Le Roy Soleil by Schiaparelli c1947

In 1947, the world was emerging from the devastation of World War II, a conflict that had profoundly altered social, economic, and cultural landscapes globally. The end of the war brought a mix of relief and a collective desire for renewal and celebration. Elsa Schiaparelli, renowned for her avant-garde fashion designs and innovative approach to fragrance, launched "Le Roy Soleil" as a tribute to mark this pivotal moment in history. The perfume aimed to encapsulate the opulence and magnificence associated with the reign of Louis XIV of France, often referred to as the Sun King.

Schiaparelli's choice of the name "Le Roy Soleil" was deliberate and multifaceted. Louis XIV's era represented a pinnacle of French cultural and artistic achievement, characterized by grandeur, refinement, and a flourishing of the arts. By naming her perfume after the Sun King, Schiaparelli sought to evoke the essence of this golden age—its luxury, sophistication, and the aura of divine right associated with monarchy. "Le Roy Soleil" not only paid homage to a historical figure but also symbolized a return to elegance and an aspiration for a brighter future after the dark years of war.

"Le Roy Soleil" would have resonated deeply with those who appreciated history, art, and luxury. It would appeal to individuals with a penchant for nostalgia and a longing for the cultural richness of past eras. Those who related to the perfume would likely respond with admiration, seeing it as a fragrance that transports them to an era of courtly splendor and refined tastes. The scent itself would be expected to embody the opulence and allure of Louis XIV's court, perhaps featuring notes of exotic spices, rich florals, and precious woods that evoke the ambiance of royal gardens and luxurious palaces.

The name "Le Roy Soleil" evokes images of shimmering sunlight filtering through ornate windows of grand palaces, intricate gardens adorned with fountains, and the sumptuous fabrics and perfumes worn by royalty. It evokes feelings of warmth, splendor, and a sense of being transported to a time when art and culture flourished under the patronage of a powerful monarch. For those familiar with French history or enchanted by tales of bygone royal courts, "Le Roy Soleil" promises a sensorial journey into a world of timeless elegance and majesty.

Shocked: My Mother, Schiaparelli, and Me by Patricia Volk:

“To celebrate the liberation of Paris, she collaborates with Dali on her most dramatic perfume presentation: Press the catch. A gold scallop shell yawns to reveal a Baccarat bottle. The dauber is the sun. Its bursting rays are hand-gilded. The features of the sun’s face are composed of Schiap’s symbol of freedom, birds in flight. The base of the bottle is the rippling ocean. Waves crest in blue enamel. “Though too expensive and too sophisticated for the general public,” she wrote, “it was a lovely object destined not to die.” Schiap calls this presentation “Le Roy Soleil.” Two thousand Sun Kings are produced and sell out immediately. She sent a bottle to one of her best customers. A thank you note is hand-delivered.: 

Dear Madame Schiaparelli. It is really the most beautiful bottle ever made, and the Roy Soleil is a very lasting and sweet gentleman. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your giving me such a handsome present which has displaced the Duke’s photograph on the coiffeuse! I shall be back again either tomorrow or Friday morning. 

With every good wish for great success with your collection which deserves all the applause. 

I am, 

Believe me, 

Yours sincerely, 

Wallis Windsor."

Bottles:

In 1947, against the backdrop of post-World War II optimism and a longing for the restoration of cultural splendor, Elsa Schiaparelli launched her perfume "Le Roy Soleil". Inspired by the artistic extravagance of Louis XIV of France, known as the Sun King, Schiaparelli's choice of name and design was deeply intertwined with the grandeur and opulence of the 17th-century French court.

Salvador Dalí, renowned for his surrealist artistry and admiration for figures of artistic excess like Louis XIV, played a significant role in the creation of the perfume's bottle design. The 1945 painting "Le Roy Soleil", inspired by Louis XIV himself, served as a muse for Dalí's interpretation of the perfume bottle. The design, therefore, echoed the flamboyance and creativity associated with both Louis XIV's reign and Dalí's surrealistic vision.

The bottle for "Le Roy Soleil" would have been a testament to both Schiaparelli's avant-garde aesthetic and Dalí's surrealistic flair. It likely bore intricate details and luxurious embellishments, evoking the lavishness of royal artifacts and the imaginative depth characteristic of Dalí's art. This collaboration between fashion and art not only celebrated historical grandeur but also pushed the boundaries of perfume packaging as a form of artistic expression.

