A whiff of nostalgia! Top selling Christmas scents are ALL vintage fragrances dating back as far as 1985 - and '50s favourites such as Shalimar are making a comeback too

  • Three of the top five UK fragrances predicted for Christmas are all vintage scents from the '80s and 90s
  • Obsession from 1985 and L'eau d'Issey from 1991 are oldest scents in the top five 
  • None of the perfumes in the top 10 are brand new fragrances
  • '50s scents such as Shalimar and Miss Dior also making a strong comeback  

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The perfumes of the nineties are set to make a comeback this Christmas with retailers predicting that the top five sellers will be retro fragrances.

Fragrances from over 20 years ago have made a huge comeback and bizarrely several of the top fragrances from the 1950s are all performing well this year.

Three of the top five UK fragrances predicted for Christmas are all vintage scents - Angel by Thierry Mugler, L'eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake, Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Alien by Thierry Mugler and Obsession by Calvin Klein - and perfume retailers have seen a huge shift in customers looking to buy re-branded classic designer fragrances from the 90s.

Even perfumes from as far back as the 1950s are making a comeback, and while they're outside the top ten scents such as Shalimar, L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci and Miss Dior are still performing strongly, according to research by online beauty retailer Escentual.com. 

Angel by Thierry Mugler, the top seller this year, was released in back in 1994, the same year when Wet Wet Wet topped the charts with Love Is All Around, the theme tune to hit film Four Weddings and a Funeral which starred Hugh Grant.

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These are the top five predicted bestselling fragrances for Christmas 2017, and they are all vintage scents: Angel by Thierry Mugler, L'eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake, Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Alien by Thierry Mugler and Obsession by Calvin Klein

These are the top five predicted bestselling fragrances for Christmas 2017, and they are all vintage scents: Angel by Thierry Mugler, L'eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake, Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Alien by Thierry Mugler and Obsession by Calvin Klein

Although not in the top ten, these 1950s scents are still selling well today according to Escentual.com: Soir de Paris by Bourjois, Miss Dior by Dior, Shalimar by Guerlain, Youth Dew by Estée Lauder and L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci

Although not in the top ten, these 1950s scents are still selling well today according to Escentual.com: Soir de Paris by Bourjois, Miss Dior by Dior, Shalimar by Guerlain, Youth Dew by Estée Lauder and L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci

The overall top selling perfumes of the 2010s revealed: Si by Giorio Armani, Lady Million by Paco Rabanne, Paco Rabanne Olympea, My Burberry by Burberry and Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent

The overall top selling perfumes of the 2010s revealed: Si by Giorio Armani, Lady Million by Paco Rabanne, Paco Rabanne Olympea, My Burberry by Burberry and Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent

These are the fragrances shoppers splashed out on in the noughties: Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, J'adore by Dior, Thierry Mugler Alien, Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin and Daisy by Marc Jacobs

These are the fragrances shoppers splashed out on in the noughties: Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel, J'adore by Dior, Thierry Mugler Alien, Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin and Daisy by Marc Jacobs

It's also the same years as the first democratic election took place in South Africa, Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain committed suicide and One Direction star Harry Styles was born. 

Eau d'Issy by Issey Miyake from 1991 featured second on the list and third was Marc Jacobs, Daisy, which is now ten years old.

Alien by Thierry Mugler from 2005 was also in the top five and Calvin Klien's Obsession, from 1985, has had a return to popularity after previously unseen 90s pictures of Kate Moss were revealed at the launch of companion fragrance Obsessed this year.

Dating back even further L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci was released in 1948 and sold in huge numbers in the 1950s, thanks to the famous kissing doves bottle stopper becoming a design classic, and is still performing strongly today. 

Youth Dew by Elizabeth Arden from 1953 was originally sold as a bath oil. It went on to sell more than 250 million bottles as a fragrance and is still going strong in a repackaged bottle.

Top 10 Premium Perfume Sellers Predicted for 2017

Perfume 

1. Angel by Thierry Mugler Eau de Parfum 

First released in 1994

Bergamot, and sweet red fruits, vanilla, caramel and patchouli, combine with base notes of Tonka Bean, Patchouli, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Caramel to create a fragrance that 'stretches to infinity'. Heart notes are of honey and fruits.     

 

3. Daisy by Marc Jacobs  Eau de Toilette: 

First released in 2007

Top notes of fruity wild strawberry violet leaves and ruby red grapefruit balanced with vanilla and musk. 

Violet, Jasmine, Gardenia lie at the heart of this sunny  

 

 

 

 

5. Obsession by Calvin Klein Eau de Parfum: 

First released in 1985

Calvin Klien said he wanted to 'evoke the sensuality and ardor of an impassioned woman' with this perfume. 

He created a powerfully sensual fragrance, combining mandarin, orange and vanilla with spices, sandalwood and jasmine.

Base notes of amber, musk and vetiver add depth to an already heady aroma.  

