Lance Carson
Calvin Klein Obsession is a provocative and sexy perfume that was launched in 1985. The scent is a warm, amber-y floriental with soft spices and woods. It was reportedly sold out in many stores before they even had the first shipment in stock and continued to be a big seller well into the 1990s. The men's fragrance was launched a year later in 1986.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Calvin Klein |
| Fragrance | For women |
| Launch year | 1985 |
| Fragrance notes | Basil, Peach, Vanilla, Lemon, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Green Notes, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Rose, Cedar, Sandalwood, Coriander, Oakmoss, Spices, Vetiver, Vanilla, Incense, Civet, Musk, Amber |
| Volume | 3.4 oz |
| Form | Eau De Parfum Spray |
| Unisex | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Obsession Calvin Klein perfume for women was launched in 1985
Obsession, the iconic Calvin Klein perfume for women, was launched in 1985. The fragrance was reportedly sold out in many stores even before the first shipment arrived, and it continued to be a big seller well into the 1990s. Created by perfumer Jean Guichard, Obsession is a warm, amber-y floriental with soft spices and woods. The top notes include mandarin, bergamot, green notes, and jasmine, while the heart notes are a blend of exotic spices, jasmine, and orange blossom. The base notes are a warm, persistent finish of ambery musk and incense.
The scent is described as "'sexy' and 'provocative', and it was marketed with steamy advertising and magazine scent strips. The fragrance was so popular that it rivalled Giorgio, the nation's number one scent at the time. The distinctive smell of Obsession is often associated with the 1980s, and it is considered a classic by many. Some reviewers have described the scent as too heavy or overpowering, while others find it long-lasting and addictive.
Obsession has left an enduring impression, with some people recalling how it permeated the culture of the 1980s. The fragrance was even featured in oddly androgynous and controversial child-porn-themed perfume commercials. The scent has also been described as unisex, with some people finding it suitable for both men and women.
Overall, Obsession by Calvin Klein is a memorable and influential perfume that has stood the test of time, remaining a well-known and sought-after fragrance decades after its launch.
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Obsession Calvin Klein cologne for men was launched in 1986
The launch of the men's cologne came a year after the release of Obsession Calvin Klein perfume for women in 1985. The women's fragrance was created by perfumer Jean Guichard and features a blend of warm amber, spices, and woods, with notes of mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, and orange blossom. It became a best-seller and was known for its provocative advertising campaigns. The scent was popular throughout the 1980s and well into the 1990s, with many women recollecting their experiences wearing the perfume during that time.
The women's perfume is described as having a deep, cedar-like musk with a powdery dry-down and an exotic scent. It is long-lasting and potent, with a small amount going a long way. The fragrance is considered a classic by some, evoking memories of the 1980s with its distinctive scent. However, others find it too heavy or associated with the gaudier aspects of the decade.
The Obsession fragrance line by Calvin Klein has left an impact on the world of perfumes, with its strong scents and provocative marketing. The men's cologne, launched in 1986, and the women's perfume, launched in 1985, both became popular choices, capturing the essence of their respective times.
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The scent is described as warm, spicy, and oriental
Calvin Klein's Obsession is a popular perfume that was first released in 1985 for women and 1986 for men. The scent is described as warm, spicy, and oriental.
Obsession's top notes include mandarin orange, peach, basil, lemon, bergamot, and green notes. The middle notes are comprised of spices, sandalwood, coriander, oakmoss, cedar, orange blossom, jasmine, and rose. The base notes are amber, incense, vanilla, civet, musk, and vetiver.
The combination of these notes creates a warm and spicy fragrance with a touch of vanilla for warmth and a hint of oriental influence. The perfume has been described as "a velvety vanilla/amber spice-bomb with contrasting green/herbal top notes." It is a strong and powerful scent that makes an impression and is an excellent choice for those who enjoy deep and spicy fragrances.
The men's version of Obsession shares some of the same notes, including citrus, lavender, cinnamon, and spice. It is described as a warm, intimate and alluring fragrance, perfect for cold weather and evening wear. The scent is considered timeless and has a nostalgic, feel-good vibe.
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The advertising campaign was scandalous and creepy
Calvin Klein Obsession, a fragrance for women, was launched in 1985. The advertising campaign for the perfume was considered scandalous and creepy.
The print ad for Obsession was shot by photographer Bruce Weber in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It featured a grainy, blue-tinted photograph with bare limbs, suggesting a sensual and passionate atmosphere. The TV commercial, on the other hand, left the interpretation to the viewer. It featured four 30-second spots, each with a different character: an older man, a younger man, a boy, and a woman, all captivated by an elusive female character. The commercial hinted at desire and fascination without being explicit.
The campaign caused a stir and was considered controversial due to its sexual overtones and androgynous themes. Some compared it to child porn, while others found it oddly creepy. The use of the phrase "Ah, the smell of it" at the end of each of Klein's television commercials further added to the suggestive nature of the campaign.
While the campaign for Obsession may have been scandalous, it is not uncommon for perfume advertisements to court controversy. The perfume industry has a history of using provocative and rebellious marketing strategies to promote their products. Sometimes, these campaigns aim to shock and create a strong emotional response, which can be a successful strategy for generating interest and media attention.
Overall, the Obsession perfume advertising campaign from Calvin Klein in the 1980s challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in mainstream media at the time.
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The perfume was very popular in the 1980s and 1990s
Calvin Klein Obsession for Women was launched in 1985. The perfume was very popular in the 1980s and 1990s. It was reportedly "everywhere" in the 1980s, with everyone wearing it. It was also popular into the 1990s, with one reviewer commenting that they "first smelled it in the nineties and I liked it, in fact I still do". Another reviewer noted that they wore Obsession in the "very late 1990s (around 1999 I'd guess)".
The scent was distinctive, with top notes of mandarin, bergamot, green notes, and jasmine, and heart notes of exotic spices, orange blossom, and jasmine. It had a warm, persistent finish, with base notes of ambery musk, incense, and amber.
The scent was heavy and provocative, and it was reportedly sold out in many stores before they even had the first shipment in stock. It was known to be long-lasting, with wearers noting that they did not need to reapply.
The men's version of Obsession was launched in 1986, and it too was considered to be a popular scent of the 1980s.
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Frequently asked questions
Calvin Klein Obsession for women was launched in 1985.
Yes, Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein was launched in 1986.
Obsession for Men has top notes of citrus fruits like tangerine, grapefruit, lime and bergamot, with floral notes of lavender and spiced notes of coriander and cinnamon.
Obsession for women has top notes of mandarin and bergamot, heart notes of jasmine and orange blossom, and base notes of musk, amber and incense.
The advertising for Obsession was reportedly steamy and provocative. One source mentions that the perfume commercials were "oddly androgynous and creepy child-porn".
