Cleopatra's Boudoir: Straw Hat by Faberge c1938

Straw Hat by Fabergé, originating in 1938, was a fragrance reserved for the arrival of spring, with its annual release marking the dawn of the season. Crafted to encapsulate the very essence of summer, it exuded a freshness that danced lightly upon the senses. Imagine the gentle caress of a sea breeze, carrying with it the invigorating aroma of a wildflower meadow, as cool and refreshing as a dip in the ocean. This scent, a harmonious blend of nature's finest, evoked memories of sun-kissed days and balmy evenings, making it an iconic fragrance cherished by those who sought the joy of summer in every spritz.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was a beautiful woody, powdery violet perfume with a hint of hay, green grasses, tangy balsam and spices.

Top notes: aldehydes, geranium, Italian lemon, lavender
Middle notes: jasmine, mimosa, spices, new mown hay, violet, rose, heliotrope
Bottom notes: green grasses, balsam, Singapore patchouli, oakmoss, Mysore sandalwood, vanilla, Tibetan musk

Picture yourself strolling through a sun-dappled meadow on a warm spring day, surrounded by the delicate aroma of blooming flowers and fresh greenery. That's the essence of Straw Hat by Fabergé.

At first spritz, you're greeted with a burst of crisp aldehydes, mingling with the zesty freshness of Italian lemon and the soothing scent of lavender. These top notes set the stage for the journey ahead.

As the fragrance evolves, it unveils a heart of floral richness. Jasmine and rose intertwine with the sweetness of mimosa and the powdery allure of violet. Spices add a subtle complexity, while the comforting aroma of new mown hay adds a nostalgic touch, evoking memories of lazy summer afternoons.

In the base, the scent takes on a warm and woody character. Green grasses blend with earthy oakmoss and the resinous sweetness of balsam, while Singapore patchouli and Mysore sandalwood lend a luxurious depth. Vanilla adds a creamy sweetness, balanced by the musky allure of Tibetan musk.

The result is a fragrance that captures the essence of summer in a bottle, a harmonious blend of floral, woody, and spicy notes that transport you to a sunlit paradise with every breath.

Bottles:

Straw Hat was available in parfum, eau de cologne, soap, talc, bubble bath, dusting powder and hand and body lotion.

Parfum:

For a daytime enchantment that's both practical and luxurious, immerse yourself in the delicate allure of Straw Hat by Fabergé, available in an array of exquisite formulations:

1/8 oz Refillable Purse Bottle: This petite, refillable bottle is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, ensuring you can carry the refreshing essence of Straw Hat with you throughout your day. Its compact size slips effortlessly into your purse or pocket, offering convenience without compromising on style.

2.5 dram Parfum in Crystal Bottle: Indulge in luxury with this stunning crystal bottle, holding 2.5 dram of the captivating Straw Hat parfum. Its elegant design adds a touch of sophistication to your fragrance collection, while the generous amount of parfum ensures you can enjoy the scent's delightful notes throughout your daytime adventures.

0.22 oz Parfum Spray: Experience the refreshing burst of Straw Hat with the convenient 0.22 oz parfum spray. Perfect for quick and easy application, this spray bottle delivers a fine mist of fragrance, enveloping you in the scent of sunlit meadows and blooming flowers with just a spritz.

1/4 oz Parfum in Disk-Shaped Purse Bottle: Combining style and functionality, this disk-shaped purse bottle holds 1/4 oz of the beloved Straw Hat parfum. Its sleek design makes it a chic accessory for your daytime outings, while the ample amount of parfum ensures you can enjoy the scent's uplifting notes whenever you desire.

1/2 oz Parfum Spray: For a more substantial dose of fragrance, opt for the 1/2 oz parfum spray. With its generous size and convenient spray mechanism, this bottle allows you to lavish yourself in the invigorating aroma of Straw Hat, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized throughout the day.

Whichever option you choose, Straw Hat by Fabergé promises to infuse your daytime with the essence of summer, transporting you to sun-kissed meadows and blooming fields with its delightful scent.

Cologne Splash:

Indulge in the refreshing allure of Cologne Extraordinaire Splash by choosing from a range of sizes to suit your preferences:

1/2 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: Perfect for those who prefer a smaller, more portable option, this compact bottle contains just the right amount of fragrance to accompany you on your daily adventures.

