Chaz by Revlon c1975

Chaz by Revlon was introduced in 1975, a time when the men’s fragrance market was evolving to reflect changing attitudes toward masculinity and personal grooming. The mid-1970s saw a shift from the heavily synthetic and overtly powerful scents of the previous decade to more refined and versatile fragrances that catered to the growing demand for a sophisticated yet approachable masculinity. Men's fragrances of this era began to embrace cleaner, fresher profiles, moving away from the more intense, often overpowering scents that had dominated the 1960s. Chaz fits well within this context, offering a balanced blend of fresh citrus, herbaceous notes, and woody undertones, embodying the modern, well-groomed man who valued both style and substance.

Revlon's choice of the name Chaz for this fragrance is a nod to Charles Revson, the founder of the company. The name "Chaz" is a shortened form of "Charles," adding a contemporary and personable touch that aligns with the evolving image of masculinity in the 1970s. By using a familiar, informal version of the founder’s name, Revlon positioned the fragrance as both accessible and sophisticated, bridging the gap between high-end luxury and everyday appeal. The name "Chaz" conveys a sense of modernity and approachability, reflecting the company's intent to create a fragrance that was both elegant and relatable.

In addition, "Chaz" as a name carries connotations of casual charm and effortless style. It evokes a sense of relaxed confidence and a contemporary attitude, fitting well with the fragrance's clean and classic profile. This choice of name reinforced the brand's message that Chaz was designed for men who appreciated refined elegance without the pretense, capturing the essence of the sophisticated yet approachable masculinity that characterized the mid-1970s.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fougere fragrance for men. A clean, gutsy, classic fragrance with a well-groomed, thoroughly masculine air - fresh citrus and herbaceous with a slight woody undertone. It begins with a fresh herbaceous top, followed by a spicy floral heart, resting on a woody, mossy base.

• Top notes: nutmeg, black pepper, basil, lime, lemon, bergamot, lavender, rosemary, laurel
• Middle notes: orange blossom, geranium, carnation, pine, coriander, cinnamon, clary sage, cyclamen
• Base notes: patchouli, civet, frankincense, musk, tonka, amber, cedar, oakmoss

A fragrance for men is described by Revlon as fresh citrus and herbaceous with slight woody undertone. Product is clean, fresh fragrance for men not impressed by the snob appeal of high prices fragrances, but willing to pay for something he likes, the firm reported.

Press materials describe Chaz as "The spicy/citrus top note is made up of nutmeg, black pepper, basil, bergamot, lime and lavender. Middle note: a bright geranium and orange blossom blend. Drydown: patchouli, musk, civet, frankincense, and oakmoss."

Scent Profile:

As you experience the top notes of Chaz, the initial impression is a dynamic interplay of fresh, herbaceous, and spicy elements. Nutmeg introduces a warm, spicy kick with a rich, slightly sweet undertone that immediately captivates the senses. Black pepper adds a sharp, piquant edge, infusing the fragrance with a bold and invigorating heat. Basil contributes a green, aromatic freshness, its herbal notes merging seamlessly with the zesty brightness of lime and lemon. Bergamot provides a sophisticated citrus flair, balancing the sharpness of the lime with its smooth, slightly floral scent. Lavender brings a calming, herbaceous aroma, complementing the crispness of the citrus notes. Rosemary and laurel add an additional layer of herbal depth, their invigorating and slightly woody qualities setting a clean, classic foundation for the fragrance.

As the fragrance transitions, the heart reveals a complex blend of spicy and floral elements. Orange blossom offers a bright, sweet floral note with a hint of citrus, creating a vibrant contrast to the preceding herbs and spices. Geranium adds a green, slightly rosy touch, enhancing the fragrance's fresh and clean character. Carnation contributes a warm, spicy floral nuance, with its rich, peppery scent intertwining with the other middle notes. Pine introduces a crisp, resinous quality, evoking the scent of fresh pine needles and forest air. Coriander adds a subtle, spicy-sweet dimension, while cinnamon provides a warm, aromatic richness. Clary sage introduces a herbaceous, slightly sweet undertone, adding depth and complexity. Cyclamen offers a soft, watery floral note, rounding out the heart with its delicate and fresh aroma.

In the drydown, the fragrance settles into a warm, woody, and slightly animalic base. Patchouli imparts an earthy, musky richness, its deep, woody aroma providing a robust foundation. Civet adds a touch of animalic warmth, enhancing the fragrance with its distinctive, slightly fecal undertone that adds depth and sensuality. Frankincense introduces a resinous, slightly smoky quality, contributing a mystical and rich element to the base. Musk offers a clean, soft warmth, its subtle, animalic character blending seamlessly with the other base notes. Tonka bean adds a sweet, creamy richness with hints of vanilla, enriching the fragrance with its smooth, warm notes. Amber provides a golden, resinous warmth, enhancing the overall sensuality of the scent. Cedar and oakmoss contribute a woody, earthy depth, their combined presence adding a sophisticated, mossy finish that underscores the fragrance's classic, masculine character.

Chaz by Revlon thus weaves together a fresh, herbaceous top, a spicy floral heart, and a rich, woody base into a classic and thoroughly masculine fragrance that balances clean elegance with bold, distinctive character.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Chaz by Revlon, though discontinued at an unspecified date, remained available in the market until at least 1994. By 1997, reports confirmed that the fragrance had been officially discontinued. This period of availability highlights the perfume's enduring appeal and its continued presence among fragrance enthusiasts even as it faced eventual withdrawal from the market. Despite its discontinuation, Chaz left a lasting impression during its years of availability, reflecting its successful blend of fresh citrus, herbaceous, and woody notes that resonated with its audience throughout the 1970s and beyond.