Poison by Christian Dior c1985

Poison was launched in Paris in 1985, trademark records show that the name was already trademarked in 1983, in anticipation of the fragrance's completion and subsequent launch.

The Beginning:

In the world of fragrance, where branding and perception can make or break a product, Christian Dior faced a pivotal moment with the launch of Poison. Unlike its predecessors bearing the distinguished Dior name such as Diorella and Diorissimo, Poison represented a departure. It aimed to reinvigorate a lineup that seemed to be losing its allure among consumers, a concern exacerbated by the disappointing reception of Dior Dior years earlier, which had prompted significant corporate restructuring.

Reflecting on the zeitgeist of opulent scents that characterized the 1970s, exemplified by Yves Saint Laurent's Opium and Revlon's Scoundrel, Jean Pierre Lippman, president of Christian Dior Perfumes, USA, remarked, "I think we should have had this 10 years ago." This sentiment underscored the urgency to revive Dior's presence in the fragrance market.

Despite Dior reporting substantial global sales in 1984, the United States market presented a challenge, contributing only a modest share, with fragrances accounting for a fraction of that volume. Looking ahead to 1985, projections were not optimistic. "Our fragrances did fairly well last year," acknowledged Lippman, "but 1985 has been a little flat in the fragrance business."

Susan Biehn, vice-president for advertising and creative services at Dior, articulated a strategic approach for Poison's launch, emphasizing the need to captivate consumers by prompting them to pause and contemplate the fragrance. Drawing a parallel with Obsession, a successful competitor known for its impactful advertising, Biehn asserted, "Dior will do it through the name and the scent itself."

Thus, Poison emerged not just as a fragrance but as a calculated maneuver by Christian Dior to reclaim relevance and appeal in a competitive and evolving market, guided by lessons from both past failures and contemporary successes in the realm of perfumery.

The Name:

The launch of Poison in Paris in 1985 marked a significant moment for Christian Dior, strategically planned well in advance. Records from trademark filings indicate that the name "Poison" was secured as early as 1983, demonstrating Dior's foresight and anticipation of the fragrance's completion and eventual release.

This proactive trademarking underscores the meticulous planning and strategic positioning behind Poison's introduction to the market. By securing the name years ahead of its launch, Dior ensured that the brand identity and marketing efforts could align seamlessly with the fragrance's unveiling. This foresight also suggests a deliberate effort to create anticipation and buzz surrounding Poison, leveraging the power of its name as a key element in its market strategy.

Ultimately, the trademarking of "Poison" in 1983 not only protected the brand but also facilitated a coordinated and impactful launch in 1985, positioning the fragrance to make a memorable entrance into the competitive world of perfumery. This strategic approach highlights Christian Dior's commitment to maintaining its legacy while adapting to the evolving tastes and trends of the industry.

Biehn said the name was chosen because it is “revolutionary. It‘s an adventurous name for an adventurous product. The name was definitely created to make you pause,...you gift the gift of ‘Poison‘ to a perfume who lives that type of life.” She added that, "With so many new fragrance introductions, one has to have something [like a name] to make the customer stop and say 'Oh my goodness, what is that?' It's interesting to note that in Europe, the word Poison - in French it is poizon - is understood in a trendy sense. For example, she is a poison, translates to, she is a special woman, different, a character."

 “We were looking for something to shock the consumer,” Bill Slater, then the senior vice president and general manager of Christian Dior in New York, said in an interview, "the name is provocative and it stops the customer, each year it becomes more difficult" to attract the public's attention."

“With Poison, we wanted to say something, shocking in all languages," Slater said. Why would anyone choose the name Poison for perfume? Slater stated that “if someone says to you, “Would you like to smell poison?” you’re interested because everyone wants to know what Poison smells like. "It's all in how Poison is going to be taken. It's not done with a skull and crossbones," warns Slater.

