Tocade by Rochas c1994

Tocade by Rochas was launched in 1994, a decade marked by significant cultural and social shifts. The early 1990s saw the aftermath of the economic boom of the 1980s, a period of optimism and consumerism, giving way to a more nuanced and introspective era. The rise of grunge fashion, alternative music, and a new wave of feminism were emblematic of this time. Women in the 1990s were increasingly asserting their independence, exploring their identities, and embracing a blend of modernity with a touch of nostalgia for past glamour. In this context, Tocade by Rochas emerged as a symbol of bold femininity and playful sophistication.

The choice of the name "Tocade" for this perfume is particularly significant. "Tocade" derives from the French word "toquade," which means "flirtation." This term evokes a sense of lightheartedness, spontaneity, and charm, capturing the essence of a fleeting romantic fancy or a whimsical attraction. The word itself carries connotations of playfulness and allure, making it an apt choice for a fragrance intended to embody the spirit of flirtation and joyful seduction.

In English, "toquade" translates to "flirtation," a term that perfectly aligns with the intended persona of the perfume. By naming the fragrance Tocade, Parfums Rochas aimed to convey a sense of whimsical charm and irresistible allure. This name suggests a fragrance that is not just a scent but an experience—a playful dance of notes that captivates and intrigues. It hints at a perfume that is meant to be worn with confidence and a touch of mischief, appealing to those who enjoy the art of subtle seduction and the thrill of romantic adventures.

"Tocade" is an appropriate name for a perfume because it resonates with the experiences and emotions of its intended audience. The 1990s woman who would be drawn to a fragrance called Tocade would likely be confident, independent, and open to exploring new facets of her personality. She would appreciate the blend of traditional and modern elements, much like the fragrance itself, which combines classic floral notes with a contemporary twist.

This woman would respond to Tocade with enthusiasm, finding in it a reflection of her own playful and flirtatious nature. The scent would serve as an extension of her personality, enhancing her charm and leaving a memorable impression on those around her. Tocade would become her signature, a fragrant expression of her joie de vivre and romantic spirit.

The word "Tocade" evokes images of carefree afternoons in Paris, spontaneous rendezvous, and the effervescent joy of new love. It brings to mind a woman with a captivating smile, whose presence lights up a room and whose laughter is infectious. The feelings associated with Tocade are those of warmth, excitement, and a touch of nostalgia for the innocent yet thrilling days of courtship.

Maurice Roucel of Quest, the creator of Tocade, embarked on an arduous journey to perfect this fragrance to evoke these very feelings. It took the perfumers at Quest more than six hundred tries before they were satisfied with the final composition. The result of their dedication and meticulous craftsmanship is a warm and sensual perfume.

The fragrance opens with fresh and vibrant notes of bergamot and green accords, leading into a heart of rich florals such as magnolia and iris, and settling into a warm, sensual base of vanilla, amber, and musk. This composition mirrors the progression of a flirtatious encounter—starting with a lively introduction, moving into a deeper connection, and lingering with a lasting impression.

Tocade was aimed at capturing the essence of youthful femininity and vibrant charm, making it particularly appealing to women in their twenties. Designed to resonate with a demographic that values both sophistication and playfulness, Tocade offered a fragrance experience that celebrated the exuberance and confidence of young adulthood. Its blend of floral and amber notes, underscored by a warm and sensual base, created a fragrance profile that was both inviting and captivating. The packaging and range of product offerings, from parfum to body care items, catered to the lifestyle and preferences of young women, ensuring that Tocade was not only a scent, but a part of their daily routine and self-expression. This approach made Tocade a beloved choice among its target audience, embodying the spirit of youthful elegance and timeless allure.

In essence, Tocade by Rochas is more than just a perfume; it is an olfactory embodiment of flirtation, a scent that celebrates the joy of romance and the art of playful seduction. It captures the spirit of the 1990s woman, who embraced both her independence and her femininity, and continues to resonate with those who seek a fragrance that is as enchanting and dynamic as they are.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral-oriental fragrance for women. It begins with a soft orange blossom top, followed by a rosy vanilla heart, resting on a sensual, warm amber base.

