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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!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Emir by Dana c1936

Emir by Dana: launched in 1936 in France,  it was introduced to the USA in 1947.. Created by perfumer Jean Carles. The perfume was created in Paris and from the inspiration of fabulous Persia and blended from imported Oriental essences.

 "Because of this completely new perfume, you dare to dream again"




A 1949 newspaper article mentions that Dana traveled to the courts of the Persian Emirs in search of an inspiration for a new perfume, one that would remind a woman of the great perfume masterpieces of old and would allow them to dream again, after being oppressed by the War. He knew only one place on earth that would have that secret fragrance. Dana knew that there, amid untold luxury, the most coveted gift of all was a vial of fragrance so precious it bore the prince's name...Emir. There were those who vowed this perfume did magic things. "You can almost believe, as you wear the Emir's perfume, that night - anything can happen."


Emir was available in the following forms:
  • Cologne
  • Perfume
  • Body Sachet Powder
  • Solid Cologne
  • Dusting Powder

Fragrance Composition:


So what does it smell like? It is classified as a warm, woody-mossy-leafy-spicy oriental fragrance for women. I had a very old bottle of this a few years ago and wrote down what notes I detected as there are no published notes anywhere that I could find. It is an unearthly scent, a heavy, spice laden Oriental, with a touch of Spring like freshness of clean soapy notes. Dana's treasure of a fragrance, Emir is like something out of the Arabian Nights.

  • Top notes: aldehydes, citronella, lemongrass, bergamot, camphor
  • Middle notes: coriander, Bulgarian rose, iris, ylang ylang, frankincense, jasmine, carnation, galbanum, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, lily of the valley,
  • Base notes: orris, incense, vanilla, labdanum, tolu balsam, leather, musk, sandalwood, benzoin, patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver, cedar, civet, ambergris

Period Advertisements:

Sales Management, 1947:
"In perfumes, the Paris creation, Emir, with matching cologne, is being introduced this month by Consolidated Cosmetics & Dana Perfumes."
A 1947 newspaper ad:
"Dana's great triumph abroad is now here! EMIR. Reminiscent of the night a Persian Emir chose his queen as different from all other perfumes as you are from all other women."

Home Journal, Volume 106, 1952:
"Dana knew that here, amid untold luxury, the most coveted gift of all was a vial of a fragrance so precious it bore the prince's name . . . Emir. Not even the most assured women at the Court dared to ask for this fabulous perfume...$2.75 to $35.00"

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued in 1975.




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