Forever Amber by Kathryn, Inc (owned by Kay Daumit) launched in 1945 in connection with the 1943 novel by Kathleen Winsor. The novel tells the story of amorous courtesan Amber St. Clare in the court and bedroom of Charles II. The novel was banned in Boston and throughout Massachusetts, and the controversy over its purported indecency stimulated sales and became a bestseller . The book's popularity was further aided by the film version directed by Otto Preminger in 1947.
In 1942, Kay Daumit released a series of fourteen colognes for women: Silent Night, Bride's Bouquet, Exotic, Rhumba, On Leave, Never to Be Forgotten, Exciting, Double Dare, Apple Blossom, Topper, Lover's Knot, Morning Glory, and Wicked, just to name a few, plus a scent for men, White Shirt.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as an oriental fragrance for women. Top note like Tabu by Dana, main character sweeter jasmine note, but heavy. End note swings toward soft, woody note.
- Top notes: bergamot and neroli
- Middle notes: jasmine, orange blossom, rose
- Base notes: spices, patchouli, amber, sandalwood, vanilla, oakmoss, musk, vetiver
Forever Amber, the oriental type perfume, was also sold with coordinating cosmetics.
An advertisement in the 1947 issue of the Toledo Blade newspaper questions the reader :
Forever Amber perfume retailed for $2.00 to $27.50, the cologne was $5.00, a light perfume mist called “Amba Aura” was just $1.50 and the red lipstick was an affordable dollar each.
“Do you dare to wear this lush new color on your lips? Do you dare to wear this adventurous scent? It’s the new FOREVER AMBER - A wonderful new perfume and lipstick combination! The color of the lipstick is a gorgeous, challenging red, the fragrance of the perfume is heady and inviting. For your next really important date, wear FOREVER AMBER perfume and lipstick, see if you don’t find it a deliciously different duet to add to your feminine charms. ”
Forever Amber perfume retailed for $2.00 to $27.50, the cologne was $5.00, a light perfume mist called “Amba Aura” was just $1.50 and the red lipstick was an affordable dollar each.
Bottles:
The graceful bottle is in the shape of a mermaid. The stopper serves as the head of the mermaid as well as her arms. The bottle is molded with a belly button. The bottle is fitted with a ground glass stopper. There are two sizes of this bottle, the smaller one measures 4.75" in height and holds 5/8 oz Parfum. The larger size stands about 7" high x 2" wide x 2" thick and holds 1 oz Parfum.
The large factice, stands 15" and serves as an advertising display bottle. It is filled with colored liquid, not perfume. It can be found with a paper label on the base "Forever Amber Cologne Cont. 25 fl oz."
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Southeastern Drug Journal, 1945:
"We notice “Forever Amber” has also made the perfume grade in a tasteful little “draped” bottle."
Printer's Ink, 1947:
"A full-page, color campaign in national magazines for the company's Forever Amber perfume and cologne line will be timed to the film premiere. One-half and one- quarter page newspaper ads will appear from ten weeks to the day before the film's opening day."
"Lord & Taylor and other stores tied in displays of similarly named perfume with the then popular book, "Forever Amber."
Cologne Bottle:
The large glass bottle used for the cologne is shaped like draped fabric, tied into a bow in the center front and back. The bottle is stands 5" tall and held 2.5 oz. The cap is brass with gold plating. The bottom of the bottle is marked "Distributed by Kay Daumit, Chicago." Bottle has a goldish peach metallic paper label on the front bottom with embossed lettering which reads: Forever Amber. This shape was also used for a miniature bottle. These bottles were also used for the Kathryn fragrance, Wicked.
Miniature Bottles:
The perfume comes in a lucite book shaped box. The spine of the book says "Forever Amber" and "FA" is in fancy script on the top. The side also says by Kay Daumit. The cute book opens from the front. The presentation stands 3 1/4" high. The bottle has a gold tone fan shaped cap, a pretty shaped pink label and the glass is sculpted as if the bottle is wearing a gown. The label on the bottom of the bottle, states the bottle held 5/16 ounce (2.5 drams) of parfum.
This vintage miniature perfume bottle of Forever Amber by Kay Daumit also came in a lucite box. The cap is brass with gold plating. The bottom of the bottle is marked "Distributed by Kay Daumit, Chicago, 5/6 ounces." Cute little glass bottle shaped like draped fabric tied into a bow in the center front and back. It has a ball shaped screw cap. The bottle is a little over 2.5" tall. Bottle has a goldish peach metallic paper label on the front bottom with embossed lettering which reads: Forever Amber. The lucite book shaped box is approximately 3" by 2" by 1".
Composition Bottle:
The bottle below is made of gold colored composition/plastic and resembles the book and was available in two sizes: 1 oz and 2 oz. The 1 oz bottle measures 3.75" tall x 2.5" wide x 1" thick. The 2 oz bottle stands 5" tall. It was called the "Gift Edition" in old advertisements. It was housed in a velvet presentation case.
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Modern Packaging, 1947:
"Catherine Winsor's book is reproduced in gold-plated plastic as the container for "Forever Amber" perfume. Bottle inside has closure that looks like bookmark."
Modern Packaging, 1947:
"Out in Chicago, Kay Daumit has created a new setting for "Forever Amber" perfume, which is even more realistic than the acrylic book container adapted earlier this year. The new container is also designed to look like a book but is made of a plastic composition material."
Fate of the Fragrance:
In 1948, Kathleen Winsor sued Kathryn, Inc (owned by Harry G. & Kay Daumit) for certain monies due to a contract made between them which stated that Daumit would pay Winsor 3% of his gross sales from the cosmetics and toiletries using the Forever Amber name. The Daumits filed a counterclaim for breach of contract, that she averred performance of her obligations under the contract, namely: the use of her name and personal services in connection with the sale of the goods, and demanded payment.
The perfume ceased production around 1950 and is rarely found today for something that was so popular at one time.
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