Words: Lauren Carbran
Luckily for you, the development of perfume makes the most interesting history lesson of all. And as The Perfume Shop is 26 years old, here are the biggest fragrance trends you need to know about…
1992: THE GOURMAND
This is the year The Perfume Shop was born and Thierry Mugler Angel was launched, kicking off the gourmand trend – a trend that reflected a global need for sweetness and positivity amid the recession and the pressures of the early 90s. Never before had the notes of caramel, praline, honey and vanilla smelt so delicious, reminding everyone of their favourite dessert and leaving them wondering whether perfume could get any more addictive.
1996: THE WATER TREND
Davidoff Cool Water for him may have launched back in 1988, but the water trend didn’t stop there. Cue Davidoff Cool Water Woman, the perfume women everywhere had been waiting for. Finally, they could indulge in the notes of pineapple, melon, rose and peach, inspired by the Bavarian Alps.
2000: THE FLORAL TREND
The turn of the century brought optimism with it, following the recovery in the economy and the quelling of the threatened catastrophe of the Millennium computer bug. So what better than a fresh, floral scent to keep spirits high? Flower by Kenzo signified that flowers can inspire a beautiful world, with its notes of Bulgarian rose and Palma violets whisking us off to a dream land. What more could you ask for?
2010: THE CELEBRITY TREND
With the launch of Instagram, celebrity fans felt WAY closer to their idols. The world was well and truly changing, and celebrity perfumes were the new big thing. The best one? Beyoncé Heat, a mix of red vanilla orchid, almond macaroon and honeysuckle nectar. Mmmm…
2016: THE ROSE TREND
The year of romance, people. Yep, 2016 brought with it an abundance of rose perfumes. We found ourselves in a floral frenzy, thanks to Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Rosa Excelsa, with its notes of African dog rose and Turkish rose – oh, and papaya flower and daffodil. How divine! For guys, there’s Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Unlimited, a blend of rose and pineapple. Yum.
2017: THE MILKY TREND
Hells, yeah. 2017 was the year of the milk notes. Scents like Michael Kors Wonderlust were massively in the spotlight and showed us how almond milk and mandarin can smell exotic. And we’re still obsessed. Read more about the milky trend here.
2018: THE HOT DRINKS TREND
2018 brought with it a huge change in fragrance trends – there was no limit to creating totally unique fragrances, especially ones with notes of hot drinks. The aim? To make you feel all cosy and warm inside – so, caffeine lovers these are for you. Hugo Boss Boss The Scent Private Accord for him oozes cocoa, ginger and spices – and we’re pretty sure you’ve not smelt anything like this before. Then there’s Carolina Herrera Good Girl for her, which is a mouth-watering mix of cacao, vanilla and coffee – super sweet!
2019: THE INTENSE TREND
This year, it’s all about intense gourmand trends, which means scents are launching with bold, delicious foodie notes. We’re loving YSL Black Opium Intense for her, a powerful blend of blue absinthe, coffee, licorice and vanilla. For men, there’s Armani Stronger With You Intensely, that smells sweet and bold, thanks to the wafts of sugar-coated chestnut and vanilla. And keep your eyes peeled for more intense editions of your favourite fragrances launching later this year…