 

7. Chanel No 5 Eau de Parfum

First launched in 1921 

A powdery floral bouquet composed around May rose and jasmine with bright citrus top notes of bergamot, aldehydes, lemon and neroli.

 

9. Si by Georgio Armani Eau de Toilette 

First released in 2013

Sparkling notes of pear, mandarin and blackcurrant sorbet create a truly fruity chypre. 

The heart introduces a floral bouquet, laced with freesia and may rose to gently soften the citrusy top notes. Base notes of patchouli, musk amber and oakmoss give real depth

Angel by Thierry Mugler is set to be the number one Christmas perfume

Angel by Thierry Mugler is set to be the number one Christmas perfume

Daisy is 10-years-old but its popularity shows no sign of waning

Daisy is 10-years-old but its popularity shows no sign of waning

Launched in 1985, sensuous Obsession is still as popular as ever 

Launched in 1985, sensuous Obsession is still as popular as ever 

Chanel No 5 has been a hit since 1921

Chanel No 5 has been a hit since 1921

Si by Georgio Armani from 2014 is a relative newcomer

Si by Georgio Armani from 2014 is a relative newcomer

2. L'eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake Eau de Parfum

First released in 1991 

Aquatic notes suffused with plush flower petals.  

Classic rose and translucent lotus in the top notes frame the majestic lily note in the heart 

A final resonance of the gentle sensuality of precious woods infuses the base notes.     

 

4. Alien by Thierry Mugler Eau de Toilette: 

First released in 2005 

A lighter version of the original Alien fragrance with white amber, Moroccan jasmine and cashmeran wood. Jasmine Sambac, a rich floral note, symbolises absolute femininity.

 

 

 

6. J'adore by Dior 30ml Eau de Parfum: 

 First released in 2006 

A fresh accord of bergamot, opens into a vibrant armful of roses with a delicate jasmine drydown. 

It also features ylang ylang grown in the Comoros archipelago as a top note and damask rose at its heart.

The sambac jasmine base note has been added to evoke soft femininity.  

 

 

8. Lady Million by Paco Rabanne Eau de Parfum: 

First released in 2010 

Vibrant raspberry and bitter orange with voluptuous orange blossom, neroli and Arabian jasmine, with a drydown of Patchouli.  

 

10. Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent: 

First released in 2014 as a modern re-make of the classic 1977 scent. 

Hedonistic coffee notes with a sensual dusting of jasmine tea.

The sensuality of the aroma is reaffirmed in the base with nuances of White Musk and White Wood, which add delicious depth and unify the floral and fruity aspects.   

L'eau d'Issey is more than 20 years old, but it still set to hit the bestseller list 

L'eau d'Issey is more than 20 years old, but it still set to hit the bestseller list 

Alien is the second vintage Thierry Mugler scent to appear in the top five

Alien is the second vintage Thierry Mugler scent to appear in the top five

Ultra-feminine J'Adore by Dior is going strong after more than a decade on the market

Ultra-feminine J'Adore by Dior is going strong after more than a decade on the market

Lady Million by Paco Rabanne has been a hit for seven years

Lady Million by Paco Rabanne has been a hit for seven years

A reimagining of the classic Opium is a modern hit

A reimagining of the classic Opium is a modern hit

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AND THE 50's FRAGRANCES THAT ARE STILL IN HIGH DEMAND... 

L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci: 

First released in 1948 and sold in huge numbers in the 1950s

A fresh and timeless fragrance blending bergamot, peach and carnation with rose and jamsine. 

 

Youth Dew by Estée Lauder: 

First released in 1953 as a bath oil

Opulent flowers, rich spices, precious woods makes this one of the most sensual fragrances of all time, with top notes of rose, Jonquil, Lavender and base notes of Moss, Vetiver, Patchouli.

L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci has been a favourite since 1948

L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci has been a favourite since 1948

Youth Dew by Estée Lauder was first released as a bath oil 

Youth Dew by Estée Lauder was first released as a bath oil 

Miss Dior by Christian Dior: First released in 1947 and sold well after the war when lighter perfumes became popular

A floral and feminine heart boasts Indian and Egyptian Jasmine Absolute with Essence of Damask Rose. 

 

 

Soir de Paris by Bourjois: 

First released in 1950, this scent was a huge hit with teenagers  

An amber, floral and spicy scent with fruity notes of Bergamot, Peach, Violet and Apricot that's been give a modern twist with additional base notes of cedarwood and vanilla.  

Miss Dior became popular after the war as a lighter scent 

Miss Dior became popular after the war as a lighter scent 

Soir de Paris by Bourjois was popular with teens in the '50s

Soir de Paris by Bourjois was popular with teens in the '50s

Shalimar by Guerlain

A hit of the '50s first released in 1925 in an iconic bottle, which has hardly changed since.

