Anisha Riggs
Victoria's Secret, an American lingerie retailer, expanded its product line in the 1980s to include fragrances. The first fragrance launched by the company was Victoria, also known as Original Victoria, which was released in 1988 or 1991. The scent has been described as a distinctly vintage and fruity/floral chypre with notes of bergamot, raspberry, jasmine, lilac, Bulgarian rose, vanilla, patchouli, oak moss, and sandalwood. The fragrance has since been discontinued, but it remains a favourite for many, with some customers expressing disappointment over its discontinuation and requesting its return.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Victoria |
| Year of Launch | 1988 or 1991 |
| Availability | Discontinued |
| Top Notes | Bergamot, Raspberry |
| Heart Notes | Jasmine, Lilac, Bulgarian Rose |
| Base Notes | Vanilla, Patchouli, Oak Moss, Sandalwood |
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What You'll Learn
The first Victoria's Secret fragrance was called 'Original Victoria'
The first Victoria's Secret fragrance was called Original Victoria, also known as Victoria Eau de Cologne. It was released in 1988 or 1991 and was a popular scent in the early 1990s. The fragrance was likely discontinued several years ago, as it is now challenging to find legitimate sellers or unused bottles.
Original Victoria is described by many as a unique and iconic scent. Some have described it as "what a woman should smell like" and "liquid lingerie." While the exact fragrance notes are unknown, some have detected hints of rose. Others have described it as a sweet, vintage, fruity, and floral scent with notes of berries and cream.
The top notes of Original Victoria are thought to be bergamot and raspberry, with heart notes of jasmine, lilac, and Bulgarian rose. The base notes are believed to be vanilla, patchouli, oak moss, and sandalwood.
The fragrance holds a lot of nostalgia for many, reminding them of their childhood or significant events like their wedding day. Some have expressed disappointment that the fragrance was discontinued and have been searching for similar scents, but none have come close to the unique scent of Original Victoria.
In addition to the fragrance, Victoria's Secret also offered a range of accompanying products, including lotion, shower gel, dusting powder, and bath gel, all in the distinctive Original Victoria scent.
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It was released in the late 1980s or early 1990s
The first Victoria's Secret fragrance was called "Original Victoria" or "Victoria", and it was released in the late 1980s or early 1990s. The exact date is uncertain, with sources citing 1988, 1989, or 1991 as possible years of release. This fragrance was an eau de cologne and has been described as having a distinctly vintage and fruity/floral scent with notes of berries, cream, oakmoss, and patchouli.
The original Victoria's Secret fragrance was released during a period of rapid expansion for the company. Throughout the 1980s, Victoria's Secret expanded across the United States, moving into malls nationwide. The company also broadened its product offerings beyond lingerie to include shoes, evening wear, and a wide range of fragrances. By the early 1990s, Victoria's Secret had become the largest American lingerie retailer, with annual revenue surpassing one billion dollars.
The original Victoria's Secret fragrance has since been discontinued, but it remains fondly remembered by many customers. Some have described it as smelling like "childhood" or "what a woman should smell like." However, others have found it challenging to pinpoint the exact notes of the fragrance, and it has been described as having a unique and complex scent.
Due to its discontinuation, the original Victoria's Secret fragrance can now be difficult and expensive to find. Some customers have turned to online platforms and forums to seek out unused bottles or legitimate sellers, while others have been on the lookout for similar fragrances that might evoke the same nostalgic feelings.
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The scent is described as fruity and floral
The first Victoria's Secret fragrance was called "Original Victoria" or "Victoria". It was released in 1988 or 1991 and was discontinued several years ago. The scent is described as fruity and floral with top notes of bergamot and raspberry, heart notes of jasmine, lilac, and Bulgarian rose, and base notes of vanilla, patchouli, oak moss, and sandalwood.
One person described the scent as "what a woman should smell like," while another said it was "liquid lingerie." Many people have fond memories of the fragrance, with some saying it reminds them of their childhood or their wedding day. However, because it has been discontinued, it is now challenging to find a bottle that has not turned.
Some people have suggested that Caron Fleur de Rocaille from 1993 is similar to Original Victoria, but others have disagreed. Other similar fragrances include Bijan by Bijan and Shalimar perfume initiale flanker.
Original Victoria was released during a period of rapid expansion for Victoria's Secret. The company was broadening its product offerings beyond lingerie, and the fragrance helped cement its status as a prominent player in the retail market. By the early 1990s, Victoria's Secret had become the largest American lingerie retailer, with annual revenue surpassing one billion dollars.
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It was discontinued several years ago
The first Victoria's Secret fragrance was called "Original Victoria" or "Victoria". It was launched in 1988 or 1991 and was discontinued several years ago.
Several people have fond memories of this fragrance, with some describing it as smelling like their childhood. One person recalled how they used to receive compliments from friends and strangers whenever they wore it. Another person said that it was their signature scent when it first came out. Many people have expressed disappointment that the fragrance has been discontinued and have been trying to find similar perfumes.
Some have tried to find unused bottles of the original fragrance online, but these are often sold at inflated prices. Others have tried to find similar fragrances, with some suggesting that Caron Fleur de Rocaille (1993) is similar, although not identical.
The original Victoria's Secret fragrance appears to have developed something of a cult following, with people continuing to search for and discuss the scent years after its discontinuation. This is perhaps not surprising, given the powerful connection between smell and memory, and the nostalgia that scent can evoke.
While Victoria's Secret has discontinued several fragrances over the years, including Exotic Bouquet, Very Sexy 2, and Vanilla Lace body mist, the original "Victoria" fragrance remains the most talked-about and sought-after scent from the brand's early days.
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People are trying to find similar fragrances
Victoria's Secret's first fragrance was "Original Victoria", also known as "Victoria" or "Victoria Eau de Cologne". It was released in 1988 or 1991 and has since been discontinued. The scent is described as "distinctly vintage", "fruity", and "floral", with notes of "berries and cream".
Some potential alternatives have been suggested, such as Caron Fleur de Rocaille (1993), although it is reportedly not a close match. One person on Basenotes recommended studying similar notes on Fragrantica and then doing some sniff tests to compare. Another comment suggested that Shalimar perfume initiale flanker might be promising.
The challenge of finding a similar fragrance may be due to the complex blend of notes in the original Victoria's Secret scent. While some people have managed to purchase bottles of the original fragrance online, they have often been disappointed to find that the scent has turned or is not as they remembered. This has left many people with a fondness for the original fragrance disappointed and eager for Victoria's Secret to bring it back.
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Frequently asked questions
The first fragrance launched by Victoria's Secret was called Victoria. It was released in 1988 or 1991 and was discontinued several years ago.
The scent of the original fragrance is difficult to describe. Some have described it as "sweet" and "fruity/floral". It has also been described as "what a woman should smell like".
The top notes of the fragrance were bergamot and raspberry, the heart notes were jasmine, lilac, and Bulgarian rose, and the base notes were vanilla, patchouli, oak moss, and sandalwood.
