Ici by Coty c1995

Gourmand fragrances, which are scents inspired by food and dessert-like notes, experienced a significant surge in popularity around the time of the launch of "Ici" by Coty in 1995. This trend was part of a broader movement in perfumery towards more unconventional and experiential scents, as consumers sought fragrances that were not just pleasant to wear but also evoked a sense of nostalgia or indulgence.

One of the landmark gourmand fragrances that set the stage for this trend was "Angel" by Thierry Mugler, which debuted in 1992. Angel was revolutionary for its use of edible notes like chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, which were blended with traditional floral and oriental elements to create a unique olfactory experience. Its success paved the way for other perfumers to explore similar territory, leading to the creation of fragrances like "Ici" by Coty.

"Ici" capitalized on the gourmand trend by featuring notes such as vanilla, creme brulee, caramel, and cocoa, which further reinforced the idea of scent as a sensory experience reminiscent of indulgent desserts. By combining these edible elements with other aromatic components, "Ici" aimed to evoke a sense of luxury and comfort, appealing to consumers who sought fragrances that went beyond traditional floral or citrusy scents.

Overall, the rise of gourmand fragrances in the mid-1990s reflected a shift in consumer preferences towards more innovative and multisensory olfactory experiences. These scents tapped into the emotional connection between scent and memory, offering wearers a way to indulge in the pleasures of food and dessert through the medium of fragrance.

Coty's significant investment of $6 million in seductive print and TV ads to support the launch of "Ici" reflects the company's commitment to establishing the fragrance as a standout player in the competitive perfume market of the mid-1990s. This substantial advertising budget was likely allocated to create a strong brand presence and generate buzz around the new scent, aiming to capture the attention and interest of consumers.

The choice of the name "Ici," pronounced "ee-CEE," meaning "here" in French, adds an intriguing layer to the fragrance's identity. By naming the perfume "Ici," Coty may have aimed to evoke a sense of immediacy and presence, suggesting that wearing the scent brings the wearer into the moment, perhaps even implying a sense of allure or intimacy. The French connection in the name also adds a touch of sophistication and romance, aligning with the fragrance's seductive marketing campaign.

The pronunciation guide provided ("ee-CEE") helps ensure that consumers correctly articulate the name of the fragrance, reinforcing brand consistency and facilitating word-of-mouth promotion. The tagline for the fragrance was "put it where you want to be kissed." Overall, Coty's strategic investment in both advertising and branding elements like the name "Ici" underscores the company's efforts to position the fragrance as a desirable and memorable addition to the gourmand perfume landscape of the 1990s.

The phrase "put it where you want to be kissed" suggests a playful and enticing invitation to apply the fragrance in areas where one desires to be kissed. This phrase evokes a sense of allure and intimacy, implying that wearing the fragrance can enhance one's desirability and attractiveness, potentially leading to romantic encounters.

In the context of promoting a seductive fragrance like "Ici," this phrase could be part of Coty's marketing strategy to emphasize the sensuality and allure of the scent. By associating the fragrance with moments of intimacy and romance, Coty aims to appeal to consumers' desires for experiences that evoke passion and connection.

Overall, the phrase "put it where you want to be kissed" serves as a clever and suggestive way to encourage consumers to indulge in the seductive qualities of the fragrance, enhancing its appeal and reinforcing its positioning as a desirable scent for romantic encounters.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a crisp fruity floral fragrance for women. Luscious stuff is comprised of mouthwatering, dessert - inspired aromas (caramel, crème brûlée, and cocoa). Guaranteed he skip dessert and nibble on you!

• Top notes: citrus, "living" magnolia, rainforest orchid
• Middle notes: mimosa, lily of the valley, peony, orris, hyacinth
• Base notes: vanilla, cocoa, amber, musk, caramel, creme brulee, sandalwood

Press materials describe it as "this mysterious fragrance experiences begins with a unique top note of living magnolia and rainforest orchid. The middle note combines beautiful floral notes of muguet, mimosa and peony with a touch of spring hyacinth and orris, but the heart and soul of this scent comes from the deeply sensual and seductive background. It has a creamy accord consisting of caramel, creme brulee and cocoa. Amber, musk and exotic woods create a dramatic and memorable theme of this new floral oriental scent."

Scent Profile:

Indulge your senses in a journey through the lush gardens and tempting patisseries of France with this crisp fruity floral fragrance for women. Its luscious composition is a delightful array of mouthwatering, dessert-inspired aromas, promising an experience that's as tempting as skipping dessert to nibble on you.

At the outset, citrus notes burst forth, reminiscent of sun-drenched Mediterranean groves, with the tangy zest of freshly squeezed lemons and oranges dancing in the air. Accompanying this citrus symphony is the delicate sweetness of living magnolia, its velvety petals releasing a subtle floral fragrance that enchants the senses. Meanwhile, the exotic allure of rainforest orchid adds a mysterious touch, with hints of tropical fruits mingling with delicate floral nuances.

As the fragrance unfolds, a bouquet of floral notes takes center stage, evoking images of picturesque Parisian flower markets and sunny Provencal meadows. Mimosa casts its golden glow, exuding a powdery sweetness akin to honeyed nectar, while lily of the valley and peony infuse the air with their intoxicating scents, reminiscent of blooming gardens in full splendor. Orris adds a touch of elegance with its earthy undertones, while hyacinth contributes a spicy sweetness that captivates the senses.

In the base, the scent transforms into a delectable dessert feast, with notes of vanilla and cocoa conjuring images of cozy patisseries and indulgent treats. Amber and musk add depth and sensuality, while caramel and crème brûlée envelop the senses in a warm embrace of sweetness and indulgence. Finally, sandalwood lends a serene touch, invoking images of sacred rituals and tranquil temples, completing the olfactory journey with a sense of peace and harmony.

Fate of the Fragrance:

This fragrance has been discontinued but was still available for purchase as late as 2002. It's worth noting that the original version of this perfume featured a pale pink hue in its liquid form. However, if you come across bottles that are now sporting a deep yellow or orange shade, it's a telltale sign that they belong to the older batches.

This change in color occurs due to the natural ingredients, such as vanilla and jasmine, within the fragrance undergoing oxidation over time. Essentially, as the perfume ages, the interaction between its components and exposure to air causes a gradual transformation in its appearance. Therefore, if you find a bottle with this deeper hue, it's likely an indicator that it's from the original formula and has been aging gracefully over the years.