Old school vibes are not just vinyl crunch and VHS aesthetics. They are an atmosphere where scent becomes a soundtrack. Street culture of the 80s and 90s set the rhythm of the times — from graffiti to breakdancing, from rap to bold fragrances. It was then that perfumes sounded loud, bold, with bright notes of aldehydes, sandalwood and amber. Today, more and more brands are returning to those vibrations, but playing with them in a new interpretation. In this article, we dive into the aromatic sound design of the past and present.
Why go back to retro-sounding perfumes?
The past is making a comeback in everything from music to clothing. But what about smells? Scents are one of the most powerful triggers of memory. And when designers and perfumers are inspired by the past, they literally breathe life into the style of a bygone era. But why is this trend back in fashion now?
● Nostalgia : Memories of an era through smell can be more powerful than through a photo.
● Style : Retro perfume adds depth and flavor to the look.
● Uniqueness : nowadays such fragrances are less common and stand out.
Perfumes with 80s and 90s vibes don’t just smell – they set a vibe, like a favorite track on a record player.
The main notes of retro fragrances: aldehydes, sandalwood and amber
To catch the scent of the past, you need to know its character. Each era in perfumery is a set of recognizable notes. Just as music has a characteristic vinyl sound, so do the fragrances of the 80s and 90s have recognizable “ingredients”. What components give perfume that vintage sound?
Aldehydes
A light chemical spark. They were the ones that gave that metallic, slightly soapy, shining trail that fragrances like Chanel No. 5 or YSL Rive Gauche were famous for.
Sandalwood
Warm, creamy, velvety. It creates the feeling of a soft vinyl cover and a cozy blanket when retro sound plays outside the window.
Ambergris
Complex, viscous, a little animal. It sounds like a deep bass – powerful and long, leaving a fragrant trace on the skin and in the memory. The combination of these notes creates the atmosphere of an era without words.
Vinyl Scented Fragrances: Top Perfumes with a Retro Soul
If you want to be inspired by specific examples, here they are. Among modern perfumes, there are those that sound like a soundtrack on a record. They are either directly inspired by the past or quote it between the lines.
Here are some scents that sound like a vinyl album:
● Maison Margiela “Music Festival” – incense, patchouli and green notes. The aesthetics of Woodstock and soulful guitar.
● Tom Ford “Santal Blush” — sandalwood accords with oriental spices. Warm and mystical, like a vintage recording studio.
● Dior “Dune” is an aldehydic marine trail with retro notes. It sounds like a 90s movie on old film.
● Nicolai “New York Intense” — tobacco, spices, amber. The urban smell of the era of grinders and vinyl stores.
Modern Interpretation: How Retro Became Fashionable Again
When returning to the classics, it is important not to get stuck in the past. Modern perfumers know how to make retro “in a new way”: rethinking familiar notes, they create fragrances that are relevant here and now, but with references to the style of past decades.
Today’s formulas:
● lighter and more portable;
● contain safe, synthetic substitutes;
● adapted to the climate and lifestyle of megacities.
Perfumes work like music: the same chord can be played in different ways. The main thing is to maintain the mood. Modern perfumes with retro sounds are remixes of hits of the past.
Perfume as a playlist: choosing a scent based on the mood of the era
Sometimes a scent is the best musical accompaniment of the day. If you perceive perfume as a playlist, you can choose it by mood, genre or even era. Everything is like in music: light pop in the morning, deep soul in the evening.
If you want an 80s vibe:
● Look for aldehydes , notes of powder, cloves, iris.
● Example: Chanel No. 19 , Paloma Picasso Mon Parfum .
If you feel like you’re back in the 90s:
● Look for sandalwood , spice, a little sweetness.
● Example: Kenzo Jungle , Jean Paul Gaultier Classique .
Smell and listen: a good fragrance should “play” on the skin like a favorite album – with an intro, climax and finale.
Where to look for your retro sound: choosing and buying
The most important thing is to find your scent on the display case. Many perfumes with a vintage vibe do not shout about themselves from the first notes. They need to be “heard” like a record: slowly, thoughtfully, without fuss. Like any vintage, they require attention and taste.
Adviсe:
● Look for samples in specialized perfume boutiques.
● Try retro releases in reissues – they are often adapted for modern times.
● Ask the consultant: “Do you have anything with a retro sillage?”
Buying a scent like this is like finding a vinyl record in perfect condition.
What does your scent sound like?
Each era has its own sound. And you? Fragrances in the style of the 80s and 90s are not just perfume. They are aesthetics, vibe, history. They give the image depth and style, which is often lacking in modern forms.
Try, experiment, get inspired by the vinyl era – and let your fragrance sound like a rare soundtrack that is recognized from the first notes.
Questions and Answers
Aldehydes, sandalwood, amber are key components for creating an old-school sound.
Yes! Many brands are releasing remixes of classics or creating new fragrances in the same spirit.
In niche perfume boutiques or shops with a wide selection of samples.