YVES SAINT LAURENT OPIUM

Opium is a legendary oriental-spicy fragrance that burst onto the scene in 1977, embodying sensuality, luxury, and controversy. Conceived by Yves Saint Laurent himself, it was named provocatively to evoke the mystique of the East—and became one of the most talked-about perfumes in history The Sun+15Wikipedia+15Chairish+15.

Fragrance Profile:

• Top Notes: Mandarin orange, plum, clove, coriander, pepper, bay leaf

• Heart Notes: Jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, carnation, cinnamon, peach, orris root

• Base Notes: Sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh, opopanax, labdanum, benzoin, castoreum, amber, musk, patchouli, vetiver REBL+14Wikipedia+14yslparfums.blogspot.com+14

This intense and richly layered scent opens with spicy citrus and fruit, transitions into a floral-spicy‑resin heart, and dries into a deep, balsamic base infused with warm resins and woods—a sensory journey that lasts via strong longevity and projection, especially in cooler climates and evening settings. It's frequently described as bold, addictive, and timelessly glamorous landyschemist.com.

Cultural Significance:

Opium’s choice of name sparked major protests—especially in Chinese American communities—yet the resulting media attention only enhanced its fame. Its iconic red and gold bottle, inspired by traditional lacquered “inrō” boxes, became instantly recognizable in the fragrance world