Tribu by Benetton c1993

Tribù by Benetton is a fragrance line that was launched in 1993. It was created by Geraldine O'Keefe, a perfumer and fragrance consultant known for her expertise in crafting unique scents. The Tribù line reflects Benetton's signature style of vibrant and youthful energy, offering a range of fragrances that are both fresh and distinctive.

From Benetton:

"TRIBÙ – UNITED COLORS OF BENETTON  

This is the true story about the round planet EARTH. The story about the adventures of the people who live there, about the cities that arise there and the rivers that flow. The story about the sound of flowers, dancing and youth; the color of human emotions which are the same everywhere. This is the story of TRIBÙ.  

The Thet festival in Hanoi, an evening at the opera in Paris, the Oscar-ceremony in Los Angeles or the wedding of a young girl in a small village in Africa. Not a moment goes by without a ritual taking place in the world. Every ceremony illustrates the diversity and the kinship between people around the world.

TRIBÙ – A PROOF OF KINSHIP  

The ability to smell is present in all tribes and also experiencing certain scents is universal: the rose is appreciated everywhere in the world; jasmine grows in China as well as Egypt. And wherever we are in the world, we always give flowers to those we love.

 TRIBÙ UNITES OUR EMOTIONS – A PERFUME, OBTAINED FROM NATURE

 The Perfume – Even at the end of the horizon, till the farthest regions, heaven and earth exist, sun and moon, flowers, trees and tasteful fruit for our children. There is no place for "fake" because natural beauty knows no boundaries. Therefore Tribù exists only of authentic elements, such as flowers, fruit, berries and natural oils, derived from all continents. The meaning of our planet is expressed in this natural perfume. No chemicals are used and the products are not tested on animals."

 

The description of Tribù by Benetton paints a vivid picture of the brand's vision and the inspiration behind the fragrance line. It's a celebration of the diversity and unity of humanity, capturing the essence of different cultures and rituals from around the world.

The concept of kinship and universal human experiences is beautifully expressed, emphasizing the shared appreciation for nature's gifts like flowers and fruits. This sentiment is reflected in the composition of the perfume itself, which is crafted from authentic elements sourced from various continents, ensuring a natural and genuine olfactory experience.

Moreover, the commitment to using only natural ingredients and avoiding animal testing aligns with Benetton's values of sustainability and ethical practices. Overall, Tribù represents more than just a fragrance; it's a symbol of harmony, connection, and the beauty of our shared planet.

Fragrance Composition:

Notes at a glance:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fruity floral fragrance for women. Press materials describe it as an "All natural and nature identical fruity floral. It begins with a tantalizing green apple effect created by crisp African tagetes and fresh picked blackcurrant buds. Middle notes are dominated by Bulgarian roses, Moroccan geranium and Indonesian ylang ylang. Indian sandalwood, Haitian vetiver and Yugoslavian oakmoss create a warm drydown."

• Top notes: African tagetes, Italian violet, Egyptian violet leaf, Sicilian mandarin, Belgian black currant, Iranian galbanum
• Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, Moroccan geranium,  Moroccan jasmine, Indonesian ylang-ylang and Egyptian chamomile
• Base notes: Brazilian tonka bean, Indian sandalwood, Haitian vetiver, Yugoslavian oakmoss, Thai benzoin

Scent Profile:

With such a rich and diverse array of ingredients, Tribù by Benetton presents a multi-dimensional olfactory experience that captures the essence of different cultures and regions around the world.

• The top notes blend the bright and zesty scent of Sicilian mandarin with the sweet and tangy aroma of Belgian black currant, while the African tagetes adds a fresh and slightly fruity undertone. The presence of violet, both Italian and Egyptian, provides a delicate floral touch, balanced by the earthy and resinous quality of Iranian galbanum.

• Moving into the heart of the fragrance, the Bulgarian rose and Moroccan jasmine take center stage, exuding their intoxicating floral bouquet, enhanced by the soft and creamy notes of Indonesian ylang-ylang. The Moroccan geranium adds a green and slightly rosy facet, while the Egyptian chamomile contributes a subtle herbal nuance.

• As the fragrance settles, the base notes emerge, bringing warmth and depth to the composition. The Brazilian tonka bean imparts a sweet and almond-like aroma, complemented by the creamy richness of Indian sandalwood. The Haitian vetiver adds a touch of earthiness, while the Yugoslavian oakmoss contributes a hint of mossy greenness. Finally, the Thai benzoin adds a resinous sweetness, rounding off the fragrance with a cozy and comforting finish.

Altogether, Tribù by Benetton is a fruity floral fragrance that evokes a sense of wanderlust and adventure, inviting you on a journey around the world through its vibrant and diverse scent profile.

From Benetton:

"TRIBÙ – A TOTEM OF THE MODERN WAY OF LIVE 

The Scent – The first encounter with this perfume is an encounter with: mandarin from Sicily, black current [sic] from France, galbanum from Iran, violet leafs [sic]from the valley of the Nile. The perfume also contains: jasmine from Egypt, ylang-ylang from Comoro, geranium, in a pot-pourri of flowers and leafs [sic]. The scent is completed by vetyver from Haiti, oakmoss from the Balkans and a few drops Thai benzoin, Indian sandalwood and a handful of Brazilian tonka beans."

This description from Benetton offers a more concise overview of the fragrance's key notes and ingredients, highlighting its modern and eclectic character.

