A time of individualism and confrontation. Fragrance, blatant, powerful, became a reflection of the strong sensations sought after by the surfers ... and the yuppies.
 
The eighties were marked by strong sensations.
The collapse of the Berlin Wall echoed the disintegration of several ideologies. Men and women were engaged in a grueling marathon to achieve professional success. Body-building, surfing, windsurfing and skiing were all the rage : the body had to be in top condition, quick and effective. Men's fragrances exalted the male body as it confronted the natural elements. Women, on the other hand, wore powersuits and overly strong fragrances to broadcast their professional success. New fruity notes, which originated in the US, added a novel twist to men's and women's fragrances.

 



1

Grace Jones. Photo: Lynn Goldsmith. Corbis.

2

Winners of the annual contest for most beautiful body on the beach. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Photo: Kevin Fleming. Corbis.

3

Advertisement. Obession for Men, Calvin Klein. 1986.