Oh La La! by Loris Azzaro, launched in Europe in 1993 and in North America in 1994-1995, presents itself as a playful, seductive invitation encapsulated in a fragrance. The name Oh La La! itself evokes a sense of excitement, surprise, and allure. The phrase, commonly used in French, is an exclamation that signifies admiration, wonder, or a delightful surprise. It is pronounced “oh lah lah”, with the emphasis placed on the first syllable. This phrase is often associated with flirtation, charm, and a sense of indulgence, conjuring up images of a glamorous lifestyle filled with excitement, luxury, and spontaneous joy. It taps into a sense of fantasy and carefree living, making it the perfect name for a fragrance that aims to captivate and delight the senses.
The perfume was introduced during the early 1990s, a time of significant cultural shifts and bold expressions in fashion, music, and design. The early '90s saw the rise of a new wave of sensuality in fashion and beauty, with an emphasis on individual expression and more daring, vibrant aesthetics. Designers like Gianni Versace, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Vivienne Westwood were making waves with their avant-garde styles, and fragrances were starting to mirror this sense of boldness and playfulness. The scent of Oh La La! reflects this era's love for sensuality and escapism, with its blend of warm, spicy, and oriental notes that invite women to embrace a playful yet sophisticated sense of femininity. Women of this period, particularly those in their late teens to early thirties, were drawn to fragrances that exuded confidence and allure, which Oh La La! perfectly captured with its exotic and vibrant personality.
The fragrance was created by GĂ©rard Anthony in collaboration with Jacques Cavallier, and the composition is said to have been finalized by Edouard Flechier from Roure. Classified as a spicy oriental fragrance, Oh La La! opens with an energizing and refreshing burst of fruity notes like bergamot, raspberry, peach, mandarin, and fig leaf. These top notes bring a zesty, lively opening that sets the tone for the entire fragrance. The heart of the perfume is soft and floral, with jasmine, yellow rose, and orange blossom creating a tender, feminine bouquet. The base notes bring depth and warmth, with spices, woods, and a smooth vanilla blend that provides a long-lasting, comforting finish. This oriental blend, composed with more than 70% natural components, was considered a significant achievement at the time. The use of such a high percentage of natural ingredients was noteworthy, as the rarity and expense of many of these essences made synthetic alternatives more common.
