Futureproof fragrance: scents that stand the test of time

Rebecca Howard and Henry Farrar-Hockley on aromas with staying power

Carnal Flower by Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
Carnal Flower by Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle
(Image credit: £225/100ml and available at Frédéric Malle, 14 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0PH)

Every year, a staggering 700 new fragrances are launched into the already over-saturated scent market. Most are celebrity-fronted, some are artisan-produced, few will still be filling beauty-hall shelves 12 months later. In fact, statistics show that, in the fickle world of fragrance, only five per cent of scents can expect to be on sale a year after their release.

But in spite of this, the seasonal spin-offs, franchise reboots and fragrance flankers keep on coming. It’s heartening, then, that in this climate of perfume portfolios and ever-updated fragrance wardrobes, a clutch of classic scents have steadfastly survived and their popularity continues to thrive. So, what sets these scents apart? How is it that a fragrance continues to enjoy both cult and (maybe more importantly) commercial success years, decades and, in some cases, even centuries after its debut?

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