Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior c1998

Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior: launched in 1998. Created by Annick Menardo.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an oriental vanilla fragrance for women. 

• Top notes: caraway, allspice, apricot, plum and coconut
• Middle notes: tuberose, sambac jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, rose and Brazilian rosewood
• Base notes: jacaranda wood, musk, sandalwood, bitter almond, and vanilla

Fate of the Fragrance:

Hypnotic Poison appears to have had a reformulation around 2006, then again in 2009 in a new bottle, it was also reformulated and repackaged in 2010.

The original version and the reformulation from 2006 and packaged in the matte red bottles with the "rubbery" coating, topped by a black cap and has a red collar. The Second reformulation in 2009 saw Hypnotic Poison housed in a glossy opaque red bottle without the rubber coating, it still has a black cap, but now sports a gold collar instead of the red. The current reformulation is housed in an opaque burgundy bottle with purple shading at the base, this bottle is topped with a deep purple cap and retains the gold collar of the previous edition.

The many faces of Hypnotic Poison:

Beware of Fakes! Hypnotic Poison has been terribly faked. Here are some photos of a fake bottle and box that I had received in a large lot of Poison perfumes. I have found that the fake Hypnotic Poison boxes are imprinted with the same batch code "6F02" and the bottle has no batch code. Shown in comparison is my own bottle of genuine Hypnotic Poison.

 Notice the slight color difference and the lettering

 Notice the difference in the collars and spray head.

 Another view of the collars and spray heads. Also the fake bottle does not have the rubbery coating on the glass.

 Notice the difference in the labels. On the genuine, the lettering is in a circular design following the shape of the bottle, whereas on the fake, it resembles the type of lettering shown on other Poison bottles. Also, the base on the fake has a strange circular mold line,not present on the genuine bottle, which is smooth.

 On genuine bottles, the batch code will be printed or etched into the glass, on the fakes, they are missing batch codes.

 On the fake, we can see a weird black mark in the glass or on the finish.

 The mold lines on the fake are more pronounced and not smooth as they are on the genuine bottle. Also a slight color change.

 The underside of the caps also have differences, the genuine capis thicker but the top is opaque so you can see light through it, the fake does not display this same property.

The screenshot below is taken from my original Christian Dior Perfume Bottles Blog, now defunct.

Tendre Poison by Christian Dior c1994

Tendre Poison was created by Edouard Flechier in 1994. The bottle design is the work of Veronique Monod.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a a crisp floral-green fragrance for women.

• Top notes: Brazilian rosewood, asafoetida, mandarin orange, galbanum and tangerine
• Middle notes: rose, freesia, tuberose, honey, and orange blossom
• Base notes: heliotrope, sandalwood, musk, and vanilla

Mirabella, 1993:

"Next March, Christian Dior, makers of the berry-rich Poison, will be coming out with Tendre Poison. While the company claims the scent is entirely new, insiders are referring to it as "Diet Poison" - a subtle, lighter, green floral variation on the original."

Mirabella, 1993:

"Dior has come out with Tendre Poison, a floral eau de toilette that's less intense than the original."

Lear's, 1994:

"CHRISTIAN DIOR LIGHTENS UP Among noses in the know, the verdict is in: This is the decade of delicate floral blends, made to match the era's new emphasis on subtle beauty. Case in point: Christian Dior's new Tendre Poison, , a green-tinted fresh floral with galbanum, mandarin blossom, freesia, sandalwood, and vanilla. This scent follows Poison, a spicy, fruity fragrance launched by Dior in 1986

When it was introduced in 1994, ads mentioned that Tendre Poison was available in only one concentration: Eau de Toilette, in both spray and splash forms. It was a lighter form of Poison that the company hoped would attract younger customers and loyal users of the original Poison.

Tendre Poison was originally available in the following:

• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 0.17 oz Eau de Toilette Spray Mini (limited edition)
• 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray (limited edition)
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 6.8 oz Perfumed Body Lotion

In 1995, the rest of the bath & body collection was released:

• 6.8 oz Perfumed Body Cream
• 6.8 oz Bath & Shower Gel
• 120gr Perfumed Dusting Powder

Fate of the Fragrance:

Tendre Poison was reformulated around 2005-2006 and is housed in a new bottle.

Unfortunately, this fragrance is currently discontinued.

Beware of Fakes! Tendre Poison has been terribly faked. Here are some photos of a fake bottle and box that I had received in a large lot of Poison perfumes.   I have found that the fake Tendre Poison boxes are imprinted with the same batch code "6F01" while the bottles have batch code of "7A03".

The screenshot below is taken from my original Christian Dior Perfume Bottles Blog, now defunct.

Dior Homme Eau for Men by Christian Dior c2014

Dior Homme Eau for Men by Christian Dior: Launched in 2014. Created by Francois Demachy. 

 "Prominent and refined, magnetic attractive and charismatic, Dior Homme Eau for Men was created for the man who has 100 lives to live. His motto is the popular quote by James Dean: Dream like you’ll live forever. Live like you’ll die today. "

So what does it smell like? Very heavy on the coriander and iris.

