Spoiled by Theodore c1987

Introducing "Spoiled" perfume by Theodore of Beverly Hills, unveiled in December 1987.

Theodore of Beverly Hills was a high-end boutique and fragrance brand that gained prominence in the late 1980s. Founded by Herbert Fink, Theodore of Beverly Hills was renowned for its luxurious fashion offerings and exclusive clientele. Fink, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, envisioned Theodore as a haven for upscale shoppers seeking refined, contemporary designs.

Theodore of Beverly Hills made waves in the fragrance world with the launch of its signature scent, "Spoiled," in 1987. This fragrance quickly garnered attention for its captivating blend of notes and sophisticated packaging, including the iconic Mayan pyramid-shaped bottle.

The success of Spoiled propelled Theodore of Beverly Hills into the spotlight, solidifying its reputation as a purveyor of elegance and sophistication. The brand continued to expand its offerings, introducing additional fragrances and maintaining a loyal following among discerning consumers.

While Theodore of Beverly Hills experienced a period of success, the brand eventually faced challenges and underwent changes over the years. Despite its evolution, Theodore of Beverly Hills remains a notable name in the fashion and fragrance industry, remembered for its contributions to luxury retail and perfumery during its heyday.

The Typical Beverly Hills Perfume:

Inspired by the resounding triumph of the Giorgio Beverly Hills fragrance, masterminded by Fred and Gale Hayman, Theodore of Beverly Hills seized the opportunity to introduce its signature boutique fragrance, capitalizing on its distinctive brand identity.

Herbert Fink, the proprietor of the Theodore chain of shops, joined forces with his partner Lee Bronson to craft the perfume. As the demand for prestige among fashion-forward women surged, encompassing everything from automobiles to apparel, handbags, and jewelry, the allure of perfumes became undeniable. Mr. Fink turned to his discerning clientele to discover the ideal name for his fragrance.

"We sat around describing the typical Beverly Hills girl,'' he told the New York Times. Fink told Women's Wear Daily that "Lee came up with the name. And we're not trying to be smug. It's an endearing thing. When you start dating somebody, you spoil them. Then you marry them, and soon you start spoiling someone else."

"It may or may not be a positive image here in Southern California, but in the rest of America, Beverly Hills is our door opener," says Herb Fink. "But once the door is open, what matters is the scent. Today people want something pretty, not overpowering." As he points out, even in the lifestyle category, subtlety is the new necessity. "No one is going to the office in something overwhelmingly sensual," Fink says.

The fragrance was crafted by Roure Bertrand Dupont of Paris, a prestigious fragrance house based in Paris, renowned for its expertise in creating high-quality perfumes and scents. They are esteemed for their meticulous craftsmanship and innovative approaches to fragrance development. Many iconic perfumes have been crafted by Roure Bertrand Dupont over the years, contributing to their esteemed reputation in the fragrance industry.

Giorgio Beverly Hills and Spoiled each possess a distinct scent profile. Giorgio's bold, fruity floral notes make it an ideal choice for evenings and formal affairs, whereas Spoiled's light, green floral chypre composition is better suited for casual occasions.

"You know what you want - and you know how to get it. Whether it's a job, a man or a fragrance. Now there's an intoxicating new scent that perfectly expresses the self confidence and individual style of the woman who takes care of herself.  It's Spoiled by Theodore. Sexy, yet fresh. Floral, yet spicy. Spoiled - don't wait for him to buy it for you."

 

Launch:

Spoiled received a glamorous unveiling at the chic restaurant Spago, renowned for its upscale ambiance and culinary excellence. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Spago is a hotspot frequented by celebrities and socialites alike. The launch party exuded sophistication and style, perfectly complementing Spoiled's elegant and refined character. With its prime location and reputation for hosting exclusive events, Spago provided the ideal backdrop for introducing Spoiled to the discerning clientele of Beverly Hills.

Fink and Bronson disclosed that they invested just under $500,000 to secure Spoiled's placement in department stores, even prior to its initial sale. Less than a year after its debut at the Rodeo Drive store, Spoiled swiftly expanded its presence to major department stores such as Bloomingdale's in New York and Chicago. Upon its release, Bloomingdale's perfume buyer hailed its performance as "extraordinary," while store executives informed Fink that the scent swiftly ascended to the top 10 best sellers. Fink elaborated, stating, "While it wasn't the largest launch they'd ever witnessed, it certainly ranked high. We had to rush an overnight order to replenish their stock as the initial supply nearly sold out on the first day."

