Dionne by Dionne Warwick c1986

Dionne Warwick, the legendary singer, launched her own perfume called "Dionne" in 1986. It was created in association with Dion Cosmetics. The fragrance was a reflection of her style and persona, offering fans a way to experience a bit of her essence beyond her music.

Singer Dionne Warwick formed a company, Dionne Inc., to sell a line of fragrance and perfume products designed and developed by her. Dionne was inspired by her signature perfume Shalimar, which she had worn for at least 20 years. She wanted her fragrance to be composed in the same opulent style. "I have always loved perfume — it is a luxury I believe every woman should enjoy," said Warwick. 

Her statement about perfume being a luxury that every woman should enjoy reflects her belief in the power of fragrance to enhance one's presence and mood.

She invested $750,000 and worked with a New Jersey based lab to create the perfect scent. She told the Chicago Tribune in 1986, ''This is my own money, every dime of it,'' she says. ''I was involved in decisions from the very beginning, even developing just the right smell for the perfume. I was so tired of smelling perfumes. It got to the point where I couldn`t stand anyone around wearing perfume.''

Dionne Warwick's investment into her fragrance venture demonstrates her commitment to the project. Her hands-on involvement in the development process, including collaborating with a lab in New Jersey to create the perfect scent, highlights her dedication to crafting a fragrance that truly reflected her preferences.

Her statement to the Chicago Tribune in 1986 underscores her personal involvement and financial commitment to the project. She was deeply engaged in every aspect, from the initial decision-making to the development of the fragrance itself. Her exhaustion with existing perfumes further emphasizes her desire to create something unique and tailored to her tastes.

The fragrance was sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus for the first six months. The decision to sell the fragrance exclusively at Neiman Marcus likely aimed to position the product in a prestigious market and build anticipation among consumers. This strategy may have also helped to create a sense of exclusivity around the fragrance, enhancing its appeal to potential buyers.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a sweet ambery floral oriental fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh top, followed by a sweet, woody floral heart, resting on a sweet, ambery, powdery base. It is an elegant oriental bouquet of rose, jasmine, bergamot, vanilla, lemon and orange blossoms that is reminiscent of Shalimar.

• Top notes: rose, orange blossom, bergamot, lemon, green note, rosewood, fruit note
• Middle notes: jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, patchouli, sandalwood, cedar
• Base notes: oakmoss, vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, amber, musk

The fragrance Dionne by Dionne Warwick is classified as a sweet ambery floral oriental scent for women. Here's a breakdown of its notes:

• Top notes: These are the first scents you'll notice upon application. Dionne opens with a fresh and vibrant blend of rose, orange blossom, bergamot, lemon, a green note, rosewood, and a hint of fruitiness.

• Middle notes: Also known as the heart notes, these emerge once the top notes fade. In Dionne, the heart is a rich and floral bouquet featuring jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, patchouli, sandalwood, and cedar.

• Base notes: These are the foundation of the fragrance, lingering after the middle notes have dissipated. Dionne's base is sweet, warm, and powdery, with notes of oakmoss, vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, amber, and musk.

The overall composition creates an elegant oriental fragrance reminiscent of Shalimar, with its sweet, woody, and floral characteristics. It's a sophisticated blend that combines floral freshness with warm, ambery undertones, perfect for those who appreciate classic and luxurious scents.

Billboard, 1986:

"Dionne Warwick's next Arista album is expected to include the song "For Everything You Are," which she will also use to promote a new perfume that bears her name. Both scented and recorded product are set for heavy marketing campaign in December."

It seems Dionne Warwick's multifaceted talents extended beyond just her music career. The mention in Billboard from 1986 indicates her plans to leverage both her musical prowess and her venture into the fragrance industry for a comprehensive marketing campaign.

The song "For Everything You Are" was intended not only to be a part of her upcoming album with Arista but also to serve as a promotional tool for her new perfume line, Dionne. By synchronizing the release of the perfume and the album, Warwick likely aimed to cross-promote both products, maximizing their exposure to her fan base and beyond.

The heavy marketing campaign scheduled for December suggests a concerted effort to create buzz and generate interest in both the fragrance and the album during the holiday season, a time when consumer spending typically increases. This strategic approach demonstrates Warwick's business acumen in capitalizing on her brand and leveraging multiple platforms to promote her products.

Bottles:

The scent comes in a round, frosted glass bottle nestled in a pale gray box trimmed with purple butterflies. Neiman Marcus had Dionne exclusively. 

The packaging and pricing details I provided below offer a glimpse into the luxurious and comprehensive nature of Dionne Warwick's fragrance line. Here's a breakdown of the available products and their respective prices in 1986:

Parfum:

• 1 oz Parfum: $175
• 1/4 oz Parfum: $60
• 1/4 oz Purse Spray Parfum: $40

Eau de Parfum Spray:

• 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray: $28.50

Body Care:

• 6.6 oz Body Lotion: $35
• 6.6 oz Bath & Shower Gelee: $32.50

These offerings catered to different preferences and needs, from the concentrated and long-lasting parfum formulations to the more versatile and everyday-friendly eau de parfum spray. The addition of body lotion and bath/shower gel provided consumers with options to layer and enhance the fragrance experience.

The packaging, described as a round, frosted glass bottle nestled in a pale gray box trimmed with purple butterflies, likely added to the overall allure and elegance of the Dionne fragrance line, reinforcing its premium positioning in the market. And being available exclusively at Neiman Marcus further emphasized its prestige and exclusivity.

Fate of the Fragrance:

It's fascinating to learn that Dionne Warwick's fragrance is still being produced and made available through her fan club website. It speaks to the enduring appeal and legacy of both Warwick as an artist and her signature scent. This longevity suggests that the fragrance continues to resonate with fans and fragrance enthusiasts alike, maintaining its place in the market as a timeless classic. It's a testament to Warwick's enduring influence and the enduring quality of her fragrance.

It is available at Dionne's fan club website.