Christian Aujard by Parfums Christian Aujard c1985

Christian Aujard was a French fashion designer known for his elegant and sophisticated creations, particularly in women's haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion. He established his brand and gained recognition for his distinctive style, which often featured intricate detailing, luxurious fabrics, and a focus on flattering silhouettes.

The perfume "Christian Aujard" by Parfums Christian Aujard was launched in 1985, which was a notable period in the fashion world. During the mid-1980s, fashion trends were characterized by bold and glamorous styles, influenced by power dressing and the emergence of shoulder pads, bold colors, and dramatic silhouettes. Designers like Christian Aujard contributed to this era with their emphasis on sophistication and femininity, catering to women who sought both elegance and empowerment in their attire.

As a subsidiary of Dana Perfumes, Parfums Christian Aujard likely aimed to capture the essence of Aujard's fashion aesthetic in fragrance form. Perfumes from this era often reflected the opulence and assertiveness of the fashion trends, featuring rich floral bouquets, oriental notes, or complex blends that complemented the dramatic fashion statements of the time.

Overall, the launch of "Christian Aujard" perfume in 1985 coincided with a vibrant period in fashion history, characterized by bold designs and a celebration of femininity and luxury. Christian Aujard himself contributed to this era with his distinctive fashion creations, embodying a style that was both timeless and contemporary.

Fragrance Composition:

"Everyone will ask what you are wearing...."

Notes at a glance:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral/fruity/woody chypre fragrance for women.  This is a classic vibrant 1980s powerhouse floral fragrance.

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, lily of the valley, mirabelle plum, jasmine
• Middle notes: French honeysuckle, frangipani, tuberose, jasmine
• Base notes: musk, vetiver, amber, oakmoss, sandalwood, patchouli

Scent Profile:

 

Imagine stepping into a bustling 1980s haute couture fashion show where "Christian Aujard" perfume is unveiled. The air is charged with anticipation as aldehydes burst forth, reminiscent of camera flashes capturing the essence of the runway. These sparkling notes set the stage, mingling with bergamot’s citrusy zest that mirrors the confident stride of models showcasing Aujard's bold designs. Lily of the valley adds a delicate floral touch, evoking the soft femininity that complements the era's power dressing.

As the show progresses, the fragrance evolves with a rich bouquet of jasmine and mirabelle plum, enveloping the senses in a tapestry of luxurious scents. Jasmine’s heady allure intertwines with the juicy sweetness of mirabelle plum, echoing the vibrant colors and textures of Aujard’s couture creations. The middle notes unfold with French honeysuckle’s sophisticated floral notes, lending a powdery elegance akin to the intricate craftsmanship of Aujard’s garments. Frangipani and tuberose add exotic layers, their creamy blooms evoking the global inspirations that infused Aujard's designs with intrigue and allure.

Towards the finale, the base notes of musk, vetiver, amber, oakmoss, sandalwood, and patchouli weave together to create a lasting impression. Musk’s sensual warmth lingers, wrapping the fragrance in a soft allure that mirrors the sophistication of Aujard’s couture aesthetic. Vetiver and oakmoss ground the composition with earthy notes, reflecting the timeless elegance and strength inherent in Aujard’s fashion legacy. Amber and sandalwood add a luxurious depth, while patchouli’s spicy hint infuses the scent with a touch of mystery and individuality.

In essence, "Christian Aujard" perfume is a vibrant powerhouse floral fragrance that epitomizes the glamour and sophistication of 1980s fashion. Like models strutting down the runway in Aujard’s creations, each note unfolds to tell a story of elegance, empowerment, and bold femininity. It captures the essence of an era where fashion was a statement of confidence and style, mirroring the opulence and craftsmanship that defined both the perfume and Christian Aujard’s renowned couture designs.

Bottle:

The parfum bottle of "Christian Aujard" exudes elegance and sophistication in every detail. Its shape is gracefully curved, resembling a demi lune or half-moon, evocative of the letter C, which symbolizes the designer's name. Crafted from colorless glass, the bottle allows the golden hue of the fragrance to subtly shine through, enhancing its allure. Each side of the bottle is molded with a ribbed pattern, adding texture that catches the light and creates a mesmerizing play of reflections. Atop the bottle sits a stopper made of black glass, shaped like a wedge. This stopper is not just functional but also bears a resemblance to the initial "A" of Christian Aujard, adding a personal touch that ties the perfume directly to its creator's legacy.

