Perfume for a strong woman?

Hello fragheads, a dear friend of mine is writing a fictional charachter and asked my help for choosing the charachter's perfume, since he knows I'm a frag freak, but I need your help because: 1) I don't want to suggest him something only based on my taste 2) I actually don't have all that knowledge, especially of older / classic perfumes

So, the woman of wich we have to choose a perfume is: in her 40s, strong personality, emancipated, works in men's environment but very aware of her feminity, somehow austere and professional

I know it is a very specific request, hope someone could help

In what time period is it set?

Contemporary 🙂

He could go for Angel, as it fits, chronologically; she started using it young and stocked with it. Also, she could be using a men’s scent; Vetiver by Guerlain or Dior Homme, the original.
And if she’s classic, Shalimar, the eternal! No Opium, as the current version is an abomination. And she isn’t scouring eBay for vintage!

I know Angel and it's waaaay too gourmand, not austere at all! 😁 Better the others you suggested, Dior Homme seems a good one!

Am I? 🤣

Anyway we choose the Dior Homme

If your character is in her 40’s, then perfumes should be from golden list of 80’s:

1. Obsession by CK - every Valentine’s day was celebrated with this perfume.

2. Beautiful by Estee Lauder - it was very classy, romantic floral perfume.

3. Opium by YSL - I remember very well how theatres were full of this scent.

4. Poison by Christian Dior - original was soo beautiful.

5. Giorgio by Beverly hills - it was symbol of luxury.
6. First by Van Cleef and Arpels - you can’t simply miss this perfume during 80’s.
7. Chanel no 5 it was absolute hit and must have, who can get it.

Of course if author chooses different country in his scenery then it plays great deal too, because what was popular in one part of the world it wasn’t available for majorities.

“Strong woman” is very subjective description.

Knowing by Estee Lauder. Thats what probably Miranda from devil wears Prada would be wearing.

Often, when i read a book, and I see a mention about perfume, I’m dissapointed, because the most often the choice is between #Chanel no 5 and ...Chanel no 5. There’s hardly anything more in writers imagination. And I read a lot. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend any classics - this is so boring. Especially if the action takes contemporary. I would go for Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum or Perles de Lalique or Monsieur. .

For a strong woman in my opinion

Must de Cartier Parfum

Memoir Woman Eau de Parfum

Maybe also

Poison Eau de Toilette