Dionne by Dionne Warwick: launched in 1986. In association with Dion Cosmetics.
Singer Dionne Warwick formed a company, Dionne Inc., to sell a line of fragrance and perfume products designed and developed by her. Dionne was inspired by her signature perfume Shalimar, which she had worn for at least 20 years. She wanted her fragrance to be composed in the same opulent style. "I have always loved perfume — it is a luxury I believe every woman should enjoy," said Warwick.
She invested $750,000 and worked with a New Jersey based lab to create the perfect scent. She told the Chicago Tribune in 1986, ''This is my own money, every dime of it,'' she says. ''I was involved in decisions from the very beginning, even developing just the right smell for the perfume. I was so tired of smelling perfumes. It got to the point where I couldn`t stand anyone around wearing perfume.''
The fragrance was sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus for the first six months.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a sweet oriental floral fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh top, followed by a sweet, woody floral heart, resting on a sweet, ambery, powdery base. It is an elegant oriental bouquet of rose, jasmine, bergamot, vanilla, lemon and orange blossoms that is reminiscent of Shalimar.
- Top notes: bergamot, lemon, green note, rosewood, fruit note
- Middle notes: orange blossom, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, patchouli, sandalwood, cedar
- Base notes: sandalwood, oakmoss, vanilla, tonka, benzoin, amber, musk
Billboard, 1986:
"Dionne Warwick's next Arista album is expected to include the song "For Everything You Are," which she will also use to promote a new perfume that bears her name. Both scented and recorded product are set for heavy marketing campaign in December."
Bottles:
The scent comes in a round, frosted glass bottle nestled in a pale gray box trimmed with purple butterflies. Neiman Marcus had Dionne exclusively.
The fragrance was available in the following:
- 1 oz Parfum (retailed for $175 in 1986)
- 1/4 oz Parfum (retailed for $60 in 1986)
- 1/4 oz Purse Spray Parfum (retailed for $40 in 1986)
- 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray (retailed for $28.50 in 1986)
- 6.6 oz Body Lotion (retailed for $35 in 1986)
- 6.6 oz Bath & Shower Gelee (retailed for $32.50 in 1986)
Fate of the Fragrance:
I did find that it is still being produced and available at Dionne's fan club website.