7 fragrances that have stood the test of time

There’s a reason these perfumes are classics, continuing to sell well years – or even decades – since their original launch.

We share our top seven classic fragrances and why they’ve remained so popular.

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Angel – Thierry Mugler EDP 50ml, $79.99

Angel - Thierry Mugler

Released in 1992, Angel was Mugler’s first venture into the fragrance world and is best described as an oriental vanilla scent with a strong accord of patchouli and chocolate.

Over the years various big names have been used for campaign imagery, including Eva Mendes, Jerry Hall and years later, her daughter, Georgia May Jagger.

In 2007 Angel was inducted into the Fragrance Hall of Fame.

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Tresor – Lancôme EDP 100ml, $99.99

Tresor – Lancome

It might not have the same recognition as other fragrances on this list, but any perfume collector will be very familiar with this floral oriental scent.

It remains one of Lancôme’s best-selling fragrances, some 28 years later.

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J’adore – Dior EDP 100ml, $159.99

J’adore – Dior

Created on the cusp of the millennium, J’adore is best described as a modern, feminine fragrance that’s sweet and balmy, with sharp floral and mandarin notes in the top.

Dior muse Charlize Theron has been used as the face of J’adore campaigns since 2004.

While there’s been much debate around a possible J’Adore reformulation over the years, the fragrance remains a bestseller around the world.

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Mitsouko – Guerlain EDT 50ml, $59.99

Mitsouko - Guerlain

At 99 years old and counting, this fragrance truly encapsulates the qualities of a classic fragrance.

It might not be the most well-known within the Guerlain fragrance house, but there’s something other worldly about Mitsouko that makes it perfect for someone who values a strong, individual scent.

Created in 1919 by Jacques Guerlain, the scent was a favourite among Old Hollywood greats like Jean Harlow. 

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Allure – Chanel EDT 100ml, $179.99

Allure – Chanel

Created in 1996, this rich fragrance encompasses notes of lemon, bergamot, mandarin, peach, rose, sandalwood and vanilla, all of which combine to create a complex yet inoffensive scent that is perfect for the office.

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Opium – Yves Saint Laurent
 EDT 90ml, $139.99

Opium

Instantly recognisable, this spicy oriental fragrance caused quite a stir when it launched in 1977 due to its provocative namesake.

Its advertisement campaigns have been equally controversial, with a 2000 ad featuring Sophie Dahl named among the most-complained about of the past 50 years.

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Obsession – Calvin Klein
 EDP 100ml, $39.99

obsession

This fragrance – with top notes of green, mandarin orange, vanilla, peach and lemon – remains quite the polarising scent.

Launched in 1985, this was Klein’s first fragrance to be considerably successful, helping establish his label’s credibility as a fragrance house.

With the likes of Kate Moss, Eva Mendes and Gemma Ward all faces of the iconic fragrance, it’s unsurprising that it remains popular as ever.

Written by Charlotte Brundrett

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