Womenswear by Alexander Julian c1992

Alexander Julian, known for his innovative designs and vibrant use of color, launched a women's wear line in 1992 in collaboration with Paul Sebastian, the noted fashion designer and perfumer. The line was anticipated to bring Julian's signature style and flair to women's fashion, much like his successful menswear collections.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a delicate fruity floral fragrance for women.  Described as floral, soft and powdery with a hint of fruit.

• Top notes: ylang-ylang, passion fruit, mandarin, cassis, apricot, peach and plum
• Middle notes: cyclamen, freesia, jasmine, lily of the valley, orchid, narcissus, rose and rosewood. 
• Base notes: amber, sandalwood, vanilla, cedar, oakmoss and white musk

The fragrance was designed to be a delicate yet captivating scent, blending fruity and floral notes with subtle undertones of woods and musk. The top notes of ylang-ylang, passion fruit, and mandarin give it a bright and fresh opening, while the middle notes of various flowers such as jasmine, rose, and orchid add a soft and feminine touch. The base notes of amber, sandalwood, and musk provide a warm and sensual foundation, balancing out the sweetness of the fruit and floral elements. Overall, it is a well-balanced and versatile fragrance suitable for everyday wear.

Alexander Julian's vision was that Womenswear would be an environmentally conscious fragrance. No animal testing was involved in the creation of the scent, the paints are lead free and the outer packaging was made from recycled paper. Alexander Julian's commitment to creating an environmentally conscious fragrance is commendable. By ensuring that no animal testing was involved in the creation of the scent and using lead-free paints, they prioritized both animal welfare and environmental safety. Additionally, using recycled paper for the outer packaging further demonstrates a dedication to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the product. This eco-friendly approach aligns with the growing awareness and demand for products that are both stylish and environmentally responsible.

Bottle:

The one ounce parfum bottle retailed for $175 and the half ounce parfum retailed for $95 in 1993. The high price may have come from the fact that the bottle was made by famous glassmaker, Fenton. The parfum flacon is made up of iridescent glass and has a glass stopper. In the magazine ads, the bottles look like ancient Tuscan jars washed up by the sea and that's exactly the effect marketers at Paul Sebastian wanted to achieve for the unique packaging of the Womenswear fragrance. The parfum bottle is extremely rare to find today and remains a coveted collectible by both wearers of Womenswear as well as collectors of Fenton glassware.

The high price of the Womenswear parfum bottles in 1993 reflects both the quality of the fragrance and the craftsmanship of its packaging. The collaboration with Fenton, a renowned glassmaker known for its exquisite glassware, likely contributed to the prestige and value of the product. The use of iridescent glass and the design resembling ancient Tuscan jars create a sense of luxury and timelessness, enhancing the overall appeal of the fragrance.

The rarity of the parfum bottles today adds to their allure, making them sought-after collectibles for both enthusiasts of Womenswear and collectors of Fenton glassware. This scarcity, coupled with the unique and distinctive packaging, further elevates the status of the Womenswear fragrance as a coveted item in the world of fragrance and glass art.

In Fall of 1991, Fenton began working with the Paul Sebastian Company and the designer who originally introduced them to perfume bottle production to develop a line to be marketed under the direction of Alexander Julian. The project included Fenton manufacturing a stock clear glass one-half ounce and one ounce bottle in light blue with an iridized and then satinized surface with a hand painted gold band at the top of the bottle. They also manufactured the stopper that goes in the bottle in a similar treatment. The very expensive combination of colored glass and iridescent treatments was unique to Fenton in the perfume bottle market.

As far as I know, the other bottles were not made by Fenton. They are clear glass bottles with their surfaces entirely covered with a matte effect colored enamel, which has very subtle marbling. The bottles are painted with lead-free, organic paint and packaged in recyclable paper cartons. The caps are plastic with iridized marbled finish. The labels are discreetly placed on the bottom as not to mar the beauty of the glass. Both splash and spray bottles were available. Each bottle was accompanied by a small paper note reading: "Each bottle of Alexander Julian womenswear fragrance has its own variation in surface color and texture. Let them be your subtle reminders that each of our bottles is crafted and glazed individually by hand."

The collaboration between Fenton and Paul Sebastian for the Alexander Julian Womenswear fragrance demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality and uniqueness. The process of developing these distinctive bottles involved several key elements:

• Fenton's Expertise: Fenton, known for its high-quality glassware, created the one-half ounce and one ounce bottles using light blue glass with an iridized and satinized surface. This combination of colored glass and unique treatments was particularly innovative in the perfume bottle market.

• Hand-Painted Details: Each bottle featured a hand-painted gold band at the top, adding a touch of elegance and craftsmanship.

• Stopper Design: The stoppers, also crafted by Fenton, were designed to match the bottles in terms of color and iridescent treatment, ensuring a cohesive and luxurious appearance.

