Dior Poison Eau de Toilette for Women 100ml

Dior Poison is one of the most significant and culturally loaded fragrances ever made. Launched in 1985 and created by perfumer Edouard Fléchier, it was immediately controversial — deliberately so. The name, the dark red apple-shaped bottle and the fragrance itself were all designed to provoke: heavy, opulent, unapologetically bold, it was the antithesis of the clean, light fragrances that had dominated the decade before it. It was reportedly banned from some restaurants and offices because of its intensity. It went on to become one of the best-selling fragrances of the 1980s and one of the most imitated compositions of the following decade. Nearly forty years after its launch it remains in continuous production and is one of the few fragrances from that era that still commands genuine cultural recognition rather than nostalgic novelty. The note structure — spiced fruit and berry opening, a dense floral heart of jasmine, rose and carnation with cinnamon and incense, a warm amber-sandalwood-vanilla base — is a textbook example of the oriental floral style at its most confident.

The Scent

Top notes — Plum, wild berries, pimento, coriander. A spiced, fruity opening that is immediately rich and dark rather than light or fresh. Plum gives a jammy, slightly sweet fruitiness; wild berries add depth; pimento brings a warm, slightly clove-like spice; coriander adds a slightly green, herbal quality that lifts the opening before the floral heart develops.

Heart notes — Jasmine, rose, carnation, cinnamon, incense. The heart is the densest and most complex part of Poison. Jasmine at this concentration is rich and slightly indolic; rose adds classic femininity; carnation brings a spiced, clove-like quality that works with the cinnamon to give the heart its characteristic warmth. Incense adds a smoky, slightly resinous depth that transitions the composition towards the base. Together the heart is full, opulent and deliberately rich — this is not a fragrance that apologises for itself.

Base notes — Amber, sandalwood, vetiver, vanilla. A warm, deep base built for longevity. Amber gives the dry-down its characteristic warmth and sweetness; sandalwood adds a creamy, woody depth; vetiver contributes an earthy, slightly smoky quality that grounds the sweetness; vanilla softens the whole base and gives it a comfortable, skin-close finish. The base is what carries Poison through the day and into the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Poison a heavy fragrance?
Yes — Poison is one of the most intense mainstream fragrances ever produced. It was designed to be bold and opulent, and it projects accordingly. If you enjoy light, fresh or quiet fragrances, Poison is likely to feel overwhelming. If you love rich, complex oriental florals with strong presence and longevity, it is one of the finest examples of the style. Apply with restraint — one or two sprays to pulse points is sufficient.

Why is it called Poison?
The name was deliberately provocative when chosen by Dior in 1985 — part of a broader strategy to create a fragrance with a strong, subversive identity at a time when most luxury fragrance names were romantic or floral. The apple-shaped bottle reinforces the reference to the poisoned apple of mythology. The campaign, the name, the bottle and the scent itself were all designed as a cohesive, deliberately bold statement — which is a significant part of why Poison became a cultural phenomenon rather than just a commercial success.

How does the EDT differ from the EDP?
Poison Eau de Toilette is the original concentration and the most widely known version. It is somewhat lighter than the Eau de Parfum concentration — though “lighter” is relative when discussing Poison; even the EDT is a bold, projecting fragrance. The EDT is typically considered the definitive version of Poison as it is the concentration in which the fragrance was originally conceived and launched.

Is this a good gift?
Yes — Poison is one of the most recognisable names in fragrance history and the dark red apple bottle is an immediately striking and elegant gift object. It suits those who love rich, oriental fragrances with depth and presence. Bear in mind the intensity before gifting to someone who prefers fresh or light scents — Poison has a very strong character that will not suit everyone. The 50ml is available if you prefer a smaller gift size.

What is your delivery policy?
We offer free standard UK delivery on all orders over £50.

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