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.