For admirers of both Schiaparelli's fashion innovations and Dalí's surrealistic genius, "Le Roy Soleil" would have been more than a perfume; it would have been a collector's item, embodying the essence of artistic collaboration and historical homage. The perfume itself, housed in such a bottle, would carry the promise of transporting its wearer to an era of magnificence and creativity, encapsulating the spirit of Louis XIV's court through its fragrance and design.

photo from takasago

The bottle of "Le Roy Soleil" designed by Salvador Dalí and crafted by Cristalleries de Baccarat in the mid-1940s was a masterpiece of both artistic vision and technical craftsmanship. Dalí's surrealistic touch transformed the crystal flacon into a three-dimensional homage to Louis XIV and the sun-drenched opulence of his reign.

The base of the bottle depicted a seascape, with waves rendered in blue enamel that mimicked the undulating motion of ocean waters. Gold enamel accents highlighted these waves, capturing the play of sunlight on wet rocks and surf, evoking the luxurious ambiance of a coastal vista under the Sun King's rule. The bottle was topped with a substantial crystal stopper shaped like a radiant sun, its rays varying in size to emulate the sun's dynamic energy. A striking detail on the sun's face was formed by black swallows, each delicately applied by hand in black enamel, symbolizing aspirations for a bright future amidst post-war reconstruction.

The presentation of "Le Roy Soleil" extended beyond its stunning bottle. Housed in a lavish, hinged presentation box gilded with gold, the experience of unveiling the perfume was akin to opening a treasure chest. The box opened like a clamshell, revealing the bottle nestled against cream-colored satin, creating a dramatic contrast that underscored the perfume's luxurious allure.

According to Baccarat, the renowned French glassmaker responsible for the limited production, only 3,012 bottles of "Le Roy Soleil" were crafted between 1945 and 1946. This scarcity added to the perfume's allure, making each bottle not just a vessel for fragrance, but a coveted collector's item embodying the essence of artistic collaboration, historical homage, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Harper's Bazaar, 1946:

"Schiaparelli's new and devastating "Le Roy Soleil."

Harper's Bazaar, 1947:

"In the same regal manner,- Schiaparelli's "Le Roy Soleil" perfume."

Esquire, 1947:

"And still another called "Le Roy Soleil," a French perfume named for Louis XIV whose epoch was considered the most glorious in the history of France. This is positively a sumptuous production ... a gold fleck bottle of baccarat crystal with a sunburst stopper."

Current Biography, 1952:

"For a separate perfume business, also housed at the same address, Schiaparelli designs bottles, labels, and boxes for “Shocking", “Salut", “Le Roi [sic] Soleil”, “Zut," and other perfumes."

Le monde des affaires en France, 1952:

"Schiaparelli s'est spécialisé dans les flacons étonnants en forme de mannequin, de chandelier auréolé de flammes, comme son dernier : « Roy soleil »"

Woman's Guide to Europe, 1954:

" Schiaparelli, 21 Place Vendome. "Succes Fou"— indeed a mad success; "Salut"— for young girls; "Snuff '—tweedy, masculine; "Sleeping"— wistful, delicate; "Shocking"— elegant, refined; "Zut"— shocking; "Roi [sic] Soleil"— luxurious."

Baccarat Cube Stoppered Bottles: 

The clear glass bottle first introduced by Schiaparelli in 1938 and prominently used throughout the 1940s served as an iconic vessel for several of her renowned perfumes. Designed to hold pure parfum, this bottle style not only housed "Shocking" but also became a standard for other Schiaparelli fragrances such as So Sweet, Sleeping, Salut, Le Roy Soleil, and Zut. Its simplicity and functionality were likely influenced by the constraints of World War II, particularly restrictions on imports, including glass bottles and supplies from countries like Czechoslovakia and Italy.

Crafted entirely within France, this domestic product was identified by Baccarat as model #788 and was exclusively manufactured for Schiaparelli. The bottle itself features an elegant, tall, upright rectangular shape, conveying a sense of understated sophistication. The stopper, a notable facet of its design, is a faceted glass cube, adding a touch of geometric flair to the otherwise streamlined silhouette. In its smallest iteration, the stopper includes an attached dauber, ensuring practicality alongside its aesthetic appeal.