• Environmental Considerations: The other bottles in the line, although not made by Fenton, were designed with sustainability in mind. These bottles were clear glass with a matte effect colored enamel and subtle marbling. Painted with lead-free, organic paint and packaged in recyclable paper cartons, these bottles reflected a commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

• Artisanal Touch: Each bottle was accompanied by a note highlighting the individuality of the hand-crafted and glazed surfaces, emphasizing the uniqueness and artisanal nature of each piece.

• Design Aesthetic: The marketing strategy aimed to evoke the look of ancient Tuscan jars washed ashore, aligning with Alexander Julian's vision of timeless beauty and environmental consciousness. The use of discreet labeling and the choice of materials and finishes contributed to this aesthetic.

The combination of these factors resulted in a fragrance line that was not only appealing for its scent but also for its artistic and collectible packaging. The bottles, especially those made by Fenton, remain highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts for their unique design and craftsmanship.

The Alexander Julian Womenswear fragrance bottles, available in three distinct colors, added an extra layer of visual appeal and variety to the collection:

• Teal (2 oz Fine Parfum Spray): This bottle likely offered a fresh and vibrant look, aligning with the bright and inviting nature of the fragrance's top notes.

• Orchid (4 oz Fine Parfum Splash): The orchid color would have added a touch of elegance and sophistication, reflecting the delicate floral heart of the fragrance.

• Rose (4 oz Fine Parfum Spray): The rose-colored bottle would have conveyed a sense of romance and femininity, matching the soft and powdery aspects of the scent.

The variety in colors allowed consumers to choose a bottle that matched their personal aesthetic preferences or to collect multiple variations for their beauty and uniqueness. This color differentiation, combined with the artisanal and environmentally conscious packaging, made the Womenswear line both a visually appealing and eco-friendly choice in the fragrance market.

The Alexander Julian Womenswear fragrance line offered a comprehensive range of products, catering to various preferences and needs:

• 1 oz Parfum (in Fenton glass): This premium offering was housed in the exquisitely crafted Fenton glass bottles, reflecting the high quality and exclusivity of the fragrance.

• 0.5 oz Parfum (in Fenton glass): A smaller, yet equally luxurious option in Fenton glass, perfect for those who desired a touch of elegance in a more compact size.

• 0.25 oz Parfum Splash (not in Fenton glass): This more accessible option still provided the fine parfum experience but in simpler packaging.

• 4 oz Cologne Spray: A generous size ideal for regular use, offering the fragrance in a convenient spray format.

• 2 oz Cologne Spray: A smaller spray bottle for those who preferred a more portable option.

• 4 oz Cologne Splash: An alternative to the spray, offering the same scent in a splash format.

• Perfumed Body Satin Spray: This product likely provided a light and luxurious way to enjoy the fragrance, perfect for layering and enhancing the scent experience.

• 6 oz Body Lotion: A moisturizing option that allowed the fragrance to be subtly absorbed into the skin, providing both scent and hydration.

• 8 oz Bath Gel: Designed to add a touch of luxury to the bathing routine, leaving the skin gently fragranced.

• 4.5 oz Talc: A perfumed talc that could be used for a light dusting of fragrance, adding a soft and powdery finish to the body.

This extensive product line not only highlighted the versatility of the Womenswear fragrance but also ensured that customers could enjoy their favorite scent in various forms, from the highly collectible parfum bottles to everyday body care products.

Fate of the Fragrance:

 The Alexander Julian Womenswear fragrance line, known for its distinctive design and environmentally conscious approach, was discontinued at an unknown date. However, it remained available on the market until at least 1996. The line, which included a range of products such as parfum, cologne, body satin spray, body lotion, bath gel, and talc, was celebrated for its unique packaging, especially the parfum bottles made by Fenton glass. Despite its discontinuation, the fragrance and its collectible bottles continue to be cherished by enthusiasts and collectors.

The follow-up fragrance, Colours by Alexander Julian, introduced in 1993, continued the brand's tradition of creating elegant and sophisticated scents for women. It is classified as a floral fragrance. Here are the details of its composition:

• Top Notes: Aldehydes, Fruity Notes
• Middle Notes: Floral Notes
• Base Notes:

The specific base notes are not mentioned, but typically, floral fragrances might include elements such as musk, amber, sandalwood, or vanilla in their base to add depth and longevity to the scent. Colours aimed to capture the essence of a vibrant and lively floral bouquet, enhanced by the freshness of aldehydes and the sweetness of fruity top notes.

Colours for Men, launched in 1994, is a warm, citrusy, floral, woody musk fragrance. This scent blends fresh, aromatic, and spicy elements, creating a rich and dynamic profile. Here are the detailed notes:

• Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Lavender
• Middle Notes: Incense, Spices, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose, White Lily
• Base Notes: Oakmoss, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Musk, Vetiver

The fragrance opens with a burst of fresh and zesty citrus notes from bergamot, lemon, and orange, complemented by the aromatic touch of lavender. The heart reveals a complex blend of incense and spices, intertwined with floral notes of jasmine, ylang ylang, rose, and white lily, adding depth and elegance. The base grounds the fragrance with earthy and woody notes of oakmoss, sandalwood, patchouli, musk, and vetiver, providing a warm and lasting finish.