Champagne by Yves Saint Laurent c1993

Champagne by Yves Saint Laurent: launched in 1993.

Paris by Yves Saint Laurent c1983

When Yves Saint Laurent chose the name "Paris" for his fragrance launched in 1983, he was invoking the timeless allure of the city of love and light. Paris, the capital of romance, culture, and fashion, was the perfect symbol for a fragrance intended to capture the essence of passion and elegance. The word "Paris" evokes images of cobblestone streets lined with cafés, the gentle scent of fresh blooms in spring, and the iconic beauty of the Eiffel Tower against a sunset sky. To many, Paris is synonymous with romance, artistic inspiration, and refined luxury. It is a city where history, art, and modernity collide in an elegant dance, making it a perfect muse for a fragrance that embodies the spirit of love and femininity. The pronunciation of "Paris" (pa-ree) rolls off the tongue like a soft, poetic melody, further reinforcing its association with beauty, sophistication, and timeless elegance.

In the context of the early 1980s, the world was experiencing a period of bold self-expression and modern glamour. The 1980s were a time of economic prosperity and confidence, with fashion and culture reflecting a sense of luxury and indulgence. Yves Saint Laurent himself was at the height of his career, known for his ability to blend classical elegance with contemporary style. Fashion was bold and extravagant, with oversized silhouettes, sharp tailoring, and a return to femininity with a focus on romantic and dramatic shapes. This era also saw a rise in the popularity of strong, memorable fragrances that made a statement, with perfumes like Paris emerging as symbols of high-end luxury and individualism.

For women of the time, a perfume called Paris would have felt both aspirational and personal. It evoked the fantasy of Parisian chic—a refined, cosmopolitan woman who lived life with elegance and grace. The fragrance would have been associated with romance, not only in the context of love but also as a celebration of beauty and femininity in all its forms. Paris was more than just a scent; it was an experience that transported its wearer to the heart of one of the most romantic cities in the world. It captured the spirit of the city’s streets, its gardens, and its grand boulevards, making it a perfume for women who desired to carry a piece of Paris with them wherever they went.

Opium by Yves Saint Laurent c1977

Opium was launched in 1977 by designer Yves Saint Laurent. In association with Squibb Corporation, who owned the Lanvin-Charles of the Ritz subsidiary who handled the Yves Saint Laurent fragrance division. It was created by perfumers Jean Amic and Jean-Louis Sieuzac of Roure after 30 tries to get it right.  

Y by Yves Saint Laurent c1964

Y by Yves Saint Laurent: launched in 1964. Created by Jean Amic and Jacqueline Couturier. 'Y' is properly pronounced in the French manner ‘Ee-grek’.