An oriental-inspired fragrance that's voluptuous and sensual, with powdery notes of iris, jasmine and rose. 

Tonic top notes of fresh flowers and bergamot are calmly intrepid.

Meanwhile, the creamy softness of addictive vanilla, the penetrating charm of iris, the balmy roundness of opoponax and the gourmand warmth of Tonka bean orchestrate an intimate symphony of scent for languorous interludes, according to Escentual. 

Shalimar was first released in 1925 (left) in an iconic bottle  and has hardly changed since
The 2017 Shalimar

Shalimar was first released in 1925 (left) in an iconic bottle  and has hardly changed since. Right: The 2017 Shalimar

 

Shalimar was first released in 1925, but became widely popular in the 1950s
A Shalimar ad from the 1960s, which described the fragrance as the 'international symbol of elegance'

Shalimar was first released in 1925, but became widely popular in the 1950s. Left: A vintage magazine ad from 1953. Right: A Shalimar ad from the 1960s, which described the fragrance as the 'international symbol of elegance'

Miss Dior was first released in 1947 and was as strong seller after the war
Miss Dior became popular thanks to post-war enthusiasm for lighter and fresher fragrances
Estée Lauder's Youth Dew was first released in 1953 as a bath oil and later became a perfume

Miss Dior was first released in 1947 and was as strong seller after the war, when lighter and fresher scents became more popular (left and centre). Estée Lauder's Youth Dew was first released in 1953 as a bath oil and later became a perfume (right)

L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci was first released in 1948 and sold in huge numbers in the 1950s
Bourjois' Soir de Paris was a big hit with teenagers in the 1950s and is still going strong today

L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci was first released in 1948 and sold in huge numbers in the 1950s (left). Bourjois' Soir de Paris was a big hit with teenagers in the 1950s and is still going strong today (right)

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And vintage scents dating back as far as the 1920s have experienced a surge in popularity, including Arpege by Lanvin (1927), Joy by Jean Patou (1929) and Shalimar by Guerlain (1929). 

Chanel No 5 still expected to be in the top ten this Christmas, even though the aroma has been tweaked slightly since being worn my Marylin Monroe in the 50's.

Last year's top seller was Coco Mademoiselle, following a huge campaign with actress and model, Keira Knightley, but this year sees customers turn their noses to more nostalgic smells.

In the '90s, these were the top selling scents: CK ONE by Calvin Klein, L'eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake, Angel by Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Intense and Tommy Hilfiger Tommy, the one men's scent to make the bestseller list

In the '90s, these were the top selling scents: CK ONE by Calvin Klein, L'eau d'Issey by Issey Miyake, Angel by Thierry Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Intense and Tommy Hilfiger Tommy, the one men's scent to make the bestseller list

Smell of the 1980s: Giorgio Beverly Hills, Poison by Dior, Obsession by Calvin Klein, Lou Lou by Cacharel and Eau Dynamisante by Clarins were the top-selling fragrances of the glamorous decade

Smell of the 1980s: Giorgio Beverly Hills, Poison by Dior, Obsession by Calvin Klein, Lou Lou by Cacharel and Eau Dynamisante by Clarins were the top-selling fragrances of the glamorous decade

These are the perfumes that shoppers were most eager to snap up in the '70s: Charlie by Revlon, Rive Gauche by YSL, Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, Anais Anais by Cacharel and Diorella by Christian Dior

These are the perfumes that shoppers were most eager to snap up in the '70s: Charlie by Revlon, Rive Gauche by YSL, Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, Anais Anais by Cacharel and Diorella by Christian Dior

The Christmas fragrance market is expected to grow to a huge £424 million this year as the shoppers are predicted to get their presents well before December.

Rakesh Aggarwal, from online beauty retailer Escentual.com, which carried out the research, said: 'Over 100 new fragrances have been launched this year in the beauty industry but we are finding that sales so far this year are concentrating around classic heritage scents from the 90s and noughties in particular.

'The scents from the 90s have aged well because they were subtle and fresh scents and can be worn day or night, and so they have not dated to a younger audience.'

The top five best-selling perfumes of the '60s were L’Interdit by Givenchy, Chamade by Guerlain, Oh! De London by Tuvache, Unforgettable by Avon, Y by Yves Saint Laurent

The top five best-selling perfumes of the '60s were L’Interdit by Givenchy, Chamade by Guerlain, Oh! De London by Tuvache, Unforgettable by Avon, Y by Yves Saint Laurent

In the 1950s, L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci, Miss Dior by Christian Dior, Shalimar by Guerlain, Youth Dew by Estee Lauder and Soir de Paris by Bourjois were the top selling fragrances, and they are all still popular today in updated packaging

In the 1950s, L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci, Miss Dior by Christian Dior, Shalimar by Guerlain, Youth Dew by Estee Lauder and Soir de Paris by Bourjois were the top selling fragrances, and they are all still popular today in updated packaging

 

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