In 1994, Victoria’s Secret introduced Essences De Voyage, a line of feminine, vanilla-centric fragrances created as a direct response to the success of a rising competitor: Comptoir Sud Pacifique. Known since 1974 for their luxurious, travel-inspired vanilla perfumes, Comptoir Sud Pacifique had finally expanded into the U.S. market by 1992, selling their "Parfums du Voyage" line at upscale retailers such as Barneys New York. Their fragrances were indulgent and aspirational, priced at $75 for an eau de toilette and the same price for a signature vanilla-scented candle encased in a reusable teak container. CSP's fragrances were generally based on only a few notes, concentrating on herbs and spices rather than floral blends and ingredients were reportedly all natural, not synthetic, which explains their higher cost.
Devotees of the brand included glamorous figures such as Madonna, Princess Caroline of Monaco, Melanie Griffith, Michelle Pfeiffer and Isabelle Adjani. Seeing an opportunity, Victoria’s Secret launched Essences De Voyage as a more accessible alternative—offering the same spirit of luxurious escape at a much lower price point. The collection featured eight different fragrances, with several sharing names directly with Comptoir Sud Pacifique scents, including Vanille Abricot and Vanille Amande.
The name "Essences De Voyage" was an inspired choice. In French, it translates to "Essences of Travel" or "Scents of a Journey." Pronounced as "Eh-sahns duh Vwah-yahzh," the phrase immediately evokes imagery of exotic adventures, sun-drenched beaches, bustling bazaars, and dreamy, far-off destinations. It taps into a deep emotional yearning for escape, romance, and sensory exploration. For women of the 1990s—an era increasingly defined by personal freedom, global travel, and cultural exploration—the idea of capturing the essence of travel in a perfume would have felt both aspirational and intimate. Wearing such a scent wasn’t merely about smelling beautiful; it was about carrying the fantasy of adventure close to the skin.
