Ciao by Houbigant c1980

Ciao by Houbigant: launched in 1980. Created by Givaudan Perfumers. Pronounced "chow."

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a rich, floral-chypre fragrance for women.  It starts with a citrusy, spicy, fruity top, followed by a sweet floral heart, resting on a warm, mossy and powdery base. 

It was originally billed as a semi-oriental fragrance with a heart of osmanthus, a rare Oriental flower so fragrant, the makers said that one bush can scent a whole temple garden. It was believed that this was the first time that osmanthus was used as a key essence in perfume. This exotic blossom is intertwined with jasmine from Italy for the main floral theme and blended with a hint of hyacinth, cassis (black currants) and roses from Turkey. The woody, green, mossy chypre note, composed of oakmoss, sandalwood and patchouli, gives warmth, depth and lasting quality to the fragrance.

• Top notes: fruity note, lemon, rosewood, basil, cumin, green notes, osmanthus
• Middle notes: jasmine, lily of the valley, carnation, ylang ylang, orris, hyacinth, cassis, rose
• Base notes: oakmoss, benzoin, sandalwood, musk, amber, leather, patchouli, cedar, vetiver

Chypre type of rich floral, combining oakmoss and woodsy notes with a touch of citrus and green notes.

Ciao was available in the following (with the original 1987 retail prices):

• Parfum 1.0 oz... $130.00...($90 in 1981)
• Parfum 0.5 oz... $80.00 ....($50 in 1981)
• Parfum 0.25 oz...$60.00....($30 in 1981, $45 in 1984)
• Parfum Spray 0.25 oz...$32.50 
• Parfum Spray Refill 0.25 oz... $22.50 
• Eau de Parfum Spray 2.5 oz...$27.50....($25 in 1984)
• Eau de Parfum Spray 1.5 oz ...$21.00...($18.50 in 1984)
• Shower Gel
• Body Lotion
• Powder
• Soap

Cosmopolitan, 1980:

"A La Dolce Vita in a bottle— that's the beguiling appeal of Houbigant's Ciao, a vibrant meld of over 200 ingredients. Officially described in perfumer's lingo as a “semioriental floral chypre,“ the offbeat fragrance has oodles of oomph."

Ladies Home Journal, 1980:

" A rare oriental flower, the heady osmanthus, forms the base of this ravishing new scent. Ciao by L'Intemational Houbigant. Eau de Cologne, 4 oz... $15"

Playbill, 1980:

"You know that stylish international salutation, "Ciao"? Now it names a perfume, a semi-oriental, floral chypre with plenty of Italian ... By L'lnternational Houbigant, ounce, $90"

Bottle:

The perfume is glamourously package, designed like a European boutique "shadow box" with a transparent window encasing a mirror bright silvery backdrop. Concealed behind this facade is the hand-polished French perfume bottle.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued by 1992.

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