Vintage By Hemingway

Popular fragrances of the sixties tended to be overpowering spicy odours which would either lean towards a leathery and masculine aroma or an ultra-sweet feminine scent.

For modern day shoppers seeking authenticity in vintage odours, I would recommend that women should check out Madam Rochas by Rochas (1960) with its pungent sandalwood, cedar and tonka bean, Yves Saint Laurent’s Y (1964) with its lingering amber and oakmoss or Guy Laroche’s tropical Fidji (1966) which owes its striking smell to a mixture of lemon, bergamot and carnation amongst other ingredients.

Men should sample the fresh, citrusy Eau Sauvage (1966) by Dior or Bay Rhum by Royall (1962) containing bay leaf, green grass and mint. Faberge’s Brut and Brut 33 are scents for an acquired taste but probably the best known fragrance of the decade is Pfizer’s Hai Karate. A forerunner for Lynx, it was sold with a self-defence manual to ward off uncontrollable women! Launched in 1967, it attracted much attention based on its marketing and became a popular box set for boyfriends and husbands. Although it’s no longer manufactured, it can still be obtained and if nothing else; is an evocative reminder of a bygone era.

Written by Hannah Wing www.bellusfemina.co.uk