Van Cleef by Van Cleef & Arpels c1993

Van Cleef by Van Cleef & Arpels was launched in 1993, and its name carries significant meaning, resonating with both the brand’s heritage and the sophistication expected from a luxury fragrance. "Van Cleef" is pronounced "Vahn Cleef," with "Van" as in Dutch (meaning "from the") and "Cleef," which means "cliff" in Dutch, evoking imagery of grandeur and elegance, traits synonymous with the prestigious jewelry house. Van Cleef & Arpels is a name that elicits associations with timeless luxury, fine craftsmanship, and an enduring legacy in the world of high jewelry. It is a brand steeped in history and known for its exquisite designs and impeccable artistry. When this fragrance was released, it carried the weight of the brand's reputation, aiming to capture the same elegance and sophistication found in its jewelry.

Launched during the early 1990s, Van Cleef emerged in a period when fashion and culture were marked by bold individualism and the rise of luxurious, yet accessible, scents. The 1990s were a time of a blending of opulence with more understated, refined expressions. This period, which followed the exuberant 1980s, saw the emergence of fragrances that balanced traditional luxury with more modern, fresh elements. Perfumes became lighter and airier but still carried a strong presence. In the world of fashion, minimalism and clean lines became more prominent, but the fragrance industry still retained a love for richness, opulence, and complexity. Van Cleef reflects this era’s move toward elegant, sophisticated, and versatile scents that could fit into the daily lives of women without being overpowering.

Van Cleef by Van Cleef & Arpels can be seen as both a product of its time and an embodiment of the brand’s legacy. Women of the 1990s, who were seeking fragrances that exuded sophistication without being too heavy, would have been drawn to Van Cleef for its balanced composition. The perfume’s crisp fruity-floral-oriental classification was in line with the growing trend of fragrances that balanced freshness with depth, creating a sense of versatility. The combination of bright, tangy top notes like bergamot, neroli, and a hint of raspberry with the luxurious floral heart of roses, jasmine, and orange blossom would have appealed to those who appreciated a fragrance that was both modern and elegant. Meanwhile, the deeper, warmer base of amber, cedar, musk, tonka bean, and bourbon vanilla offered a sense of lasting warmth, adding complexity and sensuality to the scent.

Van Cleef Pour Homme by Van Cleef & Arpels c1978

Van Cleef Pour Homme by Van Cleef & Arpels: launched in 1978.

Gem by Van Cleef & Arpels c1987

Gem by Van Cleef & Arpels is a classic fragrance launched in 1987. It's known for its sophisticated and timeless scent, created by the talented perfumer Roger Pellegrino of Firmenich. Gem has remained popular over the years for its unique blend of notes and its ability to evoke a sense of elegance and luxury.

 

First by Van Cleef & Arpels c1976

Launched in 1976 and reaching the American market by 1977, First by Van Cleef & Arpels holds a distinguished place in fragrance history—not only as a landmark scent but as a bold expansion of a storied luxury house into the world of perfumery. The name First was no arbitrary choice. In simple, elegant English, the word evokes a multitude of meanings—priority, primacy, innovation, and singularity. For Van Cleef & Arpels, a maison already synonymous with refinement and excellence in fine jewelry, First was more than a name; it was a declaration. This was their inaugural perfume, their first expression of olfactory luxury, and they chose to make it unforgettable.

The late 1970s were a pivotal time. The world was emerging from the hedonism of the early decade and entering a phase of confident sophistication. This was the era of Yves Saint Laurent’s tailored suits for women, Halston’s clean lines, Studio 54 glamour, and the rise of female independence in both style and spirit. Perfume, long a symbol of feminine mystique, was now a statement of self-possession. First was created for the woman who was stepping into her own spotlight—elegant, assured, and unapologetically modern.

Crafted by master perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena—then working with Givaudan—First was classified as a floral aldehyde, yet it stood apart in its execution. Unlike the cold, crystalline edge of earlier aldehydic florals like Chanel No. 5, First glowed with warmth and naturalistic softness. It opened with an unmistakable freshness—aldehydes sparkling like champagne bubbles, lifted by tart blackcurrant and juicy mandarin. The heart unfurled a luminous bouquet of Turkish rose, narcissus, and Italian jasmine—each flower carefully chosen for its richness and heritage, while ylang-ylang from the Comoros Islands added a touch of tropical sensuality. The base was grounding and softly opulent: Mysore sandalwood, creamy and warm, paired with tonka bean, oakmoss, and a golden haze of amber. The entire structure was poised—never too sharp, never too heavy—reflecting Ellena’s gift for translating emotion into elegance.

First by Van Cleef & Arpels c1976

First by Van Cleef & Arpels: launched in 1976. Created by Jean-Claude Ellena of Givaudan.