• Top notes: Moroccan grapefruit, Calabrian bergamot, Crimean coriander
• Middle notes: Tuscan iris absolute
• Base notes: amber, Virginian cedar 

Housed in the standard Dior Homme flacon.

Available in the following:

• 50ml Eau de Toilette
• 100ml Eau de Toilette

Eau Fraiche by Christian Dior c1953

Eau Fraiche by Christian Dior: launched in 1953. Created by Edmond Roudnitska.

When the fragrance was sold in the United States, it's name was changed to Eau de Cologne Aux Fleurs Fraiches instead of Eau de Cologne Fraiche de Christian Dior (it's name when it was sold in Europe).

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a refreshing citrus fragrance with an herbal chypre accord. It is recommended for daytime use during summer. 

• Top notes: mandarin orange and lemon
• Heart notes: rosewood
• Base notes:  vanilla and oakmoss 

Bottles:

Bottles:

photos by bbbd

Fate of the Fragrance:

This original fragrance has been discontinued, but in 2009,  it was reformulated and relaunched as a limited edition.

Dune by Christian Dior c1991

Dune by Christian Dior: created by Jean-Louis Sieuzac, Dominique Ropion and Nejla Bsiri-Barbir under the guidance of Maurice Roger and was launched in 1991 (in USA in 1992).

Inspiration:

An homage to Christian Dior's childhood home in Granville, where sea meets land, Dior created the fragrance Dune. An invitation to escape, a search for happiness and one's inner self. Dune symbolizes the union of land and ocean, of woman and nature.

A peaceful promenade gracing the beach in Granville. A quest for universal harmony infused with emotion and sensations. The fragrance of a woman who is both powerful and fragile, who draws her inner strength from nature.

Dune symbolizes escape into the world of dreams where only peace resides; it’s a place where sun kisses the sea, rays of light gently caresses the skin and twinkle in the warm sand while the twinkling ocean breeze brings flowery wafts peony and lily.

The Launch:

Adweek's Marketing Week - Volume 33, Issues 1-13, 1992:

"Next fall Christian Dior Perfumes Inc. will launch its first women's fragrance in the U.S. in six years. The product, called Dune, made its debut in Europe and the Middle East in 1991."

Parfums Dior rented the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte to celebrate the launch of Dune. At the door, a sign apologized for any inconvenience caused by the use of the room to introduce Dior's new "Dune" perfume. The general assumption among the watching tourists was that the estate must have served as a location for the shooting of a Dior TV commercial.

1 oz of Dune parfum originally cost $185 in 1993.

The Flacon:

The simple, transparent and luminous bottle subtly traces the curve of sand dunes, representing serenity and inviting enchantment.

Its innovative bottle with rounded edges is designed by Veronique Monod/Equipé Parfums Christian Dior. Dune also won a 1993 Fifi Award. 

Philantrophy:

Playbill, 1992:

"Mindful of current concern about the environment, Christian Dior looked to the sandy shores of Biarritz for inspiration when creating its new fragrance, Dune. The scent unites lily, wallflower and peony with the oceanic notes of broom, lichen and musk."

Who, before, would have bought a fragrance named Dune? The fragrance is meant to “restore inner balance and harmony with nature,” says Maurice Roger. president of Parfums Christian Dior. 

For emphasis. Dior pledged $350,000 to The Nature Conservancy over three years for coastal dune protection is the cornerstone of Dior's nationwide Protect the Dunes initiative. The Conservancy plans to use the first year funds to preserve three important dune ecosystems, including more than 4,000 protected acres, as well as for a public service campaign to raise awareness of the fragility of dunes.

Christian Dior will formally present The Nature Conservancy with the initial donation of $150,000 at the Christian Dior Boutique in New York on Oct. 5, 1992. "Today, more than ever, corporations must respond to our planet's problems and its citizens' concerns," said Robert Cankes, Christian Dior Perfumes' U.S. president and chief executive officer. "The donation is Christian Dior's contribution to the preservation of the pure and natural coastal environment that inspired our newest fragrance, Dune. It recognizes The Nature Conservancy's vital role in protecting coastal ecosystems." 

Commenting on Christian Dior's gift, John C. Sawhill, president and chief executive officer of The Nature Conservancy, said, "Scientists estimate that the '90s hold the key to preserving the ecological integrity of the planet. That's why it's important for the business community with companies like Christian Dior to reach out and form partnerships making preservation programs possible." 

In conjunction with the U.S. launch of the fragrance, Dune, Christian Dior is encouraging the 500 Dune launch stores nationwide to create awareness for dune preservation through a variety of in-store education efforts, including showing of the public service announcements and distribution of consumer literature. 

The Nature Conservancy is an international non-profit organization that preserves plants, animals and the natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and water they need to survive. 

WHERE WILL THE MONEY GO? The first-year funds will be dedicated to three dune preserve projects that contain unique examples of coastal dune ecosystems:

• The Atlantic Double Dunes Preserve, located in Amagansett, Long Island, N.Y., spans 200 acres and stretches 2.5 miles. The exposed primary dune areas closest to the water represent the harshest environment on the Atlantic coastal plain. These dunes have historical significance as the former site of major whaling operations. In addition, Fowler's Toad, an extremely rare marine-edge amphibian, can be found along this stretch of beach.

