Monad Violet by Colgate c1901

In 1901, Colgate launched a perfume named Monad Violet, a period characterized by burgeoning changes in society, technology, and culture. The turn of the 20th century marked a transitional phase between the opulence of the Victorian era and the progressive spirit of the Edwardian age. It was a time when the arts, fashion, and social norms were evolving, and women were increasingly seeking products that reflected their growing independence and refined tastes. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of more subtle, sophisticated fragrances, moving away from the heavy, overpowering scents of previous decades.

Colgate, known for its strong presence in personal care and hygiene products, chose the name "Monad Violet" for its perfume in this context. The word "monad" comes from the Greek language, meaning "one" or "unit." It is derived from "monas," signifying a single, indivisible entity. In philosophy, particularly in the works of Leibniz, a monad is a fundamental, indivisible unit of reality. In English, "monad" conveys a sense of unity and uniqueness.

Naming a perfume "Monad Violet" would likely have been a strategic choice, evoking a sense of elegance and exclusivity. The term "monad" suggests a singular, exceptional quality, while "violet" denotes a delicate, timeless flower. The combination of these words creates an image of refined beauty and individuality. A fragrance with this name would appeal to women who valued sophistication and a touch of mystery. It suggests a woman who is confident, graceful, and appreciates the subtlety and nuance in both her fragrance and her persona.

The name "Monad Violet" evokes images of a solitary violet flower, symbolizing purity, subtlety, and understated elegance. It conjures feelings of calm and serenity, with a touch of introspective depth. The fragrance would likely be associated with an air of quiet sophistication, capturing the essence of a woman who stands out through her refined tastes and inner strength.

Women who resonated with "Monad Violet" would likely be those who appreciated classic elegance and a sense of individuality. They might have been drawn to the fragrance for its subtle, yet distinctive scent profile that aligned with their personal style and social identity. The fragrance would have been seen as a reflection of their inner grace and uniqueness, offering a refined olfactory experience that complemented their sophisticated demeanor.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women. This intriguing scent was reminiscent of dewy, spring violets, crushed in all their fresh, woodsy fragrance.

• Top notes: cassie, methyl ionone, bergamot, orange blossom, violet
• Middle notes: jasmine absolute, orris, rose, tuberose, geranium, ylang ylang
• Base notes: patchouli, tolu balsam, vanilla, musk, almonds, ambrette, guaiac, covet, ambergris

Scent Story:

In the heart of an ancient Greek palace, nestled amidst the sprawling gardens filled with lush greenery and fragrant blooms, there lies a secret small laboratory. This hidden sanctuary, known only to a select few, is where the enchanting perfume Monad Violet is being crafted. The laboratory is adorned with intricate mosaics depicting mythical scenes, while the air is suffused with the subtle, sweet aroma of flowers that permeate from the surrounding gardens.

Princesses, draped in flowing purple robes that sweep across the marble floors, move gracefully about the room. Their attire, rich with hues of lavender and violet, reflects their noble status and the delicate nature of their task. Each princess is meticulously involved in the perfume-making process, their hands skillfully handling a variety of precious ingredients.

You enter the laboratory and are immediately greeted by a symphony of scents. The air is filled with the fresh, dewy aroma of violets, the centerpiece of the fragrance. This delicate scent is complemented by the tangy brightness of bergamot and the sweet, citrusy notes of orange blossom. As the princesses work, you catch a hint of cassie, with its warm, spicy undertones, and methyl ionone, which adds a subtle, powdery nuance to the violet aroma. The fragrances blend seamlessly, creating a lush, multi-layered olfactory experience.

The process is intricate. Violets, freshly picked from the garden’s vibrant array of blossoms, are carefully crushed to release their rich, woodsy fragrance. Their scent is both sweet and earthy, capturing the essence of spring in its purest form. This violet essence is combined with other floral notes, including the opulent jasmine absolute and the velvety orris root. The rose and tuberose add a touch of romance and depth, while the geranium and ylang ylang provide a balancing freshness and complexity.

As the perfume is mixed, the rich, intoxicating blend of base notes begins to emerge. You can almost taste the creamy sweetness of vanilla and the warm, earthy depth of patchouli. The scent of tolu balsam and ambergris adds a unique richness, while the musky undertones and the nutty aroma of almonds and ambrette round out the composition. The fragrance’s complexity is further enhanced by the smoky hint of guaiac and the resinous depth of covet.

The perfume is then carefully transferred into fragile blown glass vials, imported from Egypt. These vials, delicate and shimmering, catch the light as they are handled with utmost care. The glass is adorned with intricate designs, reflecting the sophistication and elegance of the ancient world. As the perfume is poured into these vials, the soft clinking of the glass is the only sound that punctuates the quiet lab.