Emphasizing its origins and quality, the base of the bottle typically bears the molded inscriptions "Schiaparelli" and "French Bottle," underscoring its French craftsmanship and exclusivity. This design not only reflected the pragmatic adaptations necessitated by wartime conditions but also maintained Schiaparelli's commitment to elegance and style, providing a lasting testament to the ingenuity and resilience of French perfume craftsmanship during challenging historical periods.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The fragrance by Schiaparelli, once celebrated for its distinctive character and artistic presentation, has since been lost to time, its discontinuation date fading into obscurity. However, its legacy endures primarily due to its remarkable and iconic bottle design, which remains etched in the minds of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Commissioned by Schiaparelli, the renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dali lent his visionary touch to create a bottle that transcended mere packaging to become a work of art in its own right.

Originally crafted in a limited edition of just 2000 bottles, the bottle designed by Dali was a profound homage to the Sun King, Louis XIV. This choice of theme was not merely decorative but symbolic, evoking the splendor and grandeur of Louis XIV's reign, known for its opulence and cultural refinement. Dali's interpretation infused the bottle with surrealistic elements that spoke to his artistic ethos, blending symbolism with avant-garde design principles.

The enduring allure of this fragrance lies not only in its scent but in its fusion of fashion, art, and history. The collaboration between Schiaparelli and Dali resulted in a collector's item that transcends its original purpose, becoming a sought-after piece for its rarity and artistic merit. Despite its discontinuation, the fragrance's legacy continues through the lasting impression left by its bottle, a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration in the world of perfumery and art.

Le Roy Soleil by Parfums Salvador Dali c1997:

In 1945, Salvador Dalí created the painting "Le Roy Soleil," drawing inspiration from Louis XIV, the Sun King of France, known for his extravagant lifestyle and profound influence on French culture. Dalí's admiration for Louis XIV's creativity and opulence later influenced the design of perfume bottles associated with the monarch's legacy. Jean-Pierre Grivory, chairman of Parfums Salvador Dalí, emphasized Dalí's fascination with the Sun King, which served as a pivotal inspiration for the bottle designs of men's fragrances like "Le Roy Soleil" (1997) and "Black Sun" (2007).

The perfume "Le Roy Soleil," launched by Parfums Salvador Dalí in June 1997, pays homage to its namesake fragrance originally created by Schiaparelli. Philippe Romano, the perfumer behind the creation, aimed to capture the essence of royalty and grandeur associated with Louis XIV. The bottle design itself is a visual testament to this inspiration, featuring the etching of the sun's image—a nod to the symbolic power and radiance associated with the Sun King.

This reinterpretation of "Le Roy Soleil" by Parfums Salvador Dalí not only revitalizes the historical and cultural significance of Louis XIV but also connects contemporary perfume enthusiasts with the timeless allure of royalty and artistic expression. Through fragrance and design, the perfume encapsulates a narrative of luxury, creativity, and historical fascination, bridging the past with the present in a celebration of olfactory and visual artistry.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a soft oriental fragrance for women in parfum de toilette concentration.

• Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, pawpaw, lemon, pineapple and rosewood
• Middle notes: clove, cinnamon, cyclamen, rose, Egyptian jasmine and apricot
• Base notes: Singapore patchouli, Mysore sandalwood, Haitian vetiver, tonka bean, vanilla and musk

Scent Profile:

The fragrance described is a captivating example of a soft oriental perfume tailored for women, formulated in a parfum de toilette concentration to ensure a balanced intensity ideal for everyday wear. Its composition unfolds in layers that promise a sensory journey through a harmonious blend of top, middle, and base notes.

At the outset, the perfume reveals a lively and citrusy opening with top notes that include Calabrian bergamot, pawpaw (papaya), lemon, pineapple, and rosewood. These refreshing and fruity elements provide an immediate burst of freshness, setting a vibrant and uplifting tone.

Moving into the heart of the fragrance, the middle notes introduce a warm and spicy character, enriched by a blend of clove, cinnamon, cyclamen, rose, Egyptian jasmine, and apricot. These floral and spicy notes contribute to the perfume's depth, adding a sensual and aromatic allure that evolves gracefully on the skin.

The base notes anchor the fragrance with a rich and lingering trail, featuring Singapore patchouli, Mysore sandalwood, Haitian vetiver, tonka bean, vanilla, and musk. These elements create a smooth and velvety foundation that enhances the perfume's longevity and depth, leaving a memorable impression.

Overall, this soft oriental fragrance is designed to evoke femininity and sophistication, blending exotic spices with floral sweetness and creamy undertones. Its complex yet balanced composition makes it suitable for various occasions, from daytime elegance to evening allure, ensuring that it remains a timeless choice for women who appreciate a perfume that seamlessly combines sophistication with warmth.

