When Calvin Klein launched Eternity for men in 1990, the woody citrus scent was an overnight success and swiftly entered the fragrance hall of fame.
Eternity for women, released two years prior as an aromatic ode to marriage, love and the family, was equally popular.
Fast forward almost three decades and both scents are enjoying a renaissance in the form of Eternity Now for him and her. Responsible for reimagining these signature perfumes were Bruno Jovanovic and Illias Ermenidis, respectively.
The original Eternity for men endures in popularity and is spritzed-on daily by gentlemen around the world. The brief for its successor, therefore, was very simple, says Jovanovic. The scent had to entice new, younger wearers but also retain its existing fans.
“This new incarnation is a modern take on the classic scent, inspired by the magnetic alchemy of love,” says Jovanovic.
“We’ve reanimated the classic feeling of Eternity, and what’s different to me here is the addictiveness that stems from what is happening on top.
“There’s aromatic star anise and exhilarating chilled ginger, infused with luscious star fruit. The heart is a modern fusion of cedarleaf and patchouli, energised by fresh coconut water. And the background comprises textured Moroccan cedarwood, balmy nuances of tonka beans and Madagascan vanilla. Ultra-sensual yet ultra-fresh.”
The scent, which belongs to the juicy oriental fougère family, pushes boundaries, says the perfumer.
“The ingredients of chilled ginger, coconut water and cedarwood have never before been put together in a fragrance. Its composition is all about contrasting facets. The freshness and juiciness of coconut water has also never appeared before in a masculine fragrance.”
In keeping with Calvin Klein’s talent for creating unisex fragrances, such as the CK One range, Eternity Now has the potential to appeal to a broad market says Jovanovic.
“It is more of a ‘universal’ than a typical masculine fragrance,” he says. “It’s flirting with both genders because of the presence of juicy raw materials.”
Eternity Now for women, in contrast, is unmistakably feminine – best described as “bright, addictive and floral”, according to its creator. Ermenidis reveals that he melded three key ingredients to give the perfume its heady, romantic nose.
“Nectarine from the hills and mountains of South America and South East Asia embody all the beautiful, luminous elements of the scent,” he says. “Peach blossom with quince sorbet unveils the romantic, modern and floral heart of it, while ambrox leaves a very addictive and long-lasting warmth.”
As for the type of woman who might wear such a scent, Ermenidis believes she is a romantic at heart.
“It’s for women of all ages and shades – sensual, refined and confident,” he says. “A woman who plans to fall in love, just fell in love or is in love. Youthful, optimistic, and a believer of true love.”
These are characteristics and codes that the perfumer himself holds dear.
“Love is beautiful,” he says. “Live, love, smile. The ‘fresh in love’ concept and brief of this fragrance was a great source of inspiration. That’s why it begins with such explosive, joyful sparkle.
“I was also inspired by the bliss and satisfaction of waking up to the love of my life; it’s one that has lasted decades.
“This creative journey was pure joy and the fragrance is a result of a modern tale of love that can be told from here, to eternity.”
•Eternity Now by Calvin Klein costs from Dh230 for men and Dh255 for women. For your local stockist and more information, visit www.calvinklein.com
rduane@thenational.ae
