Lauren (1978)
by Ralph Lauren

Being the first Lauren fragrance for women, it seems to have the best composition effort put forth from this design house (in my opinion). It is an unusual combination of 'old fashioned' florals like violet, carnation and rose paired with top notes of green and base notes of wood. It is quite representive of the later 1970's when designer fashion really took hold amongst the masses! To this day I enjoy revisiting this scent. It 'wakes me up' and refreshes! I also love the bottle! (I must add, the newer reformulated juice is nowhere near the quality of the original - snag a vintage bottle, if you can!)

I love this fragrance. I wore it in the early to mid 80's, and it always drew compliments from both sexes. The RL fragrances that came after this one cannot hold a candle to it. Also, the bottle, both shape and colour, are a joy to behold.

I am suprised to read hear that this fragrance is still in production as I have not seen it in the shops [in England] since about 1993. If anyone can tell me where I can buy a bottle, please do! I'd also be interested to know what this fragrance's constituents are, and who who created this wonderful scent......

I have not seen Lauren for many years, but lived in a wondrous cloud of it in the late 70's. What an enchanting, intoxicating, brilliant scent this was! I don't think I would wear it now, as I like more subdued fragrances, but I would dearly love to smell it again. There should be 'scent museums' so that these lovely creations are not lost for all time once their day has gone!

If I were sent away and told that I could bring only one fragrance, I would bring Lauren. It is timeless, both clean and fresh enough for day wear, and sensual enough for evening. It has excellent staying power and implores your nose to sniff deeper, taking in all the complexities and details not found in its peers.

Lauren was my signature fragrance my senior year in high school, and I have gone back to it time and time again. I am still very fond of it. I have a very difficult time with most a lot of fragrances. They either turn sour, too powdery, too sweet, fade quickly or just end up as a dirty mess. In contrast, Lauren becomes richer and more clear, developing more voluptuously over time each hour it is on my skin.

The newer formulation does seem to be weaker than the original, but still reminiscent of classic Lauren. Younger women have asked what the fragrance is; apparently it has fallen out of circulation in the current fruit vs. vetiver market. Here's hoping to a Lauren renaissance.

A beautiful fragrance that unfortunately seems to have lost its soul since reformulized.

What was Loreal thinking? (they create the fragrance for R.L.)

I'm still giving it a thumbs up, its soft, sweet, a bit woodsy, and subtle. Not overpowering ,and doesn't bring on sneezes like so many "modern" fragrances do.

This is a classic fragrance that anyone, male or female, over 35 should appreciate. I rarely smell this on women these days, but when I do, it leaves a memorable, and nostalgic, impression. They don't make them like this anymore. If I could choose only two women's fragrances for the woman in my life, it would be Lauren for daytime, and Dolce & Gabbana for night/romance.
Lauren has great staying power and is complex and sophisticated, yet feminine and sweet -- very UN-unisex. If you are a girly-girl, or just want to pretend, this is a great fragrance. --Just one 40 year old manly man's opinion.