It’s clear that Paco Rabanne is one of the most popular brands in the world. With a collection of fragrances for both men and woman, it’s easy to see why it is so popular, but the question is… which fragrance is the best?!
We’ve put together a timeline for the Paco Rabanne brand, including the release of some of their most popular fragrances…
1934.
Paco Rabanne is born near San Sebasti√°n in Spain. Born and christened Francisco, he is called Paco for short.
1964.
When the Spanish Civil War broke out, Paco and his mother fled to France where he began to study at Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris where he graduated in architecture. He also starts to design jewellery for various luxury brands including Givenchy.
1966.
His career as a fashion designer began when he created 12 dresses called the Unwearables – one of which was his first plastic dress. At age 32 he opened his first outlet and became known for his contemporary materials, sun goggles and colourful jewellery, which led to him becoming the costume designer on Barbarella two years later.
1969.
The first fragrance under the brand is released – Calandre. Detailed as a feminine citrusy fragrance with woody base notes, it soon became a popular fragrance, still adored to this day!
1973.
The first men’s fragrance is launched – Paco Rabanne Pour Homme. The fragrance is an aromatic mix of lavender, clove and oak moss, and is still available to purchase today.
1989.
Paco broke the boundaries of the fashion industry by introducing clothing made out of paper, aluminium, cotton, knitted fur and ostrich feathers.
1994.
The birth of the XS range for both men and women with XS and XS Pour Elle. Further fragrances followed, including XS Extreme Men (2000), XS Extreme Girl (2001), XS Pour Homme Sensual Summer (2003), XS Pour Homme Sensual Skin (2004) and the Pure XS range which we’ll cover later.
1999.
The first of the Ultraviolet fragrances was launched – Ultraviolet for women. Over the years this range evolved with further women’s fragrances being launched: Metal Beach (2001), Aquatic Plastic (2002), Liquid Crystal (2003), Liquid Metal (2004), Aurore Borealis Edition (2004), Fluoressence (2005), Colours of Summer (2006), Summer Pop (2007) and Ultrared (2008).
2001.
Ultraviolet launched into the men’s market, and as with the women’s range, it also evolved over the years with the following fragrances: Liquid Crystal Man (2003), Liquid Metal for Men (2004), Man Aurore Borealis Edition (2004), Fluoressence for Men (2005), Man Colours of Summer (2006), Man Summer Pop (2007) and Ultrared Men (2008).
2005.
The XS range gets its first twist – Black XS for men. This sweet and spicy masculine fragrance would also have some spin-offs: L’Exces (2012), L’Aphrodisiaque (2013), Be a Legend Iggy Pop (2014), Potion (2014), Los Angeles (2016) and a new packaged Black XS in 2018.
2007.
Black XS for Her launches. An enchanting scent with black vanilla and cocoa flower, it fast becomes a popular fragrance with women all over the world. The range also receives all of the same spin-offs as the men’s range, with the exception of the Iggy Pop Be a Legend, which was replaced with Be a Legend Debbie Harry.
2008.
The run of popular fragrances continues with the launch of Paco Rabanne 1 Million. The world goes crazy and it becomes arguably the most popular men’s fragrance to this day. With smells of blood mandarin, peppermint and musk, girls loved it just as much as men!
2010.
The calls were answered – Lady Million was launched. The women’s version steals the show, with smells of raspberry, honey and neroli, having the same effect as the 1 million did.
2013.
It was worth the wait, 5 years after the launch of 1 million, Paco releases Invictus – an adrenaline shot of grapefruit zest and pepper. Over the coming years the range grows with Invictus Aqua (2016) and Invictus Intense (2016).
2015.
We see the launch of the next women’s fragrance, Olympea – a fresh blend of salted vanilla and mandarin. This range also expands, with Olympea Extrait (2015), Olympea Intense (2016) and Olympea Aqua (2016).
2016.
The much anticipated launch of the Prive collection were launched – 1 Million Prive and Lady Million Prive. They put a new spin on the popular classic fragrance that proved to be popular with both men and women.
2017.
The men’s XS range is revamped with Pure XS for Him. Fronted by Francisco Henriques, the campaign emphasises the similarity of the words ‘excess’ and ‘sex’ and becomes a favourite with men all over the world.
2018.
A big year for Paco Rabanne, with 3 new fragrances being launched from 2 ranges. The ‘million’ range got its next fragrances with 1 Million Lucky and Lady Million Lucky – both extremely popular – and we also got the eagerly anticipated Pure XS for Her – a wild and very provocative fragrance fronted by super-model Emily Ratajkowski.
2019 & Beyond…
Who knows?
We stock a range of Paco Rabanne Perfumes for Men & Women here at Scentsational.