Jealousy by Parfums Blanchard c1943

Launched in 1943, during the height of the Second World War, Jealousy by Parfums Blanchard carried a name that was both evocative and provocative. The choice of "Jealousy" as the perfume's name seems to tap into the raw and complex emotions of the era. Jealousy, derived from the Old French word jalousie and pronounced "jel-uh-see" in English, signifies feelings of envy, longing, and possessiveness. These emotions are universally understood, and the name itself is steeped in a passionate intensity that captures attention. It evokes images of desire—of wanting what another has, whether it be love, beauty, or material luxuries—a sentiment amplified during the hardships of war.

For women living through World War II, jealousy may have been a particularly poignant emotion. With many men away fighting, women faced uncertainty, loneliness, and a heightened awareness of competition for the attention of those who remained. Letters from the frontlines could reveal affection for another, or perhaps a soldier's casual mention of foreign women might stir pangs of insecurity. Additionally, the scarcity of goods and the constant struggle for resources heightened feelings of envy toward those who seemed more fortunate. In this context, the perfume’s name could resonate deeply, reflecting the emotional undercurrents of the time while also offering women a way to reclaim their confidence and allure.

The word "jealousy" conjures powerful imagery: the green-eyed monster, a flickering fire of passion, and an intense yearning. It evokes emotions ranging from romantic longing to the bitterness of rivalry. Paired with a scent, it suggests something dangerously captivating—an aroma that might spark desire or even envy in others. As a floral woody oriental fragrance with a chypre base, Jealousy likely conveyed an air of sophisticated sensuality. Notes of rich florals, warm woods, and earthy mosses could represent both the beauty of what one desires and the intensity of the yearning itself. The chypre base—characterized by its contrast of citrus, floral, and mossy notes—was especially popular during this era, signifying refinement and mystery.

The early 1940s, marked by wartime austerity and rationing, shaped both fashion and societal trends. Utility clothing became the norm, with simple, practical styles replacing elaborate, decorative garments. Despite this, women found ways to maintain their femininity, often turning to makeup, hairstyles, and fragrances to express individuality and elegance. Perfume became a vital accessory—a small luxury that could lift spirits and evoke a sense of normalcy. A perfume named Jealousy would have offered women a way to channel their emotions into something tangible: a scent that empowered them to feel desirable and confident in a world where they were often burdened with fear and uncertainty.

In the context of other fragrances of the time, Jealousy fits within the popular trends while still carving out its own identity. The 1940s were a golden age for chypre and oriental fragrances, with many perfumes designed to be rich, dramatic, and long-lasting. These scents often reflected the strength and resilience of the women who wore them. While Jealousy may have shared characteristics with other floral-woody-oriental scents of the era, its name and the emotional narrative it created made it stand out. It wasn’t merely a fragrance; it was a statement—a reflection of a time when emotions were heightened, and personal expression was more crucial than ever.

For the women of the 1940s, Jealousy by Parfums Blanchard would have represented a paradoxical escape—a way to both embrace and transcend the challenges of their reality. It was a perfume that could transform a woman’s insecurities into a tool of allure, embodying the timeless dance between desire and self-assurance.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral woody oriental fragrance for women with a delightful chypre base.  

• Top notes: orange blossom, lemon, petitgrain, aldehydes, bergamot, lily of the valley, hyacinth, rose geranium, galbanum 
• Middle notes: clove, cinnamon, lilac, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, tuberose, carnation, orris, heliotrope
• Base notes: styrax, guaiac, labdanum, leather, musk, benzoin, cedar, oak moss, civet, sandalwood, ambergris, vetiver, patchouli, tonka bean, vanilla, myrrh

Scent Profile:

As the fragrant symphony of Jealousy unfolds, each ingredient tells its own story, weaving together a tapestry of olfactory impressions that transport you to a bygone era of sophistication and romance. The fragrance begins with a radiant introduction of top notes, unfurls into an opulent floral heart, and settles into a sultry, enigmatic base.

The first encounter is a sparkling burst of orange blossom, a luminous and slightly creamy citrus floral that glows with sunny sweetness. It mingles with the crisp zest of lemon and the green, woody sharpness of petitgrain, evoking the impression of citrus groves kissed by sunlight. A touch of aldehydes lends a fizzy, airy sparkle, creating a vintage sophistication that feels both clean and effervescent. Bergamot follows with its soft, floral citrus, infusing warmth and a delicate balance to the sharper citruses.