Upon its introduction, the pricing for Spoiled's various offerings was as follows: a half-ounce bottle of pure parfum was available for $110, the 3.4 oz bottle of Eau de Parfum was priced at $55, the 1.7 oz option was available for $35, and the 6.8 oz body cream could be purchased for $45.

Fragrance Composition:

 So what does it smell like? It is classified as a light floral fragrance for women. Herbaceous notes such as coriander and tagetes with bright citrus complexes of bergamot and mandarin and crisp, leafy green notes. Its heart takes rich florals - ylang ylang, rose, lily of the valley, orange blossom and jasmine - with precious woods and exotic spice accords. The drydown blends soft musky tones with subtly sweet powder tones and amber.

• Top notes: mandarin, tagetes, aldehydes, citrus, neroli, green note, herbs, bergamot
• Middle notes: orris, jasmine, orange blossom, rose, ylang ylang, lily of the valley, violet leaves
• Base notes: spices, vanilla, amber, vetiver, sandalwood, musk, oakmoss, galbanum

My vintage sample offers a nuanced interpretation, leaning towards a green floral chypre profile rather than a straightforward light floral. Its journey begins with the invigorating sparkle of soapy aldehydes and zesty citrus, transitioning to a lush floral heart adorned with crisp violet leaves. Finally, it settles into a powdery chypre base infused with woody accents and subtle spices, enveloped in the timeless allure of oakmoss and galbanum.

Scent Profile:

As you begin to experience the fragrance "Spoiled" by Theodore, the initial burst of top notes envelops you in a refreshing and vibrant symphony. The bright, zesty essence of mandarin and bergamot intertwines with the slightly bitter edge of neroli, creating a sparkling citrus complex. The herbaceous undertones of coriander and the unique, marigold-like scent of tagetes add a green, slightly peppery character, balancing the sweetness of the citrus. Aldehydes introduce a crisp, airy quality, reminiscent of fresh linen, while a subtle green note weaves through, evoking the scent of dew-kissed leaves on a spring morning.

As the fragrance unfolds, the heart notes blossom into a rich and opulent floral bouquet. The creamy, exotic ylang-ylang takes center stage, lending a luscious, almost banana-like sweetness that is both heady and captivating. This is complemented by the timeless elegance of rose, whose soft, velvety petals offer a delicate romantic touch. The lily of the valley brings a fresh, slightly soapy quality, reminiscent of a blooming garden after rain. The subtle spiciness of jasmine adds depth, blending seamlessly with the ethereal, honeyed aroma of orange blossom. Violet leaves introduce a whisper of green, adding complexity to the floral accord, while orris root imparts a soft, powdery texture that feels smooth and refined.

As the scent settles into its base notes, a warm and comforting drydown emerges. The smooth, creamy notes of sandalwood and the earthy, slightly smoky vetiver provide a grounding presence, while the sweet, resinous amber adds a golden warmth. Subtle hints of spice weave through, evoking a sense of exotic allure, as soft musky tones envelop the composition in a gentle, skin-like finish. The drydown is further enriched by a touch of vanilla, adding a creamy sweetness that lingers softly on the skin. Oakmoss contributes a slightly mossy, forest-like nuance, while galbanum introduces a green, resinous facet, balancing the composition with a natural, earthy quality.

Overall, "Spoiled" by Theodore is a beautifully balanced fragrance, seamlessly blending bright citrus and herbaceous top notes with a rich floral heart and a warm, sensual base. It is a fragrance that evolves gracefully, revealing its complexity and depth with each passing moment, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and sophistication.

Bottle:

In 1989, the captivating design of Spoiled's packaging emerged with the introduction of the iconic Mayan pyramid-shaped bottle, a visionary creation conceptualized by the esteemed Pierre Dinand. This distinctive bottle not only served as a vessel for the fragrance but also stood as a symbol of artistic elegance and cultural homage.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the production of these exquisite bottles was entrusted to Pochet et du Courval, renowned for their mastery in glassmaking and their ability to transform designs into tangible works of art. Meanwhile, the essential plastic components integral to the bottle's structure were expertly supplied by NIOB, ensuring durability and precision in every aspect of its construction.

