Sung by Alfred Sung c1986

"Sung" by Alfred Sung, introduced in 1986 in collaboration with Riviera Concepts, is a classic fragrance renowned for its timeless elegance and sophisticated charm. This fragrance embodies a blend of floral, green, and woody notes, creating a harmonious and captivating scent that has stood the test of time. With its delicate yet assertive aroma, Sung perfume captures the essence of femininity and grace, making it a beloved choice for women who appreciate refined fragrances with enduring appeal.

"Sung" encapsulates the essence of style, embodying the vision of its creator, the esteemed Canadian designer Alfred Sung. Conceived in collaboration with distinguished French perfumers, this fragrance is an ode to the spirited, innovative woman Sung had in mind during its creation—an individual who exudes timeless elegance yet radiates warmth and vitality. "When I designed my perfume, I had a certain woman in mind. Spirited. Innovative. She is classically elegant, yet vital and warm. My perfume is an expression of this woman's wants and desires," said Sung.

Alfred Sung's inspiration for this fragrance stemmed from his desire to encapsulate the beauty and emotions of special moments, places, and people, reflecting his aspiration to be an artist in scent. In a press release, Sung expressed, "I always wanted to be an artist...to capture the beauty and feelings of special moments, special places and special people. My fragrance inspired me to create differently...sensually."

The essence of "Sung" draws inspiration from the blossoms that grace Sung's own garden. White, his favorite color, dominates his living spaces, with the garden adorned with white flowers. Sung's dedication to his vision is evident in his meticulous attention to detail, as he even had the lavender lilac tree removed from his garden and the red flowers carefully plucked to maintain his aesthetic preference.

With its harmonious blend of floral, green, and woody notes, "Sung" perfume transcends mere fragrance to become a sensory experience—a testament to the refined taste and discerning sensibilities of the Alfred Sung woman.

The fragrance was inspired by the blooms in Sung's garden. "White is my favorite color, all the rooms in my home are white, my small garden is filled with white flowers. When I bought the house, it had a lavender lilac tree so I had it chopped down. I even had the red flowers plucked from the garden." 

Alfred Sung's devotion to the purity of white extends beyond his living spaces and into the essence of his fragrance creation process. Inspired by the pristine blooms in his garden, Sung meticulously selected all-white flowers to serve as the foundation of the Sung fragrance—a symphony of delicate floral notes imbued with timeless elegance and enduring allure.

In crafting Sung, Alfred Sung was meticulous in his selection of blooms, focusing on their pristine whiteness, which symbolized cleanliness, lightness, freshness, and romance—qualities he sought to evoke in his fragrance. Among the key floral components are jasmine, iris, and lily of the valley blossoms, each contributing its unique aroma to the bouquet. Woven throughout is the subtle fruity floral note of osmanthus, adding a hint of sweetness and complexity.

"They are clean, light, fresh, romantic as the essence is. But it has staying power," said Sung. "It's something that doesn't just evaporate. I think women want to put on a fragrance in the morning and have it last all day - they're too busy to want to worry about re-applying it."

The fragrance journey of Sung is further enriched by the inclusion of orange blossom, imparting a citrusy freshness that complements the floral symphony. Subtle musk notes provide a soft, lingering base, ensuring that the fragrance endures throughout the day without losing its captivating allure.

For Sung, longevity was paramount. He understood that modern women lead busy lives and desire a fragrance that can keep up with their daily adventures without the need for constant reapplication. Thus, he ensured that Sung not only exuded a sense of freshness and romance but also possessed staying power, allowing women to confidently embrace their day knowing their fragrance would accompany them from morning to night.

Alfred Sung's journey to find the perfect combination for his fragrance was one of meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to his vision. With a staggering 300 potential combinations under consideration, Sung embarked on an olfactory odyssey, meticulously exploring each option to ensure it aligned with his exacting standards.

Navigating through such a vast array of possibilities was no small feat. Sung recognized the limitations of the human senses, acknowledging that one could only effectively evaluate a handful of fragrances in a single sitting. This realization made the process both arduous and time-consuming, as he painstakingly worked through the permutations, noting nuances and subtleties along the way.

Each combination presented its own set of challenges, with some compositions possessing an excess of certain elements while others fell short. Yet, through perseverance and a discerning nose, Sung persisted until he encountered the fragrance that resonated with him on every level.

"There were 300 possibly combinations considered," said Sung "And you can only sniff five fragrances in one sitting, so it took a long time to go through them all. One would have too much of one element, another not enough. In the end, we came to this one and I said "this is it, exactly."

When he finally encountered the perfect blend, there was no doubt in Sung's mind. With unwavering certainty, he declared, "this is it" recognizing that he had unearthed the essence of his vision—the fragrance that would come to embody the spirit of the Alfred Sung woman in every delicate note.

Launch:

The launch of Sung perfume at Eaton's downtown Toronto department store marked a historic moment in the fragrance industry. On the very first day, Sung shattered records, surpassing the previous sales benchmark set by Giorgio by an astonishing 50%. This unprecedented success continued into the second day, with sales exceeding the Giorgio record by an additional 20%. The frenzy surrounding Sung's debut translated into a remarkable statistic: a bottle of fragrance sold every two and a half minutes, reflecting the immense popularity and demand for this new olfactory masterpiece.

