subtle danger of the fragrance, which is both beautiful and dangerous. The history of perfume is closely linked with poison, dating back to ancient civilisations such as the Sumerians, ancient Rome, and Greece. Notably, the Indian surgeon Sushruta, writing in the 6th century BCE, described the use of perfume as a vector for poison. In the Italian Renaissance, Aqua Tofana, a strong arsenic-based poison, was disguised in perfume vials and used by women to escape abusive marriages. The history of Poison by Dior, with its intricate web of scents and allure, invites a journey through time, evoking both the allure and danger of fragrances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dior |
| Launch Year | 1985 |
| Perfumer | Edouard Flechier |
| Fragrance Notes | Wild berries, sandalwood, musk, jasmine, orange blossom, coriander, vetiver, pepper, cedar, cinnamon, rosewood, plum, heliotrope, tuberose, vanilla, rose de mai absolute, cistus labdanum, opopanax |
| Bottle Design | Deep amethyst-coloured apple-shaped bottle with a gold neck and a crystal stopper |
| Brand Ambassador | French actor Isabelle Adjani |
| Awards | FiFi Award in 1987 |
| Variants | Hypnotic Poison, Pure Poison, Poison Girl |
| Spokesmodels | Eva Green, Monica Bellucci, Milla Jovovich, Mélanie Laurent |
| Follow-up Fragrance | Tendre Poison (1994) |
| Cultural Significance | Associated with the deadly history of women using perfume as poison |
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What You'll Learn
- Poison is a women's fragrance by Dior, released in 1985
- The scent is described as complex, deep, mysterious, and intoxicating
- The bottle is designed to look like forbidden fruit, with an amethyst colour and gold neck
- Poison has won awards and spawned several variants, including Hypnotic Poison and Pure Poison
- The history of perfume includes tales of poisonings and biological warfare, dating back to ancient civilisations
Poison is a women's fragrance by Dior, released in 1985
The Poison fragrance is known for its iconic bottle, which is designed to look like forbidden fruit. The bottle is shaped like an apple and has a deep amethyst colour with a gold neck and a crystal stopper. The original brand ambassador for the fragrance was French actor Isabelle Adjani, who remained the face of the advertising campaign for several years. Poison has since released several variations on the original scent, including Hypnotic Poison (1998), Pure Poison (2004), and Poison Girl (2016).
The name "Poison" evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue, suggesting a fragrance that is both beautiful and dangerous. The scent is described as "intoxicating," "mysterious," and "dark," with a subtle danger that makes it unforgettable. The complexity of the fragrance, with its many layers and nuances, adds to the idea of "Poison" as something that is alluring yet potentially harmful.
While the Dior fragrance Poison is a modern creation, the use of perfume as poison has a long and deadly history. In ancient times, perfume was sometimes used as a vector for poison, with lethal doses mixed into anointing oils or sprinkled over clothing and other items. In the Renaissance, a woman named Giulia Tofana sold a strong, arsenic-based poison called Aqua Tofana to Italian women who wanted to escape their abusive husbands. The poison was disguised in perfume vials, taking advantage of the association between perfume and toxicity.
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The scent is described as complex, deep, mysterious, and intoxicating
The scent of Poison, a perfume by Dior, is described as complex, deep, mysterious, and intoxicating. The original Poison, released in 1985, is a "breathtaking perfume masterpiece" with a heart of
The vintage formulation of Poison is described as "beautiful, addictive, and not a safe blind buy." It is recommended to be tested on the skin rather than on paper. One user describes the scent as "a baroque vampire punched you in the sinuses after drowning in plum wine." Another user mentions that the current version is "nowhere near as deep and complex" as the vintage formulation.
The complexity of the scent is further emphasized in the description of its bottle, which is crafted to look like forbidden fruit. The deep amethyst color and gold neck with a crystal stopper add to the allure of the fragrance.
The Hypnotic Poison variant, launched in 1998, is described as having a "darker, more mysterious undertone" with a subtle danger that earns it the name "Poison." It is characterized as "sexy and dark" with a play-doh scent, creating a unique and memorable fragrance. The top notes include coconut, plum, and apricot, while the base notes are vanilla, almond, sandalwood, and musk, contributing to its intoxicating and mysterious nature.
The history of perfume also reveals intriguing connections to poison, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Sumerians, ancient Rome, and Greece. The use of perfume as a disguise for poison is mentioned in ancient Indian surgeon Sushruta's text, the Sushruta Samhita, where lethal doses were mixed with various substances, including perfumes. The Affair of the Poisons in Louis XIV's France and the story of Giulia Tofana, who sold Aqua Tofana to women seeking to escape abusive husbands, further showcase the deadly role of perfume in history.
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The bottle is designed to look like forbidden fruit, with an amethyst colour and gold neck
Poison is a fragrance for women by Dior. It was launched in 1985 and has since become a legendary and iconic perfume. The scent is complex and heavy, with notes of plum, jammy fruits, spice, incense, and musk. It is said to be addictive and has a classic yet sophisticated vibe.
