Charles of the Ritz by Charles of the Ritz c1977

Charles of the Ritz by Charles of the Ritz, introduced in 1977, is a fragrance that embodies the opulence and sophistication of its era. This perfume is a testament to the lavishness and elegance that characterized the late 1970s. Designed for women who appreciated a fragrance with both depth and complexity, it offers a rich olfactory experience. 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a sweet floral fragrance for women. It starts off with a fresh fruity top including pineapple and lemon, followed by an exotic floral heart of tuberose, geranium, hyacinth and jasmine, resting on a sweet, powdery base of sensual musk and amber.  

• Top notes: aldehydes, pineapple, hyacinth, orange blossom, bergamot and lemon
• Middle notes: tuberose, gardenia, neroli, geranium, carnation, tuberose, lilac, orris root, jasmine, ylang-ylang and rose
• Base notes: camellia, sandalwood, coriander, patchouli, labdanum, ambergris, cinnamon, musk, benzoin, vanilla, vetiver and cedar

I purchased a vintage sample of this perfume and was pleasantly surprised of how fruity this oriental fragrance is. I love the intense sweetness from the pineapple, orange blossom, lilac and the balsamic notes of vanilla and benzoin. Bright bursts of aldehydes and citrus notes lend a pungency that keep the sweet notes from becoming too cloying. There is a hint of spice from the clove-like carnation and the cinnamon. The tuberose, ylang ylang, and jasmine fusion has a lush narcotic effect with just a trace of rose. Powdery nuances from the orris root, vetiver, labdanum are layered over a woodsy, animalic base of musk and ambergris.

Scent Profile:

Charles of the Ritz by Charles of the Ritz opens with an exhilarating burst of fruity freshness. As you inhale, the sharp, effervescent aldehydes immediately capture your attention, creating a sparkling introduction. This vibrant start is further enriched by the bright, zesty aroma of pineapple, which brings a tropical sweetness that invigorates the senses. The citrusy tang of lemon, paired with the crispness of bergamot, enhances the initial freshness, while the green, slightly spicy undertone of hyacinth and the delicate floral hints of orange blossom add complexity and depth.

As the fragrance transitions into its heart, the scent blossoms into an exotic floral bouquet. The tuberose stands out with its opulent, creamy floralcy, providing a rich, intoxicating sweetness that blends seamlessly with the lush, velvety gardenia. The heart is further adorned with the crisp green facets of geranium and the aromatic, slightly spicy undertones of carnation, which introduce a subtle hint of clove-like warmth. The fragrance also features a touch of lilac and orris root, adding a powdery softness that complements the lushness of jasmine and ylang-ylang. This fusion of florals creates a lush, narcotic effect that envelops you in a dreamy, romantic haze, with just a trace of rose to round out the bouquet.

As the perfume settles, it reveals a deep, warm base that grounds the fragrance in sensuality. The sweet, balsamic notes of vanilla and benzoin merge with the musky, animalic depth of musk and ambergris, creating a warm, inviting foundation. The woody accords of sandalwood and cedar provide a rich, earthy backdrop, while the hint of camellia and coriander adds a delicate spiciness. The patchouli and vetiver enhance the fragrance's complexity with their earthy, woody nuances, and labdanum contributes a resinous, slightly smoky quality. Together, these base notes create a rich, powdery finish that lingers beautifully, leaving a sophisticated and alluring trail.

In this vintage sample of Charles of the Ritz, the balance of sweet, fruity, floral, and woody notes is harmoniously executed, offering a fragrance experience that is both intense and elegant. The interplay of bright citrus, lush florals, and warm, balsamic base notes showcases the perfume's sophisticated character, making it a timeless and captivating scent.

Bottles:

The Pure Parfum by Charles of the Ritz, distinguished by its elegant presentation, was housed in exquisite crystal bottles crafted by Verreries Brosse. Each bottle features a glass stopper adorned with the initials "CR" elegantly embossed in gold, reflecting the luxury and refinement of the fragrance.

The smallest 1/4 oz bottle stands at a modest 1 7/8 inches tall, ideal for a travel-sized or handbag-friendly option. Its crystal clarity captures light beautifully, showcasing the rich color of the parfum within. The 1/2 oz bottle, slightly taller at 2 1/8 inches, offers a bit more of this sophisticated scent while retaining its portable charm. The largest of the crystal bottles, at 1 oz, stands 2 5/8 inches tall, providing a more substantial reserve of the fragrance while still maintaining the elegant design.

In addition to the parfum, Pure was also available in Eau de Toilette form. The Eau de Toilette came in both splash and spray versions, catering to different preferences for application. The 2 oz and 4 oz bottles of Eau de Toilette allowed for a more generous application of the fragrance, with the larger 4 oz bottle particularly suited for those who enjoyed an abundant, enveloping scent experience. Each container, whether splash or spray, carried forward the same refined aesthetic, ensuring that the fragrance’s presentation matched its sophisticated olfactory profile.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Unfortunately, the original fragrance, Charles of the Ritz by Charles of the Ritz, has been discontinued for many years. Its absence from the market has left a void for those who cherished its sweet floral notes and intricate composition. Despite its departure, the legacy of the fragrance has not been entirely lost.

In a notable turn of events, the fragrance has been reformulated and relaunched by Ritz Paris. This revival brings a contemporary twist to the classic scent, aiming to recapture the essence of the original while adapting it to modern tastes. The reformulation by Ritz Paris not only pays homage to the iconic perfume but also reintroduces its alluring floral notes and rich, warm base in a way that resonates with today’s fragrance enthusiasts.

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