Bottle:

The bottle housing this fragrance represents a modified rendition of the original design used by Schiaparelli, which itself was a testament to artistic innovation. Designed by Salvador Dalí, the bottle retains the essence of surrealism and avant-garde flair that characterized the collaboration between Dalí and Schiaparelli. Known for pushing boundaries in both fashion and art, Dalí's reinterpretation of the bottle design adds a distinct touch to the perfume's presentation.

The modified version of the Schiaparelli bottle designed by Dalí likely features surrealistic elements that echo the artist's fascination with the extraordinary and the unconventional. It may incorporate whimsical motifs or abstract shapes, reflecting Dalí's distinctive style and his penchant for imbuing everyday objects with a sense of mystery and intrigue. The bottle's form itself would serve as a work of art, blurring the lines between functionality and artistic expression.

Presented in such a bottle, the fragrance not only captivates with its olfactory allure but also invites appreciation as a visual masterpiece. The collaboration between Schiaparelli and Dalí continues to resonate through this modified design, offering perfume enthusiasts a unique blend of historical homage and contemporary artistic vision. As a collector's item, it embodies the enduring legacy of two creative giants who transcended their respective fields to leave an indelible mark on the worlds of fashion, art, and fragrance.

The presentation of Le Roy Soleil (1997) is a testament to luxury and artistic craftsmanship, encapsulated in its meticulously designed packaging and exquisite bottle. Housed in a luxurious cardboard box covered in fuchsia suede paper, the exterior sets an elegant stage for the treasure within. Adorning the box is the emblem of a gilded metal sun, hinting at the fragrance's celestial inspiration and luxurious essence.

The bottle itself, crafted from clear Baccarat crystal, exudes sophistication with its oval section and curved conical body. Standing at a height of 14cm, its presence is commanding yet graceful, reflecting the attention to detail characteristic of fine crystal craftsmanship. The bottle's pièce de résistance is its imposing crystal stopper, intricately enhanced with gold lacquer to depict a stylized sun with a dreamy, almost mythical face. This artistic embellishment not only enhances the bottle's visual appeal but also pays homage to the surrealistic influence of its designer, Salvador Dalí.

Each bottle is a limited edition, signed and numbered, with this particular example marked as 97 out of 3000 produced. This exclusivity adds to its allure, making Le Roy Soleil not just a fragrance but a collector's item prized for its rarity and artistic merit. The combination of luxurious materials, meticulous design, and artistic symbolism ensures that Le Roy Soleil (1997) stands as a remarkable fusion of fragrance and visual artistry, inviting admiration and enchantment with every glance and every spritz.

Le Roy Soleil pour Homme by Parfums Salvador Dali c1997:

Le Roy Soleil Homme by Salvador Dali is a special occasion eau de toilette, introduced in 1997.

• Top notes: neroli, Calabrian bergamot, ozone accord
• Middle notes: toronja, Egyptian geranium, jasmine
• Base notes: amber, cedar, Brazilian rosewood

Scent Profile:

Le Roy Soleil Homme by Salvador Dalí, introduced in 1997, stands out among men's fragrances for its distinctive character and composition. Designed for special occasions, this eau de toilette offers a refreshing departure from the typically assertive and robust scents prevalent in men's perfumery.

At its opening, Le Roy Soleil Homme captivates with a blend of top notes that include neroli, Calabrian bergamot, and an ozone accord. This combination sets a bright and invigorating tone, immediately drawing attention with its citrusy and fresh elements.

Moving into the heart of the fragrance, middle notes of toronja (grapefruit), Egyptian geranium, and jasmine introduce a subtle floral and aromatic complexity. These notes add depth and sophistication, balancing the initial brightness with a nuanced warmth that evolves on the skin.

The base notes of amber, cedar, and Brazilian rosewood anchor the fragrance with a sensual and earthy foundation. These ingredients lend Le Roy Soleil Homme a lasting and masculine allure, providing a harmonious conclusion that complements its earlier notes.

Overall, Le Roy Soleil Homme stands as a testament to Salvador Dalí's vision of a men's fragrance that is both refined and approachable. Its composition strikes a balance between freshness and warmth, making it suitable for memorable occasions where sophistication and individuality are celebrated. This fragrance invites wearers to experience a unique olfactory journey that combines citrusy brightness with woody depth, ensuring a distinctive presence that resonates long after application.