The Poison bottle is designed to look like forbidden fruit, with an apple-shaped deep amethyst colour and a gold neck. It has a crystal stopper, adding to the luxurious and mysterious design. The unique bottle is crafted to reflect the scent's allure and complexity, evoking a sense of temptation and desire.
The colour amethyst is often associated with royalty, wisdom, and enlightenment. In ancient times, amethyst was believed to provide clarity and connection to the divine. It is a colour that exudes elegance and a hint of mystery, making it a perfect choice for the Poison bottle's regal and intriguing design.
The gold neck of the bottle adds a touch of luxury and opulence. Gold has long been associated with wealth, prosperity, and grandeur. The combination of amethyst and gold creates a striking contrast, making the bottle stand out and exude a sense of extravagance.
The design of the Poison bottle is a testament to Dior's attention to detail and desire to create a unique and memorable fragrance experience. The forbidden fruit inspiration adds a layer of intrigue and allure, reflecting the scent's complexity and allure. The bottle has become an iconic symbol, recognised even by those who have not experienced the fragrance itself.
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Poison has won awards and spawned several variants, including Hypnotic Poison and Pure Poison
Poison, a Dior perfume for women, was launched in 1985. It is described as a bold, intoxicating, and complex scent with a deep, mysterious allure. The fragrance has notes of wild berries, sandalwood, musk, jasmine, orange blossom, coriander, vetiver, pepper, cedar, cinnamon, rosewood, plum, heliotrope, tuberose, vanilla, rose de mai absolute, cistus labdanum, and opopanax. The bottle is designed to resemble forbidden fruit, with an apple-shaped form in a deep shade of amethyst and a gold neck with a crystal stopper.
Pure Poison, created by Carlos Benaim, Dominique Ropion, and Olivier Polge, was launched in 2004. It features notes of bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood, orange blossom, white musk, and amber. In 2006, Dior released Pure Poison Elixir, an updated version of the fragrance in a spray bulb mother-of-pearl bottle. This variation included cocoa bean absolute, adding a nuanced dimension to the scent.
In addition to Hypnotic Poison and Pure Poison, other variants of the original Poison perfume include Tendre Poison, Midnight Poison, and Poison Girl. Tendre Poison, also created by Edouard Flechier, was introduced in 1994 and targeted a younger demographic. Poison Girl, created by perfumer François Demachy, was released in 2016 and features a clear, pink bottle with top notes of bitter orange, a heart note of Grasse and Damascus rose, and a base note of Venezuelan tonka bean. It also includes notes of sandalwood, tolu balm, almond, and vanilla.
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The history of perfume includes tales of poisonings and biological warfare, dating back to ancient civilisations
The history of perfume is a fragrant tale that dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilisations using aromatic ingredients for sacred rituals and ceremonies. However, amidst the scent of flowers and spices, there is also a whiff of something more sinister – poison.
In ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome, perfume played a significant role in religious practices, with priests and shamans blending fragrant oils to honour deities. The ancient Indians, Sumerians, Romans, and Greeks also explored the medicinal and deadly properties of herbs, animal parts, and floral absolutes, using perfumes as a tool for biological warfare and political assassinations. The ancient Indian surgeon Sushruta, for example, described the use of lethal doses of poison in perfumed form, which could be sprinkled on clothing or added to food and drink.
During the Renaissance, perfumes were primarily used by royalty and the wealthy to mask body odours, and perfumers were also known to create poisons. One infamous case is that of Catherine de Medici, who was implicated in the death of Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre, in the 16th century. It was rumoured that Catherine's perfumer, René le Florentin, prepared a poison that was rubbed into a pair of perfumed gloves, which Jeanne then wore.
In the 17th century, during the reign of Louis XIV in France, there was a notorious murder scandal known as the Affair of the Poisons, which implicated members of the aristocracy, including the king's official mistress. This scandal centred around a crime ring involved in poison, perfume, abortion, witchcraft, and affairs. One of the key figures was Catherine Monvoisin, known as La Voisin, a crime leader, perfumer, and sorceress. Another infamous figure during this time was Italian Giulia Tofana, who sold poisons disguised as powdered makeup or perfume to women seeking to escape abusive husbands.
While the deadly history of perfume is intriguing, it is important to note that actual cases of "perfume poisoning" from one-time use are rare. However, certain toxic ingredients in perfumes can cause temporary allergic reactions or long-term health issues if exposed to them over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Poison is a fragrance for women by Dior, launched in 1985. It has a complex, deep, and mysterious scent with notes of plum, musk, vanilla, almond, and wild berries. The name "Poison" likely refers to its intoxicating and seductive nature.
There have been several variations of the original Poison fragrance, including Hypnotic Poison (launched in 1998), Pure Poison (2004), and Poison Girl (2016). Each variation offers a unique twist on the original scent, such as oriental vanilla or bitter orange notes.
Poison by Dior is considered a classic and iconic perfume. It has attracted a loyal following and is often described as a "legendary" and "breathtaking" fragrance. The original Poison is known for its intense and complex scent, while newer variations offer more nuanced and modern interpretations.
