PEAKLIFE

By Neha Mehrotra

In a sea of perfumes flooding the market today, only a select few leave a lasting impression, becoming lifelong affairs. French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier aptly stated, “Perfume is the most intense form of memory”—a quote that perfectly captures the essence of classic fragrances. These timeless scents remain relevant and impeccable, even decades after their creation. From enchanting florals to seductive oriental blends, we’ve curated a list of 10 iconic perfumes that have stood the test of time, captivating hearts across generations.

1. Chanel N°5

Launched: 1921

Perfumer: Ernest Beaux

You can’t mention legendary perfumes without giving a nod to Chanel No. 5. Back in 1921, Gabrielle Chanel enlisted perfumer Ernest Beaux to craft “a woman’s perfume with a woman’s scent,” resulting in the birth of N°5. This powdery floral marvel is a blend of over 80 ingredients, including ylang-ylang, Rose Centifolia, and 1,000 jasmine flowers in every 30 ml. It strikes the perfect balance between femininity and strength. So iconic, even Marilyn Monroe famously quipped that the only thing she wore to bed was “a few drops of No. 5.”

2. Yves Saint-Laurent Opium

Launched: 1977

Perfumer: Jean Amic and Jean-Louis Sieuzac

Inspired by the mystique and opulence of the Far East, Saint Laurent aimed to create a fragrance that embodied exoticism, seduction, and decadence, and the Empress of China served as a muse for the same. Hence, renowned perfumers Jean Amic and Jean-Louis Sieuzac crafted a complex oriental composition that blended an array of exotic florals, spices, and wood notes. The result was a rich, seductive fragrance with top notes of carnation, lily of the valley, and rose, heart notes of cloves and coriander, and a base of cedarwood, sandalwood, amber, incense, and vetiver, rounded off with the warm, enveloping notes of vanilla.

3. Miss Dior by Christian Dior

Launched: 1947

Perfumer: Noses Paul Vacher and Jean Carles

A symbol of Parisian chic and haute couture luxury, Miss Dior endures the legacy of Christian Dior’s vision of beauty and femininity. The courtier wanted to create a “perfume scented with love,” and therefore, he collaborated with perfumers Paul Vacher and Jean Carles to bring his vision to life. The result was a masterpiece—a chypre fragrance enriched with the essence of roses and jasmine from Grasse, complemented by hints of lavender and sage, all resting on a base of oak moss.

4. Calvin Klein CK One

Launched: 1994

Perfumer: Alberto Morillas and Harry Fremont

Genderless fragrances are all the rage now, but back in 1994, CK One shattered the mold with its revolutionary unisex scent, becoming an instant hit and the bestseller of all time. Crafted by Alberto Morillas and Harry Fremont, this classic fragrance starts with zesty notes of mandarin orange, pineapple, and lemon, then reveals a heart of jasmine, violet, nutmeg, and rose. A base note consists of woody, earthy notes like sandalwood, cedar, and green tea.

5. Guerlain Shalimar

Launched: 1925

Perfumer: Jacques Guerlain

In a nod to the timeless love story of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and his cherished Mumtaz Mahal, Jacques Guerlain crafted the legendary Guerlain Shalimar. Launched in 1925 as the “first oriental perfume,” it was named after the iconic gardens of the Taj Mahal. The Baccarat bottle even mirrors the curves of the garden’s fountains. This fragrance masterfully balances the robust floral notes of jasmine, rose, and iris with the freshness of bergamot and lemon, all wrapped up in an irresistible trail of vanilla and tonka bean.

6. Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue

Launched: 2001

Perfumer: Olivier Cresp

Dolce & Gabbana collaborated with perfumer Olivier Cresp to craft a fragrance that embodied the quintessential Mediterranean lifestyle—a scent that evokes feelings of joy, freedom, and sensuality. Light Blue opens with a burst of Sicilian lemon and green apple, creating a vibrant and refreshing top note. This zesty introduction gives way to a heart of bamboo, jasmine, and white rose, evoking the delicate beauty of Mediterranean flora. Finally, the base notes of cedarwood and amber add depth and warmth, reminiscent of the sun-kissed shores and rugged landscapes of the Mediterranean coast.

7. Classique by Jean-Paul Gaultier

Launched: 1993

Perfumer: Jacques Cavallier

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Classique has been a bold embodiment of the designer’s avant-garde vision and celebration of feminine beauty. It is an ode to all the women who have influenced him, from his beloved grandmother to Madonna and icons from his childhood to punk rebels from the Palace nightclub. Perfumer Jacques Cavallier crafted a timeless yet provocative blend, merging citrusy bergamot and mandarin with delicate floral notes of orange blossom, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, while the warm base of vanilla, amber, and musk leaves a lingering aura of sensuality.

8. Carolina Herrera 212

Launched: 1997

Perfumer: Alberto Morillas

Inspired by the vivacious energy and limitless freedom of New York City, this floral-musky fragrance pays a stylish homage to the iconic Manhattan area code, cementing the brand’s unbreakable bond with the city that truly never sleeps. With its blend of fresh floral and zesty citrus notes, 212 radiates youthful elegance and urban chic, earning its status as a timeless go to for those whose scent must match their cosmopolitan lifestyle.

9. Jean Patou Joy

Launched: 1929

Perfumer: Henri Alméras

Launched in 1930 by the French couturier Jean Patou, Joy was created as a symbol of hope and optimism in the midst of the Great Depression. Renowned as one of the most expensive perfumes in the world, its name says it all—a lavish celebration of life’s finer pleasures. The intense floral scent was created using the essence of more than 10,600 jasmine flowers and more than 28 dozen roses per bottle.

10. Frederic Malle Portrait of A Lady

Launched: 2010

Perfumer: Dominique Ropion

Portrait of a Lady Eau de Parfum is a timeless creation and its creator, Frédéric Malle, describes it as an “old world meets new world” scent. Combining the classic elegance of 400 flowers per 100 ml, to be exact, it has maintained its head-turning reputation for over a decade. Its heart notes are blackcurrant, raspberry and clove, which add a sweet balance between the elegant floral top note and the warm patchouli, sandalwood and frankincense base that sparked Malle’s initial concept. Beyond the notes, Portrait of a Lady is a perfume that tells a story of sophistication, a certain amount of sex appeal and endless grace.