Presence by Houbigant c1929

Présence by Houbigant: launched in 1929, created by Raymond Kling.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is a heady, spicy chypre fragrance for women with a noticeable tang and zest.

• Top notes: aldehydes, lemon, neroli, bergamot
• Heart notes: jasmine, heliotrope, orris, carnation
• Base notes: spices, ambergris, patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, musk

Hearst's, 1936:

"Houbigant's enchanting "Presence, " a perfume of authentic greatness. A magnificent gift presentation. Price $16.50."

Mademoiselle, 1964:

"delicate Presence, Houbigant's parfum pour le bain."

Harper's Bazaar, 1965:

"Houbigant's perfume Presence - a delicious fourth dimension for any chic lady."

Bottles:

Presented in a green moire silk case and a fluted glass bottle. This bottle design was later used for Chantilly perfume.

Presence, prices as of 1941:

• Petit Modele $6.60 
• Grand Modele $52.00 
• Petit Modele w/Atomizer $7.50
• Grand Modele w/Atomizer $60.00 
• Modele Reduit $10.00- $80.00 
• Modele Original $16.50

1934 advertisement for Presence. Note the model's typical 1930s manicure showing the lunulae of the nail bed painted white, also known as the moon manicure or the reverse French manicure.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. It was still being sold in 1965.

Reformulated with modern ingredients and relaunched in 1988 under the Parfums Parquet division of Houbigant.

• Top notes: aldehydes, lemon, bergamot, neroli, apple
• Middle notes: honey, heliotrope, jasmine absolute, spices, lavender
• Base notes: cedar, amber, orris, vetiver, oakmoss, beeswax, sandalwood

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