Privilege by Parfums Privilege c1986

Privilege by Parfums Privilege, launched in 1986, emerged during a time marked by a growing emphasis on luxury and individualism. This era was characterized by a fascination with opulence and exclusivity, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards celebrating personal success and sophisticated tastes. In the mid-1980s, the fragrance industry was embracing bold, distinctive scents that conveyed a sense of grandeur and personal distinction, making Privilege a fitting embodiment of these trends.

The word "privilege" itself evokes images of exclusivity and elite status. It conjures a sense of being part of a select group who are afforded rare and exceptional experiences. In the context of Privilege by Parfums Privilege, the term suggests a perfume that is not just a fragrance but a symbol of high status and refined taste. The press materials highlight this sentiment, portraying the scent as the essence of "glamorous elegance" and "splendor," reserved for those who possess an innate sense of style and sophistication. This portrayal aligns with the perfume's positioning as something extraordinarily special and coveted.

The fragrance is described as being "so rare, so subtly sumptuous, so refinedly elegant" that it is available only in limited quantities, intended for "the fortunate few." This language reinforces the notion of Privilege as an exclusive luxury, designed for those who appreciate the finest things in life. The emotion evoked is one of aspiration and admiration, suggesting that to wear Privilege is to embody a certain elite status and to experience a level of sophistication reserved for a select group. The perfume, thus, not only represents a scent but also a lifestyle and an ideal of exclusivity and refinement.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral oriental fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh green top, followed by a fresh floral heart, resting on a woody, powdery base.

• Top notes: lemon, hyacinth, mandarin, blackcurrant, orange blossom, aldehydes, galbanum, bergamot, fruit notes
• Middle notes: orris, carnation, spices, jasmine, narcissus, rose, cyclamen, ylang ylang, lilac, lily of the valley
• Base notes: musk, oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, patchouli, vanilla, labdanum, vetiver

Press materials described it as "Introducing Privilege. The fragrance. The essence of glamourous elegance. So rare, so full of splendor, like the women who wear it. Women to whom all good things come. To whom style is a state of mind, not a trend. Those born with a taste for the sublime, who deserve the best. Those who deserve Privilege. Surely you are among them. Privilege is a melange of jasmine, narcissus, ylang ylang with mosses and wood notes made richer by rare absolutes and exotic fruits. Time for a momentous fragrance, so rare, so subtly sumptuous, so refinedly elegant, that it is in limited supply. But enough for the fortunate few."

New York Magazine - Dec 8, 1986

"PARFUMS PRIVILEGE has recreated this truly elegant purse flacon from the 18th-century French original. Inside, the distinctive new fragrance, PRIVILEGE, combines jasmine, narcisse, ylang with warm wood notes and the sweet bite of exotic fruits. Bloomingdale's. $85."

Playbill, 1986:

"They are available at Bloomingdale's. That store, incidentally, is so convinced one can never have too many fragrances that for the holiday season they've launched Privilege, a limited edition that is sold exclusively at Bloomingdale's."

Scent Profile:

As you inhale the top notes of Privilege, a lively burst of freshness greets you. The sharp, zesty scent of lemon adds a crisp, invigorating quality, immediately brightening your senses. Hyacinth follows with its lush, green, and slightly sweet aroma, evoking the crispness of a spring morning. Orange blossom introduces a soft, delicate floral sweetness that mingles with the aldehydes, which lend a bright, effervescent sparkle to the opening. Galbanum adds a fresh, green note reminiscent of freshly cut grass or leaves, infusing the scent with a vibrant, slightly resinous edge. Bergamot contributes its tangy, citrusy brightness, while the fruit notes add a subtle, juicy sweetness, enhancing the fragrance with a touch of lush, ripe fruitiness.

As the fragrance develops, the heart reveals a rich, floral tapestry. Orris delivers a velvety, powdery aroma that feels luxurious and sophisticated. Carnation adds a spicy, floral warmth, blending seamlessly with the exotic, rich scent of jasmine. Narcissus introduces a deep, heady floral note with a slightly green undertone, adding complexity to the bouquet. Rose imparts a classic, romantic sweetness, while cyclamen offers a fresh, watery floral touch. Ylang ylang contributes its warm, exotic fragrance, mingling with the soft, powdery lilac and the delicate, dewy aroma of lily of the valley, rounding out the heart with a blend of fresh and opulent floral elements.

