Anisha Riggs
Fragrances that are more than 50 years old are considered vintage. These scents are often sought after by those who want to stand out or provoke with their choice of perfume. For women, perfumes created more than 50 years ago tend to have more sophisticated and elegant aromas, while men's fragrances from this era can add a touch of sophistication to the mature, confident man. To find these vintage fragrances, you can explore niche stores in big cities, or take advantage of online shopping and order directly from manufacturers or retailers worldwide.
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What You'll Learn
Niche stores in NYC
New York City is a hub of perfumeries, boutiques, and department stores, offering a wide range of fragrances, including niche and vintage perfumes. Here are some unique niche stores in NYC that you can explore:
Osswald Parfumerie
Inspired by her great-grandfather, Boris Dreiding, who founded Zurich's Osswald Parfumerie in 1921, Tanja Dreiding Wallace opened the NYC outpost of this family-run business in August 2012. Located on Mulberry Street, the store features recessed wood shelves and brushed copper tables displaying Swiss skincare products and luxury perfumes, including exclusive scents from Chabaud and MDCI. The store offers a spectacular collection of niche fragrances, such as Phaedon, Huitième Art, Pro Fumum, Arquiste, and Francis Kurkdjian. The knowledgeable staff and the listing of key ingredients on the underside of tester bottles make it a convenient place to explore and discover new scents.
Aedes de Venustas
Founded in 1995 by fragrance lovers Karl Bradl and Robert Gerstner, Aedes de Venustas (meaning "temple of beauty" in Latin) is a West Village shop that brings high-end European scents to New York City. In 2018, the store moved to the Lower East Side and now offers over 50 niche and haute perfume lines, including Maître Parfumeur et Gantier and Thirdman. The store's interior, adorned with fresh flowers and scented candles, creates an elegant ambiance. They also provide fragrance consultations with dedicated perfume advisors to guide your scent journey.
Scent Bar
Scent Bar, the brick-and-mortar store of Lucky Scent, is a Manhattan destination for niche fragrances. They offer a carefully curated selection of perfumes, including brands like Frederic Malle, Le Labo, Byredo, Killian, and Diptyque. With its artsy space and luxury brands, Scent Bar provides a unique fragrance experience.
C.O. Bigelow Apothecary
C.O. Bigelow Apothecary, founded in 1838, is the oldest pharmacy in America. Located on 6th Avenue, just below 9th Street, the store has evolved into a fragrance and beauty haven. They offer an eclectic selection, including skincare, makeup, and a wall of scents, many of which are unique and unavailable elsewhere. Bigelow also has a range of perfume oils, such as Freesia, Amber, Magnolia, and Lily of the Valley.
Jo Malone
Jo Malone is an English perfume label that has mastered the art of clean, transparent scents. With fragrances like Lime Basil & Mandarin, Earl Grey and Cucumber, and the darker Velvet Rose & Oud and Amber & Patchouli, they offer a range of options while maintaining their signature lightness. The Meatpacking District boutique, named after owner Kilian Hennessy, boasts a selection of intoxicating fragrances inspired by New York City itself, such as the top-selling Apple Brandy on the Rocks.
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Maison Francis Kurkdjian
The house offers a unique collection of fragrances, including contemporary and modern interpretations of classic perfumes, as well as more traditional and vintage-inspired scents. One of the defining characteristics of the house is its focus on the highest quality ingredients, with many fragrances featuring natural extracts and essential oils.
For those seeking fragrances over 50 years old, Maison Francis Kurkdjian offers a few options that are either inspired by or reinterpret classic, vintage perfumes. For example, the house offers a range of fragrances that pay homage to the golden age of perfumery, the 1920s, with scents that are both elegant and sophisticated, featuring notes that were popular during that era. One such fragrance is 'Grand Soir', a unisex scent featuring a dominant note of amber, which was a key accord in many vintage perfumes. The fragrance also includes other notes reminiscent of the 1920s, such as honey, vanilla, and balsamic accords.
Another fragrance that draws inspiration from the past is 'Baccarat Rouge 540', which is an ode to the crystal-clear, sparkling beauty of the Baccarat red crystal. This fragrance features a unique blend of woody and mineral notes, creating a scent that is both modern and timeless. The mineral accord in this perfume is reminiscent of vintage fragrances, with a hint of salt and ambergris, while the woody notes of cedar and sandalwood add depth and a contemporary edge.
For something truly vintage-inspired, the house offers 'L'Eau à la Rose', a delicate and romantic fragrance that is a modern interpretation of the traditional rose scent. This perfume features a blend of two types of roses, the Damascena and Centifolia, which were commonly used in perfumery over 50 years ago. The result is a fresh, yet classic, rose fragrance with a hint of citrus and a soft, powdery dry-down.
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Guerlain's Jicky
Guerlains Jicky is a fragrance with a rich history. Created in 1889 by Aimé Guerlain, it is the oldest continuously produced perfume in the world. Jicky was a pioneer in the use of synthetic molecules in perfumery, particularly synthetic vanillin, which was cheaper, sweeter, and creamier than natural vanilla. This innovation allowed Guerlain to create a truly unisex fragrance with notes of spice, lemon, lavender, wood, and vanilla. The perfume's stopper is shaped like a champagne cork, and its name comes from the nickname of Aimé Guerlain's nephew, Jacques Guerlain.
