Dior launched the Poison fragrance in 1985.
Poison was introduced by Parfums Christian Dior as a bold women’s fragrance created by perfumer Édouard Fléchier. It stood apart from Dior’s earlier naming tradition: unlike fragrances such as Miss Dior or Diorissimo, Poison did not use the founder’s name. Its provocative title and intense composition were central to its identity.
The fragrance combined spicy, fruity, floral, and ambery effects. Notable listed notes include coriander, plum, tuberose, cinnamon, honey, rose, jasmine, sandalwood, vanilla, and musk. Its deep amethyst, apple-shaped bottle reinforced the idea of forbidden fruit and gave the product an immediately recognizable visual signature.
Poison’s success led Dior to build a family of related fragrances rather than treating it as a one-off release. Tendre Poison followed in 1994, Hypnotic Poison in 1998, Pure Poison in 2004, Midnight Poison in 2007, and Poison Girl in 2016. These flankers share the Poison name but differ substantially in scent profile and bottle design.