“It is an adventurous name for an adventurous product...you give the gift of “Poison” to a person who lives that type of life,” Biehn said. Moreover, Biehn highlighted the cultural and linguistic nuances of the name. In Europe, particularly in French where "poison" translates to "poizon," the word carries a trendy connotation. Biehn noted that saying "she is a poison" could imply describing someone as a special, different, or charismatic individual with a distinct personality.

This dual-layered approach—leveraging the evocative nature of the word "Poison" in English and its stylish resonance in French—underscores Dior's intention to create a fragrance that not only stands out in a crowded market but also resonates deeply with consumers on a cultural and emotional level. By associating the name with adventurousness and uniqueness, Dior aimed to position Poison not just as a perfume, but as a statement of individuality and allure, appealing to those seeking something bold and distinctive in their fragrance choices.

“Poison is an innovative and daring concept in women’s fragrances,” says Biehn. “With so many new fragrances introduced each year, it is necessary to break through the noise surrounding these launches. We realize the name Poison is controversial, but we feel that as long as we handle every aspect of this fragrance nobly, there’s nothing to fear. Knowledgeable woman are not afraid to try Dior’s Poison, because they know it is harmless and enticing to men.”

Parfums Christian Dior boldly positioned Poison as more than just a fragrance—it was a revelation, a temptation, and a seduction rolled into one. Marketed with the tagline "a new temptation, a new seduction, a new emotion," Poison epitomized Dior's latest olfactory creation, promising an entirely fresh and captivating experience for perfume enthusiasts.

This declaration underscored Poison's role as a pivotal addition to Dior's fragrance portfolio, marking it as a departure from the ordinary and a leap into the extraordinary. With its distinctive blend of ingredients and unconventional composition, Poison aimed not only to allure but also to evoke profound emotional responses from its wearers.

In essence, Poison encapsulated Dior's commitment to innovation and its ability to create perfumes that transcended mere fragrance, becoming synonymous with desire, allure, and the art of seduction.

Designer Halston, who thought that the name Opium was “kind of an odd social statement,” found that the “naming of Poison to be an example of “the true decadence of the fashion business. I think it’s just being done to create controversy. You can’t tell people to go in and ask for a bottle of Poison.”

The department manager of Stamford, Connecticut’s Bloomingdales said that “People don’t like the name, but they think it’s a wonderful fragrance. I hear a lot of negative things about the name, but I hear some jokes too. Some people come by and say “Can I have some Poison?”. Some people were wondering whether the musky name Poison is consistent with the sweet floral scent of the perfume.

In 1986, the Daily Herald newspaper reported that Joan Kuffel, a nurse at River Trails Junior High School in Prospect, Illinois, explained why Northwest Suburban parents and teachers hoped to launch a national campaign to urge the Christian Dior company to change the name of its perfume, Poison, or to persuade television stations to ban its suggestive commercials. “How can you call something poison? We have taught (children) what poison is. Now all of a sudden poison is supposed to be sprayed all over their mother.”

The Scent:

Like many iconic perfumes, Poison’s journey began with its name long before its distinctive scent was formulated. More than three years prior to its grand debut, Maurice Roger, Dior’s international company president, secured the trademark for "Poison" and set a bold challenge for his team: create a revolutionary fragrance unlike any seen before. Over the ensuing years, nearly 800 sample scents were meticulously developed by independent perfumers in pursuit of this ambitious goal.

The culmination of this extensive research and experimentation led to a groundbreaking creation by Edouard Flechier of Roure Bertrand DuPont: a mauve-colored elixir that defied convention. Poison’s composition included a daring blend of wild berries, orange blossom, honey, Ceylonese cinnamon, Russian coriander, Malaysian pepper, amber notes, opoponax, and cistus labdanum. This eclectic mix was so unconventional that Dior proudly proclaimed it had not yet found a branch on the fragrance tree—an assertion of its unprecedented nature within perfumery.

Synthetically, Poison (Dior 1985) incorporated a carefully selected array of ingredients to enhance its allure and complexity. Aldehyde C18, gamma-decalactone, methyl salicylate, eugenol for carnation-like notes, and damascenones alpha and beta for their fruity-floral and honeyed nuances were among the key elements. Heliotropin provided a hint of heliotrope’s almond-like scent, while coumarin imparted a touch of tonka bean sweetness, and vanillin contributed its familiar vanilla essence. Most notably, methyl anthranilate played a pivotal role in intensifying the orange blossom and tuberose facets of the fragrance.

