Obsession Perfume by Calvin Klein
Obsession was launched in 1985, and it is often said to be the first Calvin Klein perfume ever created. As a matter of fact, the first one was Calvin for men in 1981, but this common mistake reveals which of the two was and still is the most popular.
Obsession falls into the category of floriental fragrances, a mix of sweet floral and spicy notes. When it came out, Obsession was an innovative and somehow controversial fragrance because it was very sensual and had been explicitly designed to bring out a woman’s passionate side. This quality made it the best selling Calvin Klein perfume, and among the best selling fragrances of all times.
Obsession also won one of the most prestigious awards in the perfume industry, the Fifi award, in 1998 for the best scent, together with the Paco Rabanne perfume with the the same name. The Fifi award is given each year by The Fragrance Foundation to perfumes and perfumes makers for their results in different categories.
The top notes of this perfume are mandarin, vanilla, and bergamot. In the middle notes the floral and oriental side stand out, thanks to jasmine, orange flower, and sandalwood and vetiver. The base notes get even more oriental with amber and incense, fixed with musk.
The bottle was conceived by famous designer Pierre Dinand. There is a striking contrast between the level of sophistication of the fragrance and the simplicity of the bottle, whose design reflects the style of the mid-80s.
Obsession is a strong perfume, in many ways. If the (overused) phrase “either you love it or you hate it” makes any sense at all, it certainly applies to this fragrance. Indeed, many women (and many men too) don’t like it as it leaves a distinct trace. On the other side, those who appreciate it, love the distinct sensual note around it that will not make a woman walk by unnoticed.
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