Perry Ellis for Women by Perry Ellis c1985

Perry Ellis for Women by Perry Ellis debuted in 1985 in collaboration with Parfums Stern. Crafted by the skilled perfumers at Mane, this fragrance embodies timeless elegance and sophistication.

Ellis made the deliberate choice to simultaneously introduce his inaugural men's and women's fragrances, driven by a deeply personal vision. "It's always been my aspiration to offer fragrances for both women and men that capture the essence of our nation," expressed Ellis. "I believe that the quality of life in America is currently at its peak. Our lives resonate with authenticity and vitality, inviting diverse interpretations. Yet, amidst this diversity, lies a profound sense of hope and opportunity. America, with its cherished freedoms, embodies something truly extraordinary. With these fragrances, I aimed to encapsulate all these sentiments into something truly exceptional."

When questioned about his decision to forgo a lavish debut for his fragrances, Ellis explained, "I opted for a more subdued launch. I aimed to steer clear of flashy beginnings. For me, the enduring appeal of a fragrance matters more than a grand entrance. I chose to eschew a splashy unveiling and instead engaged in discreet meetings with those who retail my fragrance. I entrusted Parfums Stern with the necessary steps... there's a genuine commitment to meeting the needs of American men and women, with less emphasis on spectacle. I find that approach quite commendable... Personally, I tend to diverge from the trends in Europe."

Ellis embarked on a journey through perfume factories in Grasse, France, seeking to unravel the intricacies of fragrance formulation. However, he made a deliberate choice to incorporate only ingredients sourced from the American landscape into his compositions—a decision he deemed "essential." These scents held a personal resonance for him, evoking memories of his upbringing amidst the woods of Virginia. "Given my steadfast belief in natural fibers for my clothing," Ellis remarked, "it was paramount for me to utilize as many natural ingredients as possible."

Fragrance Composition:

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

• Top notes are bergamot, marigold, aldehydes, magnolia, fruity notes, pineapple and violet
• Middle notes are jasmine, gardenia, honeysuckle, geranium, ylang-ylang, orris root, rose and lily-of-the-valley
• Base notes are vetiver, musk, sandalwood, oakmoss, virginia cedar, ambergris and civet

Describing Perry Ellis for Women is like painting a portrait of America in scent form. It's classified as an aldehydic floral fragrance, a graceful ode to femininity. This fragrance unfolds with the allure of magnolia and honeysuckle, reminiscent of lazy Southern afternoons, complemented by the sunny vibrancy of marigold.

At its heart, it's a symphony of jasmine and gardenia, blooming amidst a garden of ylang-ylang and delicate rose petals, with whispers of lily-of-the-valley adding a touch of innocence.

The base notes ground the fragrance with a sense of nostalgia and sophistication, with the earthiness of vetiver mingling with the warmth of ambergris. Musk and sandalwood add a sensual depth, while oakmoss and cedar evoke the rugged beauty of the American landscape.

This olfactory journey is a tapestry woven with fruity notes and exotic nuances, culminating in a fragrance that captures the essence of both the natural world and the spirit of adventure.

Bottles:

In 1985, renowned sculptor Serge Mansau lent his artistry to the creation of the iconic bottle for Perry Ellis fragrances. Crafted in France by esteemed glassmakers Pochet et du Courval and Saint Gobain Desjonqueres, these bottles pay homage to an antique Early American blown glass design—a testament to Ellis's commitment to American heritage.

Inspired by the elegance of simplicity and the allure of the past, Ellis envisioned a design that epitomized both grace and nostalgia. "I sought to infuse every aspect with an American essence," affirmed Ellis. The resulting "pinch" bottle, with its sleek, slender silhouette, effortlessly blends femininity and masculinity.

"For the women's fragrance, I envisioned something delicate and lovely," Ellis elucidated, "while the men's fragrance demanded a bottle that exuded strength and handsomeness."

In essence, these bottles are more than mere vessels for fragrance—they are timeless works of art, a harmonious fusion of history, elegance, and the American spirit.

Adding a luxurious final flourish, each parfum flacon is adorned with gold-banded caps embellished with authentic semiprecious cabochon gemstones, including malachite, lavender amethyst, red jasper, and hematite. While this list was originally provided by Perry Ellis press materials, variations in cap designs and bottle sizes have been observed over time. It's worth noting that many are unaware of the genuine gemstones adorning these bottles, making them prized finds for collectors.