• Top notes: green notes, orange blossom, freesia, bergamot and geranium
• Middle notes: orchid, lily of the valley, jasmine, magnolia leaves, rose, vanilla, iris 
• Base notes: vanilla, benzoin, cedar, ambergris and musk

Mirabela, 1994:

"It took the perfumers at Rochas more than six hundred tries before they were satisfied. The fruit of their labor is Tocade — a warm and sensual combination of rose, amber and vanilla. "

Elle, 1994:

"Tocade by Rochas is a good marriage fragrance: The scent of rose connotes love, magnolia suggests fidelity, geranium enhances fertility, and vanilla amplifies lust; bergamot, cedar, and benzoin all bring prosperity."

Scent Story:

On a balmy afternoon at a local outdoor cafe, nestled in the heart of a bustling city, a group of older 20-something women gathered to catch up over coffee and tea. The sun cast a warm glow over their table, where laughter mingled with nostalgic tales of sorority days and college adventures. Among them sat Sarah, known for her confident demeanor and timeless style, wearing Rochas' Tocade, a scent she wore during university.

As they reminisced, the air carried a soft breeze scented with the fragrance's top notes of green leaves, orange blossom, freesia, bergamot, and geranium. The floral-oriental blend subtly intertwined with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delicate herbal teas, creating a sensory tapestry that enveloped their gathering.

Sarah's presence was marked by Tocade's rosy vanilla heart, which exuded an aura of elegance and warmth. Its notes of orchid, lily of the valley, jasmine, magnolia leaves, rose, and iris intertwined seamlessly, reflecting her vibrant personality and sophistication.

A young man passing by, captivated by Sarah's allure, stopped to inquire about the captivating fragrance she wore. Intrigued, he listened as she described Tocade, its essence lingering in the air like a delicate promise of romance and intrigue. As he bid farewell and continued on his way, Sarah turned to her friends with a playful smile and whispered, "Tocade still works!"

The atmosphere hummed with the lively chatter of the cafe's patrons, accompanied by the distant murmur of city life. The clinking of cups and saucers, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the occasional laughter of passersby added to the vibrant scene.

Sarah's friends, touched by the familiarity of her signature fragrance, reached out to touch her arm affectionately, feeling the soft fabric of her blouse beneath their fingertips. The subtle warmth of Tocade's amber base, with its lingering notes of vanilla, benzoin, cedar, ambergris, and musk, mirrored the comforting embrace of friendship and shared memories that defined their afternoon reunion.

In that moment, amidst the sensory delights and camaraderie, Tocade by Rochas became more than just a fragrance—it was a testament to enduring friendships, the spirit of youthful nostalgia, and the timeless allure of feminine confidence.

Product Line:

Tocade by Rochas was offered in a variety of luxurious formulations and sizes, catering to different preferences and lifestyles. For those seeking the highest concentration of fragrance, the 0.5 oz Parfum Splash was available, originally priced at $120. This option provided a rich and intense olfactory experience, perfect for special occasions.

For on-the-go touch-ups, the 0.25 oz Parfum Purse Spray was an ideal choice, originally retailing for $65. Its compact size made it convenient to carry in a purse or travel bag, ensuring the wearer could enjoy the fragrance anytime, anywhere.

The Eau de Toilette formulations offered a lighter and more wearable option for daily use. Sizes included the 1 oz, 1.7 oz, and 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Sprays, originally priced at $43, $62, and $40 respectively. These sprays provided a refreshing burst of fragrance with each application, suitable for both day and evening wear.

Additional options included the 0.10 oz Eau de Toilette Splash Mini, perfect for sampling or as a thoughtful gift. The 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Splash offered a different application style, ideal for those who prefer a splash-on method for applying their fragrance.

Complementing the fragrance were luxurious body care products, including the 6.8 oz Body Lotion and Bath & Shower Gel, each originally retailing for $26. These products enhanced the Tocade experience, leaving the skin delicately scented and feeling nourished.

For a more indulgent bathing ritual, the 5.3 oz Perfumed Soap, originally priced at $18, provided a luxurious lather that enveloped the senses in the captivating aroma of Tocade. Together, these offerings allowed enthusiasts to fully immerse themselves in the timeless allure of Rochas' Tocade fragrance, whether through its concentrated parfum or its accompanying body care products.

