Parfumerie Societe La France Toilet Goods

Parfumerie Societe La France Toilet Goods company, Inc., or La France Laboratories, played a significant role in the perfumery industry during the 1920s. Their introduction of fragrances paired with matching face powders exemplified their understanding of the importance of scent and cosmetics in personal grooming and luxury.

It's association with Parfumerie Saint Cyr, founded by Claude Saint Cyr, further enhanced La France's prestige. Claude Saint Cyr's background in millinery likely influenced the company's approach to fragrance and cosmetics, as milliners often had a keen sense of style and aesthetics, which translated well into the world of perfumery. Collaborating with Parfumerie Saint Cyr not only provided La France with access to high-quality fragrances but also allowed them to tap into the rich tradition of French perfumery, renowned for its sophistication and artistry.

By offering coordinated fragrances and face powders, La France Laboratories catered to consumers looking for harmonious and complete beauty routines, reflecting the era's growing interest in cosmetics and personal grooming. Overall, La France's partnership with Parfumerie Saint Cyr and their innovative approach to fragrance and cosmetics solidified their position as a prominent player in the perfumery industry during the 1920s, leaving a lasting legacy of elegance and refinement.

The acquisition of Societe La France Toilet Goods company, Inc. by the Stein Cosmetics company in 1929 marked a significant consolidation within the cosmetics and fragrance industry. Stein Cosmetics' purchase of La France Laboratories, along with its associated units, including M. Stein Cosmetics Co., Alexander Laboratory, Inc., Synthesa Laboratories, and Kaya, Inc., likely aimed to strengthen their market position and diversify their product offerings.

Each of these units likely brought unique expertise and product lines to Stein Cosmetics, allowing the company to expand its reach and cater to a broader range of consumers. M. Stein Cosmetics Co., for example, might have focused on different aspects of cosmetics production, while Alexander Laboratory, Inc. could have specialized in skincare or haircare products.

Synthesa Laboratories and Kaya, Inc. potentially provided Stein Cosmetics with additional capabilities in research and development, allowing them to innovate and stay ahead of market trends. The acquisition of La France Laboratories would have added fragrance expertise and a legacy of elegance and refinement to Stein Cosmetics' portfolio.

Altogether, the purchase of Societe La France Toilet Goods company, Inc. and its associated units by the Stein Cosmetics company likely positioned the latter as a formidable player in the cosmetics and fragrance industry of the time, with a diverse range of products and expertise to offer consumers.

The perfumes of Parfumerie Societe La France:

• 1924 Ambre
• 1924 Narcisse
• 1924 Jasmine
• 1924 Chypre
• 1924 Rose
• 1924 Lilac
• 1925 Fond Memories
• 1926 Springtime

Parfumerie Société La France introduced a collection of fragrances in the mid-1920s, each reflecting the era’s preference for classic floral and rich oriental compositions. These perfumes, launched between 1924 and 1926, evoke the refined elegance and olfactory trends of the period.

In 1924, the house debuted Ambre, a scent centered around ambergris—a prized and luxurious ingredient that lends a warm, slightly sweet, and animalic depth to perfumes. Complementary notes may have included labdanum, vanilla, benzoin, and possibly sandalwood, creating a rich, resinous, and sensual oriental fragrance.

The same year, Narcisse was introduced, inspired by the heady aroma of narcissus flowers. This scent would have had a green, slightly indolic, and honeyed floral character, often paired with jasmine, orange blossom, or tuberose to enhance its opulence. The inclusion of mossy or woody undertones could have provided balance to its intense floral richness.

Jasmine, also from 1924, likely showcased the lush, intoxicating essence of jasmine blossoms. With its naturally sweet, indolic, and slightly fruity nuances, this fragrance might have been enriched with ylang-ylang, citrus, or spices, lending it an exotic and radiant quality.

That same year saw the launch of Chypre, a name derived from the classic fragrance family inspired by the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. A true chypre composition would have featured a contrast of bright citrus top notes, floral heart accords—possibly rose or jasmine—and an earthy, mossy base of oakmoss, patchouli, and labdanum. The result would have been a sophisticated, slightly dry, and elegant fragrance with a lingering, woody warmth.

Rose, another 1924 release, was undoubtedly dedicated to the timeless beauty of the rose. This fragrance may have blended velvety, dewy, or powdery rose notes with hints of geranium, violet, or musk, creating a romantic and feminine scent. Depending on the composition, it could have leaned toward a fresh and green interpretation or a richer, more opulent blend with spices and woods.

Completing the 1924 lineup was Lilac, a soft, ethereal floral scent capturing the fresh, slightly powdery, and creamy aroma of lilac blossoms. To mimic the true essence of lilac, the perfume likely incorporated heliotrope, almond-like tonka bean, and light musk for added softness. It may have also included a touch of green leaves or citrus for a more natural, springtime freshness.

In 1925, Parfumerie Société La France introduced Fond Memories, a name suggesting nostalgia and warmth. This fragrance may have been a powdery floral, possibly featuring notes of iris, violet, and vanilla, evoking the comforting scent of vintage face powders and delicate flower petals. Soft woods and musk might have rounded out the composition, creating a gentle yet lasting presence.

By 1926, the house released Springtime, a fragrance that likely captured the essence of blooming gardens and fresh greenery. A bright and uplifting composition, it may have included notes of lily of the valley, hyacinth, narcissus, and tender green leaves, combined with soft musks or delicate woody undertones to reflect the crisp and rejuvenating air of spring.

Each of these fragrances from Parfumerie Société La France embodies the olfactory elegance of the 1920s, drawing from the most beloved floral and oriental themes of the time. Their compositions likely showcased the artistry of natural essences, blending rich, opulent notes with fresh and airy accords to create timeless, evocative scents.