Les Parfums Lerys

Les Parfums Lerys, established by Leon Bellon in 1921 at 9 boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, Paris, was a prominent perfume house known for its distinctive fragrances. The company's reputation extended beyond France, leading to the establishment of a branch named Lerys, Inc. in Long Island City, New York. This expansion reflects the brand's international reach and appeal during the early 20th century. The Long Island City branch would have allowed the company to better serve its American clientele and tap into the burgeoning perfume market in the United States.

 

 

The perfumes of Lerys:

• 1921 Un Amour de Rose
• 1922 Belle Jolie
• 1924 Or Bruni (Burnished Gold)
• 1925 Caresse
• 1925 Chypre de Lerys
• 1926 Le Presentoir (perfume presentation)
• 1926 Happy Days (perfume bottle)
• 1926 Kiss-Ko
• 1926 Lucidite
• 1926 Rose de Sharon
• 1927 Fougere
• 1927 Heliotrope
• 1927 Muguet
• 1927 Rose
• 1927 Violet
• 1927 Jasmin Nice
• 1927 Parfum Pour Blonde
• 1927 Parfum Pour Brune
• 1929 Belle de Lerys
• 1929 Mignon Violette

Bottles:

Les Parfums Lerys was renowned for producing luxurious presentations for both cosmetics and fragrances. Here are details about some of their notable products:

• Chypre: The bottle for this fragrance was made of black glass in a distinctive diamond shape with four beveled panels, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the brand.

• Belle Jolie: The deluxe flacon for this perfume was designed by Fritz van Alphen and crafted by Cristalleries de Nancy, a well-known glassmaker. The regular bottles for Belle Jolie were produced by Verrières Dannenhoffer of Brooklyn, NY, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and design. Sketch, 1925:
  

  "fragrance of flowers — the living essence of all that is Parisienne — what more, Mesdames, can you desire than Belle Jolie in its flask of crystal ? Manufactured by Lerys."

• Happy Days: This is the name of a unique lay-down flask of crystal with a gilded metal overcap, with artwork by Drian, showcasing the creative and artistic presentation of the perfume. The perfumes Chypre de Lerys, Belle Jolie, Amour de Rose, Or Bruni and Kiss-Ko all used this presentation.

• Heliotrope: The bottle for this scent was also made by Verrières Dannenhoffer of Brooklyn, NY, indicating a continued collaboration with this glass manufacturer for their high-quality bottle production.

• Lucidite: The flacon for Lucidite was designed by Georges Chevalier, a renowned designer, adding a touch of artistic flair and elegance to the presentation of this fragrance.

These luxurious presentations underscore the brand's commitment to quality and artistic design, contributing to its prestigious reputation in the world of cosmetics and fragrances.

Le Présentoir (The Display Case)

 Le Présentoir (The Display Case) is an exquisite and rare perfume holder designed in 1926, showcasing an elegant blend of craftsmanship and luxury. This remarkable creation is attributed to Fritz Van Alphen (1894-1980) in collaboration with Verrerie Dannenhoffer in Clichy. The case is hexagonal and crafted from poplar wood, meticulously covered in gilded red leather. The interior is lined with vibrant tangerine satin, adding a touch of opulence to the overall presentation. The perfume cellar, with its cylindrical shape, features six compartments specifically designed to house six triangular vials made of molded pressed colorless glass, highlighting the intricate design and craftsmanship.

Each of the six triangular bottles is embedded in a frame made from stamped and crafted brass, adorned with a delicate film of cellophane decorated with Javanese batik motifs, adding an exotic and artistic flair. The stem caps of the bottles are fitted with grips featuring gold lacquered modernist motifs, enhancing their visual appeal. The set includes six distinct fragrances: "Jasmin Nice," "Mignonne Violette," "Belle Jolie," "Amour de Rose," "Or Bruni," and "Chypre." Sometimes, the sixth bottle was left empty so it could be filled with one's own individual perfume. These perfumes, although dried up, still contain remnants of their original scent, preserving their historical essence.

 Le Présentoir is presented in a sophisticated hexagonal box, available in either blue or red, aligning with the luxurious nature of the product. With dimensions of 9 cm in height and 7 cm in diameter, this perfume holder stands as a testament to the Art Deco period's design excellence. It reflects the era's penchant for intricate details, luxurious materials, and artistic innovation. The rarity and preserved condition of Le Présentoir make it a coveted piece for collectors and connoisseurs of vintage perfumes.

 

Overall, Le Présentoir is more than just a perfume holder; it is a piece of art that encapsulates the elegance and craftsmanship of the early 20th-century perfume industry. The collaboration between Fritz Van Alphen and Verrerie Dannenhoffer in Clichy resulted in a creation that continues to captivate and inspire, representing a significant milestone in the history of luxury perfumes. 

Lerys Today:

Les Parfums Lerys became defunct many years ago despite its acquisition by the Dutch company Boldoot in 1978. The reasons for its discontinuation could involve various factors such as changes in market dynamics, shifts in consumer preferences, financial difficulties, or strategic business decisions by its parent company. Boldoot itself has a rich history in the fragrance industry, but like many brands, it likely had to adapt and evolve, which sometimes means phasing out less profitable or strategically aligned brands.

If you're interested in historical perfumes or vintage fragrances, there are collectors and forums dedicated to preserving the memory and legacy of defunct perfume houses like Les Parfums Lerys. Additionally, you might find vintage bottles or related memorabilia through auctions, specialty shops, or online marketplaces that cater to collectors of rare and discontinued fragrances.