In just six months following its Canadian launch, Sung perfume achieved a staggering $6 million in retail sales—a testament to its widespread appeal and enduring allure. Building on this phenomenal success, the company swiftly expanded its product offerings to include a comprehensive range of bath and body care products, further solidifying Sung's status as a beloved brand synonymous with luxury and sophistication. From shower gel and body soap to body lotion, body dusting powder, and specialized oil for dry skin, Sung's bath and body care line catered to every aspect of a woman's beauty regimen, providing an immersive sensory experience that complemented the timeless elegance of the fragrance itself.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a soft green floral fragrance for women.  

• Top notes: orange, mandarin, bergamot, lemon, ylang-ylang, galbanum and hyacinth
• Middle notes: broom, orange blossom, osmanthus flower, jasmine, iris and lily of the valley
• Base notes: ambrette, musk, vanilla, orange wood, orange blossom, sandalwood, amber and vetiver

"Sung" perfume, classified as a soft green floral fragrance for women, is a masterpiece of olfactory artistry, boasting a captivating scent that embodies sophistication and refinement. Its essence is a harmonious symphony of light, clean notes, delicately interwoven to create a luxurious sensory experience.

At its core lies a lush bouquet of French white flower oils, including jasmine, lily of the valley, and orange blossom, each contributing its unique floral nuances to the fragrance. The inclusion of osmanthus adds a fruity floral accent, infusing the composition with a subtle sweetness and complexity. Powdery iris further enhances the elegance of the bouquet, lending a soft, velvety texture to the scent.

Upon first application, Sung perfume delights the senses with a burst of sparkling citrus, composed of orange, mandarin, bergamot, lemon, and ylang-ylang. These top notes impart a refreshing zestiness, evoking a sense of vitality and freshness. Green floral nuances, including galbanum and hyacinth, add depth and dimension, providing a verdant backdrop for the floral heart of the fragrance to bloom.

As the scent evolves, it gradually transitions to a warm oriental base, anchored by notes of ambrette, musk, vanilla, sandalwood, and amber. These base notes impart a sensual richness and depth, enveloping the wearer in a comforting embrace. Precious woods, including orange wood and vetiver, add a hint of earthiness, grounding the fragrance and adding a touch of complexity.

In essence, "Sung" perfume is a sophisticated blend of timeless elegance and modern sensuality—a tribute to the woman who embodies grace, vitality, and unwavering confidence. With its captivating aroma and enduring allure, it leaves an indelible impression, making it a beloved choice for women who appreciate refined fragrances with enduring appeal.

Bottle:

Bottling the exquisite essence of Sung perfume was a process akin to crafting a masterpiece, according to Alfred Sung. Collaborating with renowned French bottle designer Pierre Dinand, the creation of the fragrance's vessel was a journey of meticulous attention to detail and personalized craftsmanship.

Dinand's creative process began with a visit to Sung's home, where he immersed himself in the designer's personal aesthetic and surroundings. Exploring Sung's collection of objets d'art and engaging in intimate conversations, Dinand sought to understand Sung's vision and color scheme. Armed with this insight, Dinand returned to Paris and crafted six distinct bottle designs, each a reflection of Sung's refined taste and unique style. Remarkably, Dinand's intuitive understanding of Sung's preferences proved accurate, as Sung's final choice aligned seamlessly with the designer's prediction.

The result of this collaboration was a sleek and symmetrical bottle crafted from clear glass, exuding an air of timeless elegance and sophistication. Adorned with a crystal-clear stopper, the bottle was a testament to the impeccable craftsmanship of its manufacturer, Pochet et du Courval. Complementing the glass vessel were black lacquered plastic components supplied by Bonnay, adding a touch of contrast and modernity to the overall design.

Sung took great pride in the packaging of his fragrance, designing an elegant box that exuded classic simplicity. Adorned in a palette of glossy black and classic white, the packaging served as a fitting complement to the sophistication of the fragrance it housed.

Available in various sizes and formulations, Sung perfume catered to the diverse preferences of its discerning clientele. From the light and refreshing Eau de Toilette to the indulgent Parfum, Sung offered a range of options to suit every occasion and mood, ensuring that the allure of its intoxicating bouquet could be enjoyed by all who embraced it.

Sung was available in the following:

• Eau de Toilette
• 1 oz Parfum
• 0.25 oz Parfum
• 0.5 oz Parfum Spray
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

Fate of the Fragrance:

As of 2024, Sung by Alfred Sung continues to captivate fragrance enthusiasts worldwide with its timeless allure and enduring appeal. Since its inception in 1986, this iconic scent has remained a beloved staple in the world of perfumery, standing as a testament to Alfred Sung's unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to creating olfactory masterpieces.

Renowned for its sophisticated blend of floral, green, and woody notes, Sung perfume has stood the test of time, retaining its status as a classic fragrance for women. With its delicate yet assertive aroma, Sung embodies the essence of femininity and grace, making it a cherished choice for those who appreciate refined fragrances with lasting impact.

As it enters its fourth decade in production, Sung by Alfred Sung continues to enchant new generations of fragrance connoisseurs, ensuring that its legacy remains firmly entrenched in the annals of perfume history. With its enduring popularity and timeless elegance, Sung serves as a beacon of timeless beauty and sophistication, reminding us that true classics never go out of style.

It can be purchased at the Alfred Sung website.