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Welcome to my unique perfume blog! Here, you'll find detailed, encyclopedic entries about perfumes and companies, complete with facts and photos for easy research. This site is not affiliated with any perfume companies; it's a reference source for collectors and enthusiasts who cherish classic fragrances. My goal is to highlight beloved, discontinued classics and show current brand owners the demand for their revival. Your input is invaluable! Please share why you liked a fragrance, describe its scent, the time period you wore it, any memorable occasions, or what it reminded you of. Did a relative wear it, or did you like the bottle design? Your stories might catch the attention of brand representatives. I regularly update posts with new information and corrections. Your contributions help keep my entries accurate and comprehensive. Please comment and share any additional information you have. Together, we can keep the legacy of classic perfumes alive!

Friday, May 17, 2013

Transparence by Houbigant c1939

Transparence by Houbigant launched in 1939, although its trademark record shows it was first used in 1931.





Fragrance Composition:


So what does it smell like? It is classified as a light aldehydic floral fragrance for women, however, I have no published notes on this perfume. It was described as "bright" and youthful and sporty.
  • Top notes: aldehydes
  • Middle notes:
  • Base notes:


An ad from 1940 reads:
"TRANSPARENCE by HOUBIGANT. The essence of femininity in a tender haunting fragrance so new and so lovely you'll love wearing it on every momentous occasion."

Drug & Cosmetic Industry, 1940:
"Houbigant introduces its newest perfume, Transparence — a perfume that evidences unusual character and interest for even the most sophisticated. The beautifully shaped crystal flacon reposes in a white pique-effect coffret."

The New Yorker, 1940:
"Houbigant has a brand new perfume, Transparence, which is supposed to reflect your personality, whatever. My own being in a harried state at the moment, I can't say for sure whether it works."

Women's Guide to Europe, 1954:
"Houbigant, 19 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. ... young women; "Demi-jour"— tea-for-two sort of perfume; "Fougere Royale"— for men; "Presence"— velvety, lasting; "Quelques fleurs"— fresh, flowery; "Transparence"— young, for sports."

Harper's Bazaar, 1956:
""Transparence" — a bright, clear, singing kind of scent, created by Houbigant. One and half ounces, $25."

Bottles:

The deluxe crystal bottles came in three sizes and were probably made by Verreries Brosse or Pochet et du Courval, but not Baccarat.

original flacon, photo by ebay seller days_gone_collection



1950s mini flacon, photo by monalisa

Fate of the Fragrance:

This perfume was only around for a few years before being stopped by WWII, it was then brought back in 1947 and discontinued around 1958. 

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