Opium was born middle-aged, and all the better for it. From day one, it was the come-hither perfume of the tanned woman in furs who is beginning to look a great deal more beautiful than her husband. Naturally, young women loved it because it suggested a past that would take some time to explain.
— Luca Turin in Notes from the nose -- Opium at NZZ Folio.
I have yet to smell Opium. I am kind of an oriental sloot, but for some reason Opuim has never jumped out at me. This is a wonderful description,though.
It’s a great article. I wish he’d talked about the new reformulation though.
I loved his article, and I loved vintage Opium.
It felt so good. I wore it in a special period of my life, in my early twenties as I moved into a great big city, and – though I doubt it is what LT means – indeed it gave me a “past” that is now always handy as a funny piece of conversation…. though some parts are qualified top secret and would be quite difficult to explain, indeed. 😉
No need to explain 😉
Is it known if Opium has been changed or will be? Since you’re talking about vintage? That would be a real shame. Why mess with something so perfect?!
I have read in several places that the Opium in the latest packaging (which was released in Dec-Feb) is quite different, but I have not smelled it myself. You can find long threads at both Basenotes and Perfume of Life on the subject.
That really describes Opium its a very sexy fragrance.I adored Opium when I was young and single.Its this rich forbidden adult fragrance.It may be too strong for me now.I am wearing my daughter’s Vera Wang Princess today.As I get older I am using lighter fragrances.LOL
That is a funny trajectory …. from Opium to Princess.
LOL
I love it 🙂
Opium for woman is my favorite perfume
A worthy favorite!
” Like it or not, Opium is a landmark that will outlast all who read this. ”
I really hope so!
(But will it survive un-reformulated?)
Don’t know…I heard it was already pretty bad in the newly introduced packaging. But no idea if it’s true.
I love Opium and just purchased a new bottle – I’ll wear it much lighter than I did in the early 80s, but still proudly!
Yes, lighter is almost a must today.
Thanks, an article by LT is something to be savoured. I love the way we often get a good dab of social history in there as well. It’s very cleverly done.
I’m a new convert to Opium, and am looking forward to it again for the winter. Worn lightly under a layer or two of clothes, it is like delicious little secret.
Funny thing is that Cinnibar (sp?) is still on the market after all these years. Are there loyal EL wearers who buy it automatically, just because it’s there?
Oh, I think Cinnabar most certainly has fans, and among perfumistas too!