"Tres L.A.," launched in 1988 by Impulse, a division of Prince Matchabelli, was a fragrance designed to capture the vibrant essence of Los Angeles with a touch of glamour. The name "Tres L.A." blends French and American elements, with "Tres" being French for "very" or "too," and "L.A." referring to Los Angeles. This choice of name effectively evokes a sense of sophistication and allure while simultaneously positioning the fragrance within the context of the trendy and youthful Californian lifestyle.
In the late 1980s, the fragrance market was marked by a strong emphasis on bold, distinctive scents and a growing preference for perfumes that mirrored the dynamic culture of the time. "Tres L.A." was designed to resonate with young women aged 18 to 25, who were seeking an alternative to the more mature and opulent fragrances like Giorgio by Giorgio Beverly Hills. The name "Tres L.A." conjures images of sun-soaked beaches, the glitz of Hollywood, and a lifestyle marked by high energy and youthful exuberance. It suggests a perfume that embodies a fun, carefree attitude—perfect for the fashion-forward and adventurous spirit of the era.
The scent itself is a sweet, fruity floral with a powdery chypre base, aligning with the decade's trends towards rich, sweet, and youthful compositions. This fragrance was positioned as a more accessible and less intimidating choice compared to its high-end counterparts. By offering a similar olfactory profile to Giorgio without the high price tag, "Tres L.A." catered to younger consumers who might find the original fragrance too sophisticated or expensive.
Overall, "Tres L.A." stands out as a product that successfully tapped into the cultural zeitgeist of the late 1980s. It capitalized on the growing desire for youthful, vibrant scents while leveraging the appeal of Los Angeles as a symbol of modern glamour and fun.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? I cannot find a list of the fragrance notes so I am testing a spray from my bottle to tell you what it smells like. I would classify it as a sweet fruity floral fragrance for women with a powdery chypre base. The first spray smells so much like vintage Giorgio by Giorgio Beverly Hills.
- Top notes: apricot, mandarin, Calabrian bergamot, frangipani, peach
- Middle notes: gardenia, violet, jasmine, orange blossom, tuberose, ylang ylang
- Base notes: vanilla, patchouli, Tibetan musk, Mysore sandalwood, Abyssinian ambergris, oakmoss, benzoin
Scent Profile:
When first encountering Tres L.A., the top notes create a vibrant and welcoming impression. Apricot and peach burst forth with a juicy, sun-kissed sweetness, evoking the lushness of a summer orchard. Mandarin adds a zesty, tangy twist that brightens the fragrance with its fresh citrusy scent.
Calabrian bergamot introduces a sophisticated, slightly bitter citrus note, which blends seamlessly with the fruity elements, enhancing the overall brightness. The tropical aroma of frangipani contributes a creamy, floral nuance, while the peach accentuates the fragrance's lush, juicy character, making it feel both opulent and inviting.
As the fragrance evolves, the heart reveals a rich floral bouquet. Gardenia and tuberose present their lush, creamy textures, filling the air with a heady, exotic sweetness. Gardenia's velvety smoothness merges beautifully with the tuberose's intense, intoxicating scent. Violet adds a powdery, slightly green floral note that balances the richness of the gardenia and tuberose.
Jasmine and orange blossom bring a classic, full-bodied floral intensity, with jasmine's heady, sensual aroma complemented by the sweet, honeyed undertones of orange blossom. Ylang ylang further enriches this floral symphony with its exotic, rich, and slightly fruity scent, creating a complex and enchanting heart.
The base notes of Tres L.A. settle into a warm, sensual embrace. Vanilla introduces a comforting, sweet creaminess that lingers on the skin, adding depth and richness to the fragrance. Patchouli brings an earthy, woody undertone with a hint of spiciness, grounding the scent and adding a touch of sophistication.
Tibetan musk contributes a soft, animalic warmth, enhancing the fragrance's sensuality with its subtle, yet profound depth. Mysore sandalwood adds a creamy, woody richness that blends seamlessly with the other base notes, while Abyssinian ambergris imparts a unique, rich, and slightly marine quality, adding complexity and a hint of luxury. Oakmoss and benzoin round out the base with their earthy, resinous facets, adding a touch of depth and a lingering, powdery finish.
Overall, Tres L.A. offers a captivating olfactory experience that unfolds beautifully from its fresh, fruity top through its lush floral heart to its warm, sensual base, making it a distinctive and appealing fragrance for the youthful, adventurous spirit.
Fate of the Fragrance:
Tres L.A., a fragrance that once captured the essence of youthful glamour and sophistication, was discontinued in the early 1990s. This decision marked the end of a scent that had become synonymous with the vibrant and dynamic spirit of the late 1980s. Tres L.A. had been a notable addition to the perfume market, characterized by its sweet, fruity floral profile with a powdery chypre base, and it quickly resonated with a young audience seeking a more accessible alternative to the more mature and expensive fragrances of the time.
The discontinuation of Tres L.A. reflects the transient nature of the fragrance industry, where trends shift rapidly, and consumer preferences evolve. Despite its departure from the market, Tres L.A. remains a nostalgic symbol of a particular era, embodying the energy and optimism of the late 1980s. Its blend of apricot, mandarin, and peach with the rich floral heart of gardenia, jasmine, and tuberose, followed by a base of vanilla, patchouli, and sandalwood, left a memorable impression on those who embraced it.
For many, Tres L.A. represents a cherished memory of a time when fragrances were not just about scent but also about the lifestyle and attitude they conveyed. Its discontinuation has only heightened its allure among collectors and enthusiasts, making it a sought-after piece of perfume history that continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the era it represented.
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