Ballarde, Inc

Ballarde, Inc, founded by Martin de Markoff, made a significant mark in the world of fragrances between 1930 and 1945. Their perfumes were renowned for their luxurious scents and exquisite packaging, capturing the essence of elegance and sophistication. Their affiliation with Prince George of Russia added to the prestige of the brand, as it brought together two entities known for their commitment to quality and refinement in the world of perfumery. This collaboration likely contributed to the enduring legacy of Ballarde, Inc as a notable player in the perfume industry during that era.

The name Arcadi was probably derived from Arcadi Ivanovitch, Count Markoff and a play on the name, Arcady, an ideal rustic paradise. Arcady is a poetic term for Arcadia, an ancient region of Greece with a tradition of rural, bucolic innocence. The naming of Arcadi, inspired by Arcadi Ivanovitch, Count Markoff, along with the association with the ideal rustic paradise of Arcady, adds a layer of poetic elegance to the brand's identity. The use of such evocative imagery aligns well with the tradition of perfume companies drawing on cultural and historical references to enhance the allure of their products.

The Ballarde fragrances were suggested to be worn by certain types of women, that is, by their hair color, which was typical of the period, many perfume companies used these types of suggestions, especially for those who had a hard time picking perfume for themselves or others. L'Automne was for Brunettes, Le Printemps for Blondes, L'Ete for Titians (red heads) and Charme was for the Aesthetic.

The concept of suggesting fragrances based on hair color reflects a marketing strategy common in that era, where perfumes were often associated with certain traits or characteristics. This approach aimed to simplify the selection process for consumers, providing them with a guide based on commonly perceived attributes. L'Automne for Brunettes, Le Printemps for Blondes, L'Ete for Titians (redheads), and Charme for the Aesthetic, catered to the prevailing beauty standards and preferences of the time.

The original Arcadi fragrance, characterized by its sweet floral scent with a dominant fern note, encapsulated the essence of sophistication and natural beauty. Presented in a Baccarat flacon, design #741, crafted from clear crystal, the packaging itself became a symbol of luxury and refinement. The association with other prestigious perfumes like Etourdissant by Jean Desprez further underscored the exclusivity and desirability of Arcadi's offerings.

The New Yorker, 1934:

"De Markoff's Toilet Essence, which is a cross between perfume and eau de Cologne, and the new Ballarde perfume called Arcadi — light and flowery."

De Markoff's Toilet Essence, with its blend of perfume and eau de Cologne, likely offered a refreshing

and versatile option for personal grooming. This hybrid product might have provided users with a subtle

yet lingering fragrance that combined the richness of perfume with the invigorating properties of eau de

Cologne, catering to individuals seeking a balance between sophistication and freshness in their daily

routine.

As for the new Ballarde perfume, Arcadi, described as "light and flowery," it probably embodied a

delicate and feminine scent profile, evoking images of blooming flowers and springtime freshness.

This characterization suggests a fragrance that is both uplifting and elegant, making it suitable for

various occasions and appealing to those who appreciate floral notes in their perfumes. Arcadi likely

aimed to capture the essence of natural beauty and timeless charm, aligning with Ballarde's reputation

for creating luxurious and enchanting fragrances.

Stage, 1935:

"BIGGEST BOTTLE OF PERFUME We've ever seen in our life is at De Markoff's
— it's a larger-than-quart flask, made by Baccarat, holding Ballarde's Arcadi perfume and costs $275. "

The Ballarde perfume bottles were made in a gorgeous shade of teal green glass and were amphora shaped with cut facets on the shoulders of the bottle, with a tapered stem ending in a pedestal foot. the matching glass stopper was an upside down version of the bottle with a pointed top. The bottles were designed by Martin de Botelho (Martin de Markofff) in 1934.

The description of the Ballarde perfume bottles evokes a sense of elegance and sophistication, reflecting the attention to detail and craftsmanship characteristic of the Art Deco era. The use of teal green glass would have added a touch of opulence to the packaging, while the amphora shape, adorned with cut facets on the shoulders, likely created a play of light and shadow, enhancing the visual appeal.

