Launched in 1982, Prelude by Balenciaga entered the world under a name carefully chosen to evoke both anticipation and emotion. The word Prelude comes from the Latin praeludere, meaning "to play beforehand"—prae meaning "before" and ludere, "to play." The modern form we use today is French in origin, and it is pronounced "pray-lood" (or in English, often "prel-yood"). In the musical world, a prelude is a short, often expressive composition that sets the tone for a larger piece. But beyond music, the word conveys the delicate tension before something meaningful begins: a glance before a kiss, the hush before an overture, the quiet flutter of expectation.
Choosing Prelude as a perfume name instantly evokes a feeling of romantic suspense. It is a word that carries refinement, elegance, and subtle sensuality. It paints a picture of a woman pausing before entering a ballroom, of twilight before evening, of the first stirring of desire before it blooms. It suggests not just a moment, but a mood—one filled with potential, softness, and allure.
The early 1980s was a transitional period in culture, fashion, and perfumery. The era is often referred to as the beginning of the Power Decade, when the extravagance and boldness of the late '70s gave way to more structured, assertive styles. Women were stepping more prominently into professional spaces, and fashion responded with broad-shouldered silhouettes, sharply tailored suits, and an emphasis on control and confidence. Yet despite this assertiveness, there remained a strong undercurrent of femininity—romantic ruffles, silky blouses, and opulent evening wear were also in vogue. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Claude Montana, and Karl Lagerfeld helped shape this balance between strength and softness. Perfumes, too, began to reflect this duality.
In fragrance, the late 1970s had been dominated by bold chypres and animalic florals—scents like Opium (1977), Charlie (1973), and Chloe (1975) which spoke with volume. But by the early '80s, there was a gentle shift toward more polished compositions—still rich, but more refined. Prelude fit this shift gracefully. Though it opened with a sparkling aldehydic top—an echo of earlier decades—it soon revealed a spicy floral heart and a warm, animalic base. This structure allowed it to balance freshness with depth, youth with sophistication.