In essence, Poison emerged not just as a perfume, but as a testament to Dior’s relentless pursuit of innovation and distinction in the realm of fragrance, embodying a blend of artistry and audacity that set it apart from its contemporaries.

Poison is classified as a soft oriental fragrance for women. It has a top note or Russian coriander, Malaysian pepper and Ceylonese cinnamon, fruity notes of wild berries and orange blossom, honey and amber notes of labdanum.

• Top notes: aldehydes, West Indian pimento, bay, Sicilian mandarin, Zanzibar clove, plum, Calabrian bergamot, Malaysian pepper and Russian coriander
• Middle notes: Ceylonese cinnamon, French carnation, wild berries, Tunisian orange blossom, Provencal honey, lily of the valley, Grasse rose, French orris, myrrh, peach and Egyptian jasmine
• Base notes: Abyssinian civet, ambergris, incense, Tibetan musk, benzoin, labdanum, myrrh, opoponax, Canadian castoreum, Atlas cedar and Mysore sandalwood

The Flacon:

The design of Poison's bottle was a result of meticulous research, crafted to evoke a sense of allure and mystique. Shaped like an apple, it was specifically engineered to fit snugly in the palm of one's hand, creating an intimate and tactile connection with the user. This design choice inevitably brings to mind iconic cultural references such as Snow White's poisoned apple or Eve's fateful bite from the tree of knowledge, imbuing the fragrance with a narrative of temptation and intrigue.

The color scheme chosen for Poison further enhances its distinctive appeal. Amethyst purple and emerald green were deliberately selected to stand out boldly among other fragrance brands. According to Jean Pierre Lippmann, president of Dior's US operations, these hues were perceived as rich and different, adding a luxurious and enigmatic aura to the product.

Interestingly, the exact shade of these colors was not entirely planned. Lippmann revealed that the amethyst purple and emerald green emerged unexpectedly due to a miscalculation during the development of a promotional film roll. This serendipitous discovery resulted in a stunning visual presentation for Poison: a crystal ball stopper crowning an amethyst-hued bottle, encased in an emerald green moire presentation case. This harmonious blend of colors and textures not only underscored Poison's opulent image but also reinforced its mystical and alluring qualities, making it a standout in the world of luxury perfumery.

Poison was originally available in the following concentrations:

Esprit de Parfum (still being sold in 1996).

• 1.7 oz Splash
• 1 oz Splash
• 0.5 oz Splash
• 1 oz Spray
• 0.33 oz Refillable purse spray

Esprit de Parfum Concentration Proche du Parfum - "soft perfume concentration" (debuted in 1987, still being sold in 1992).

 

Eau de Toilette

• 0.17 oz Mini Spray
• 1.7 oz Spray
• 3.4 oz Spray
• 6.8 oz Spray
• 1.7 oz Splash
• 3.4 oz Splash
• 6.8 oz Spash

Eau de Cologne:

• 0.25 oz Refillable purse spray
• 1 oz Spray
• 1.7 oz Spray
• 3.4 oz Spray
• 6.8 oz Spray

Christian Dior also followed up with other versions of Poison, including a softer smelling Poison Light Cologne in June 1989.

Light Cologne (still sold in 1994)

• 1.7 oz Splash
• 3.4 oz Spray
• 3.4 oz Splash

The European & Australian Launch:

The launch of Poison at Galeries Lafayette in Paris in October 1985 was nothing short of spectacular. It drew immense excitement, accompanied by extensive media coverage and throngs of eager attendees. The event featured a dramatic display where a giant replica of the Poison bottle, illuminated by lasers, hung from the ceiling—an extravagant spectacle that captivated the imagination of Parisians. The fragrance quickly became a sensation, with Jacques Perusse of Prestilux noting that it sold at a staggering rate of one bottle every 50 seconds at Galeries Lafayette alone, underscoring its instant appeal and popularity.