1 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: This slightly larger size provides ample fragrance for regular use, ensuring you can enjoy the invigorating scent of Cologne Extraordinaire Splash whenever you desire.

1.25 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: Offering a bit more volume, this size is ideal for those who like to have a bit extra on hand for extended wear or to share with friends and loved ones.

1.7 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: A popular choice among fragrance enthusiasts, this size strikes the perfect balance between portability and longevity, allowing you to enjoy the uplifting aroma of Cologne Extraordinaire Splash throughout the day.

2 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: With its generous size, this bottle ensures you'll never run out of your favorite scent. Perfect for everyday use or special occasions, it's a versatile option for any fragrance lover.

3.5 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: Treat yourself to a larger dose of luxury with this substantial bottle. Its ample volume ensures you can indulge in the invigorating scent of Cologne Extraordinaire Splash whenever you desire, making it a staple in your fragrance collection.

4 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: Enjoy even more of your favorite fragrance with this sizable bottle. Its generous volume ensures you'll have more than enough to last you through countless wearings, allowing you to immerse yourself in the refreshing aroma of Cologne Extraordinaire Splash day after day.

5 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: For those who simply can't get enough of Cologne Extraordinaire Splash, this larger size offers an abundance of fragrance to keep you feeling refreshed and revitalized whenever you need it most.

6 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: Indulge in the luxurious scent of Cologne Extraordinaire Splash with this substantial bottle. Its ample volume ensures you'll have plenty of fragrance to last you for months to come, making it a must-have for any avid fragrance enthusiast.

8 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: Elevate your fragrance experience with this generous bottle of Cologne Extraordinaire Splash. Its large size ensures you'll have an abundance of fragrance to enjoy whenever the mood strikes, making it a luxurious addition to your collection.

12 oz Cologne Extraordinaire Splash: For the ultimate indulgence, opt for this lavish bottle of Cologne Extraordinaire Splash. With its generous size, you'll have an abundance of fragrance to enjoy for an extended period, making it the perfect choice for those who simply can't get enough of this captivating scent.

Cologne Spray:

Experience the invigorating aroma of Cologne Spray in a variety of sizes, tailored to suit your preferences:

1.7 oz Cologne Spray: Perfect for everyday use, this compact bottle delivers a refreshing burst of fragrance that's ideal for any occasion. Its portable size makes it convenient for on-the-go touch-ups, ensuring you can enjoy the uplifting scent of Cologne Spray wherever you are.

2 oz Spray Cologne: Step up your fragrance game with this slightly larger bottle, which offers a generous amount of Cologne Spray for extended wear. Its sleek design makes it a stylish addition to your collection, while its ample volume ensures you'll have plenty of fragrance to last you throughout the day.

3 oz Spray Cologne: Indulge in the captivating scent of Cologne Spray with this substantial bottle, which provides an abundance of fragrance to keep you feeling refreshed and revitalized. Perfect for daily wear or special occasions, its generous size ensures you'll never run out of your favorite scent.

3 oz Cologne Spray Extraordinaire: Elevate your fragrance experience with this luxurious rendition of Cologne Spray. Enriched with extraordinaire qualities, this bottle offers a heightened olfactory experience, enveloping you in the irresistible allure of its captivating scent.

3.5 oz Cologne Spray Extraordinaire: For those who desire a touch of extravagance, opt for this deluxe bottle of Cologne Spray Extraordinaire. With its generous size and enhanced formulation, it offers a truly indulgent fragrance experience, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with every spritz.

Whether you prefer a compact size for everyday use or a larger bottle for extended wear, Cologne Spray and Cologne Spray Extraordinaire are available in a range of sizes to suit your needs, ensuring you can enjoy the uplifting scent of this captivating fragrance whenever you desire.

Bath & Body Products:

Experience the luxurious indulgence of Straw Hat by Fabergé with an assortment of bathing and pampering products, each meticulously crafted to envelop you in the refreshing essence of summer:

2.5 oz Soap: Begin your day with the invigorating lather of Straw Hat soap. Formulated with the delightful scent of wildflowers and fresh greens, this soap cleanses and nourishes your skin while leaving a subtle hint of fragrance that lingers throughout the day.

3.5 oz Spray Oil: Pamper yourself with the indulgent luxury of Straw Hat spray oil. Infused with the refreshing aroma of Straw Hat, this lightweight oil nourishes your skin, leaving it soft, supple, and delicately scented with the essence of summer.