Malachite adorns 1 oz bottles, lavender amethyst graces 1/2 oz bottles, red jasper embellishes 1/4 oz bottles, and hematite adorns 1/3 oz Gemstone Wand Spray bottles. The Eau de Toilette splash and spray bottles are elegantly finished with simulated coral or simulated turquoise tops, adding a stylish touch.

Ellis further expounds, expressing, "To me, the inclusion of semiprecious stones elevated the fragrance to a realm of opulence, infusing it with a richness that resonates. Moreover, it served as a means to infuse the bottle with a spectrum of captivating colors, enhancing its allure."

Meanwhile, the packaging is adorned with a covering of black and white linen, echoing Ellis's discerning taste and signature aesthetic.

Perry Ellis for Women offered a range of sizes and products, catering to diverse preferences:

• 0.33 oz Perry Ellis Gemstone Wand Perfume & Refill (priced at $55)
• 0.14 oz Parfum miniature
• 0.25 oz Parfum (priced at $50)
• 0.5 oz Parfum (priced at $85)
• 1 oz Parfum (priced at $150)
• 0.75 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 2.5 oz Eau de Toilette Spray (priced at $30)
• 4.2 oz Eau de Toilette Spray (priced at $45)
• Body Lotion
• Body Dusting Brush
• Body Bath
• Body Powder

In 1987, Parfums Stern introduced a new packaging design for the Eau de Toilette, featuring white and green striped boxes. Notably, all of these Eau de Toilette bottles were adorned with malachite-colored caps.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The original version from 1985 has been discontinued.

In 1994, the Perry Ellis fragrance line, initially licensed to Sanofi Beaute, Inc., found a new home under Parlux Fragrances. This strategic move not only provided Parlux with resources to bolster the growth of other scents but also granted Perry Ellis greater autonomy over the creative evolution of its signature fragrance, lending a revitalizing boost to the struggling brand.

A revamped version of the fragrance was unveiled in the same year, marked by a reformulation and fresh release. Classified as a soft, crisp white floral eau de toilette for women, the essence remained enchanting while the presentation underwent a transformation. The iconic spray bottles retained their form, but the packaging received a modern makeover, now adorned in turquoise blue and white linen boxes.

In this evolution, certain iterations of the fragrance, such as the Parfum and larger Eau de Toilette sizes, were discontinued. Instead, the focus shifted to Eau de Parfum concentrations, offering options in 1 oz, 2.5 oz, and 4.2 oz spray bottles, alongside the addition of a 1/8 oz Eau de Toilette miniature.

By 2006, this iteration was phased out and discontinued.

Parlux faced challenges with distribution and administration, leading to the decision to sell its licensing rights for the fragrances back to Perry Ellis International. Subsequently, Perry Ellis International proceeded to transfer all licensing rights, inventory, molds, and additional assets to Falic Fashion Group (FFG), LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Duty Free Americas, Inc., in 2007. 

In 2009, a fresh rendition of Perry Ellis for Women emerged, reformulated by perfumer Claude Dir and reintroduced with revamped packaging crafted by Denis Boudard. The striking clear bottle adopts a distinctive curved triangular shape, crowned with a weighty glass cap adorned with gold accents and embellished with a delicate pearl encircling the collar. Its accompanying box exudes elegance, cloaked in an ivory mother-of-pearl hue, with the fragrance name delicately inscribed in gold lettering.

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

• Top notes: apple, plum and mandarin orange
• Middle notes: gardenia, jasmine and lily of the valley
• Base notes: musk, vanilla and amber

As for its olfactory profile, Perry Ellis for Women is classified as a fruity floral fragrance, evoking a captivating blend of notes:

• Top notes: A harmonious blend of apple, plum, and mandarin orange sets a vibrant and invigorating tone.

• Middle notes: Delicate floral accords of gardenia, jasmine, and lily of the valley infuse the heart with an enchanting allure.

• Base notes: The fragrance unfolds into a warm and sensual embrace with the lingering richness of musk, vanilla, and amber.

This aromatic composition embodies a captivating journey of femininity, exuding both freshness and sophistication.

The latest iteration of Perry Ellis for Women is offered in the following sizes and products:

• 1.7 fl oz Eau de Parfum Spray
• 3.4 fl oz Eau de Parfum Spray
• 6.7 fl oz Luminous Body Lotion
• 6.7 fl oz Luminous Shower Gel

These options cater to various preferences, ensuring a luxurious and fragrant experience for every individual.

As part of the launch celebration, customers will receive a cultured freshwater pearl necklace as a complimentary gift with purchase. This elegant addition adds a touch of sophistication to the fragrance experience, making it a memorable and luxurious offering.