When I first heard the term “flanker” I remember scratching my head. What in the heck is a perfume flanker? The only other time I’d heard the term used was in football for wide receiver. In the world of fragrance, a flanker is the term used to describe a perfume released as a sequel to a previously released scent. You can think of it as a 2.0 or spin-off of the earlier version.
The idea makes sense, right? Consider the number of sequels that are constantly released in the film industry: Superman (5), Alien (7), Hellraiser (8) and Star Trek (10). The same concept that’s proven to be a winning formula in film is clearly working in perfumery as well. It’s easier to double down on the success of an existing hit than to start from scratch for a new formula which may or may not be successful.
You only have to look at any perfume counter to realize how commonplace this trend is. In some cases the flanker ends up selling as well or even better than the original scent. Sure there’s too many of them, some say WAY too many, but they aren’t all dumbed down versions of the original. Some have become famous perfumes in their own right.
There are several different breeds of flankers. The most common is the alteration of the original perfume flanker, which starts out seemingly the same as the prototype but then amplifies a particular accord or adds a new note to alter the impression. Another type is the seasonal flanker. Some perfume houses release “summer” editions of their fragrances, which are typically lighter versions of the originals, more appropriate to warmer weather. Yet another type of flanker is the symbolic variety, where the scent smells completely different and is merely capitalizing on the name of its predecessor.
Flankers often have the same name as an earlier release but with another word or two added, i.e. Chanel Coco and Coco Mademoiselle or Dior Poison and Hypnotic Poison. They often come in the same or very similar bottle with changes in the color of the juice or an added decorative detail on the packaging.
Some perfumes have just one flanker but the majority have multiple flankers of the pillar fragrance. Most often flankers are released within one to five years after the original. Calvin Klein has been regularly releasing annual flankers of CK One Summer since 2004 and flankers of L’Eau d’Issey are in the double digits.
L’Eau d’Issey Issey Miyake perfume
With almost half of all annual fragrance launches being flankers, the obvious question is which ones would be successful on their own rights. I obviously can’t compare them all but from the ones that I have, these are clear winners over their originals:
Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior
Hypnotic Poison by Christian Dior – The original Poison with its legendary spicy, woody and fruity notes is mesmerizing but this flanker has a seductive softness that blooms on your skin. It’s incredibly deep, dark and sexy.
Sensuous Nude – a lovely warm, creamy and romantic scent
Sensuous Nude by Estee Lauder – While the original Sensuous is a very pretty woody oriental, Sensuous Nude has a subtle coconut-infused lusciousness with just the right amount of musk and powder. I also prefer Sensuous Noir to the pillar fragrance but this is my favorite of the gang.
Tom Ford Orchid Soleil – Black Orchid flanker
Tom Ford Orchid Soleil – Tom Ford’s first scent, Black Orchid, is loved by men and women around the world and does indeed have a gorgeous opening. But I actually prefer its summer version, Orchid Soleil, with its intoxicating blend of tuberose and vanilla. This warm, glow scent is an instant mood booster. Count me a fan! ?
Is there a flanker that you prefer even more than the original? Feel free to chime in below with your thoughts on flanker hits and/or misses!
Until the next time,
This is a very good article on the idea of a flanker. After reading this post, I feel very informed on this subject and very well educated. This is something I will consider the next time I buy perfume.
Hi Latricia,
I’m glad it was useful. Most people don’t know what a flanker is unless they read perfume blogs or fragrance reviews in magazines.
Thanks for popping in and hope to see you back!
Erica
Hello Erica, thanks for the interesting blog on flankers. I never knew what a flanker was until reading your blog and realized that it is nothing more than a sequel to the original fragrance. Me personally, I prefer to stick to the original then to try out the next thing, but sometimes I think to myself, maybe I should try out the next big thing and maybe I will enjoy it better than the original. My favorite cologne is Hugo Boss, something to have me smelling good for the women lls. Soon, I plan to try out other Hugo Boss fragrances. Continue to do what you do and I wish you the best of luck in your online business!!!
Hey Ahmed,
The original Hugo Boss is great stuff. I dated someone who wore it years ago and remember it lasted for hours. There have been so many new ones since then it’s hard to keep track. One I’ve heard good things about but haven’t smelled is Boss in Motion. I wish you luck as well with the lucky ladies lol!
Thanks for dropping by:)
Erica
I never realized perfume companies were making flankers. I always thought new editions (which usually run under a different name) were totally new formulas.
Thank you for this education. I will know this the next time I buy perfume for my wife, and will ask the salesperson behind the counter for the latest flanker of her favorite perfume at the time. Her favorite changes every couple of months.
Hi Mike,
Not all perfumes have flankers but many do especially if they’re popular mainstream perfumes. If you want to surprise your wife with a new scent that would be one way to go, just be prepared that it will likely smell quite different than her current favorite. Good luck and thanks for dropping by!
Erica