The initial impression of Tribù is marked by the freshness of Sicilian mandarin, the fruity sweetness of French black currant, the green and resinous quality of Iranian galbanum, and the delicate floral aroma of violet leaves from the Nile valley.

Continuing the olfactory journey, the fragrance reveals a rich bouquet of floral notes, including jasmine from Egypt, ylang-ylang from Comoro, and geranium, creating a harmonious blend of flowers and leaves.

As the scent settles, it is anchored by the earthy and woody tones of Haitian vetiver and Balkan oakmoss, providing depth and complexity. Thai benzoin, Indian sandalwood, and Brazilian tonka beans add warmth and sweetness to the composition, rounding off the fragrance with a comforting and inviting allure.

Overall, Tribù by Benetton emerges as a totem of modern living, offering a captivating and multi-faceted scent experience that reflects the vibrant energy and diversity of contemporary life.

Benetton's commitment to creating the Tribù fragrance without the use of synthetic essences, pollutants, or animal-by-products aligns with their values of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and respect for the environment. By utilizing only natural ingredients sourced from various regions around the world, they ensure that the fragrance embodies authenticity and purity.

Furthermore, their stance against animal testing reinforces their dedication to ethical practices, ensuring that no harm is inflicted on animals in the creation of their products. This commitment to cruelty-free production resonates with consumers who prioritize ethical and environmentally-conscious brands.

That being said, Benetton's emphasis on natural ingredients and cruelty-free practices underscores their efforts to create products that not only delight the senses but also uphold their principles of social and environmental responsibility.

Bottle:

Tamotsu Yagi's design for the Tribù fragrance bottle is a testament to creativity and innovation. By merging the forms of an egg and a test tube, Yagi has created a unique and memorable design that reflects the essence of the fragrance itself.

The egg shape symbolizes birth, renewal, and the potential for growth, while the test tube evokes ideas of experimentation, science, and discovery. Together, these elements form a visually striking and intriguing bottle that captures the imagination.

Yagi's design not only serves as a vessel for the fragrance but also as a work of art in its own right, adding an extra layer of aesthetic appeal to the overall presentation of the Tribù fragrance.

From Benetton:

"TRIBÙ – AN ECOLOGICAL MANIFEST 

The Packaging – The mysterious bottle was designed by Tamotsu Yagi, the new artistic manager of Benetton Cosmetics. The design is inspired by the different cultures in the world, pyramids in Egypt, the Eiffel tower in France. The futuristic design was complimented by the equally avant-gardistic [sic], new synthetic material Surlyn, which not only plays beautifully with light, making the bottle even more mysterious, but which also is completely recyclable. Also the unprocessed box and the bottle were made from recycled cardboard and recycled glass, so all packaging materials are extremely environmental friendly."

Benetton's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident not only in the creation of the Tribù fragrance itself but also in the packaging designed by Tamotsu Yagi. Inspired by iconic structures from different cultures around the world, such as the pyramids in Egypt and the Eiffel Tower in France, the bottle's design is a fusion of artistry and symbolism.

Yagi's vision for the bottle is realized through the use of Surlyn, a new synthetic material that not only enhances the bottle's futuristic aesthetic but also contributes to its eco-friendliness. Surlyn is chosen for its recyclability and its ability to interact beautifully with light, adding an element of mystery and allure to the packaging.

Moreover, Benetton's commitment to environmental responsibility extends to the packaging materials themselves. Both the box and the bottle are made from recycled cardboard and recycled glass, further minimizing the environmental impact of the product.

Altogether, the packaging of Tribù reflects Benetton's dedication to ecological principles, offering consumers a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option without compromising on style or innovation.

The bottle itself, in natural tones of burgundy and yellow ochre, its frosted texture surface, is universal in shape, intended to appeal to a wide variety of people - from any age or heritage. The strikingly contemporary bottle and packaging were designed by Tamotsu Yago as a visual interpretation of how Benetton sees the world. The bottle's unique design was placed on permanent display in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

The description of the Tribù fragrance bottle highlights its universal appeal, with natural tones of burgundy and yellow ochre lending it a timeless and inclusive quality. The frosted texture surface adds depth and sophistication, while the contemporary design by Tamotsu Yago serves as a visual representation of Benetton's worldview.

The intention behind the bottle's design to appeal to a wide variety of people, regardless of age or heritage, speaks to Benetton's ethos of inclusivity and diversity. By embracing a universal shape and color palette, the bottle embodies a sense of unity and harmony, reflecting the brand's values of acceptance and openness.

The recognition of the bottle's unique design with a permanent display in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art underscores its significance as a work of art in its own right. By elevating the bottle to the realm of museum-worthy design, Benetton affirms its commitment to creativity and innovation, setting a new standard for fragrance packaging.

Overall, the Tribù fragrance bottle stands as a symbol of Benetton's vision for a more interconnected and inclusive world, where beauty is found in diversity and unity.

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. It's unfortunate when a beloved fragrance like Tribù by Benetton is discontinued. While the exact date of its discontinuation is unknown, it's not uncommon for fragrance lines to be retired due to various reasons such as changes in consumer preferences, marketing strategies, or corporate decisions.

Despite its discontinuation, Tribù remains a cherished memory for those who enjoyed its unique scent and elegant packaging. Fragrance enthusiasts may still be able to find remaining bottles through online marketplaces or specialty retailers, but once those supplies run out, it becomes increasingly rare to find.

However, the legacy of Tribù lives on through the memories of those who experienced it and the impact it had during its time on the market.

CLICK HERE TO FIND TRIBU BY BENETTON