Sharelle by House of Hampton c1956

 In 1956, the Connecticut-based perfumery, House of Hampton, introduced a fragrance called Sharelle, described as the "perfume of enchantment." The name "Sharelle" likely reflects the brand's desire to evoke a sense of mystery, elegance, and femininity. The name itself appears to derive from French origins, possibly inspired by words such as "chérie" (meaning "dear" or "beloved") or "belle" (meaning "beautiful"). Pronounced as "shuh-RELL" in layman’s terms, the name conveys sophistication and allure, making it well-suited to a perfume designed to captivate. The word "Sharelle" conjures images of timeless elegance, romantic evenings, and an enchanting, almost magical quality. It evokes emotions of love, desire, and feminine mystique, appealing to women seeking to express their personal charm and individuality.

The 1950s were a time of transformation and optimism, often referred to as the post-war era or the Golden Age of Consumerism. This period was marked by economic growth, suburban expansion, and a renewed emphasis on glamour and femininity. In fashion, Christian Dior's "New Look" silhouette of cinched waists and full skirts dominated, reflecting a return to luxurious, ultra-feminine styles. Women were influenced by movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn, who embodied glamour and sophistication. Perfumes during this time became essential accessories, complementing the overall polished and elegant aesthetic of the era.

A perfume like Sharelle, with its sweet, floral, powdery oriental composition and herbal nuance, would have resonated deeply with women of the period. The scent’s romantic and mysterious qualities aligned perfectly with the ideals of grace and allure that women aspired to. The herbal note added a touch of uniqueness, hinting at complexity and intrigue. Women would have viewed Sharelle as a luxurious indulgence, a way to embody the enchanting femininity that was so celebrated at the time. The name itself would have heightened the allure, making the perfume feel like a secret spell bottled for the modern enchantress.

In the context of other fragrances on the market, Sharelle would have fit well within the prevailing trends of the 1950s. Oriental and floral perfumes were immensely popular, with classics like Shocking by Schiaparelli setting the tone for bold, glamorous compositions. Sharelle’s blend of sweet florals, powdery notes, and resinous base notes reflected the enduring appeal of such scents, but its herbal nuance and the evocative branding of "enchantment" may have given it a subtle distinction. While not radically innovative, Sharelle offered an accessible yet sophisticated option for women seeking to immerse themselves in the fashionable and enchanting world of high-quality perfumes.

At the same time, House of Hampton demonstrated versatility in its fragrance offerings. Alongside Sharelle, the launch of Deep Amber catered to those who preferred rich, warm, resinous scents. By 1961, the House of Hampton had expanded its lineup to include perfumes like Gay Secret (described as "gay as a summer breeze"), Toyo, D'Artage (described as "elegance personified"), Karim, Jolie-Femme (described as the "sophisticated essence of femininity"),White Fantasy, and GOP-tism, appealing to a broad range of preferences. These perfumes were made accessible through various formats, including cologne, bubble bath, and dusting powders, allowing women to layer scents for a luxurious experience. The availability of smaller sizes, such as half-dram and one-dram bottles, also made these perfumes accessible to a wider audience, encouraging women to experiment with multiple fragrances.

In summary, Sharelle was a reflection of its time—romantic, elegant, and attuned to the desires of women in the 1950s. Its name, scent, and branding resonated with the era’s ideals of femininity and enchantment, offering a sensory escape into a world of glamour and sophistication. While it aligned with contemporary trends, its specific composition and branding gave it an identity that helped it stand out in a growing market of luxurious fragrances.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a sweet, floral, powdery oriental perfume for women with an herbal note. Smells a lot similar to vintage Shocking by Schiaparelli perfume.  

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, neroli, anise, tarragon, galbanum
• Middle notes: jasmine, rose, carnation, ylang ylang, honey, lavender, orris, clove, nutmeg, tuberose, violet
• Base notes: myrrh, civet, sandalwood, resins, ambergris, musk, benzoin, oakmoss, patchouli, vanilla, styrax, peru balsam, tonka bean, vetiver, cedar

Scent Profile:

The opening of Sharelle unfurls with the bright, effervescent sparkle of aldehydes, a crisp and slightly metallic fizz that feels like cool, dewy air at dawn. These aldehydes are softened by the sunny zest of bergamot, a citrus note that balances tartness with a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of freshly peeled fruit. The addition of neroli imparts a delicate floral nuance to the citrus, blending its orange blossom elegance with hints of green freshness. As the initial brightness settles, the distinctive herbal sharpness of anise emerges—a licorice-like sweetness with a cooling edge that dances playfully on the senses. Intertwined with this is tarragon, offering a fresh, bittersweet greenness with a slightly peppery undertone, and galbanum, which provides a bold, resinous herbaceousness that feels grounding and slightly earthy. Together, the top notes create a luminous and intriguing opening, blending sparkling clarity with herbal complexity.

