Tigress by Faberge c1938

In 1938, Fabergé introduced their new perfume Tigress to the women of France, where it quickly became a sensation. The fragrance captured the allure and sophistication of Parisian women, leading to its immense popularity. Due to its success in France, Fabergé decided to launch Tigress in the United States in 1940. At last, American women could discover the captivating scent that had enchanted their French counterparts, and understand firsthand what had made the Parisiennes purr with delight.

The American Perfumer - Volume 39, 1939: 

"Faberge, inspired by the deep lure of the jungle, this French perfumer has brought forth another perfume, "Tigress," expressing all the sensuous languor of the tigress herself, it is said. It is presented in a streamlined oval flacon with a tawny tiger-striped velvet top. The flacon is set in an oval beige satin base trimmed in gold. The box cover has beige satin on top and in the lining and the tiger velvet outside. The new odoro is also interpreted in eau de cologne."

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an oriental fragrance for women. Rosy floral, with spicy and musky tones. Tigress is heady and insistent, the essence of musk, amber, civet, patchouli and East Indian vetiver.

• Top notes: aldehydes, Italian bergamot, citrus notes
• Middle notes: lilac, lily of the valley, orange blossom, cinnamon, cloves, geranium, lavender, Bulgarian rose, carnation, Zanzibar ylang ylang, jasmine absolute
• Base notes: hay, cedarwood, benzoin, incense, rosewood, civet, Mysore sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla, Singapore patchouli, Tibetan musk, Yugoslavian oak moss, East Indian vetiver

I recently had the pleasure of purchasing a mini bottle of Tigress parfum and am currently sampling it. After applying a few drops to my wrist, I am slowly savoring the heavenly fragrance that is Tigress. It's clear why thousands of women are flocking to eBay to find this discontinued gem—it is truly a sexy perfume, not for the faint of heart.

Tigress opens with a burst of sparkling aldehydes that trap bergamot and citrus notes in their wake. This vibrant introduction is followed by the spicy warmth of cinnamon and cloves, which rest atop the pungent freshness of geraniums and lavender. The heart of the fragrance reveals the heady blossoms of Bulgarian roses, carnations, Zanzibar ylang ylang, and jasmine absolute. These floral notes are beautifully layered on a woodsy base of cedarwood, rosewood, and Mysore sandalwood. The composition is rounded out with a sensuous blend of powdery amber, patchouli, vetiver, animalic musk, oakmoss, and soft vanilla, creating a perfume that is both captivating and enduring.

Bottles:

The early Tigress cologne bottles were distinctively topped with screw caps covered in tiger-printed velveteen, adding a tactile and visual appeal to the packaging. This tiger print theme extended to some of the other products in the line, including the talcum and dusting powder sets, which also featured this bold and exotic design.

Tigress, like other Fabergé scents, was available in a wide range of products to suit different preferences and uses. These included:

• Parfum: The most concentrated and long-lasting form of the fragrance.
• Cologne: A lighter version of the scent, perfect for everyday use.
• Toilet Water: A refreshing and lighter alternative to the cologne.
• Dusting Powder: A fragranced powder for a luxurious post-bath experience.
• Talcum Powder: A finely milled powder to keep skin dry and scented.
• Bath Oil: An indulgent addition to the bath for a moisturizing and fragrant soak.
• Sachet: Small perfumed packets to scent linens, drawers, or closets.
• Soap: Luxurious scented soap for a fragrant cleansing experience.

These various forms allowed fans of Tigress to immerse themselves in its captivating fragrance throughout their daily routines, enhancing their personal scent experience from bathing to dressing.

Fate of the Fragrance:

By 1985, Tigress had vanished from the shelves, leaving its devoted fans bereft. However, in 1986, Pavion brought it back, sparking hope among its admirers. 

Press material for the fragrance describes it as "A melange of citruses is in the introduction to this warm oriental fragrance. A floral heart of rose, lilac, and lily of the valley embellished with a spicy complex develops its richness. Orange flower and ylang ylang are intriguing floral notes, along with amber notes, hay and patchouli. It is completed with powdery notes and sweet musk."

Sadly, this revival was short-lived, as Tigress was discontinued once again most likely before 2000. Its sudden disappearance left millions of adoring fans mourning its loss, with some attempting to recreate its unique scent, albeit with little success. Despite their efforts, Tigress remained an elusive and irreplaceable fragrance, leaving behind a legacy of longing and nostalgia among those who cherished its alluring aroma.

The Vermont Country Store offers their "version" of Tigress, asserting it to be the original formula. However, customers should be cautious, as it does not faithfully replicate the cherished scent of yesteryears. Regrettably, this rendition appears to be diluted, lacking the rich depth and golden hue that characterized the original fragrance. Those seeking to recapture the essence of the authentic Tigress may find themselves disappointed by this lesser imitation.

Cher's Uninhibited evokes nostalgic memories of Tigress, another beloved fragrance lost to time. It's regrettable that both scents are no longer in production, leaving enthusiasts yearning for their captivating aromas.

For those eager to experience Tigress once more, avenues like etsy, eBay, flea markets, auctions, estate sales, Craigslist, and similar venues may offer opportunities to procure vintage bottles of the cherished fragrance.

In 1979, Fabergé delighted fans with a flanker scent named Tigress Musk. This enchanting perfume boasted a potent musk essence complemented by warm vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood, and powdery amber. While retaining the delicate hint of bergamot from the original, Tigress Musk presented a rich tapestry of aromatic layers, weaving a mesmerizing olfactory experience. Unfortunately, this too, is discontinued.

CLICK HERE TO FIND TIGRESS BY FABERGE