Fleur de Fleurs by Nina Ricci c1982

Launched in 1982, Fleur de Fleurs by Nina Ricci bears a name that reflects the romantic elegance of the brand. The phrase "Fleur de Fleurs," French for "Flower of Flowers," is pronounced "flur duh flur". This evocative name suggests a bouquet of the finest blossoms, carefully chosen to create an unparalleled fragrance. The repetition of the word fleur emphasizes abundance and luxury, conjuring images of lush, blooming gardens filled with radiant florals. In Europe, the fragrance was marketed as Eau de Fleurs, reflecting the delicate and fresh nature of the scent. However, as Jean-Louis Ricci explained in 1981, American audiences preferred stronger, more concentrated fragrances and were less receptive to the term eau (water). Thus, the name Fleur de Fleurs was adapted for the U.S. market, better aligning with its image of refined femininity.

The early 1980s were a time of transformation, marked by contrasts between opulence and understated sophistication. In fashion, the era saw the rise of bold power dressing, with sharp-shouldered blazers and jewel tones, yet there was also a nod to softer, more romantic trends, such as flowing fabrics and romantic pastel hues. Women sought to balance strength and femininity, embodying both independence and grace. Against this backdrop, Fleur de Fleurs offered a scent that captured this duality.

Unlike the heavy, overtly sweet perfumes popular in the U.S., this fragrance was delicately refined—a reflection of European sensibilities. Women drawn to Fleur de Fleurs would have likely appreciated its subtle sophistication, preferring it as an enhancement of their natural allure rather than an overpowering statement. The name and scent both suggested a timeless elegance, resonating with women who valued beauty rooted in nature and tradition.

Nina by Nina Ricci - Precious Swarovski Edition Collector Flacon c2009

Nina by Nina Ricci - Precious Swarovski Edition: launched in 2009 as a limited edition collector's flacon holding 80ml of Nina by Nina Ricci Eau de Toilette.

Nina by Nina Ricci c2006

Nina by Nina Ricci: launched in 2006, created by Olivier Cresp and Jacques Cavallier in 2006. The name is directly inspired by the 1987 perfume Nina, though they are two different fragrances.

Capricci by Nina Ricci c1960

Launched in 1960, Capricci by Nina Ricci was a perfume that perfectly captured the elegance and spirit of its time. The name "Capricci," an Italian word pronounced kah-PREE-chee, translates to "whims" or "fancies." It evokes an air of playfulness and spontaneity, conjuring images of lighthearted indulgence, artistic creativity, and a touch of unpredictability. By choosing this name, Nina Ricci embraced the essence of refined femininity with an adventurous, free-spirited twist, reflecting the cultural and social currents of the early 1960s.

The 1960s marked the dawn of a transformative era, often referred to as the Swinging Sixties, characterized by profound cultural and social shifts. While the decade is famously associated with revolutionary styles later on, the early 1960s retained much of the elegance and structured sophistication of the late 1950s. Fashion was moving away from the full skirts of Dior's New Look toward sleeker, more modern silhouettes introduced by designers like Balenciaga and Ricci herself. Women embraced tailored suits, sheath dresses, and understated glamour, with elegance remaining a dominant theme. Perfumes like Capricci complemented this aesthetic, offering a scent that was light, polished, and sophisticated—perfectly suited to a woman who valued refinement but was not afraid to indulge her whims.

The composition of Capricci, created by Marcel Carles, encapsulated this duality of structure and freedom. Classified as a light, aldehydic floral fragrance with a citrusy touch, it exuded sophistication and modernity. The blend of aldehydes and sparkling citrus top notes created an uplifting and fresh introduction, capturing the carefree energy of the word "Capricci." At its heart, the fragrance unfolded into a radiant bouquet of lily of the valley, reseda, Chinese gardenia, jasmine, and Bulgarian roses, each carefully chosen to evoke a sense of timeless femininity. The base notes of musk, oakmoss, and ambergris added depth and warmth, grounding the fragrance with a sensual, yet restrained elegance.