Although the Soviet Union had its own perfumery production, it was rather limited. French perfumes have always been a symbol of luxury and a beautiful life, because France is the birthplace of modern perfumery, which is developed there like no other country.
Many things were inaccessible to the Soviet woman in terms of fashion and cosmetics, and scarce and expensive French perfumes were a real luxury.
We present 10 fragrances that were available in the USSR and which our women simply adored.
1. Chanel # 5 - Chanel (1921)
Without a doubt, the most famous fragrance in the world. Created by Ernest Bo and released in 1921, it will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year! Many people compare Chanel No. 5 with the Russian Red Moscow, but the compositions are really very similar. In addition, the fragrance was released 4 years after Chanel and was also created by a French perfumer - Auguste Michel.
In the film "The Diamond Arm" (1967) Chanel No. 5 was worn by the blonde Anna Sergeevna performed by Svetlana Svetlichnaya.
2. Climat - Lancôme (1967)
The legendary Klima was the most popular foreign fragrance in the 70s. Soviet women simply adored this ringing delicate aroma with notes of lily of the valley, but not everyone could afford it. It was these "real French spirits" that the jealous Hippolyte Nadia presented in "The Irony of Fate".
3. Poison - Christian Dior (1985)
It seems that a rare woman in the late 80s was not the owner of the coveted Poison, spreading around the aura of sweetness, for which the thick plum was responsible. As the years go by, Dior's brand Poison continues to live and change, adding new flankers every year.
4. Magie Noire - Lancôme (1978)
This stylish black bottle with amber perfume inside was a real gem of dressing tables in the 80s. Its deep aroma dizzy with honey-oriental sweetness back then, and some people still remember it today.
5. L'Air du Temps - Nina Ricci (1948)
"Zeitgeist" with a lid decorated with a white dove has become a symbol of freedom and French romance. Its exquisitely spicy and fresh composition with cloves and aldehydes is still a symbol of retro chic in perfumery.
6. Opium - Yves Saint Laurent (1977)
Opium divided women into those who are delighted with its smoky heaviness and depth, and those who cannot breathe in its presence. Today Yves Saint Laurent pleases young women with regular updates of its younger brother - Black Opium with a sweet coffee composition.
7. Anais Anais - Cacharel (1978)
A very fresh floral scent that is perfect for spring and young girls. By the way, in addition to the fact that he was adored in the USSR, this is the favorite scent of Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston.
8. Turbulences - Revillon (1981)
A fresh spicy scent, rare then, and even more so now, when it is sold in vintage markets for a lot of money. Turbulences is a perfume that is applied drop by drop to the wrist or behind the ear, and worn as jewelry with precious stones.
9. Paloma Picasso - Paloma Picasso (1984)
The scent of a French fashion designer, jewelry designer and daughter of the renowned artist Pablo Picasso. It appeared on the market in 1984, but spread in Russia in the 90s and immediately became a favorite among women who love bold and daring compositions.
10. J'ai Osé - Guy Laroche (1978)
This perfume of the signature brand of Guy La Roche was the dream of many compatriots who wanted to wear this fragrance of a French woman with a strong and independent character. This character was stated by both the name and the advertisement. J'ai Osé translates as “I dared” and the campaign motto was “Gentle and wild - like her perfume”.
