CK One
In 1994, Calvin Klein released the iconic fragrance CK One. An aromatic and fresh citrus scent, encapsulated in a minimalist frosted glass bottle with a screw cap.
What was special about CK One was its marketing: black-and-white ads featuring androgynous models of all genders, including Kate Moss and Jenny Shimizu. They wore the same clothes, and they wore the same scent: CK One. The fragrance was marketed as a unisex product with the tagline: “A fragrance for a man or a woman.”
It was the first unisex fragrance to achieve massive popularity and is now considered mainstream. It was groundbreaking and paved the way for a more androgynous fashion. CK One became a symbol of youthful freedom and community.
The Scent
Perfumers Alberto Morillas and Harry Fremont collaborated to create the balanced fragrance. It is neither overly fruity nor dominated by masculine woody notes. Instead, it carries a harmonious blend of floral and musky aromas.
Top notes: lemon, pineapple, mandarin, bergamot, cardamom, and papaya
Heart notes: jasmine, violet, rose, nutmeg, lily of the valley, and orris root
Base notes: musk, cedarwood, sandalwood, oakmoss, and amber
Cash Cow
The fragrance is still sold after 30 years and remains one of the most popular perfumes in history. At the time of its launch, 20 bottles of CK One were sold every minute. It has served as a true cash cow for Calvin Klein, generating many millions of dollars every year since its release.