Poison, from Dior was released in 1985. The perfumer behind this creation is Edouard Fléchier and Maurice Roger. It has the top notes of Anise, Brazilian Rosewood, Coriander, Forest Fruits, and Plum, middle notes of Carnation, Cinnamon, Honey, Incense, Jasmine, Opoponax, Orange Blossom, Rose, and Tuberose, and base notes of Amber, Cedarwood, Heliotrope, Musk, Sandalwood, Vanilla, and Vetiver.
Sultry, dangerous, poisonous, sensual..it all falls short to describe Poison, le grand monstre that came from the house of Christian Dior in 1985, causing commotion and disbelief among innocent passerby’s. An innocent apple shaped bottle holding a dangerous elixir. How could this be? But, there it was, unaware to everyone; the hit of the decade, the blockbuster, what everyone would try and imitate. None succeeded. Poison edt, review based on bottles from 1985 to 1992. Poison, above all the extremes, the sensuality, the bite, was about fun. Yes, it was deep and narcotic, carnal, mysterious...but it never took itself too seriously. At least the edt. Powerful like a bulldozer it could be smelt from around the block. 1980’s carpets still have traces of it, and elevators permeated with Poison still have a purple hue in their mirrors, a smoke tendril of the fun that was ahead. You can still hear the laughter of the lucky wearers. And the lament of those who hated it. Stewed plums, red and blue and black berries, hint of coriander, lots of honey and you get a hell of an opening. Just like a fruity cocktail; too sweet to know it gets to your head. The flowers on the other hand, oh, the flowers are all past their prime, dripping in carnality. Tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, damascones galore with their wine-y tonality between rose and violets. Concentrated to the extreme, the best absolutes to accompany this crazy party, that had the warm company of cinnamon, opoponax, amber, vanilla, sandalwood, plus a castoreum bouncer at the door to keep things on the wild side named Hulk. Poison was a night out made perfume. So addicting that it lingered on skin until the next day, when you sprayed some more just so you could take the day ahead. Wearing Poison had to be because of love, because once on skin it stayed there. Sometimes for the whole week! Poison was worn by everyone and everywhere, and it’s the main reason it was banned from restaurants and repulsed by many. On top, it was worn with abandon! Too much of a good thing ain’t so good it seems. Unfortunately, I missed those days by some years, and even though my bottles smell perfect, the settings around me are not quite the same. One has to cope with what one has, but wearing Poison and smelling it until you scrub it off, it all feels better, even if I’m not greeted by big hairdos, lamé dresses, power suits or looks when entering restaurants! For better or for worse, Poison, this little masterpiece from 1985 hasn’t fared well. The internet is still full of bottles mass produced for eternity, and you’re better of buying one of those than what is currently being sold under the name; if you want to experience true Poison, you need the real deal, not the impostor. After all, who doesn’t look good in purple hued elevator mirrors? And if you close your eyes, you can still smell it!