Across Europe, Poison continued to garner widespread acclaim and demand. At Harrod’s in London, the fragrance was prominently featured as the centerpiece of the Christmas catalog, highlighting its status as a must-have item. In Singapore's CK Tang department store, Poison dominated the scene, showcased in boutiques on every floor, displayed in windows, and prominently advertised throughout the store. Customers eagerly embraced the fragrance, purchasing it at a remarkable rate of one bottle every 42 seconds, illustrating its rapid adoption and consumer favor.


In Australia, Poison received a lavish introduction with a promotional campaign that included a grand launching party, press luncheons, cinema and magazine advertisements, and extensive in-store promotions. The investment totaled $500,000, underscoring the brand's commitment to making a memorable impact in the Australian market. The fragrance quickly ascended to the top spot in numerous countries across Europe, including France, Italy, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and the Middle East, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

The North American Launch:

Poison's entry into North America via Vancouver in July 1986, coinciding with Expo '86, marked a significant milestone. It swiftly outsold four other Dior fragrances upon its introduction, demonstrating its immediate popularity among Canadian consumers. An exclusive launch at Eaton’s stores further boosted its visibility and sales, followed by widespread availability in major Canadian retailers like Bretton’s, the Bay, and Holt Renfrew by August 25th of the same year. Poison's rapid expansion and overwhelming success overseas not only validated Dior's strategic investment but also cemented its reputation as an iconic fragrance in the annals of perfumery history.

Dior's investment in promoting Poison was substantial, with a reported $10 million allocated towards advertising the fragrance, as noted by Bill Slater. This hefty budget underscored Dior's strategic commitment to launching Poison with maximum impact and visibility in the market.

Dior's ambitious investment in Poison reflected its strategic ambition to bolster its position in the competitive fragrance market, as emphasized by Bill Slater. With hopes pinned on Poison, Dior aimed not only to solidify its place in the top ranks of the fragrance and cosmetics sector in the US but also to achieve greater market penetration and increased sales volume.

Slater articulated Dior's stance succinctly: "We're hoping Poison is a springboard...and will help project us into greater volume." He underscored the necessity for bold, decisive action in the market, stating, "You can't tiptoe into this market, you have to march." This attitude highlighted Dior's proactive approach to leveraging Poison as a catalyst for growth and market expansion.

Allan G. Mottus, a cosmetics consultant, emphasized the critical importance of Poison's success to Christian Dior's reputation and credibility in the American fragrance market. According to Mottus, Dior had struggled to establish a significant presence with its fragrances in the US, making Poison a pivotal opportunity to gain favor with American retailers and consumers alike. However, he also noted the high stakes involved—if Poison were to fail, it could potentially undermine Dior's standing and hinder future attempts to penetrate the American market effectively.

Mottus highlighted key differences between the preferences of American and European consumers when it comes to fragrances. In the US, there is a preference for longer-lasting scents that do not require frequent reapplication throughout the day—a contrast to European habits where lighter, more ephemeral fragrances are often favored. Poison's formulation, designed to be potent and enduring, thus aligned well with American tastes and preferences, enhancing its appeal in the competitive US market.

Moreover, Mottus pointed out that Americans generally prefer stronger fragrances, which further bolstered Poison's potential in the American market. This characteristic catered to the desire for impactful scents that make a lasting impression.

Another factor influencing fragrance consumption in the US is demographic aging. As Mottus noted, the American consumer base is increasingly composed of older individuals whose sense of smell may diminish with age. This demographic shift underscores the importance of offering fragrances that are potent and long-lasting, ensuring they remain perceptible and appealing to a broader audience.

In essence, Poison's strategic formulation and marketing approach reflected Dior's keen understanding of American consumer preferences and the nuanced dynamics of the US fragrance market. Its successful reception in the US would not only validate Dior's efforts but also pave the way for future successes in this crucial market segment.

