Scent has the power to transport us to another place and time, and when it comes to the world of cinema, fragrances can play a pivotal role in telling a character’s story. There are some fragrances that are showcased only slightly, with greater purpose of adding to the character, where others completely emulsify the movie and a fragrance is born directly from such characters. Movies are such catalysts to fragrance interest in the modern day. House of Gucci for example, after its release at cinema screens, Gucci samples across online and physical retailers saw an all time high sales revenue. That speaks volumes on the power of movies on the general public’s perception of style and beauty.
However, the fragrances that gained a whole other identity after certain movie titles, do not come in great number due to the classic after affect these films portray. The movies and their signiture fragrances are listed down below, perhaps you have these perfumes already on your dresser, due to them being huge classics?
Chanel No.5 – Some Like It Hot
Marilyn Monroe’s iconic line, “What do you wear to bed?” “Chanel No. 5,” is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable fragrance moments in cinematic history. The scent, which was first created in 1921, has remained a timeless classic and is often associated with old Hollywood glamour.
Angel – Thierry Mugler in The Silence of the Lambs
While Thierry Mugler’s Angel may not leave the same positive impression as our previous fragrance, it nevertheless played a pivotal role in one of the most chilling scenes in cinema history. In The Silence of the Lambs, Angel was one of the perfumes worn by serial killer Buffalo Bill, who would spray his victims with the scent to make them feel like angels as he skinned them. Despite this, Angel is still a quintessential fragrance of the 1990s, known for its sweet, patchouli-infused scent.
White Diamonds – Elizabeth Taylor in Liz & Dick
Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair with perfume was legendary, and her 1991 fragrance, White Diamonds, is considered to be one of the best celebrity perfumes of all-time. In Liz & Dick, a movie about Taylor’s tumultuous romance with Richard Burton, the actress dons an over-the-top diamond necklace and spritzes herself with White Diamonds before walking the red carpet. With its blend of floral notes and musk, White Diamonds became an instant classic, and to this day remains a popular fragrance for women of all ages.
Youth Dew – Estée Lauder in Mad Men
Mad Men’s ode to the 1960s wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the decade’s most popular fragrance, Youth Dew by Estée Lauder. The scent was first introduced as a bath oil in 1953, but it was in the early sixties when it became popular as a standalone fragrance. In Mad Men, Peggy Olson’s former boss, Don Draper, purchases a bottle of Youth Dew as a gift for his mistress, illustrating the perfume’s allure and the changing attitudes towards women’s sexuality.
Black Orchid – Tom Ford in The Social Network
Tom Ford’s Black Orchid may not have a starring role in The Social Network, but it does appear in one memorable scene with Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg. The scent’s smoky, sultry aroma provides a nice contrast to Zuckerberg’s “computer geek” persona and is emblematic of Ford’s luxurious, high-end brand image.
These perfumes are just a few examples of how fragrance can add an extra layer of depth and meaning to a character and their story. Whether you prefer a classic floral scent or something more unique and daring, there is no denying the power of perfume in cinema.