Obsession
“Obsession by Calvin Klein is a Oriental Spicy fragrance for women”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a amber, warm spicy composition with a woody undertone. Voted best for fall and winter wear, leaning feminine.
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Launched in 1985 by Calvin Klein and crafted by perfumer Jean Guichard, Obsession is an Oriental Spicy fragrance that pioneered a bold and provocative style of advertising. The scent itself opens with aromatic notes like basil and bergamot, which give way to warm spices and green accords before settling into a base of amber, musk, and civet. This composition creates a sense of deep sensuality and enduring warmth.
The 1985 ad campaign for Obsession, photographed by Bruce Weber and costing around $500,000, became an avant-garde landmark in perfume advertising. These ads were so impactful that they were parodied on Saturday Night Live in 1987, solidifying their place as a cultural reference point.
Composition & Character
How It Wears
Application Tips
Apply one generous spray to the pulse points — the aromatic opening is bright but quickly gives way to the richer base notes. The warmth of this fragrance makes it ideal for cooler evenings or layered under a jacket during the day.
Jean Guichard
Founding perfumer · 13 fragrances
Designer Calvin Klein
More from Calvin Klein
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The quiet intimacy of an evening spent in a dimly lit room, where warm scents and subtle notes blend into a sensual embrace.
Fig. 01 — Obsession, Calvin Klein
Where to buy.
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