Nicole Altair Perfume Mfg . Co.

Nicole Altair, Inc. of Paris was a perfume house that launched a distinctive range of fragrances around 1947, each inspired by one of the four seasons of the year. Founded by Nicole Altair, the company focused on addressing a common dilemma among perfume buyers—whether to wear a particular fragrance depending on the time of year. Understanding that women were often unsure about which scent was appropriate for which season, Nicole Altair created four distinct perfumes—one for each season—to help customers feel more confident in their choices. This innovation reflected both the practicality and creativity of the brand, offering a direct solution to a widespread concern in fragrance purchasing.

Nicole Altair, born on December 6, 1903, in Carmel, California, was a visionary in the perfume industry. She lived a long and impactful life, passing away in August 1987 at the age of 83. Her husband, Charles Leo Phillippe Altair, was actively involved in the business for 13 years, helping guide the company’s development, particularly in the realm of perfume manufacturing. Nicole’s move to Carmel, Monterey County, in 1954 marked a significant transition for the company. The production and office operations were relocated from Paris to California, where the firm aimed to expand further. Charles M. Strosneider, the business manager at the time, announced plans to eventually employ 50 people for the purpose of formulating perfumes for national distribution and export. The Altair family, with more than a century of experience in perfume production, continued to grow and innovate, and by 1954, they were well on their way to establishing themselves as a key player in the American fragrance market.

One of the key offerings of Nicole Altair was its seasonal fragrance collections, which included both a larger "Four Seasons" set and a more compact "Two Seasons" set. The "Four Seasons" set showcased all four seasonal perfumes, elegantly presented in a lucite rack with a protective cover, while the "Two Seasons" set contained two of the perfumes, also housed in a lucite rack with cover. These sets made ideal gifts and emphasized the brand’s focus on convenience and personalization for its customers.

Although Nicole Altair’s fragrances gained attention and respect in the industry, the company likely ceased operations before 1960. By this time, their innovative approach to seasonally inspired perfumes had left a lasting impression on the fragrance market. Nicole Altair’s contributions to the industry, along with her commitment to producing thoughtfully curated perfumes, remain a testament to her creativity and vision.

The perfumes of Altair:

• 1947 L'Ete
• 1947 L'Hiver
• 1947 L'Automne
• 1947 Printemps
• 1956 Brise de Carmel
• Gigolette

 

Bottles:

This is a rare early complete set of Nicole Altair perfumes fitted with glass daubers. The lucite rack is inscribed with the names of the perfumes: "Printemps", "L'Hiver", "L'Ete", and "L'Automne".  The two lucite knobs, on the sides, unscrew to remove the bottles. The bottles are approx 2 & 1/2" tall.