I’ve had a total blast creating illustrations of my favorite Avon fragrance glace’ pins, which were popular in the 1970s. I had the red cat and the blue kite. Which ones did you have?
In the experimental world of 1970s marketing, few products captured the imagination of young girls quite like Avon’s fragrance glacé pins. Part collectible, part perfume, part playful accessory, these whimsical pins super fun with their cartoonish charm.
Avon, long known for its innovative approach to beauty products, tapped into the youth market in the 1970s with this delightful twist: solid perfume housed inside wearable pins. These were not just any pins, folks. They were colorful, cheerful characters designed to appeal to children, particularly young girls. I wore my red kitty perfume pin everywhere. Cat saw some stuff, y’all. At the time it felt like she literally got me through it.
Dang.
Waxy Perfume Balm. Like Vaseline, Except Not
Each pin had a compartment filled with a waxy perfume balm, and came in adorable shapes ranging from a roller-skating rabbit to curious kittens, a happy turtle, a scare crow, and even a charming blue cow, a truly eclectic and lovable menagerie that was both endearing and clever.
These pins were total joy, y’all. The original guardians of Gen-X girls. You could clip them onto your sweater, coat, or satchel (because we did not carry backpacks then). The designs were bold, bright, and often kitschy in the cutest way. Avon’s team leaned heavily into the trends of the time including roller disco, animal characters, and vibrant enamel finishes. I created a super fun infographic back in 2012 that featured the rollerskating rabbit pin alongside the Trix rabbit, also wearing skates. As a kid, I truly thought they were related!
Avon Fragrance Glace’ Pins = Innocent Glamour
Today, these pins are highly collectible, evoking waves of nostalgia for Gen Xers. They represent a time when scent and style were playful, and when even a young girl could feel a touch of glamour without stepping too far into the adult world. Those were the days.
Online marketplaces and vintage shops often list these pins as “rare” or “hard to find,” especially those in pristine condition with intact fragrance balm. Collectors prize them for their charming designs, retro packaging, and the sentimental memories they carry.
Illustrations of Some of Avon's Fragrance Glacé Pins of the 1970s
I had a bunny, although I don’t think it was the one with roller skates.