Disney+’s Rivals has reignited obsession with all things 1980s glamour – from power dressing and glossy interiors to old-money excess and statement beauty.
Now, fragrance experts say the show is also fuelling a return of the bold perfumes that defined the decade; richer, more expressive fragrances with bigger projection, warmer notes and unmistakable personality.
Jonny Webber, fragrance expert at Manchester-based Perfume Direct, explains: “Rivals has brought back a very specific kind of glamour. Everything in the show feels polished, excessive and confident – and fragrance was a huge part of that aesthetic in the 1980s.
“Back then, people wanted perfumes that made an impression. You could smell the fragrance before someone even entered the room. We’re now seeing that appetite return, particularly for some of the 1980s’ most iconic scents – from Opium to Lou Lou.
“They’re fun, well-priced and unmistakably nostalgic.”
Want the Rivals aesthetic? These are the fragrances to buy now
Yves Saint Laurent Opium
One of the defining perfumes of the 1980s, Opium perfectly captures the drama and decadence of the Rivals world. Its rich blend of amber, spice, carnation and vanilla feels unapologetically glamorous and still stands out in a market dominated by lighter skin scents.
“Opium is the fragrance equivalent of a velvet blazer, gold jewellery and a martini at a country-house party,” Jonny says. “It’s bold, confident and instantly recognisable.”
Giorgio Beverly Hills
Nothing says unapologetic 1980s luxury quite like Giorgio Beverly Hills. Known for its huge white floral signature and unmistakable presence, the perfume became synonymous with wealth, excess and California glamour throughout the decade.
“This is the kind of fragrance that completely fills a room,” Jonny says. “It captures the oversized confidence that people are suddenly craving again.”
Calvin Klein Obsession
Few fragrances capture the sensual excess of the late 1980s quite like Obsession. Warm, spicy and instantly recognisable, the fragrance blends amber, vanilla, sandalwood and oriental spices for a scent that feels dramatic and seductive.
“Obsession is pure Rivals energy,” Jonny says. “It’s bold, glamorous and slightly over-the-top in the best possible way. This is not a subtle fragrance and that’s exactly why people are rediscovering it.”
Guerlain Shalimar
Although originally launched much earlier, Shalimar became a staple dressing-table fragrance throughout the 1980s thanks to its powdery vanilla warmth and luxurious feel.
Perfume Direct says the return of polished “old money” aesthetics has helped revive interest in more classic, sophisticated scents like this. “Shalimar feels expensive in a timeless way,” Jonny explains. “It fits perfectly with the Rivals aesthetic because it smells elegant rather than trendy.”
Cacharel Lou Lou
Lou Lou became one of the decade’s most unforgettable perfumes thanks to its powdery florals, incense and rich sweetness. Distinctive and nostalgic, it still feels unapologetically vintage today.
“Lou Lou has that perfectly theatrical 1980s personality,” Jonny explains. “It’s playful, dramatic and instantly transportive. People want fragrances with character again and Lou Lou absolutely delivers that.”
Estee Lauder Beautiful
Romantic florals are also making a comeback alongside the polished, old-money aesthetic associated with Rivals. Beautiful combines rose, lily, tuberose and orange flower for a soft but unmistakably glamorous finish.
“Beautiful feels very country-house elegance,” Jonny says. “It has that polished femininity that fits perfectly with the Rivals world of dinner parties, tailoring and excess.”
Aramis Eau de Toilette
Aramis became one of the defining executive fragrances of the era thanks to its woody, mossy and leathery profile. “The Rivals male aesthetic is very Ralph Lauren, Barbour jackets, sharp tailoring and country-house masculinity,” Jonny says. “Aramis fits that perfectly.”
Coty Exclamation!
Make a statement with this classic signature scent. Created by Coty in 1988, Exclamation is a sharp, oriental, floral fragrance for women blended with apricot, peach, bergamot, lily-of-the-valley, amber and sandalwood.
Paloma Picasso
Launched in 1984, Paloma Picasso is an exquisite perfume that exudes an air of sophistication and refinement – “Exactly the kind of fragrance that fits the heightened world of Rivals.” Jonny explains. “And that’s exactly why younger fragrance buyers are rediscovering it now.”
Why 1980s fragrances are trending again
According to Perfume Direct, the revival goes beyond nostalgia. Instead, the retailer believes audiences are responding to a wider shift towards escapism, glamour and personality after years dominated by neutral aesthetics and understated fragrances.
“People are becoming bored of fragrances that disappear instantly or smell almost identical,” Jonny says. “The Rivals aesthetic is bringing individuality back. Fashion became louder. Interiors became richer. And now fragrance is following exactly the same pattern.”