Moving to the Eau de Parfum Spray and Spray Parfum Purser, the containers are a study in luxury. Glossy black surfaces exude sophistication, accented with bands of shimmering gold that denote exclusivity and elegance. The sleek design of these containers speaks to the modern aesthetic of 1980s haute couture, where bold statements and refined tastes harmoniously coexist. The secondary packaging further enhances the luxurious presentation: rib-textured glossy black boxes adorned with narrow bands of shocking pink, lilac, persimmon, and Christian Aujard's signature red. These vibrant colors pop against the deep black background, creating a visual contrast that commands attention and underscores the fragrance's bold personality.

In essence, every element of the packaging design for "Christian Aujard" perfume is meticulously crafted to reflect elegance, modernity, and meticulous attention to detail. From the demi lune-shaped bottle with its ribbed texture and personalized stopper to the glossy black containers adorned with gold accents and vibrant secondary packaging, each component contributes to the overall luxurious experience of the fragrance. It is a testament to the designer's commitment to excellence and his ability to translate his distinctive fashion aesthetic into a captivating olfactory experience.

Here's a list of the products available for "Christian Aujard" fragrance, along with their original retail prices from 1986:

• 1/4 oz Parfum Splash - $35.00
• 1/2 oz Parfum Splash - $60.00
• 1 oz Parfum Splash - $110.00
• 1/4 oz Parfum Purse Spray - $25.00
• 1/4 oz Parfum Purse Spray Refill - $18.50
• 3/8 oz Eau de Parfum Purse Spray (Refillable)
• 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Splash - $16.00
• 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Natural Spray - $18.50
• 1.8 oz Eau de Parfum Refillable Aerosol Spray - $22.50
• 1.8 oz Eau de Parfum Aerosol Spray Refill - $17.50
• 8 oz Deluxe Dusting Powder
• Extra Rich Moisture Cream
• 8 oz Perfumed Moisture Lotion - $12.50
• Perfumed French Milled Soap
• Bath Powder Shaker

These products offered a variety of options for customers to experience the fragrance in different forms, including parfum splash, purse spray, eau de parfum spray, aerosol spray, dusting powder, moisture cream, lotion, soap, and bath powder. The range catered to different preferences and occasions, from everyday wear to luxurious pampering.

A very interesting Scented Candle was also offered, dubbed the "Candle a Trois." Made up of three zig-zag edged interlinking sections that fit atop one another: frosted jet black, crystalline lilac, and frosted hot pink, to be used all together, individually or or in varying color layers to suit your mood of the moment. After the candles are used up, you could use the contemporary glass bases for decorating. This was available for $12 with any Christian Aujard fragrance purchase. The "Candle a Trois" seems to have been a creative and appealing accessory that allowed customers to extend the experience of the Christian Aujard fragrance into their homes while also offering practical and decorative value beyond its use as a candle.

Pure silk Christian Aujard signature scarves were used as purchase with purchase as well for $10. The inclusion of pure silk scarves as a "purchase with purchase" offer enriches the customer experience by offering a luxurious and fashionable accessory to complement their fragrance purchase, while also reinforcing the brand's image of sophistication and style.

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

This fragrance has been discontinued in 1990 and is hard to find. It's not uncommon for fragrances, especially those from past decades, to eventually be discontinued as consumer preferences evolve and new fragrances enter the market. Despite being discontinued, some fragrances like "Christian Aujard" may still have a dedicated fan base who cherish their unique scent profile and seek them out through various channels.

While discontinued fragrances can indeed become harder to find over time, they may still be available through certain avenues such as online marketplaces, specialty fragrance stores, vintage perfume retailers, or even through private sellers. However, it's essential for consumers to exercise caution and ensure the authenticity of the product when purchasing discontinued fragrances from unofficial sources.

For enthusiasts seeking to rediscover discontinued fragrances like "Christian Aujard," it might require some patience and persistence, but the joy of finding and experiencing a beloved scent can make the search worthwhile. Additionally, exploring similar fragrances or modern reinterpretations that share similar scent profiles can also provide an opportunity to discover new favorites.