Anne Klein II by Anne Klein c1985

Anne Klein II was launched in 1985 during a period marked by significant transitions in fashion and fragrance. The early 1980s were a time of bold statements and a resurgence of classic elegance blended with modern sensibilities. The era was characterized by opulent styles, with power suits, shoulder pads, and a renewed focus on strong, independent women. In this context, Anne Klein II, created by Yves Tanguy in association with Parlux, emerged as a reflection of these cultural and aesthetic shifts.

Anne Klein II's name evokes a sense of continuity and refinement. As a sequel to the original Anne Klein fragrance, its designation as "Anne Klein II" suggests an evolution or an update of the initial perfume, maintaining the brand's core identity while introducing a new dimension. The use of Roman numerals to denote the second iteration of the perfume aligns with a sense of sophistication and timelessness, resonating with the same qualities associated with the Anne Klein fashion label. The name effectively conveys that this fragrance is a sophisticated extension of the original, meant for a woman who appreciates both tradition and innovation.

The choice of "Anne Klein II" as a name is particularly fitting for the perfume as it underscores the evolution of Anne Klein's brand into the realm of fragrances while maintaining a connection to its fashion roots. The name signifies a blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair, capturing the essence of the 1980s fashion world that Anne Klein was influential in shaping.

Anne Klein's relation to perfumery is indirect yet significant. Known primarily for her fashion design, Anne Klein's brand extended its influence into the world of fragrances as a natural progression of her fashion empire. Her designs were emblematic of modern, powerful femininity, and her foray into perfumery was a way to encapsulate this ethos in a scent. The perfume was created by Yves Tanguy, whose expertise in fragrance composition added a layer of sophistication to the brand’s fragrance offerings.

Women who would have been drawn to Anne Klein II were likely those who embraced a sophisticated, assertive, and modern style. They would have appreciated the blend of classic elegance with a contemporary twist that the fragrance represents. These women were likely professionals or fashion-conscious individuals who valued both tradition and innovation in their personal style. The fragrance would appeal to those who saw themselves as part of a new wave of women redefining femininity and power in the workplace and beyond.

The name "Anne Klein II" evokes images of confidence, elegance, and continuity. It suggests a perfume that builds upon the legacy of its predecessor while offering a fresh and refined experience. The feelings associated with the name are those of timeless sophistication and modern chic, appealing to a sense of both heritage and contemporary flair. The name conjures up an image of a woman who is both grounded in tradition and open to new possibilities, reflecting the dual nature of the 1980s fashion landscape.

The Launch:

In September 1986, the launch of Anne Klein II was bolstered by an impressive $1.6 million promotional campaign, designed to capture the attention of discerning consumers and establish the fragrance as a key player in the competitive perfume market. This substantial investment in marketing reflected the brand's commitment to making Anne Klein II a prominent name in the fragrance world.

One of the standout features of the promotion was the offering of a free or reduced-price gift with purchase, a popular tactic used to entice customers and add value to their purchase. For Anne Klein II, this meant that consumers who bought from the Anne Klein II fragrance collection received an elegant Anne Klein II umbrella as their gift. This high-quality, practical accessory not only served as a stylish token of appreciation but also reinforced the fragrance’s association with sophistication and practicality. The umbrella became a sought-after item, enhancing the allure of the fragrance and boosting its appeal through a tangible and desirable bonus.

Anne Klein II was available at prestigious department stores such as Rich's, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. These retailers were carefully selected to align the fragrance with high-end fashion and luxury, ensuring that it reached a target audience who valued quality and exclusivity. The availability in such well-regarded stores helped position Anne Klein II as a premium product, reinforcing its image as a refined and sophisticated choice.

The pricing strategy for Anne Klein II was designed to cater to a range of budgets while maintaining a sense of luxury. The Eau de Parfum Splash, available in a 1.7 oz bottle, was priced at $20, offering an accessible entry point for consumers interested in experiencing the fragrance. The quarter-ounce perfume spray, priced at $37.50, represented a more concentrated and luxurious option, catering to those who sought a more refined and enduring fragrance experience. This tiered pricing approach allowed Anne Klein II to appeal to a broad audience, from those making a first foray into the world of designer fragrances to those looking to indulge in a premium scent.