You reach out to touch one of the vials, feeling the cool, smooth surface of the glass beneath your fingers. The weight of the vial is surprisingly light, and the delicate craftsmanship is evident in every curve and facet. The scent of Monad Violet clings to your fingertips, a subtle reminder of the enchanting fragrance you’ve just experienced.

As you leave the laboratory, the lingering aroma of Monad Violet remains with you, a fragrant echo of the delicate, sophisticated process that created it. The garden's scents, combined with the luxury of ancient craftsmanship, have come together to produce a perfume that is both timeless and captivating, embodying the grace and refinement of a bygone era.

Monad Violet: A Comprehensive Fragrance Collection:

When Colgate introduced Monad Violet in 1901, they presented it as more than just a perfume; it was part of a broader, luxurious personal care collection. This fragrance was available in several forms, each designed to cater to different aspects of daily grooming and personal indulgence.

Parfum: Monad Violet in parfum form was the epitome of elegance and exclusivity. Typically, parfum (or extrait de parfum) is the most concentrated and long-lasting version of a fragrance. It would have been presented in a beautifully crafted bottle, possibly featuring intricate designs that reflected the sophistication of the early 20th century. The parfum would have been used sparingly, applied to pulse points to create a subtle yet lasting impression. Its high concentration of fragrance oils ensured that the delicate notes of violet and accompanying scents lingered throughout the day, making it ideal for special occasions or evening wear.

Toilet Water: In contrast to the more concentrated parfum, Monad Violet in toilet water (or eau de toilette) was designed for more frequent use. It was lighter and more refreshing, making it suitable for daily wear. The toilet water would have been packaged in a practical yet elegant bottle, reflecting the early 20th-century taste for simplicity and functionality in everyday products. Its lighter formulation made it perfect for spritzing throughout the day, offering a refreshing burst of fragrance that was less intense than the parfum but still retained the essence of Monad Violet’s violet notes.

Soap: Monad Violet soap was another way to experience the fragrance, infusing the daily ritual of bathing with its delicate scent. The soap would have been crafted with care to ensure that it carried the essence of the perfume, providing a luxurious and fragrant lather. The soap’s packaging might have been adorned with the same elegant motifs found on the perfume bottles, creating a cohesive and refined product line. Using Monad Violet soap would have been a way for women to incorporate the fragrance into their daily routine, leaving a subtle hint of violet on their skin long after bathing.

Talcum Powder: The talcum powder version of Monad Violet extended the fragrance experience to personal care beyond just scent. Talcum powder was a popular grooming product during this period, valued for its absorbent properties and ability to provide a silky finish to the skin. Monad Violet talcum powder would have been housed in a charmingly designed tin or jar, possibly decorated with the same floral motifs or elegant script associated with the perfume. The powder’s light, fragrant dusting added a touch of luxury to everyday routines, while also providing a soft, lingering hint of violet throughout the day.

Together, these products offered a comprehensive approach to personal fragrance, allowing women to envelop themselves in the elegance of Monad Violet from their morning routine to evening engagements. Each product was designed to complement the others, creating a cohesive sensory experience that embodied the grace and sophistication associated with early 20th-century femininity.

Bottles:

The Art Nouveau labels for Monad Violet were a striking example of early 20th-century design, combining elegance and intricate artistry. Each label featured beautifully rendered chromolithographed violets, capturing the delicate beauty of the flower in rich, vibrant colors. These violets were set against a gold border that framed the design with a touch of opulence, reflecting the luxury of the fragrance itself. The name "Monad Violet" was prominently displayed, with its elegant script complementing the floral artwork. Beneath this, the label bore the inscription "Colgate Perfumers New York USA," affirming the product's origins and adding a sense of authenticity and prestige. The overall design harmoniously blended the flowing, organic lines typical of Art Nouveau with the luxurious allure of the perfume, creating a label that was both visually captivating and evocative of the refined sensibilities of the era.

Fate of the Fragrance:

By 1937, Monad Violet was discontinued, marking the end of an era for this elegant fragrance. As the years passed, finding a bottle of Monad Violet filled with its once-enchanting perfume became a rare occurrence. However, enthusiasts and collectors occasionally come across the empty bottles on platforms like eBay, where they are cherished as relics of a bygone luxury. The beautifully chromolithographed talcum powder tins and the exquisite perfume boxes are especially sought after. These tins and boxes, adorned with intricate designs and vivid colors, reflect the artistry of the period and the opulence of the Monad Violet brand. Collectors eagerly hunt for these artifacts, drawn by their historical significance and the timeless beauty that continues to captivate those with a passion for vintage fragrances.