Jicky has endured as a timeless and modern fragrance, with a dedicated following. It has been described as "a time capsule to the Belle Époque in a bottle" and "a true artefact of olfactory elegance." The scent has top notes of rosemary, bergamot, lemon, and mandarin orange; middle notes of lavender, tonka bean, orris root, basil, and jasmine; and base notes of vanilla, leather, spices, benzoin, sandalwood, amber, and Brazilian rosewood.
While Jicky was originally marketed towards women, some modern wearers perceive it as a masculine fragrance. One reviewer describes it as "boyish, herbal, outdoorsy, and originally dirty, masculine, [and] civet." However, others still view it as a feminine scent, with one wearer noting that it made them feel like "Eve walking through the garden."
Jicky can be purchased online from various retailers, including Jomashop.com, FragranceNet.com, and FragranceX.com, with prices ranging from $69.99 to $109.99.
In conclusion, Guerlain's Jicky is a legendary fragrance that has stood the test of time. With its complex blend of notes and its status as the oldest continuously produced perfume, it remains a sought-after scent for those seeking a timeless and elegant fragrance.
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Clinique's Elixir Spray
The creation of Clinique's Elixir Spray was a groundbreaking achievement in the beauty industry. Introduced in 1968, it was one of the first fragrances to be created by a dermatologically-focused brand, catering to those with sensitive skin. The scent was designed to be subtle and delicate, appealing to those who sought a fragrance that was both elegant and gentle on the skin. Over the years, it has become a signature perfume for Clinique, with its simple yet distinctive bottle design and alluring aroma.
This timeless fragrance has a delicate and feminine scent that captivates the senses. It opens with a refreshing blend of citrus notes, including bergamot and lemon, providing a bright and uplifting start. The heart of the fragrance unfolds with a beautiful bouquet of floral notes, featuring jasmine, rose, and lily of the valley. These delicate blossoms add a soft, romantic touch to the composition. As the fragrance dries down, it reveals a warm and sensual base composed of musk and amber, creating a lingering trail that exudes sophistication and elegance.
The Clinique Elixir Spray is an ideal choice for those who appreciate subtle and refined fragrances. Its delicate aroma makes it perfect for everyday wear, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion. The lightweight and subtle nature of this perfume ensures that it never overpowers but instead creates a beautiful, lingering aura that surrounds the wearer. This versatile fragrance can be worn during the day or evening, providing a sense of timeless sophistication no matter the time or season.
Finding a fragrance that has endured for over five decades is a true discovery for perfume enthusiasts and collectors. Clinique's Elixir Spray, with its rich history and captivating scent, is a testament to the brand's enduring legacy. This elegant fragrance continues to be cherished and sought-after, even as new perfumes enter the market. Its timeless appeal and loyal following ensure that it remains a classic, beloved by generations of women.
For those seeking to acquire a bottle of Clinique's Elixir Spray, exploring vintage perfume retailers and online marketplaces is a worthwhile endeavour. These sources often provide the opportunity to find rare and discontinued fragrances, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to acquire a piece of perfumery history. With its rich heritage and enchanting aroma, Clinique's Elixir Spray is a true gem for those who appreciate classic and timeless fragrances.
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Estée Lauder's Beautiful
When it comes to finding vintage fragrances, including those by Estée Lauder, online fragrance boutiques and specialist perfume retailers are a good place to start. These stores often carry a selection of hard-to-find and discontinued perfumes, as well as newer releases. It is worth noting that vintage fragrances may be quite expensive and may be referred to as "collectors' items".
One of Estée Lauder's most iconic fragrances is 'Beautiful', which was launched in 1985 and has since become a classic. This timeless scent is a rich, lush floral that celebrates the modern woman. The fragrance is a beautiful blend of exotic flowers including rose, lily, tuberose, and orange flower. The heart of the fragrance is a deep, complex blend of exotic woods and spices, with a hint of citrus. The scent is long-lasting and has a rich, luxurious sillage.
The perfume was created by perfumer Bernard Chant, who also created other well-known fragrances such as Estée Lauder's 'Aliage' and 'Cinnabar'. 'Beautiful' is considered a masterpiece and is often described as a "work of art" due to its complex and harmonious composition. The fragrance is presented in a simple, elegant flacon with a gold-tone cap and a delicate, feminine script.
To find a bottle of 'Beautiful' that is over 50 years old, one would have to look for a vintage or collectible perfume seller. Online auction sites, specialist perfume retailers, and antique stores may be potential sources. It is important to be aware of potential issues when buying vintage fragrances, such as degradation or improper storage, which can affect the quality of the scent. Reputable sellers should be able to guarantee the authenticity and condition of the product.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find fragrances for men over 50 in most department stores, but if you are looking for a classic fragrance, you may have to search for specialist perfume shops.
Some popular fragrances for men over 50 include Dior Sauvage, Chanel Egoiste, and Aramis by Aramis.
You can find fragrances for women over 50 in most department stores, but if you are looking for a classic fragrance, you may have to search for specialist perfume shops.
Some popular fragrances for women over 50 include Lancôme Trésor, Chanel No.5, and Clinique Aromatics in Black.