To further enhance its debut, Poison was initially offered exclusively at Bloomingdale's stores across nine key locations in the United States, including Stamford, Connecticut. This exclusivity agreement meant that Bloomingdale's had the sole rights to sell Poison until September 1986. This approach not only created anticipation and buzz around the fragrance but also allowed Dior to leverage Bloomingdale's prestige and extensive reach to introduce Poison to American consumers in a controlled and targeted manner.

Following this exclusive period, Poison made its debut in other retail outlets, expanding its availability nationwide. This phased rollout strategy enabled Dior to manage distribution strategically and capitalize on the initial momentum generated by its high-profile launch at Bloomingdale's.

Dior's investment in both advertising and strategic retail partnerships played a crucial role in positioning Poison as a standout fragrance in the competitive market of the mid-1980s, setting the stage for its enduring success and popularity.

Initial results from Poison's launch were promising, with sales amounting to $500,000 by early August, marking it as the most successful launch in Dior's history up to that point. However, Slater acknowledged that the ultimate test lay not just in the launch but in sustained consumer interest and resale performance. He noted that Poison had already made a significant impact in test markets across the USA, France, England, and Japan, with strong resale figures particularly noted in Europe.

At higher-end department stores across the United States, Dior's promotional efforts for Poison were nothing short of extravagant and meticulously orchestrated. The displays were as grandiose as the significant investment behind them, aiming to captivate and entice potential customers with a blend of luxury and allure.

In these prestigious retail spaces, giant facsimiles of Poison bottles in vivid purple hues dominated the visual landscape, accompanied by free-flowing scented peacock feathers that added a touch of elegance and sensory appeal to the ambiance. Models, dressed impeccably in green jackets and black skirts, not only showcased the fragrance but embodied its sophisticated and glamorous essence, acting as living advertisements for its debut.

Dior's advertising campaign for Poison mirrored this lavish presentation. Across various media channels, including print and possibly television, the imagery featured a striking contrast: a heavily made-up model holding a bottle of Poison, exuding confidence and allure, with a panther lurking in the background. This juxtaposition of beauty and danger underscored Poison's bold and seductive nature, appealing directly to the desires and fantasies of its target audience.

Collectively, these efforts across upscale department stores in the US solidified Poison's introduction as a momentous event in the world of perfumery. By combining theatrical displays with compelling visual narratives, Dior successfully positioned Poison not just as a fragrance but as a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and empowerment for the modern woman.

Awards:

Poison's accolades solidified its status as an iconic fragrance in the world of perfumery. In 1986, it was awarded the prestigious Catherine de Medici's Award for fragrance of the year, a testament to its immediate impact and enduring appeal. This recognition underscored Poison's innovation and excellence in scent composition, setting it apart from its contemporaries.

Two years later, Poison further cemented its legacy by winning the equally esteemed FiFi award. This accolade, bestowed by The Fragrance Foundation, recognized Poison as a standout fragrance that continued to captivate and resonate with consumers worldwide. The FiFi award reinforced Poison's position not only as a commercial success but also as a masterpiece of olfactory artistry, celebrated for its distinctive blend of ingredients and its ability to evoke emotions and memories through its scent.

These prestigious awards not only validated Dior's vision and dedication in creating Poison but also highlighted its enduring popularity and influence in the fragrance industry. Poison's journey from launch to award-winning status underscored its impact on perfume culture, solidifying its place as a timeless and iconic fragrance in the hearts of perfume enthusiasts globally.

Ancillary Products:

The company also debuted a complete Poison bath line including soaps and lotions. 

Introduced in 1985, the bangle bracelet for the perfume Poison exemplifies Christian Dior's innovation and elegance in the realm of fragrance accessories. This unique piece doubles as a functional perfume bottle, ingeniously designed to be worn as a bracelet. Crafted with black and green enameled brass detailing and adorned with clear crystal ends, the bracelet exudes a luxurious aesthetic that reflects the sophistication synonymous with the Dior brand.