Overall, the promotion and pricing strategy for Anne Klein II reflected a well-thought-out effort to establish the fragrance as a desirable and accessible luxury, aligning with Anne Klein’s reputation for elegance and modern sophistication.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Anne Klein II by Anne Klein is classified as a soft fresh green oriental floral fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh, citrusy top, followed by a floral heart, resting on a sweet, powdery, ambery base. A mixture of rose oil, orange blossom and bright tangerine blended with succulent peach, apricot, jasmine, lily and freesia, accented with sensuous musk, vanilla bean, amber, civet, myrrh and precious Mysore sandalwood.

• Top notes: spices, Brazilian rosewood, Georgian peach, Calabrian bergamot, Spanish apricot, Sicilian lemon, green notes
• Middle notes: South African freesia, Dutch lily, Tunisian orange blossom, Grasse jasmine, Argentinian tangerine flowers, Florentine orris, Bulgarian rose oil, French carnation, Comoros ylang ylang
• Base notes: Sudanese myrrh, ambergris, Seychelles patchouli, Tonkin musk, Mysore sandalwood, Siamese benzoin, Madagascan vanilla, Somali opoponax, Ethiopian civet, Yugoslavian oakmoss and precious woods

Scent Profile:

Anne Klein II unfolds in layers of luminous warmth, soft florals, and deep, enveloping sensuality, an olfactory portrait of effortless sophistication. It opens with a fresh yet gently spiced radiance, where sun-ripened Georgian peach and golden Spanish apricot melt into a luminous veil of Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian lemon. The bergamot, cultivated in southern Italy’s coastal groves, offers a refined citrus sparkle, its zestier and more floral nuance distinguishing it from other varieties. 

The Sicilian lemon, renowned for its vibrant acidity, adds an effervescent brightness, a crispness that cuts through the ripe fruitiness. A whisper of verdant green notes stirs the senses, reminiscent of freshly crushed leaves, while Brazilian rosewood introduces an exotic warmth—its polished, slightly spicy aroma lending a smooth, resinous elegance to the opening. The delicate balance of spice and citrus creates an immediate impression of understated luxury, neither too sharp nor too sweet, but instead, effortlessly poised.

As the scent evolves, a luminous floral heart unfurls, rich with texture and depth. South African freesia, with its dewy, honeyed freshness, sets a graceful tone, while Dutch lily lends a cool, creamy purity, soft yet distinctly green. The opulent intensity of Tunisian orange blossom follows, its white floral radiance unfolding with an almost narcotic richness, intertwining with the legendary Grasse jasmine—arguably the finest in the world—whose heady, indolic nature gives the fragrance a sultry femininity. 

The floral complexity deepens with Argentinian tangerine flowers, a note both bright and slightly honeyed, adding a golden warmth to the bouquet. The powdery elegance of Florentine orris emerges like a whispered sigh, lending a velvety softness, while Bulgarian rose oil—harvested in the famed Valley of Roses—infuses a deep, full-bodied floralcy, its delicate balance of sweet and spicy facets enhancing the fragrance’s romantic core. A fiery touch of French carnation, laced with clove-like warmth, subtly awakens the senses, while the tropical creaminess of Comoros ylang-ylang rounds out the heart with its lush, solar sweetness, an intoxicating whisper of distant islands.

The dry-down is a symphony of sensuality, where warmth and depth envelop the skin in a lingering embrace. Sudanese myrrh imparts its ancient resinous glow, a balsamic richness that melds seamlessly with the soft golden warmth of ambergris, a note both salty and deeply animalic. The grounding presence of Seychelles patchouli adds an earthy, almost chocolate-like depth, its richness contrasting beautifully with the airy softness of Tonkin musk, whose delicate sensuality is as timeless as it is irresistible. 

The coveted Mysore sandalwood, revered for its unparalleled creamy smoothness, lends a luxurious, milky warmth, its velvety texture deepened by the resinous glow of Siamese benzoin. Madagascan vanilla, with its rich, almost boozy sweetness, swathes the composition in a soft, indulgent warmth, enhanced by Somali opoponax, whose honeyed balsamic depth adds an opulent resinous glow. Ethiopian civet introduces a subtly animalic whisper, a raw sensuality that lingers just beneath the surface, while Yugoslavian oakmoss brings a touch of chypre sophistication—its damp, mossy greenness grounding the fragrance in a classic elegance. The final impression is one of refined indulgence, a seamless blend of warmth and softness, fruit and spice, light and shadow.

