Cleopatra's Boudoir: Delettrez: La Perfumerie du Monde Elegant

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

Delettrez: La Perfumerie du Monde Elegant

Delettrez of 15 rue Royale Paris, France and of Long Island City, NY. Established in 1835. From 1853 the company was subtitled La Parfumerie du Monde Elegant (The Perfumers of the High Society).

They created early luxury presentations and were awarded two gold medals in 1900.

They were a major exporter and a branch in New York City.

Some newspaper ads from 1931 stated that Delettrez had ceased production in May. A 1936 newspaper blurb stated that the Delettrez Cosmetics were now handled exclusively by the Markham Corner House.

Delettrez produced cosmetics, toiletries, and beauty preparations. They ceased production around 1955.

Le Monde Illustre, 1860:

"Don't forget that the handkerchief has its phases of toilet and elegance, and that it requires a perfume of good taste. Which one? Choose the bouquet of the fields, or the violet of Nice. The perfumery of the Elegant World has taken from the flowers of the fields their scent so fresh and so soft that you feel like you are breathing them in a green meadow. As for the violet, just its name makes you smile. You love it. We understand each other. We find it quite natural that it perfumes the air. We pick it and breathe it. When we want to create an illusion about the distilled essence of the violet calyx and imagine that we have a freshly cut bouquet of violets, we must ask Mr. Delettrez, director, of the perfumery of the Elegant World, its vinegar, its eau de toilette and its bouquet of Nice violets. Because Mr. Delettrez's perfumery is aimed at an aristocratic clientele, it must be distinguished by special articles which do not support any rivalry. For example, the eau de Cologne of the Grand Cordon which is at the head of all the eau de Cologne. The soap of the Sovereigns having the weapons of each power. The soap of the Boudoirs. The Imperial cream and the bouquet of fields pomade for the hair. The Lily cream valleys replacing cold cream for the complexion. And Cocoa milk having the property of erasing freckles and removing wrinkles. The most withered faces become young again by the miraculous influence of Cocoa milk."

Le Journal, 1902:

"Every year, Delettrez reserves a delicious surprise for the elegant world, but it seems that this time he wanted to surpass himself again with Myrtis, an incomparable perfume of exquisite subtlety whose fresh and delicate scent rests on the tiring musk-based preparations more or less natural. Our readers, by asking Maison Delettrez, 15, rue Royale, for a Myrtis-scented card, will be able to appreciate the perfection of this new creation."

Le Gaulois, 1902:

"Everywhere we find it, this pretty Christmas present, this delicate and fine Myrtis, which will also be the gift of the New Year, because it has charmed our elegant ladies and captivated their desire. Everyone wants to have this pretty box, this little love originally sculpted and offering the sweet scent of Delettrez, 15, rue Royale."

Le Matin, 1902:

"The most desirable present is indeed this exquisite perfume presented to the elegant by an adorable little Cupid finely carved in old ivory and offering Myrtis. What subtlety in this perfume, what suavity, and how Delettrez, 15, rue Royale, knows well the delicate taste of our pretty socialites."

Bulletin de la Société archéologique, historique & artistique, 1903: