Frances Denney Perfumes

Frances Denney/Denny of Philadelphia, Pa. Frances Denney also traded under the name Denney & Denney from 1925-1950.



Information below was originally found on the now-defunct Frances Denney website in 2014:

"Frances Cunningham, from Drogheda, Ireland broke the stereotypes of the late Victorian era and enrolled in Trinity College in Dublin. She became the first woman to graduate with a degree in chemistry. Shortly after emigrating to the United States, she combined her knowledge of chemistry with a spirit of innovation and created a new industry by opening a fashionable salon in Philadelphia in 1897.

Coincidentally, the day her salon opened, she was celebrating not only her own birthday but also the birth of the first Cosmetic House in America.  While most cosmetics of the period did no more than cover the skin, Frances Denney introduced the first Regimen for Skin Care, "Cleanse, Freshen and Lubricate". Her superb formulas were sought out for their exceptional beauty dividends as well as the small investment in the time that was needed to attain these beautiful results.

In 1910 Frances Denney became the first to open a salon in a the John Wanamaker's retail department store in Philadelphia.

Frances Denney's oldest son entered the family business in 1928, followed by his brother and sister. At about this time, Frances began to diminish her role in the business and ultimately retired in 1938 at the age of 74.

Today, Frances Denney's parent company is publicly held and is listed on the American Stock Exchange. The specialists who continue Frances Denney's work share her extraordinary vision and high standards."  

Frances Denney's skincare and fragrances were available at her now-defunct website www.francesdenney.com, the information shown above used in this guide was from that website. My friend Mike has uncovered more to the actual Frances Denney story on his own website: Collecting Vintage Compacts.

Non-Frances Denney website info:

The perfumes of Frances Denney:

• 1920 Mayana
• 1925 Bizarre
• 1925 Jasmin Flowers
• 1925 Rose Elizabeth
• 1925 Silver Narcisse
• 1938 You and I
• 1939 Night Life
• 1939 Shining Star
• 1939 Yes,Yes
• 1940 Do-Re-Mi ( Three different perfumes, Do (crisp lavender), Re (floral), Mi (spicy)
• 1942 Whirlwind
• 1949 Mrs Santa Claus Comes To Town
• 1950 Snow Blossom (an aldehydic perfume)
• 1952 Hope (an aldehydic floral perfume)
• 1956 Gay Mood (jasmine scent, slightly aldehydic, spicy floral)
• 1962 Interlude
• 1970 Chenango
• 1996 Sensitive
• 1996 Essence of Hope 

In 1998 Frances Denney products were distributed by The Stephan Company  of 1850 W. McNab Road, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33309.

 

Hope by Frances Denney, launched in 1952, envelops you in a romantic, aldehydic floral embrace. The fragrance opens with a dazzling burst of aldehydes, which bring a bright, soapy freshness that feels both invigorating and classic. As the aldehydic top notes settle, the heart reveals a lush floral bouquet, dominated by the sweet, intoxicating scent of jasmine. This is complemented by the rich, velvety aroma of Bulgarian rose, which adds a layer of sophistication and romance. The inclusion of Algerian geranium brings a slightly green, rosy undertone, while lily of the valley infuses the composition with a crisp, dewy freshness. Together, these floral notes create a harmonious, elegant fragrance that is both timeless and enchanting.

Interlude, launched in 1962, presents a rich and enigmatic scent profile with its mysterious oriental bouquet. The fragrance opens with a dynamic blend of citrus notes that provide a sparkling, vibrant introduction. As it develops, the heart reveals a complex floral accord, with hints of exotic blooms blending seamlessly with warm, woody undertones. The oriental influence is evident in the deep, resinous quality of the base, where rich spices and subtle woody notes create a sense of depth and intrigue. This combination of floral, citrus, and woody elements results in a sophisticated and alluring fragrance that feels both opulent and timeless.

Sensitive, introduced in 1996, is a sophisticated and contemporary fragrance that stands out with its alcohol-free formulation. The scent opens with a fresh, citrusy burst of mandarin and crisp, green notes, which immediately invigorate the senses. The heart reveals a nuanced blend of cassis and peach, adding a fruity sweetness that is both elegant and modern. Moss provides a grounding, earthy quality that enhances the fragrance's depth, while delicate aromatics add a subtle, refined touch. The floral base, with its light and airy character, brings the composition together, resulting in a fragrance that is both fresh and enduringly sophisticated.

Essence of Hope, also launched in 1996, offers a dramatic and refined olfactory experience. The fragrance opens with an exotic blend of oriental spices, which lend a warm, sensual quality that is both captivating and timeless. As the spicy notes evolve, the heart reveals a delicate floral accord featuring Indian jasmine, rose, and gardenia. The jasmine adds an opulent, heady sweetness, while the rose and gardenia contribute a rich, velvety depth. Together, these florals create a refined and elegant bouquet that perfectly complements the spicy opening. The result is a fragrance that is both dramatic and classic, with a timeless appeal that captures the essence of sophisticated luxury.