Bottle:

Presented in a slender, rounded glass bottle reminiscent of the iconic Femme bottle, Tocade exudes elegance and whimsy. The design, created by Serge Mansau, features a light-hearted collar and hat, with each size variant boasting a unique combination. The bottles were crafted by the renowned Saint Gobain Desjonqueres and Verreries Brosse, ensuring quality and artistry. The perfume is packaged in a striking cherry red box adorned with gold script, enhancing its luxurious appeal and making it a visually delightful addition to any collection.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The original Tocade was discontinued at an unknown date, leaving its admirers longing for its return. In 2013, the fragrance was reformulated and repackaged, making a comeback in a new bottle design. This updated version retained the essence of the original while introducing a modern touch, ensuring that the beloved scent could continue to enchant a new generation of perfume lovers. The reintroduction was met with enthusiasm, celebrating the timeless appeal of Tocade in a refreshed and contemporary presentation.

Fragrance Composition:

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

• Top notes: magnolia and bergamot
• Middle notes: rose, iris and geranium
• Base notes: vanilla and cedar

Tocade by Rochas is classified as a floral amber fragrance for women, embodying both warmth and elegance. The fragrance opens with vibrant top notes of magnolia and bergamot. The magnolia brings a lush, creamy floral quality, while the bergamot adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that immediately captivates the senses.

The heart of Tocade is a rich bouquet of rose, iris, and geranium. The rose note is voluptuous and romantic, the iris adds a sophisticated, powdery elegance, and the geranium introduces a slightly green, aromatic dimension. This blend creates a harmonious and intricate floral core, evoking a sense of timeless beauty and grace.

As the fragrance settles, it reveals a warm, sensual base of vanilla and cedar. The vanilla contributes a sweet, comforting richness, while the cedar adds a woody depth, grounding the fragrance and providing a lasting, memorable impression. This combination of notes ensures that Tocade leaves a lingering trail of warmth and sophistication, making it a beloved choice for those who appreciate a complex and enduring floral amber scent.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Tocade by Rochas, originally launched in 1994, was discontinued, leaving its admirers without their cherished scent. However, the fragrance made a triumphant return in 2018, when it was reformulated to closely match the original composition. This revival aimed to capture the essence of the beloved scent while meeting contemporary standards and preferences.

The 2018 reformulation and repackaging brought Tocade back in its original, iconic bottle design, which is a slender, rounded glass bottle reminiscent of the Femme bottle, adorned with a playful collar and hat. This nostalgic packaging, designed by Serge Mansau and crafted by Saint Gobain Desjonqueres and Verreries Brosse, maintains the visual charm and elegance that fans remember.

This careful attention to both the fragrance and its presentation ensured that the reintroduced Tocade retained its timeless appeal, delighting both long-time enthusiasts and new admirers. The return of Tocade in its original bottle not only honored its heritage but also reaffirmed its place as a classic floral amber fragrance in the world of perfumery.

Fragrance Composition:

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

• Top notes: geranium and bergamot
• Middle notes: rose, iris and jasmine
• Base notes: vanilla, amber, tonka bean, labdanum and almond

Tocade by Rochas is classified as a floral amber fragrance for women, renowned for its warm and captivating scent profile. The fragrance opens with top notes of geranium and bergamot. The geranium brings a fresh, green aromatic quality, while the bergamot adds a zesty, citrus brightness, creating a lively and invigorating introduction that immediately captivates the senses.

The heart of Tocade unfolds with a rich floral bouquet of rose, iris, and jasmine. The rose note is lush and romantic, evoking classic elegance. The iris adds a powdery, sophisticated nuance, while the jasmine imparts a sweet, intoxicating floral depth. This harmonious blend of middle notes creates an intricate and multi-dimensional floral core, enveloping the wearer in a sense of timeless beauty and grace.

As the fragrance dries down, it reveals a warm and sensual base of vanilla, amber, tonka bean, labdanum, and almond. The vanilla contributes a sweet and comforting richness, while the amber adds a warm, resinous glow. The tonka bean enhances the sweetness with a hint of spice, and the labdanum provides a deep, balsamic warmth. The almond note introduces a subtle nutty creaminess, rounding out the base with a deliciously inviting finish. This combination ensures that Tocade leaves a lingering trail of warmth and sophistication, making it a beloved choice for those who appreciate a complex and enduring floral amber scent.

Fate of the Fragrance:

As of 2024, it is still listed for sale on Rochas' website.

Tocade is still in production. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND TOCADE PERFUME BY ROCHAS