When most people think of fragrance, they associate great scents with France or Italy. The USA has a long history in perfumery dating from the early part of the 20th century to the present. The best American fragrances were pioneers in their day, and continue to be sought after decades after their launches. The Best American fragrances brought to perfumery distinctive style and ingenuity in both the jus and flacons. From brand owners, creative directors, perfumers and bottle designers many have gone on to win coveted awards. The best American fragrances have become legendary and most in true American Spirt, are very affordable, We chose 10 women’s, men’s and “shared” scents that were game-changers and continue to be worn by discerning men and women throughout the world.
Best American Fragrances of the 1950s-60s
Estee Lauder Youth Dew
This spicy ambery fragrance with notes of jasmine, clove, peach, vanilla, and a sexy Coca Cola accord launched in 1953. To get the buyer’s attention at a department store in NYC. Estee Lauder dropped a bottle of Youth Dew Bath Oil on the floor and women shoppers started to clamor for it. Created by Josephine Catapano You Do is one the best American fragrances of all times by leading experts.
Recommended related fragrances: Elizabeth Arden Red Door, Estee Lauder Pleasures, Estee Lauder Sensuous
Aramis by Aramis is One of the Best American Fragrances of All Time
The “Alpha Male” cologne was composed in 1964 by Bernard Chant, and nearly 60 years later is instantly recognizable. This masculine iconic cologne is earthy, classic and still rebellious. Aramis is deeply leathery, woody, sexy and continues to be a best seller in 120 countries for four decades.
Recommended related fragrances: Paco Rabanne One Million, Guy Laroche Drakkar Noir, Paco Rabanne Pour Homme
Best American Fragrances of the 1970s-80s
Clinique Aromatics Elixir
Created in 1971, by Bernard Chant and Clinique’s very first perfume Aromatics Elixir is a very green, chypre, an herbal woody perfume that was marketed to women, but certainly could have been worn by men. Many experts perfume believe it ushered in the “natural and botanical era and way far ahead of its time.” Even today, there is nothing quite like it, which is why it is considered one of the best American fragrances of all time.
Recommended related fragrances: Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass, Clinique Happy, Clinique Happy Heart
Halston by Halston
Born Roy Halston Frowick, the famous clothing designer of the 1970s created an iconic perfume in 1975 with award winning perfumers Max Gavvary and Bernard Chant. The bottle famously designed by his friend and jewelry designer Elsa Peretti (Tiffany’s) as inspired by her personal bud vase, Very sophisticated, this perfume exudes elegance and femininity with notes of citrus, green leaves, and peach along with bold florals including carnation, iris and jasmine. The dry down of incense, sandalwood, amber is unforgettable.
Recommended related fragrances: Calvin Klein Obsession, Lancôme Tresor Coach EDP by Coach
Ralph Lauren Polo
Bronx born designer, Ralph Lauren created a world in fashion and fragrance that emulated the American upper-class in their sports clubs, on safaris and in their country homes. Later, he developed his Polo line with the signature polo player logo that was both affordable and in demand by men and women, created in 1978 is a classic cologne for men, very complex; without any florals. It is a power scent with notes of tobacco, leather, juniper, and oakmoss.
Recommended related fragrances: Polo Cologne Intense, Polo Blue, Polo Sport
Best American Fragrances: 1990s-2000s
Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds
Dame Elizabeth Taylor famously quipped, “You can’t cry on a diamond’s shoulder, and diamonds won’t keep you warm at night, but they’re sure fun when the sun shines.”
White Diamonds composed by Carlos Benaim in 1991, is the bestselling celebrity scent of all time as well as one of the best American fragrances of all time. Whether by design or as an escape from her dramatic personal life, White Diamonds is a white floral perfume that glitters with aldehydes. A bouquet of lily, rose, narcissus, jasmine, tuberose are wrapped in oakmoss and sandalwood. White Diamonds smells like a happy fragrance and does sparkle with joy.
Recommended related fragrances: Elizabeth Taylor Passion, Gardenia Elizabeth Taylor, Sparkling White Diamonds
Calvin Klein cK One
In 1994, fashion designer Calvin Klein launched the first “shared” fragrance cK one, which was a gam- changer. It appealed to a new generation, “Gen X” who rarely wore perfume and the scent itself which was clean, citrus, musky with green tea. The bottle was also distinctly different. The minimalist glass bottle is reminiscent of a flask and the carton was recyclable.
Recommended related fragrances: CK One Shock, Calvin Klein Obsession, CK Be
Demeter Dirt
Demeter was founded in 1993 by Christopher Brosius who worked as a taxi driver in NYC. It and was the first company to capture realistic smells like tomatoes rain and grass and the earliest perfume Dirt was based on Brosius’s childhood memories of living on a farm in Pennsylvania. Perfumer Jodie Wilson is said to have received fresh soil in a Ziploc bag. Demeter Dirt doesn’t smell “dirty”, rather it has citrus and mineral tones that makes it skin -friendly.
Recommended related fragrances: Demeter Rain, Demeter Grass, Demeter Petrichor
Bond No. 9 Chinatown
Master perfumer Aurelien Guichard composed Chinatown in 2005 and it is considered one of the best American fragrances of all time, because it captures a peony flower in full bloom. Billowy clouds of peony and peach blossom take on a powdery air, as gardenia and tuberose appear hovering over a honeyed vanilla warmed by woods and spices.
Recommended related fragrances: Bond No.9 Signature, Bond 9. Spring Fling, Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede
Le Labo Santal 33
In creating Santal 33, which was inspired by a Le Labo candle, perfumer Frank Voelkl imagined the Marlboro Man, not smoking, but on a horse according to our sources. Santal 33 has 33 ingredients but violet leaf, sandalwood and the cedarwood dominate. It is floral, fruity, woody, and smoky with a distinctive signature making it one of the best American fragrances
Recommended related fragrances: Acca Kappa Black Pepper and Sandalwood, Santal Bois by Versace, Mancera Cedrat Boise
Now that we have taken you through ten of the best American fragrances of all time, head on over to perfume.com and choose your favorites. Shop Best Sellers Now!
Fragrance advice and recommendations from Perfumista. Perfumista offers fragrance guides published often for every season and occasion, and well as extensive knowledge in the fragrance industry.
