Marilyn Monroe by East West Bottlers c1983

Marilyn Monroe by East West Bottlers, introduced in 1983, was a notable fragrance launch that celebrated the iconic allure of the Hollywood legend. This perfume was the result of a collaboration between East West Bottlers and Colorkit, in association with the Estate of Marilyn Monroe. The partnership aimed to encapsulate the glamorous and timeless essence of Monroe, translating her legendary presence into a scent that would resonate with fans and perfume enthusiasts alike.

Created by the esteemed perfumers at Givaudan, Marilyn Monroe was designed to evoke the sophistication and sensuality associated with its namesake. Givaudan, known for its expertise in crafting luxurious and complex fragrances, brought a refined olfactory experience to the perfume. The scent aimed to capture the essence of Monroe's enigmatic charm, combining classic elements with a contemporary twist to appeal to the perfume market of the early 1980s.

The fragrance’s launch was a strategic move to align Monroe's enduring celebrity with the trends of the time, which favored perfumes with strong personalities and evocative names. By leveraging the Marilyn Monroe brand, East West Bottlers and Colorkit positioned the fragrance as a tribute to the star's legacy, appealing to those who admired Monroe's style and charisma.

Overall, Marilyn Monroe by East West Bottlers stands as a testament to the successful fusion of celebrity culture with the fragrance industry, creating a perfume that honors a timeless icon while reflecting the sophisticated artistry of Givaudan’s perfumers.

In September 1983, Stanley Kohlenberg orchestrated the launch of the Marilyn Monroe fragrance, aiming to capture the iconic allure of the Hollywood legend in a new olfactory form. This launch was strategically timed to capitalize on Monroe's enduring popularity and the burgeoning trend of celebrity-endorsed products. Kohlenberg’s approach was designed to leverage the star power of Monroe to attract attention and generate buzz in the competitive fragrance market of the early 1980s.

The fragrance's introduction was set to be followed by the release of Marilyn Monroe makeup kits, scheduled for spring 1984. This sequential product launch reflected a strategic plan to build on the initial fragrance success by expanding into related beauty products, thereby reinforcing the Marilyn Monroe brand and its association with glamour and sophistication. The makeup kits were intended to complement the fragrance and provide consumers with a broader range of products to evoke the style and elegance of Monroe.

Distribution for the Marilyn Monroe fragrance was designed to reach a wide audience through both chain and independent drugstores, as well as mass merchandisers. This broad distribution strategy was aimed at maximizing the fragrance's accessibility and visibility, ensuring that it was available to a diverse customer base. By placing the fragrance in various retail outlets, Kohlenberg sought to capture both mainstream consumers and those specifically drawn to the allure of Monroe's legacy.

Overall, the launch of Marilyn Monroe by Stanley Kohlenberg, with its planned follow-up makeup kits and extensive distribution strategy, was a well-coordinated effort to capitalize on celebrity appeal and expand Monroe's influence into multiple facets of beauty and personal care.

Fragrance Composition:

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

• Top notes: bergamot, peach, blackcurrant, coconut
• Middle notes: jasmine, ylang ylang, lily of the valley
• Base notes: vanilla, sandalwood, musk, amber, heliotrope

Scent Profile:

Marilyn Monroe begins with a radiant burst of bergamot, its lively, sunlit zest tinged with soft warmth that immediately draws you in. As the scent unfolds, a hint of peach emerges—juicy and ripened under a summer sun, bringing with it a luscious, creamy texture that sweetly mingles with the deeper note of blackcurrant. This dark, berry-like fragrance adds a sense of mystery, a touch of tanginess balanced by its own warmth. Just as you think you’ve captured its essence, a whiff of coconut arrives, transporting you to a glamorous, exotic locale. Smooth and sweet, the coconut tempers the initial fruity liveliness with a comforting, creamy backdrop that feels both indulgent and subtly sensual.

In the heart, jasmine reveals itself in full bloom, its classic white floral richness tinged with green, fresh facets. This jasmine is bold but never overwhelming, lending a floral depth that feels both timeless and enchanting. Alongside, ylang ylang’s distinctive, exotic sweetness adds a velvety layer, floral yet slightly fruity with an opulent richness that speaks to Marilyn Monroe’s allure. The ylang ylang is joined by delicate lily of the valley, bringing a fresh, green floral touch to balance the richness. The lily’s dewy, almost airy quality enhances the white florals, creating an impression of soft elegance wrapped in natural beauty.

As the fragrance settles, it rests on a sumptuous base where vanilla’s creamy sweetness unfurls, enveloping the florals in a warm, almost edible richness. Sandalwood, smooth and slightly milky, mingles with the vanilla to create a sense of grounded comfort that feels both soft and luxurious. Musk brings an intimate, skin-like warmth, enhancing the scent’s sensuality in a quiet, understated way. Amber’s golden depth adds a resinous sweetness, while heliotrope lends a final powdery, almond-like touch, rounding out the base with a nostalgic softness that lingers gracefully on the skin, leaving a lasting impression of warmth, beauty, and a touch of mystery—just like Marilyn herself.

Bottles:

The fragrance Marilyn Monroe by East West Bottlers was elegantly presented in frosted glass bottles, designed to exude both sophistication and a touch of glamour. The frosted glass not only adds a sense of luxury but also softens the light, creating a subtle, ethereal glow around the fragrance. This design choice aligns with the 1980s aesthetic of using refined materials to convey a sense of opulence.

Each bottle is adorned with Marilyn Monroe's signature, prominently displayed in "bubblegum pink." This signature is not only a nod to the iconic actress but also a bold statement of the fragrance's connection to her timeless glamour. The bubblegum pink color of the cap and signature adds a playful and vibrant touch, resonating with the youthful exuberance and femininity associated with Monroe.

The box that houses the perfume features a striking image of Marilyn Monroe, reinforcing the connection to her legacy and enhancing the visual appeal of the packaging. The image is likely to capture Monroe's classic allure, further inviting consumers into the world of elegance and nostalgia that the fragrance embodies. The combination of the frosted glass, pink accents, and Monroe's image creates a cohesive and attractive presentation, making the fragrance not only a sensory experience but also a visual delight.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The Marilyn Monroe fragrance by East West Bottlers was discontinued likely before 1985, marking an early end to its presence in the market. Although specific details of its discontinuation are sparse, the perfume's brief availability reflects the volatile nature of the fragrance industry during that period, where many products could be rapidly introduced and just as quickly withdrawn based on shifting trends and market dynamics. Despite its limited run, the fragrance left a notable impression through its association with Marilyn Monroe, distinctive packaging, and the evocative scent profile that captured the essence of the 1980s.