0.5 oz Bath Perfume: Elevate your bathing experience with the intoxicating fragrance of Straw Hat bath perfume. Just a few drops in your bathwater will transform your ordinary bath into a luxurious retreat, enveloping you in the refreshing scent of wildflowers and green grasses.

2 oz Bath Perfume: Immerse yourself in the refreshing aroma of Straw Hat with this indulgent bath perfume. Its rich formulation ensures a lavish bathing experience, leaving your skin delicately scented and irresistibly soft.

1 oz Powder Sachet: Delight in the subtle elegance of Straw Hat powder sachet. Infused with the refreshing scent of summer, this luxurious sachet imparts a delicate fragrance to your linens, clothing, or lingerie, leaving them smelling fresh and inviting.

5 oz Bath Powder with Puff: Treat yourself to the ultimate bathing indulgence with Straw Hat bath powder. Infused with the delightful scent of wildflowers and green grasses, this luxurious powder leaves your skin feeling silky smooth and lightly scented.

10 oz Bath Powder with Puff: Indulge in the lavish luxury of Straw Hat bath powder with this generously sized container. Perfect for daily use, its refreshing scent and silky texture leave your skin feeling pampered and refreshed.

2 oz Bath Powder Shaker: Enjoy the convenience of Straw Hat bath powder in a convenient shaker container. Its fine powder disperses easily, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and delicately scented.

3 oz Bath Powder Shaker Ball: Elevate your bathing routine with the luxurious texture and enchanting scent of Straw Hat bath powder. The innovative shaker ball ensures effortless application, leaving your skin feeling pampered and refreshed.

4 oz Powder Shaker: Delight in the refreshing aroma of Straw Hat with this convenient powder shaker. Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, its portable size allows you to enjoy the uplifting scent of summer wherever you are.

Powder Compact: Experience the timeless elegance of Straw Hat with this luxurious powder compact. Perfect for refreshing your fragrance throughout the day, its convenient size fits easily in your purse or pocket, ensuring you can enjoy the scent of summer whenever you desire.

A 1940 advertisement announces the new Straw Hat fragrance:

"It’s Fun…It’s Love in The Sun…Faberge, the French parfumeur, presents the youngest member of his fabulous perfume family - “Straw hat”, a flirt, a coquette, a hug in a hay mow! - kissing cousin to her tantalizing predecessors, “Aphrodisia”, “Woodhue” and “Tigress”.

“Straw Hat” upholds the honor and symmetry of the Faberge family by appearing in the by-now famous streamlined crystal flacons. Tops covered in plaited straw, trimmed with scarlet linen, look like miniature straw hats above slim transparent columns…a theme that is duplicated in both the “Straw hat” parfum and the Eau de Cologne Extraordinaire.. The name lettering on flacons and packages is in scarlet, designed to look like miniature sheaves of wheat.

Somewhat of a spoilt darling, “Straw Hat” was given a Palm Beach preview, previous to its northern debut. Only with the coming of Spring did it went its way above the Mason-Dixon Line. A “natural” for resort wear - with slacks, tub silk frocks, or filmy evening gowns - “Straw Hat” migrates merrily into Spring fashions, associated with Easter bonnets and can be found at Saks."

Fate of the Fragrance:

In 1976, Fabergé made the difficult decision to discontinue the beloved Straw Hat fragrance. However, recognizing the significance of its fragrance business, Fabergé's new Division embarked on a mission to revitalize the iconic scent.

In a bold move to rejuvenate the fragrance line and capture the essence of spring and summer, the Division chose to relaunch the original, classic Straw Hat fragrance. This innovative line, tailored for spring-summer promotion, sought to reintroduce the light and refreshing Straw Hat scent, perfectly suited for warm-weather fashion.

The relaunched collection, unveiled on March 1, 1983, boasted a fresh new look. The packaging was transformed with vibrant colors and adorned with delicate flower embossments, reflecting the playful and carefree spirit of the fragrance. The redesigned collection featured five carefully curated items, each encapsulating the essence of Straw Hat in its own unique way.

The relaunch was met with enthusiasm and excitement from consumers and fragrance enthusiasts alike. The reintroduction of Straw Hat breathed new life into Fabergé's fragrance portfolio, reigniting interest and sparking joy among loyal fans and newcomers alike.

