One way of telling perfume history is present the top brands of perfume that helped shaped our culture. The following are considered as the best and the trendsetters in the world of perfumes.

1. Eau de Cologne- introduced by Giovanni Maria Farina in 1709 and was used by all the members of the royal family. His perfume shop in Obenmarspforten built in 1709 is the oldest fragrance shop in the world.

2. Chanel No.5- The first fragrance of the great fashion icon Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel and was launched on the 5th of May 1921. This perfume is considerably the best fragrance for women and has earned its rightful classic status.

3. Opium YSL- a legendary product of Yves Saint Laurent that first released in the market in the year 1977. The oriental-spicy scent was formulated for YSL by Jean Amic and Jean-Louis Sieuzac.

4. Azzaro Pour Homme- is cologne for men by Loris Azzaro that was first introduced in 1978 and is one of the best-selling perfumes worldwide.

5. Anais Anais- launched in 1979 by the design house of Chacharel and is produced for women.

6. Poison- the signature fragrance of Christian Dior that was introduced in 1985. It is classified as a luxurious fragrance for women with a hint of oriental spices that creates a 'poisonous' aroma for the benefit of the woman.

7. Eternity- the classic 'for men' perfume from the house design of Calvin Klein that was launched in 1988.

8. Envy- by the house design of Gucci and was released in 1997. It is a fragrance for a woman that was formulated by Maurice Roucel.

Perfume has always been a part of our culture regardless of race, gender and religion. It is high time that we salute the 'noses' behind every fragrant aroma.

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