The practicality of the design is highlighted by one of the crystal ends, which unscrews to reveal a compartment for storing the Poison fragrance. With an outside circumference measuring 11 1/2 inches and a diameter of 4 inches, the bracelet strikes a balance between statement jewelry and a discreet perfume container. It bears the signatures "Poison," "Christian Dior," and "Paris," marking it as an exclusive and collectible piece from the renowned fashion house.

This bracelet perfume bottle not only serves as a testament to Dior's commitment to blending fashion and fragrance but also exemplifies the brand's ability to create functional yet exquisite accessories that appeal to both fashion enthusiasts and perfume aficionados alike.

Today, you can still purchase Poison on Dior's website (2023).

• 0.5 oz Extrait 
• 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

Success is Spelled F-L-A-N-K-E-R:

Since its acclaimed launch, Poison has maintained its legacy of success within the fragrance industry, spawning a series of highly anticipated flankers that have captivated perfume enthusiasts worldwide. The first in this lineage was Tendre Poison in 1994, offering a softer and more delicate interpretation of the original Poison's allure. This was followed by Hypnotic Poison in 1998, characterized by its seductive blend of vanilla and almond notes, which further expanded Poison's allure into new realms of allure and mystery.

In 2004, Pure Poison emerged as a fresh and airy counterpart, celebrating the purity and elegance with its white floral composition. Midnight Poison followed in 2007, embodying a darker and more intense interpretation, evoking the allure of a midnight rendezvous with its blend of patchouli and amber. Most recently, Poison Girl made its debut in 2016, targeting a younger audience with its vibrant and playful composition that blends bitter orange, rose, and vanilla.

Throughout its evolution, Poison has also seen the release of various limited edition flacons, each offering collectors and enthusiasts new interpretations of its iconic fragrance. These flankers and special editions have not only expanded Poison's reach and appeal but also reinforced its status as a timeless and versatile fragrance series that continues to resonate with diverse tastes and preferences across generations.

Tendre Poison was created by Edouard Flechier in 1994. The bottle design is the work of Veronique Monod. Unfortunately, this fragrance is currently discontinued.

• Top notes:  Brazilian rosewood,  asafoetida, mandarin orange, galbanum and tangerine
• Middle notes: rose, freesia, tuberose, honey, and orange blossom
• Base notes: heliotrope, sandalwood, musk, and vanilla

CLICK HERE TO FIND TENDRE POISON BY DIOR

Hypnotic Poison was created by Annick Menardo and launched in 1998. Hypnotic Poison appears to have had a reformulation around 2006, then again in 2009, it may have also been reformulated in 2011.

• Top notes: caraway, allspice, apricot, plum and coconut
• Middle notes: tuberose, sambac jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, rose and Brazilian rosewood
• Base notes: jacaranda wood, musk, sandalwood, almond, and vanilla

CLICK HERE TO FIND HYPNOTIC POISON BY DIOR 

Today, you can still purchase Hypnotic Poison on Dior's website (2023).

• 0.6 oz Eau de Toilette Roll-On 
• 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

Pure Poison was created by Carlos Benaim, Dominique Ropion and Olivier Polge in 2004. Pure Poison appears to have had a reformulation around 2011.

• Top notes: Sicilian mandarin, sweet orange, bergamot, and jasmine
• Middle notes: gardenia, and orange blossom
• Base notes: musk, cedarwood, sandalwood, and white amber

CLICK HERE TO FIND PURE POISON BY DIOR

Today, you can still purchase Pure Poison on Dior's website (2023).

• 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

Midnight Poison created by Jacques Cavallier and Olivier Cresp of Firmenich in collaboration with Francois Demachy of LVMH in 2007. Midnight Poison appears to have had a reformulation around 2011. The original bottles have silver toned collars, on the reformulated bottles, the collar is gold toned. Unfortunately, Midnight Poison was discontinued in December of 2013.

• Top notes: mandarin and bergamot
• Middle notes: black rose
• Base notes: patchouli, amber and French vanilla

CLICK HERE TO FIND MIDNIGHT POISON BY DIOR

Poison Girl was created by Francois Demachy in 2016. It is classified as an oriental vanilla fragrance for women.