Despite the initial success and warm reception, the journey of Straw Hat was not without its challenges. Sadly, the fragrance was once again discontinued, leaving behind a legacy of nostalgia and fond memories for those who had cherished its fleeting presence. Nonetheless, its brief resurgence in 1983 served as a testament to the enduring appeal and timeless charm of this beloved fragrance.

Straw Hat II:

In 1974, against the backdrop of a burgeoning fascination with herbal and grassy scents, Fabergé introduced a delightful iteration of their iconic fragrance: Straw Hat II. Building upon the foundation of the beloved original, Straw Hat II boasted a "light new touch of herbs and grasses," catering to the zeitgeist of the era and capturing the imagination of the Hippie set.

This refreshed rendition of the classic fragrance retained the essence of the original while infusing it with a modern twist, resulting in a scent that was described as "brisk and breezy," perfectly suited for the carefree spirit of the times.

Top notes: lime, mimosa, bergamot
Middle notes: jasmine, lavender, lilac, lily of the valley, rose
Base notes: sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver

At the heart of Straw Hat II were its carefully selected notes, which harmonized to create a vibrant olfactory experience:

Top Notes: A burst of citrus freshness greeted the senses with notes of lime, mimosa, and bergamot, evoking the invigorating sensation of a summer breeze.

Middle Notes: The fragrance unfolded with a bouquet of floral delights, including jasmine, lavender, lilac, lily of the valley, and rose. These delicate blooms added a touch of romance and sophistication to the composition, capturing the essence of a sun-drenched garden in full bloom.

Base Notes: Anchoring the fragrance were earthy and woody undertones of sandalwood, oakmoss, and vetiver, grounding the scent and providing a sense of depth and complexity.

The result was a fragrance that epitomized the carefree spirit of the era, evoking images of sun-dappled meadows and lazy summer afternoons. Straw Hat II, with its refreshing herbal twist, quickly became a favorite among fragrance enthusiasts, offering a contemporary interpretation of a beloved classic.

In the vibrant era of the 1970s, Fabergé unveiled the captivating Straw Hat II fragrance, packaged in charming bubble bottles and labeled as cologne, embodying the essence of springtime freshness. Alongside the fragrance, a range of bath products was offered, inviting consumers to immerse themselves in the delightful scent of Straw Hat II.

The packaging of Straw Hat II was a celebration of the colors of spring, adorned in lively hues of grass green, lime, and pale greens, accentuated with a playful geometric print in dusty pink and lilac. This vibrant design not only captured the essence of the fragrance but also reflected the joy and exuberance of the era.

At the heart of the collection were the beautifully sculpted glass ball bottles, meticulously crafted over three years to ensure both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Fabergé foresaw these bottles as potential collector's items, with the versatility to serve as tiny tapers or candle holders once emptied, or to cradle a single special rose, adding an elegant touch to any setting.

The Straw Hat II collection offered a variety of indulgent products to cater to every preference:

2 oz Spray Cologne: Perfect for on-the-go application, this spray cologne delivered a refreshing burst of fragrance whenever desired, making it ideal for daily use.

1 oz Cologne Splash: For those who preferred a more traditional application method, the 1 oz cologne splash provided a classic and elegant option, allowing users to apply the fragrance with a subtle touch.

4 oz Cologne Splash: Offering a larger volume of fragrance, the 4 oz cologne splash ensured ample supply for extended use, allowing users to immerse themselves in the delightful scent of Straw Hat II.

6 oz Bath Salts: Indulge in a luxurious bath experience with the soothing and fragrant Straw Hat II bath salts, designed to relax the body and rejuvenate the senses.

6 oz Bubble Bath: Transform an ordinary bath into a luxurious retreat with the Straw Hat II bubble bath, creating a blissful oasis of relaxation and indulgence.

5 oz Bath Powder with Puff: Pamper yourself with the delicate scent of Straw Hat II with this luxurious bath powder, accompanied by a soft puff for easy application and a velvety-smooth finish.

1.4 oz Talc Shaker: Experience the subtle elegance of Straw Hat II with the delicately scented talc shaker, perfect for refreshing and soothing the skin after bathing.

Each product in the Straw Hat II collection was thoughtfully crafted to provide a sensorial experience that captivated the senses and transported users to a sun-kissed meadow in full bloom, making it a beloved staple among fragrance enthusiasts of the era. However, this too, is discontinued.