Anne Klein II is a fragrance of contrasts—fresh yet enveloping, delicate yet sensual. It evokes the effortless elegance of a well-tailored silk blouse, the understated confidence of a woman who knows her presence is felt without needing to announce it. It is a fragrance of quiet luxury, of whispered allure, and above all, of timeless beauty.

Bottle:

The packaging for Anne Klein II is a reflection of the fragrance's elegant and sophisticated character, mirroring the refined aesthetic of Anne Klein's fashion designs. The perfume bottle itself is a testament to modern elegance, crafted as a sleek sliver of crystal that exudes a sense of luxury and simplicity. Its cap, finished in metallic black enamel, adds a touch of contemporary sophistication, creating a striking contrast with the clear, shimmering body of the bottle. This design choice underscores the fragrance's status as both a fashionable accessory and a statement of taste.

The Anne Klein II collection offered a range of products designed to cater to various preferences and needs. The 1/4 oz Parfum Purse Spray, retailing at $37.50, was a compact and convenient option for on-the-go use, perfect for those who wanted to carry a touch of luxury with them. For those seeking a more substantial experience, the 1/4 oz Parfum was available for $75, offering a concentrated and luxurious formulation in a similarly elegant bottle.

The Eau de Parfum sprays came in two sizes, catering to different preferences and budgets. The 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, priced at $25, provided a balanced option for daily wear, while the larger 3.3 oz Eau de Parfum Spray, retailing for $35, offered a more generous supply for avid fans of the fragrance.

For a more versatile option, the 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Splash was priced at $20, allowing users to enjoy the scent in a splash format that could be applied liberally. This was complemented by a range of body care products, each designed to enhance the fragrance experience while providing additional luxury to daily routines.

The 4.1 oz Body Cream and 5 oz Body Lotion, priced at $25 and $20 respectively, offered moisturizing and fragrant indulgence for the skin. The 1.5 oz Hand Cream, available in a set of four tubes for $15, was a practical and luxurious touch for keeping hands soft and scented. The 6.7 oz Dusting Powder, retailing for $20, provided a subtle, perfumed finish for the skin, while the 4.1 oz Bath/Shower Gel, priced at $15, offered a cleansing experience enriched with the fragrance's signature notes.

Together, these products not only showcased Anne Klein II's versatility but also reinforced its positioning as a sophisticated choice for those who appreciate luxury in every aspect of their personal care routine. The thoughtful range of items ensured that Anne Klein II could be integrated seamlessly into a daily regimen, enhancing the wearer's overall experience with the fragrance.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The original vintage packaging for Anne Klein II, still cherished by collectors and enthusiasts, reflects the fragrance's French heritage and its early association with the prestigious Parlux brand. These classic boxes are distinguished by their "Made in France" label, a mark of the high-quality manufacturing standards associated with French craftsmanship. The inclusion of "Parlux" on the packaging further emphasizes the collaboration with this renowned company, known for its expertise in the perfume industry. The vintage boxes often exude a timeless elegance, with design elements that mirror the sophisticated nature of the fragrance itself.

In contrast, the contemporary packaging of Anne Klein II has evolved to reflect modern manufacturing practices and geographic shifts. The new boxes prominently feature the label "Designed in the United States, Made in China," indicating a change in production location and design oversight. This transition to Chinese manufacturing aligns with current industry trends, which often see production moved to countries where costs can be more effectively managed. The updated packaging also includes "Palm Beach Beaute LLC" and the website "palmbeachbeaute.com," signaling the brand's current ownership and its presence in the online retail landscape.

This shift in packaging not only represents changes in production and branding but also reflects broader changes in the global economy and the perfume industry. While the essence of Anne Klein II remains, the updated packaging serves as a reminder of the fragrance’s continued relevance and adaptability in a modern market. The new design elements, including the updated labels and production details, mark a departure from its vintage origins while maintaining the fragrance’s legacy and appeal in the contemporary world.