EPAS by Revlon c1975

In 1975, the Experimental Project Apollo-Soyuz (EPAS) was established to honor the groundbreaking first cooperative manned space flight. The fragrance, aptly named EPAS, was proposed by none other than Gehrman S. Titov, one of the esteemed pioneers of Soviet cosmonautics.

EPAS by Revlon, inspired by the visionary spirit of the Experimental Project Apollo-Soyuz, captures the essence of cosmic exploration in every scent.

A total of 20,000 bottles were slated for sale in premier department stores across the United States, the Soviet Union, and half a dozen pivotal international markets, including the Western capitals of Europe. This launch was scheduled to coincide with the historic day of the space project's liftoff from Cape Canaveral in Florida and from Baikonur in the desert of Kazakhstan on July 15, 1975.

The space mission received customary commemoration through stamp issues and even cigarettes, alongside the debut of a new song. However, recognizing the significance of this historic event, the Russians opted to pay fragrant homage as well. Notably, Henry Kissinger remarked that the Apollo-Soyuz flight signified positive progress between the two nations. In a remarkable moment witnessed globally on television, Russian cosmonauts presented their American counterparts with EPAS perfume in space, symbolizing a profound gesture of unity and cooperation.

After a visit to New York, Voldemar P. Lein, the Russian State Minister of the Food Industry, selected Revlon, Inc. as a partner, a decision met with enthusiasm by Revlon. "We view this partnership beyond mere profit," stated Robert W. Armstrong, chairman of Revlon's international division. Revlon engaged in discussions with Soyuzchimexport and Raznoexport to collaborate on the production and marketing of the EPAS perfume.

Following a visit to New York, Voldemar P. Lein, the Russian State Minister of the Food Industry, handpicked Revlon, Inc. as their partner, a decision warmly welcomed by Revlon. "Our motivation extends beyond mere profit," emphasized Robert W. Armstrong, chairman of Revlon's international division.

Revlon spearheaded the design and production efforts in New York, crafting packaging and promotional materials of unparalleled elegance. The fragrance found its home in a sophisticated pearl gray box, embellished with a striking gold and silver flight medallion and adorned with vibrant red, white, and blue stripes. Across versions tailored for American and Western European markets, English lettering graced the packaging, while those destined for sale in the Soviet Union featured Russian text in the Cyrillic alphabet. Each package encapsulated a bilingual message infused with a Soviet perspective, encapsulating the essence of the "dream and triumph of 20th-century space exploration," serving as a poignant homage to the inaugural joint flight of the Soyuz and Apollo spacecraft.

Revlon orchestrated a meticulous process wherein essential oils were sourced from the Novaya Zarya (New Dawn) factory in Moscow, subsequently transported to the United States for refinement into a finished fragrance. This transformation involved the infusion of domestic alcohol and water, a strategic maneuver aimed at mitigating import duties. Once crafted, Revlon dispatched frosted glass bottles, gilded screw caps, labels, ornate boxes, and other packaging essentials to Moscow. There, the containers were filled and distributed throughout the USSR, ensuring a seamless and efficient delivery of the final product to consumers.

The bilingual press kit from Revlon described the "heavy floral bouquet" scent as "a delicate mixture of oriental-floral blends with an unusual balance of lavender, citrus and spice. There are touches also of sandalwood and musk," and made from "imported Russian oils blended in America." A spokesman for Revlon said it "smells vey clean...rather like a unisex scent." It was be described further as a heavy floral of almost cloying character blended with oriental and spicy notes.

• Top notes: citrus, lavender, aldehydes
• Middle notes: spices, rose, jasmine, myrrh
• Base notes: sandalwood, musk, vanilla, ambergris, patchouli, oakmoss, benzoin

The bilingual press kit crafted by Revlon eloquently portrays the EPAS fragrance as a captivating olfactory experience, describing its essence as a "rich floral bouquet" characterized by a delicate fusion of oriental-floral notes underscored by a unique harmony of lavender, citrus, and spice. Infused with hints of sandalwood and musk, this exquisite blend is meticulously crafted from imported Russian oils expertly blended in America.

A spokesperson for Revlon further lauded its invigorating aroma, likening it to a refreshing, unisex scent evoking a sense of cleanliness. Further elaboration paints a vivid picture of a dense floral composition intertwined with oriental and spicy nuances, creating an alluring fragrance with a captivatingly cloying allure.

The fragrance reveals its captivating complexity in three distinct layers:

• Top notes: A lively explosion of citrus, lavender, and aldehydes greets the senses, imbuing the initial impression with vibrancy and freshness.

• Middle notes: Within the heart of the fragrance, a harmonious blend of warm spices intertwines with the delicate aromas of rose, jasmine, and myrrh, infusing the composition with depth and sophistication.

• Base notes: As the scent evolves, it settles into a sumptuous and velvety base, where the rich essence of sandalwood, musk, vanilla, ambergris, patchouli, oakmoss, and benzoin intertwine, leaving a lingering and luxurious trail that captivates the senses long after application.

Fate of the Fragrance:

EPAS stands as a testament to exclusivity, a limited edition concentrated cologne cherished by connoisseurs of fine fragrance. In leading US department stores, this coveted scent graced shelves at a modest price of $10 for a generous 2.25 oz bottle. Meanwhile, discerning buyers seeking a more indulgent experience could opt for the parfum variant, available in a refined 50ml size.

Across the ocean, the Russians presented EPAS to their populace at a price of 45 rubles, approximately equivalent to $51—a figure on par with the cost of select French perfumes available in Moscow. The rationale behind this pricing distinction was succinctly articulated by a Soviet source: "Here, we deem it perfume; in the United States, it is recognized as cologne."

EPAS, with its distinctive blend and limited edition status, has become a sought-after treasure for fragrance enthusiasts since its discontinuation. Its scarcity on the market can be attributed to several factors:

• Limited production: EPAS was produced in limited quantities, making it a rare find even during its time on the market. The exclusivity of its production contributed to its allure, but also means there are fewer bottles available today.

• Popular demand: Despite its limited availability, EPAS garnered a dedicated following due to its unique scent profile and historical significance. As a result, demand for remaining bottles remains high, further driving its scarcity.

• Collectibility: EPAS has transcended its status as a mere fragrance, becoming a collectible item cherished by enthusiasts and collectors alike. Many individuals seek out discontinued fragrances like EPAS to add to their collections, further diminishing the supply.

• Passage of time: With each passing year since its discontinuation, the likelihood of finding untouched bottles of EPAS diminishes. Fragrances degrade over time, meaning even if bottles are discovered, their scent may have deteriorated, making pristine specimens even rarer.

In summary, EPAS' scarcity stems from its limited production, enduring popularity, collectibility, and the inevitable passage of time, all of which contribute to its status as a highly coveted and increasingly elusive fragrance.