• The Lanphere-Christensen Dunes Preserve in Northern California is a 338-acre dynamic ecosystem combining beach, forest and dune. Strong winds create dunes 80 feet high, which harbor the evening primrose, morning glories, Seaside Daisies and Menzie's wallflower, a rare and endangered plant that grows in only six other locations in the state.

• Located six miles north of Santa Barbara, Calif., and stretching 18 miles, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes comprise one of the last areas of undeveloped coastline in the state. The Nature Conservancy manages more than 3,500 acres of the dunes, home to species like the Indian paintbrush and surf thistle. 

WHAT WILL THE MONEY DO? The Nature Conservancy will use this donation for continued land management, protection, and stewardship of dune projects. This includes ongoing scientific study and monitoring of endangered plant and animal species that depend on the dune system for survival.

Fragrance Composition:

This floral-oceanic oriental fragrance is subtle and radiant, evoking the nature of the Granville seashore and inviting us to join in a sublime sensory experience: the vibrant harmony of a bouquet of amber-scented flowers evolving in their freshness and wrapped in sensuality.

So what does it smell like? It was a linear parfum (not formulated on the standard three notes) styled as fresh-fruity-woody-oriental with floral notes of lily, rose, jasmine and peony, on base notes of amber, broom sandalwood, musk and lichen.

• Top notes: bergamot, mandarin, palisander, aldehyde, peony, broom
• Heart notes: jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, lily, wallflower, lichen, iris
• Base notes: vanilla, patchouli, benzoin, sandalwood, ambergris, oakmoss, musk

Dune was available in:

• 1 oz Eau de Toilette 
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette 
• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette

It was originally available as:

• 1 oz Parfum 
• Esprit de Parfum 
• Body Milk
• Body Cream
• Body Lotion
• Dusting Powder
• Perfumed Soap
• Shower Gel
• Deodorant Spray

The Esprit de Parfum was introduced in 1995 and is a highly concentrated Eau de Parfum. It also had a more pronounced bouquet of rose, iris and vanilla.

Dolce Vita by Christian Dior c1994

Dolce Vita by Christian Dior: created by Pierre Bourdon and Maurice Roger and launched in 1994.

Inspiration:

A happiness potion, Dolce Vita is a sensual, voluptuous fragrance that is simple and contrasting, hinting at a carefree, joyous walk along the Italian Riviera. This dazzlingly feminine fragrance illustrates Christian Dior's fascination for Latin women.

Vanity Fair, 1994:

"Bellini-esque" is not an adjective that could have been applied to the launch party for Dolce Vita, a new Christian Dior perfume, at the Plaza's Grand Ballroom."

This perfume of joy and happiness reminds us of hot and sunny summer days-the scent of easy living.

Fragrance Composotion:

This dazzlingly feminine fragrance features joyous fruity and floral notes with the spicy, sensual accents of cedar. It epitomizes Dior's glorious spirit. Made use of aromachemical Dihydro-beta-ionone which is described as having a woody floral, slightly fruity odor.

So what does it smell like? This is a sweet floral oriental fragrance with a spicy woody base.

• Top notes: grapefruit, peach, rose, bergamot, cardamom, lily
• Heart notes: peach, apricot, Brazilian rosewood, cinnamon, lily, magnolia, heliotrope,
• Base notes: sandalwood, vanilla, cedar, coconut

Flacon Design:

The Dolce Vita bottle combines glass and perfume artistry in the tradition of luxury. The transparent yellow gold gleams through the facets carved into the glass with amazing clarity.

Dolce Vita by F. Demachy:

Magnolia and Cinnamon notes enhance the woody base of Dolce Vita. This final accord, which is generally masculine, intensifies the modernity of this extremely feminine fragrance. 

Dolce Vita, the fragrance of happiness recalls the carefree, heart-lifting nostalgia of driving a convertible along the Italian Riviera. A dazzlingly feminine and joyful fruity/floral fragrance with spicy, sensual undertones of cedar, it incarnates the spirit of Dior in all its sumptuousness.

Dolce Vita was originally available as:

• Parfum
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette
• Body Lotion
• Bath & Shower Gel
• Dusting Powder
• Brume Parfumee/Body Mist

Dolce Vita is available as:

• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette

Eau Svelte by Christian Dior c1993

Dior Svelte, originally, a skincare line launched in 1993,  later introduced Eau Svelte in 1995, as a two-in-one body treatment fragrance formulated with skin care ingredients. The eau de toilette formula included hyaluronic acid to moisturize, aloe vera and cooling menthol to give skin a refreshed feeling.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fruity floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: citrus
• Middle notes: flowers, black currant
• Base notes: musk Unfortunately, this fragrance has been discontinued.

Eau Svelte was reformulated and relaunched in 2011, though the fragrance is classified as a green floral and smells different.

• Top notes: citrus and foliage
• Middle notes: jasmine, ylang-ylang
• Base notes: musk, rosewood