Together, these collaborative efforts resulted in a packaging masterpiece that not only encapsulated the essence of Spoiled but also captured the imagination of consumers with its striking form and meticulous craftsmanship.

Spoiled was offered in the following sizes:

• 0.5 oz Parfum
• 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum
• 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum
• 4 oz Body Cream
• 6.8 oz Body Cream

Fate of the Fragrance:

Spoiled, a once-iconic fragrance, now resides in the realm of discontinued perfumes, its availability becoming increasingly scarce with the passage of time. The elusive nature of Spoiled adds to its mystique, as fragrance enthusiasts and collectors alike embark on a quest to procure this elusive gem. With each passing day, the opportunity to experience the captivating aroma of Spoiled becomes rarer, elevating its status to that of a coveted treasure among those fortunate enough to encounter it.

Spoiled Man: 

Following the triumphant reception of Spoiled, Theodore seized the opportunity to introduce its masculine counterpart, Spoiled Man, in 1988. 

Fragrance Composition:

This fragrance exuded an aura of allure and sophistication, characterized by its seductive blend of spicy and fresh notes. Top note of citrus and lavender with a masculine woody undertone and a "drydown" of sweet amber.

• Top notes: citrus, lavender
• Middle notes: woods
• Base notes: amber

As you first experience "Spoiled Man" by Theodore, the fragrance greets you with a refreshing and invigorating top note that immediately captures your senses. The bright, zesty burst of citrus unfolds with an initial spark of bergamot and lemon, their tangy and slightly sweet aromas mingling together to create an uplifting and energizing sensation. This vibrant citrus opening is softened by the soothing presence of lavender, which introduces a calming and aromatic quality. The lavender's herbaceous, slightly camphoraceous scent blends seamlessly with the citrus, adding a clean and fresh dimension that feels both classic and timeless.

As the fragrance begins to evolve, the citrus and lavender notes gracefully transition, making way for a more robust and masculine heart. A woody undertone emerges, bringing with it a sense of strength and grounding. The woody notes are rich and warm, offering a contrast to the fresh top notes. The scent of cedarwood is particularly prominent, with its dry, slightly resinous aroma that evokes the image of sun-warmed wood. This woody accord is complemented by subtle hints of earthy vetiver, which adds a touch of smokiness and depth, enhancing the fragrance's masculine character. The woods are smooth and well-blended, providing a solid foundation that is both comforting and sophisticated.

As "Spoiled Man" settles into its drydown, the scent takes on a new layer of complexity and warmth. A sweet amber note begins to unfold, wrapping the fragrance in a soft, golden glow. The amber adds a resinous, slightly sweet quality that feels luxurious and enveloping. It provides a subtle sweetness that is perfectly balanced with the woody and herbal elements, creating a harmonious blend that lingers on the skin. The amber's warmth and depth create a sensual, almost velvety finish, leaving a lasting impression of refinement and elegance.

Overall, "Spoiled Man" by Theodore is a sophisticated and well-rounded fragrance that artfully balances fresh, aromatic, and woody notes. The initial burst of citrus and lavender sets a lively and invigorating tone, while the woody heart and amber drydown add depth and warmth, making it a versatile scent that is both refreshing and comforting. It's a fragrance that exudes confidence and style, perfect for the modern man who appreciates a blend of classic and contemporary elements.

Product Line:

Spoiled Man was meticulously crafted to embody masculinity and refinement, offering a distinctive olfactory experience that captivated discerning men. The fragrance was available in two luxurious formulations: a Cologne Spray Concentrate and an After Shave Balm, each meticulously formulated to enhance the wearer's allure and leave a lasting impression.

The Cologne Spray Concentrate, presented in a generous 3.4 oz size, retailed for $42, offering an indulgent and long-lasting fragrance experience. Meanwhile, the After Shave Balm, available in a compact 1.7 oz size, provided a soothing and invigorating post-shave ritual, priced at $28.

Despite its undeniable appeal, Spoiled Man has become a rare gem in the fragrance world, revered by enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its discontinuation has only added to its mystique, making it a coveted treasure for those fortunate enough to procure a bottle.