Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It was a woodsy, mossy fragrance for men composed of sixty eight individual ingredients, many of them derived from the African continent: Ethiopia, Algeria, Morocco, and the Malagasy and Somali Republics. The cologne was advertised as having "staying power that will last 6 to 8 hours because it has a high oil base." I do not have the official notes on this fragrance, but was happy to review this to see what I could find out.
My fragrantica friend and fellow New Jerseyan Gary (cytherian) generously sent me a sample from his own bottle. I applied a few drops to my skin on the back of my hand and the first impression that I get is "Wow! This stuff smells awesome! So sexy and earthy."
A very pungent green note of galbanum mixed with bright bergamot and some sparkling aldehydes is the first to greet and tickle my nose. Then this is followed by a ferny goodness that some of you know from other vintage fougere fragrances, that exquisite fern accord, altogether earthy, deep, dark forest-like and backed by some spices, labdanum, myrrh, opoponax and a hint of geranium, dusty orris and some herbal notes combining aromatic notes of lavender and clary sage.
Then comes the oakmoss, oh yes, the oakmoss, this cologne is rife with a generous helping of pure, authentic vintage oakmoss. The cologne has a "fuzzy" balsamic overall effect when I sniff it over and over again. Some very good vintage perfumes and colognes have this "fuzziness" or velvety-ness, I cannot think of another way to describe this, but it is very enveloping and is perfectly blended and is probably from Iso E Super or musk ambrette. There is some naughty civet and leather hidden deep inside the resinous drydown with some earthy patchouli leaves, amber, cedar, powdery tonka bean and creamy sandalwood. There is a note in there that reminds me of vintage Opium perfume. Absolutely stunning from start to finish. I would think that a very good niche perfumer could remake this and have a best seller on their hands.
- Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, green accord, galbanum
- Middle notes: geranium, lavender, myrrh, orris, opoponax, clary sage, labdanum
- Base notes: amber, oakmoss, resins, vetiver, Mysore sandalwood, cedar, Ethiopian civet, balsams, tonka bean, leather, musk (Iso E Super)
Southern Illinoisan Newspaper, December 10, 1975:
"The legend of Woto is too sensual to be told. Woto Cologne-. $9.50. After Shave: $7.00. Woto Giftset $5.00."
"The legend of Woto is too sensual to be told. Woto Cologne (4 oz.) $2.00 Woto Gift Set (4 oz. cologne, 4 oz. after shave) $19.00, Woto Musk-Cologne (4 oz.) $12.00, Woto After Shave (4 oz.) $8.50, Woto On A Rope (Soap) $6.00."
Bottles:
The African theme was continued with the bottle shape, designed by Richard Kline, the secretary and company designer of Deviline, Inc., after he studied book after book of African sculpture. The maple wood cap on the clear glass Woto bottle reflects the artistic style of the wood carving done by the Kuba and the large abstract floral pattern done in black, brown and white, on the box recalls a native Congolese design, inspired by an ancient wall hanging. The concept, explained by the press writer, Bridget Paolucci, was that the Woto toiletries would serve as a "fashion accessory rather than an after-thought." A 1977 advertisement reads "Woto, cologne and aftershave, reflects the motifs prevalent in today's men's fashions. Ties, shirts, scarves, even pants and jackets compliment the authentic design of the Woto package."
"We have incorporated into the toiletry package - a fashion motif. This is geared to go along with a certain look which is prevalent today," said Martin Scherer, president and founder of Deviline, Inc."Woto products look like men's store and boutique interiors - the rich, decorative leathery browns. We have attempted to become more important in terms of the men's store by being more integrated with it," added Scherer.
Scherer asserted that the Deviline products were not aimed at the African oriented black community. "We are selling to all fashion conscious men - and of course a lot of women, too, for they often buy for the guy."
At the time, Woto was considered an expensive line. When it was first launched, the 4 ounce bottle of cologne retailed for $8.50 and the after shave retailed for $5.50. It was not destined to be sold in drug or discount store, but men's shops and department stores. Demonstration assistants were appointed in stores to introduce the public to the line. While the cologne and aftershave were the first products rolled out, additional products such as a "all purpose lotion," soap, Woto-Musk Cologne, hair conditioner, personal deodorant, a moisturizing skin cream and a gift set in a wooden box, were planned, all carrying out the African inspired toiletry design.
In 1979, the Woto cologne retailed for $12.00, the four ounce Woto-Musk Cologne retailed for $12.00, the Woto after shave retailed for $8.50, the Woto soap on a rope retailed for $6.00 and a gift set containing the Woto cologne and aftershave retailed for $19.00. Woto Sandalwood joined the line around 1981 as I found an advertisement that stated there were four scents in the Woto line including "Musk" and "Sandalwood", I was unable to find out which were the other two, I suspect "Patchouli" and possibly "Oakmoss" as these were the four main base ingredients for Woto. However, by 1981, prices of Woto products were being sold as cheaply as half retail prices, by 1983, bottles were given away with purchases such as pajamas.
Harper's Bazaar - Volume 102 - Page 70, 1969:
"The love god Woto worked his voodoo they say, from the mouth of the Congo to the mountains of the moon. Deviline, Inc. has blended fragrant oils from exotic sources and packaged them in designs inspired by African sculpture to create bold, brash Woto Cologne, "seducer of women. $8.50 at Henri Bendel.
Essence, 1970:
"How about Woto, an exciting new cologne named after the African God of Love. A blend of exotic oils from marvelous faraway places, Woto is a delightful manly fragrance bottled in a classic African- inspired decanter and cleverly wrapped in an authentic Congolese patterned box. It's a refreshing after-shave scent he'll love splashing on, . . . and you'll love it when he does."
Soap, 1975:
"Named after African god of love, "Woto" fragrance line from Deviline, Inc., New York, features blend of 68 ingredients. Decanter is capped in maple wood; package design is taken from Congolese pattern."
Cue, 1976:
"Deviline's Woto, named after a tribal love god, is an exotic, erotic blend imaginatively packaged in authentic African design. The Musk Cologne is $10 for 4 oz. and there's no mistaking it's message."
Cue, 1977:
"Aficionados of Africana and/ or love will surely go for Woto ("Love God") by Deviline. It's a deep, throbbing, distinctive fragrance, handsomely presented in decanters Inspired by African sculpture and boxed in a native pattern. "
Fate of the Fragrance:
Discontinued, date unknown. Discontinued around 1983.
I recently found a boxed Woto-On-A-Rope....
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