The tapered stem ending in a pedestal foot would have provided stability to the bottle, while also contributing to its graceful silhouette. The matching glass stopper, designed as an upside-down version of the bottle with a pointed top, not only served a practical purpose but also added to the overall aesthetic charm.

Martin de Botelho's (Martin de Markoff's) design from 1934 exemplifies the marriage of form and function, showcasing his talent for creating timeless and iconic perfume bottles that complemented the luxurious fragrances housed within. These bottles would have undoubtedly stood out on dressing tables, serving as both decorative pieces and symbols of refined taste.

The bottles were presented singly in individual cylindrical satin pouches in shades of brown, wine, green and russet. A lovely satin covered, round presentation box was also available holding a trio of perfumes. In 1942, it was reported that Ballarde had to discontinue the satin pouches as they could no longer procure the packaging. By 1943, retailers were still selling off old stock, but I could find no other advertisements for the perfumes after this date.

The attention to detail extended beyond the design of the bottles to the packaging of Ballarde perfumes, as evidenced by the individual cylindrical satin pouches offered in various shades. The use of brown, wine, green, and russet hues likely added to the luxurious presentation of the bottles, providing a touch of elegance and sophistication.

The availability of a satin-covered round presentation box, holding a trio of perfumes, further emphasized Ballarde's commitment to offering their products in stylish and practical packaging options. This presentation box would have been an exquisite gift item, perfect for special occasions or as a treat for oneself.

However, the discontinuation of the satin pouches in 1942 due to procurement issues indicates the challenges faced by companies during wartime, such as shortages of materials and resources. Despite retailers selling off old stock in 1943, the absence of further advertisements for Ballarde perfumes suggests that the brand may have ceased production or faced difficulties in maintaining its presence in the market during and after the war.

The story of Ballarde's fragrances and packaging reflects the broader historical context of the time, highlighting the impact of wartime constraints on the luxury goods industry and the resilience required to navigate such challenges.

The fragrances of Ballarde:

• 1933 Arcadi 
• 1935 Le Charme d’Arcadi
• 1935 L’Automne en Arcadi
• 1935 L’Été en Arcadi
• 1936 Le Magnolia d'Arcadi
• 1936 Le Muguet d'Arcadi  
• 1936 Le Tuberose d'Arcadi  
• 1936 Cologne Elixir Prince George of Russia
• 1938 Tiara
• 1944 Alexa

The New Yorker, 1935:

"Ballarde: Satin-covered cylinders contain Arcadi perfumes — Charme, L'Ete,
Le Printemps, and L'Automne; $1.50. All luscious floral blends. Larger sizes, too."

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1935:

"RARE PERFUMES. GLAMOUR IMPRISONED IN CRYSTAL! when you give her 
precious, priceless gifts of personal glamour, an aura that surrounds
her with new charm. We suggest Guerlain's "Shalimar" or Ballarde's "Arcadi" . . .
two rare scents that whisper to her "You're the tops!" (Street Floor).
Guerlain's Shalimar $23.07 Ballarde's Arcadi $32."

The Ogden Standard-Examiner, 1935:

"Perfume Spectacular! Ballarde Arcadi: Charme, L'Automne, L'Ete, ' Le Printemps."

The Delineator, 1935:

"Choosing a perfume for somebody else is risky, therefore consider those perfume sets
which give you several chances to go ...De Markoff scores a scoop with a set of four Ballarde perfumes. You may select two or three or one as your feelings and your purse dictate."

The New Yorker - Volume 12, 1936:

"Lord & Taylor have a large assortment of Myrurgia perfumes, which are very
Spanish and special indeed. Clavel is a heavy and superb carnation; the ...
Ballarde offers Magnolia, Tuberose, and Muguet. Reta Terrell's Russian White Violet (new) is too wonderful...Lubin: Mekong, sort of a sachet type of perfume."

Stage, 1936:

"Royalty seems to be on a cosmetic vibration this year anyway; witness the new
Ballarde perfume, done up in a handsome black carafe, and called "Elixir Prince
George of Russia."

Drug and Cosmetic Industry - Volume 41, 1937:

"Lait de Cologne is said to be non-alcoholic and is recommended for after shaving 
and after bathing. One of the most interesting Cologne packages to make its
appearance this year is Ballarde's Cologne Elixir Prince George of Russia."