As the fragrance transitions, the heart notes bloom like an elaborate floral bouquet. The jasmine is lush and heady, its indolic richness mingling with the romantic, velvety softness of rose. These two florals intertwine with the spicy warmth of carnation, which adds a subtle clove-like piquancy to the mix. The tropical creaminess of ylang ylang lends a languid sensuality, enhancing the floral richness with a honeyed, banana-like sweetness. Speaking of honey, its golden stickiness deepens the heart, adding a gourmand warmth and echoing the sweetness of the florals.

Amid this floral opulence, lavender emerges, offering a clean, slightly camphorous herbal quality that tempers the sweetness and ties back to the herbal notes in the top. Orris root, with its soft, powdery elegance, adds a velvety texture that enriches the floral facets, creating a sophisticated depth. The spiced edge of clove and the warm, slightly nutty quality of nutmeg lend complexity and intrigue, their piquant aromas a subtle contrast to the florals. The voluptuous, buttery richness of tuberose intensifies the creamy sensuality, while violet imparts a sweet, powdery softness that veils the composition like a fine mist. The heart is a floral symphony, seamlessly blending richness, sweetness, and spice into an enchanting harmony.

As the scent dries down, the warmth and depth of the base reveal themselves. The resinous sweetness of myrrh mingles with the animalic, musky sensuality of civet, creating a hypnotic and exotic undertone. Sandalwood provides a smooth, creamy woodiness that feels warm and comforting, while the earthy smokiness of resins like styrax and Peru balsam adds layers of depth and richness. The shimmering saltiness of ambergris weaves through the base, lending a subtle marine warmth that feels both natural and ethereal.

Musk, with its soft, skin-like warmth, amplifies the sensuality of the base, while benzoin contributes a balsamic, vanilla-like sweetness that rounds out the composition. Oakmoss and patchouli add an earthy, mossy depth, their green, woody facets grounding the sweeter, more resinous notes. The vanilla and tonka bean enhance the gourmand facets with their creamy, sweet-spiced richness, creating a luxurious, edible quality. Finally, the dry, grassy smokiness of vetiver and the warm, resinous strength of cedar round out the base, leaving a lingering impression of richness, sensuality, and complexity.

The overall impression of Sharelle is of a fragrance that transitions seamlessly from sparkling brightness to lush floral opulence, and finally to a deeply sensual, powdery warmth. It embodies the elegance and mystique of its era, blending sweetness, florals, and oriental richness into an enchanting and unforgettable scent.

Bottle:

The vintage 1960s Sharelle by House of Hampton collectible mini perfume bottle is a charming piece of mid-century design, encapsulating elegance and portability. This adorable 1-dram (1/8 oz) purse flacon is adorned with intricate filigree detailing on its front, giving it a sense of opulence and craftsmanship. A sparkling rhinestone centerpiece adds a touch of glamour, catching the light and drawing attention to the bottle’s ornate design. The neck of the bottle is wrapped in a metallic gold ribbon, a delightful embellishment that enhances its luxurious appeal. Topping the bottle is a gold plastic screw cap, providing a secure yet stylish closure. On the back, a gold foil embossed label gleams, completing the design with a sense of refinement. This petite bottle is not only a collectible treasure but also a nostalgic glimpse into the artistry of 1960s perfume packaging. All photos of this exquisite piece were featured in my Etsy shop, capturing its intricate details and vintage charm.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The perfume is discontinued, with its exact retirement date remaining unknown, adding an air of mystery to its history. Its rarity makes it an elusive gem, incredibly hard to find on the market today. However, for those fortunate enough to discover it, the effort is well worth it. This fragrance embodies a unique charm that collectors and enthusiasts treasure, making it a coveted piece in any vintage perfume collection.