Parfums Massenet

Parfums Massenet, Inc., headquartered at 509 Madison Avenue, New York, marked an intriguing chapter in the story of French-American perfumery. Established in Paris around 1940 by G.R. Parkinson, the brand entered the market during a time of immense social and cultural change. As a French-founded perfume house that later established itself in the United States, Parfums Massenet reflects the era’s evolving landscape, where many European brands sought stability and a new audience across the Atlantic due to the challenges of World War II.

G.R. Parkinson’s foundation of Parfums Massenet likely aimed to capture the refined, cosmopolitan spirit of pre-war French perfumery and adapt it for American sensibilities. Situated on Madison Avenue, one of New York’s prominent addresses, Massenet positioned itself at the heart of the city’s fashion and luxury district, appealing to a sophisticated clientele. This address allowed the brand to bridge European elegance with American style, catering to the tastes of discerning clients in search of luxurious and exclusive fragrances. The legacy of Parfums Massenet, though less well-documented today, embodies the cross-cultural exchanges of the time, offering a snapshot of the resilience and adaptability of fine perfumery during an era of global transition.

Altesse, an aldehydic floral, seemed to be well liked by women, but Mandalay was their most popular perfume. It is described as woodsy and spicy, with exotic floral notes like ylang ylang, resting on an amber and patchouli base.

The Massenet perfumes were still being sold in 1952, I cannot find any other newspaper ads after that date.

The perfumes of Massenet:

• 1941 Altesse de Massenet (aldehydic floral, discontinued in 1948)
• 1942 Bouquet Américain (woodsy floral)
• 1942 Mandalay
• 1942 Rhapsodie
• 1944 Liquid Flowers
• 1944 Shéhérazade
• 1947 Candelabre (a presentation)

American Druggist, 1946:

"Parfums Massenet, three French perfumes- Rhapsodie, Altesse and Mandalay - not on the market during the war, are now available. Each comes in half ounce ord one ounce sizes. Parfums Massenet , 113 W. 18 St., N. Y. C."

The American Perfumer and Essential Oil Review, 1947:

"Massenet, a new gift package of three fragrances, Mandalay, Rhapsodie, and Altesse, is attractively packaged by Parfums Massenet. The bottles are set on a golden candelabra with a shimmering aquamarine background and are charmingly boxed in aquamarine and gold."

 Motion Picture Story Magazine, 1947:

"Candelabre de Massenet holds one dram each of Rhapsodie, Altesse, and Mandalay . $5."

Northwest Arkansas Times, 1947:

"PARFUMS MASSENET NEW YORK-PARIS Rhapsodie, Mandalay, Altesse, $2.25 to $17.50."

Bottles:

Rhapsodie, same bottle was used by Raquel.