• Top notes: Sicilian bitter orange, lemon
• Middle notes: Grasse May rose, Damask rose, orange blossom
• Base notes: Venezuelan tonka bean, Sri Lanka sandalwood, tolu balm, almond,vanilla, heliotrope, Cashmeran

 

CLICK HERE TO FIND POISON GIRL BY DIOR

Today, you can find Poison Girl at Dior's website (2023):

• 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum Spray
• 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray 
• 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

Limited Editions & Collector's Flacons:

The Seductress Amulets:

In 2006, the house of Dior released the Seductress Amulets. These are limited edition 15 ml phial shaped purse sprays in Poison, Pure Poison, Tendre Poison and Hypnotic Poison; each comes with 2 refills and is packaged in a satin pouch with funnels. These originally retailed at $50 each.

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE POISON AMULETS

L`Elixir:


In cooperation with perfumer Francois Demachy , Dior presented three new versions of already existing perfumes Midnight Poison, Hypnotic Poison and Pure Poison, in the form of an "elixir" in 2008. Presented in their traditional bottle colors and fitted with retro-glamour atomizers. 30 and 50 ml. (Eau de Parfum)

L`Elixir Hypnotic Poison features licorice, star anise, jasmine and vanilla.

L'Elixir Midnight Poison features caramel and vanilla.

L'Elixir Pure Poison features petitgrain, green mandarin orange, orange blossom, Sambac jasmine, sandalwood, bitter-sweet almond, vanilla and cocoa bean absolute.

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE POISON L'ELIXIRS

Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle:

Hypnotic Poison Eau Sensuelle: created by Francois Demachy in 2010. Unfortunately, this fragrance has been discontinued.

• Top notes: Damascus rose, ylang ylang and orange blossom absolute
• Middle notes: tuberose, vanilla orchid, and green leaves
• Base notes: vanilla, sandalwood, and musk

CLICK HERE TO FIND HYPNOTIC POISON EAU SENSUELLE BY DIOR

Valentine's Day Collector Flacons:

For Valentine's Day 2008, Dior presented a limited edition trilogy including Pure Poison, Hypnotic Poison and Midnight Poison. The fragrances are available as 40ml (1.4 oz) eau de toilette bottles. The beautiful bottle designs were inspired by 17th-century Chinese carved jade snuff bottles. Floral motifs which just like a lace touch and capture the bottles are perfectly adjusted to its curves.

Original prices were:

• Hypnotic Poison Collector, Eau de Toilette Vaporisateur 40 ml (1.4 oz.fl.) – €64,13 
• Pure Poison Collector, Eau de Toilette Vaporisateur 40ml (1.4 oz.fl.) – €74,26€ 
• Midnight Poison Collector, Eau de Toilette Vaporisateur 40ml (1.4 oz.fl.) – €74,26 

Success Also Spawns Imitation:

Poison also had its imitators. With its slogan `If You Like Dior's Poison, You'll Love Turmoil.' Parfums de Coeur had sales of the fragrance of $60 million in 1986 . 

Fabulous Fakes also created a copycat fragrance which they touted “If you like Poison, try our No. 56.”

Beware of Fakes! Poison has been terribly faked. Here are some photos of a fake bottle and box that I had received in a large lot of Poison perfumes. I have found that the fake Poison boxes are imprinted with the same batch code "7A01" and the bottle has the same batch code. Shown in comparison is my own bottle of genuine Poison.

 Notice the shape of the collar.

 The name Poison and Dior is a gleaming metallic gold finish on the real one,but a dull gold on the fake.

 The genuine cap is thicker and not as opaque as the fake.

 The genuine spray head has CD on the top, this is missing on the fake.

 Notice the difference in the labels.

The mold lines in the fake bottle are not smooth on the genuine bottle.

Notice the printing on the box is off center here.

For more photo comparisons and tutorials on fake Poisons, please see the individual entries on Hypnotic Poison, Pure Poison, Midnight Poison and Tendre Poison.