With this scandalous creation, Saint Laurent offered the promise of many a sensual, seductive moment wrapped up in heavy layers of mystery that, like opium, promised to open the door to a forbidden universe where a torpid mind would at last let the senses take over. This spiced nectar from the Far East was as potent as it was intensely captivating. Back in the day, Saint Laurent was no stranger to upsetting the hegemony of floral perfumes with his dynamic designs that hadn’t been seen since Guerlain’s Shalimar in 1925. Essence of mandarin and rose pepper united by the scent of white blossoms, with a finishing touch of orange blossom water, essence of nutmeg and Arabian jasmine.
Distinguished and fresh, Opium offers women everywhere a unique mystical allure. Perhaps that is why the scent enjoys such popularity with the most feminine of women, those who have the power to bring the opposite sex to their knees with nothing but a single glance or movement. But the revolution isn’t limited only to the nostrils. Opium is for all those devoted to Yves Saint Laurent, for anyone willing to take on an aura of intimate seduction. Like model Linda Evangelista, featured in an Opium TV ad as a woman lost in an Asian city, lusting for a dose of dope. Even the perfume’s packaging is perplexing in and of itself. The priceless nectar is contained in a nylon flask, contrary to the tendencies of an industry that largely favors glass bottles. Yet another reason why we love it.
In 2003, the fashion house relegated its mythical perfume’s heritage to the distinguished nose of Dominique Ropion: Opium Vapeurs de Parfum was born. More lightweight than its predecessor, it still conserves Opium’s telltale bottle and soft touches of romance. Its curves are more slender this time around, and its pink powdery color blends seamlessly with the bottle’s frosted glass that is velvety to the touch. The Oriental scents of the original are purified by notes of wood and amber. With more spices, this new Opium is intended for seasoned seductresses, as personified by Emily Blunt.
Opium, made for “spirited women with magnetic powers of seduction”, offers a path to eternal chic in all of its versions. It’s a clever concoction from the Far East, deliciously Saint Laurent-esque, just waiting to be sprayed on. Do you dare?
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