La Nuit de Paco Rabanne c1985

La Nuit de Paco Rabanne, introduced in 1985, is a creation of perfumers Rosendo Mateu and Jean Guichard from Roure.

Rosendo Mateu, a renowned perfumer, has contributed to the creation of several notable fragrances. Some of his other creations include: Ysatis by Givenchy, Boucheron pour Femme by Boucheron, Opium by Yves Saint Laurent, and Must de Cartier by Cartier. These are just a few examples of his extensive portfolio, showcasing his talent and versatility in the world of perfumery.

Jean Guichard, another esteemed perfumer, has also crafted various memorable fragrances throughout his career. Some of his other creations include: Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent, Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein, Paloma Picasso by Paloma Picasso, and Jazz by Yves Saint Laurent. These fragrances highlight Guichard's expertise and artistic flair in perfumery, contributing to a diverse range of iconic scents.

Both Rosendo Mateu and Jean Guichard collaborated on creating the iconic fragrance Fahrenheit by Dior.

Paco Rabanne by Paco Rabanne c1973

Paco Rabanne by Paco Rabanne: launched in 1973. Created by Jean Martel of Givaudan.

Calandre by Paco Rabanne c1968

Calandre by Paco Rabanne was launched in 1969, a period marked by significant cultural and social changes. The late 1960s and early 1970s were times of rebellion, experimentation, and breaking away from tradition. In the world of perfumery, this era saw the rise of more daring and unconventional fragrances, as perfumers began to explore new olfactory territories and challenge established norms.

During this time, the market was populated by fragrances that often featured bold, complex compositions. Popular scents included Chanel No. 5, known for its heavy use of aldehydes and floral notes, and Yves Saint Laurent's Rive Gauche, which also embraced aldehydic floral elements. These fragrances were characterized by their sophistication, elegance, and a touch of avant-garde.

In this context, Calandre stood out for its unique blend of a soft, crisp aldehydic floral chypre composition. While it shared some characteristics with its contemporaries, such as the use of aldehydes and floral notes, Calandre distinguished itself with a metallic and modern twist, reflecting Paco Rabanne's innovative approach to both fashion and fragrance. The inclusion of Evernyl, a synthetic oakmoss, added a fresh, green, and slightly metallic edge that set it apart from the more traditional floral chypres of the time.

Paco Rabanne chose the name "Calandre" for its evocative and multifaceted connotations. In French, "calandre" refers to a car’s radiator grille, and the name was inspired by the grille of a Rolls Royce. This choice was deeply connected to Rabanne's fascination with modernity, technology, and the sleek, industrial aesthetic that characterized his fashion designs during this period.

The word "Calandre" evokes images of luxury automobiles, symbolizing elegance, power, and precision. It conjures the gleaming chrome and polished surfaces of high-end cars, reflecting a sense of sophistication and forward-thinking design. In the context of the fragrance, "Calandre" suggests a blend of luxury and modernity, aligning perfectly with the metallic theme that Paco Rabanne often employed in his couture creations.