In the base, the fragrance settles into a warm, woody, and powdery finish. Musk provides a subtle, sensual warmth that anchors the scent, while oakmoss adds a rich, earthy quality reminiscent of a sun-dappled forest floor. Sandalwood introduces a smooth, creamy woodiness, giving the fragrance a refined, elegant character. Amber adds a golden, resinous warmth, deepening the scent with its rich, sweet richness. Patchouli contributes an earthy, aromatic depth, while vanilla offers a comforting, creamy sweetness. Labdanum imparts a resinous, slightly leathery note, enhancing the fragrance’s complexity. Finally, vetiver adds an earthy, smoky nuance, grounding the fragrance with its deep, woody aroma.

Privilege thus combines these elements into a harmonious floral oriental composition, where the fresh green top notes give way to a lush floral heart, resting on a rich, warm base that embodies both sophistication and exotic allure.

Bottle:

Privilege is encased in a stunning flacon that captures both elegance and artistry. The bottle, designed by the renowned Pierre Dinand in 1985, features a breathtaking shape that mimics an opening flower. The design is a masterful blend of clear and frosted glass, creating a visual interplay of light and shadow that highlights the fragrance within. The flower-inspired form not only serves as a striking decorative piece but also evokes the delicate and luxurious essence of the perfume.

The manufacturing of this exquisite bottle was a collaborative effort between Pochet et du Courval and MBF Plastiques. Pochet et du Courval, known for their expertise in glass production, crafted the clear and frosted glass components with precision, ensuring a high-quality finish that complements the sophisticated design. MBF Plastiques provided the plastic components, adding a modern touch to the otherwise classic design.

Additionally, the purse spray version of Privilege pays homage to historical elegance by recreating a design inspired by 18th-century French originals. This vintage-inspired element adds a layer of historical charm to the modern, floral-oriental fragrance, blending the old-world sophistication with contemporary craftsmanship. The result is a flacon that not only houses the perfume but also stands as a testament to the art of fragrance design, combining timeless beauty with innovative modernity.

Product Line:

The Privilege product line was designed to offer a comprehensive and luxurious fragrance experience, extending beyond the perfume itself to encompass a range of complementary bath and body products.

The 1/3 oz Parfum Purser Spray, retailing for $85, provides a compact, travel-friendly option for carrying the exquisite fragrance of Privilege. Its purse-sized format makes it an elegant choice for on-the-go application, encapsulating the essence of the perfume in a convenient form.

For those seeking a more substantial quantity, the 1 oz Parfum Splash was available at $175. This larger bottle offered a generous amount of the concentrated perfume, ideal for daily wear or for those who preferred a more lavish application of their favorite scent.

The 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Splash and 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray, both priced at $37.50, catered to those who enjoyed a lighter, yet still richly aromatic, version of the fragrance. The splash format allowed for a more personal, traditional application, while the spray offered a more modern, convenient dispensing option.

For a more immersive experience, the 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette Spray, priced at $47.50, provided a larger volume of the lighter Eau de Toilette, perfect for generous application and frequent use.

The bath and body range included Luxury Bath Cubes and Perfumed Sculpted Soaps, which added a touch of elegance to daily routines with their intricate designs and fragrant, skin-softening properties. 48 oz Moisturizing Milk Bath, presented in a giant factice size, offered an opulent bath experience, enhancing the luxury of bathing with its nourishing formula.

Bath Crystals and Shower & Bath Gelee enriched the bathing experience with their aromatic properties and luxurious textures, while Body Lotion and Dusting Powder provided subtle fragrance and skin benefits throughout the day. Talcum Powder offered a classic touch, ensuring a smooth, fragrant finish after bathing or showering.

Lastly, the Candle added a warm, ambient glow to any space, filling it with the signature scent of Privilege, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury and relaxation.

Together, this product line embodied the sophistication and elegance of Privilege, extending the fragrance experience into every aspect of daily life.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Privilege was discontinued at an unspecified date, but its appeal lingered well into the late 1990s, with the fragrance still being sold in 1998. This enduring presence in the market underscored the lasting popularity of the perfume and its appeal to a devoted clientele who appreciated its distinctive blend of floral, oriental, and woody notes. Despite its discontinuation, the continued availability in the late 1990s reflects the lasting impact and cherished status of Privilege among fragrance enthusiasts.

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