Opium (1977) Yves Saint Laurent

For Women
Parfum
Year: 1977
Enormous
Sillage
Excellent
Longevity
Fall, Winter
Best Season
Evening, Special Occasion
Best For

Fragrance Story

Opium (1977) by Yves Saint Laurent is a Oriental Spicy fragrance for women. Opium (1977) was launched in 1977. Opium (1977) was created by Jean Amic, Jean-Louis Sieuzac and Raymond Chaillan. Top notes are Cloves, Pepper, Coriander, West Indian Bay, Plum, Jasmine, Mandarin Orange, Citruses and Bergamot; middle notes are Carnation, Cinnamon, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Orris Root, Rose, Peach and Lily-of-the-Valley; base notes are Incense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Tolu Balsam, Amber, Opoponax, Benzoin, Labdanum, Vanilla, Musk, Castoreum, Cedar, Vetiver and Coconut.

Composition Profile

warm spicy 100%
amber 85%
woody 70%
balsamic 60%
aromatic 50%
powdery 40%
smoky 35%
sweet 30%
fresh spicy 25%

About the Perfumer

Jean Amic

Jean Amic

Jean Amic is a perfumer best known for his work on Yves Saint Laurent's Opium, launched in 1977. He contributed to multiple versions of the fragrance, including the 2008 Collector Edition and the Parfum concentration. His legacy is tied to this iconic oriental scent.

Fragrance Notes

Top Notes

First impression · 15-30 min

Cloves Cloves
Pepper Pepper
Coriander Coriander
West Indian Bay West Indian Bay
Plum Plum
Jasmine Jasmine
Mandarin Orange Mandarin Orange
Citruses Citruses
Bergamot Bergamot

Heart Notes

Core character · 2-4 hours

Carnation Carnation
Cinnamon Cinnamon
Sandalwood Sandalwood
Patchouli Patchouli
Orris Root Orris Root
Rose Rose
Peach Peach
Lily-of-the-Valley Lily-of-the-Valley

Base Notes

Lasting impression · 4+ hours

Incense Incense
Myrrh Myrrh
Sandalwood Sandalwood
Tolu Balsam Tolu Balsam
Amber Amber
Opoponax Opoponax
Benzoin Benzoin
Labdanum Labdanum
Vanilla Vanilla
Musk Musk
Castoreum Castoreum
Cedar Cedar
Vetiver Vetiver
Coconut Coconut
Unique Character

Opium (1977) Yves Saint Laurent by Yves Saint Laurent offers a distinctive olfactory experience that stands out from other fragrances in its category.

Artisanal Creation

Crafted with the finest ingredients and a blend of traditional and modern perfumery techniques, this fragrance represents the pinnacle of the perfumer's art.

Signature Style

Opium (1977) Yves Saint Laurent embodies the distinctive style of Yves Saint Laurent while adding a unique chapter to their fragrance portfolio.

Character Profile

The Sovereign Archetype: Portrait of Opium (1977) Yves Saint Laurent

Essence

The Sovereign archetype commands presence and authority. Opium (1977) is the scent of a ruler who does not ask for attention but demands it. With its opulent blend of spices, incense, and rich woods, this fragrance is a declaration of power. The wearer is a monarch of their own domain, exuding an aura that is both intoxicating and unapproachable. This is not a fragrance for the faint of heart; it is for those who rule with quiet confidence.

Style & Aesthetic

The Sovereign's style is timeless and luxurious. They favor deep, rich colors: burgundy, gold, and black. Their wardrobe is composed of investment pieces-cashmere, silk, and velvet-that speak of enduring quality. Accessories are statement-making, from heavy gold cuffs to intricately carved rings. Every detail is deliberate, projecting an image of unassailable elegance.

Philosophy & Values

Power, legacy, and control are the pillars of the Sovereign's philosophy. They believe in the importance of leaving a mark on the world, of building something that outlasts them. Their values are rooted in tradition and authority, but they are not rigid; they understand that true power requires adaptability. They lead by example, expecting loyalty and offering protection in return.

Relationships

The Sovereign's relationships are hierarchical yet deeply loyal. They attract those who seek guidance or protection, and they offer stability in return. Romantic partnerships are intense and all-consuming, often with a touch of the dramatic. They are generous but expect devotion. Friends are chosen carefully, forming a court of trusted advisors and confidants.

Lifestyle

Life for the Sovereign is a series of grand gestures. They host elaborate dinners, attend exclusive events, and surround themselves with beauty and refinement. Their home is a palace of curated art and antiques, where every object has a story. They rise early, meditate, and plan their day with precision. Leisure is a performance, and they excel at it.

Shadow

The shadow of the Sovereign is isolation. Their need for control can alienate those closest to them, and their intensity may be overwhelming. They risk becoming a tyrant in their own life, mistaking fear for respect. The fragrance's overwhelming sillage mirrors this danger-too much presence can suffocate. They must learn to temper power with vulnerability.

Conclusion

Opium (1977) is the scent of the Sovereign in their full glory-a fragrance that commands the room and leaves an indelible impression. It is a reminder that true authority comes not from domination but from the quiet assurance of one's place in the world. To wear it is to embrace the weight of leadership and the beauty of legacy.