Opium

Opium was MASSIVE in the 80s. To me, it’s practically like the scent of the Eighties. Every sophisticated but slightly batso older woman i knew in that decade seemed to favour it. It’s distinct.

So now, here we go with the relaunch & it is a la the D & G Tarot Fragrances in that Y.S.L. is giving the juice an Occult spin.  I mean, the “scented salamander?” Would love to know the thinking behind this. Is it is emphasise the mystical, Oriental style as opposed to something linked to smack?

Mythologically, the Salamander is fabulous, in the real sense of the word. Reputedly a powerful poisonous creature, it’s colder than ice and thus immune to fire. So it’s a bit like a less noble Phoenix and most often depicted as perfectly happy, basking amidst flames. Some ancient pics of Adam and Eve have a Salamander,  not the Snake/Lilith tempting Eve with the apple.

So a Scented Salamander translated into being a woman would be cold & icy of persona but happiest in dramatic surroundings, poisonous and cool…? Okay, she’s a redhead so there is another Fire reference and what is she doing with the bottle. It looks like she’s about to chuck it at someone.

See Also: Matthew McConaughey’s perfume ad.