As the brightness softens, the tender, fresh green scent of lily of the valley emerges, delicate yet vibrant, like a meadow in bloom. Hyacinth adds an aquatic, floral richness, reminiscent of spring rain on fresh petals. Rose geranium introduces a rosy-green sharpness, its crisp edges softened by a hint of lemony brightness. Galbanum weaves through the composition with its resinous, slightly bitter green note, adding depth and grounding the fresh top layer with earthy intrigue.

As the heart reveals itself, a warm, spicy embrace comes to life. Clove adds a rich, peppery heat, balanced by the warm, sweet spice of cinnamon—both evocative of exotic markets and faraway lands. This spiced warmth wraps around the lush, heady florals that dominate the heart. Lilac introduces a soft powderiness, delicate and romantic, while Bulgarian rose blooms with its opulent, velvety sweetness, deeply sensual and evocative of classic femininity.

The tropical richness of ylang-ylang unfurls with its creamy, slightly fruity floralcy, pairing beautifully with the narcotic allure of jasmine, whose indolic sweetness is both intoxicating and mysterious. Tuberose deepens this effect, its creamy, buttery facets lending a seductive, almost hypnotic quality. Carnation adds a vintage touch with its clove-like spiciness, softening the bouquet with its powdery warmth, while orris introduces an earthy, root-like elegance, its powdery texture linking the florals to the creamy sweetness of heliotrope, whose almond-like, comforting aroma rounds out the heart.

As the scent settles into its base, the chypre foundation reveals itself with a complex interplay of woods, resins, and animalic notes. The smoky richness of styrax blends seamlessly with the woody, slightly sweet guaiac and the resinous, amber-like depth of labdanum, creating a warm and enveloping aura. A subtle hint of leather brings a sophisticated smokiness, while the soft, sensual muskiness of musk infuses the base with a tactile, skin-like warmth.

The resinous sweetness of benzoin pairs with vanilla to create a creamy, comforting sweetness, balanced by the smoky, balsamic richness of myrrh. Cedar and sandalwood add their dry, creamy woodsiness, grounding the composition with their serene strength. The earthy, mossy tones of oak moss are a quintessential chypre element, adding depth and a green, forest-like freshness.

Ambergris contributes an oceanic, slightly salty warmth, while civet introduces a subtle, animalic sensuality that gives the fragrance a vintage allure. The earthy, smoky notes of vetiver pair beautifully with the dark, rich spiciness of patchouli, both grounding and enhancing the other base elements. Finally, tonka bean with its nutty, slightly sweet warmth provides the finishing touch, wrapping the composition in a velvety cocoon of comfort.

Jealousy by Blanchard feels like a luxurious blend of contrasts: luminous yet smoky, fresh yet warm, floral yet woody. The fragrance captures the emotions suggested by its name—passion, intrigue, and longing—while also reflecting the elegance and glamour of its time. This olfactory experience is a timeless representation of the sophistication and complexity of a mid-century oriental chypre fragrance, forever etching its place in the history of perfume.

Product List:

The Jealousy fragrance line by Parfums Blanchard was designed to provide women with a complete sensory experience, allowing the intoxicating floral woody oriental aroma to linger on their skin and infuse their daily routines. Each product was crafted to complement the others, ensuring the wearer could immerse herself in the scent from morning to night, creating an aura of allure and sophistication.

At the pinnacle of the line was the parfum, the most concentrated and luxurious form of Jealousy. Encased in elegant packaging, the parfum offered an intense and long-lasting fragrance experience. With its rich composition and depth, it allowed women to wear the essence of Jealousy with confidence, leaving an unforgettable impression. This version was likely worn for special occasions, heightening the drama and mystery of the scent.

For everyday wear, the cologne provided a lighter, more versatile option. Refreshing and less concentrated than the parfum, the cologne was ideal for daytime use, offering a gentle veil of the fragrance that could be reapplied throughout the day. It allowed women to carry the spirit of Jealousy in a subtle and approachable manner.

The dusting powder and talc infused the iconic fragrance into daily grooming rituals. These products were designed to leave a silky-soft finish on the skin while imparting the scent of Jealousy. They were likely packaged in delicate, feminine containers, making them beautiful additions to a vanity table. These powders not only helped women feel fresh and pampered but also layered the fragrance for a more enduring effect.

The Jealousy Bouquet Concentrate offered a unique way to enjoy the perfume. This concentrated form of the scent may have been intended for specific uses, such as dabbing onto pulse points or adding a personalized touch to bathwater or linens. The concentrated format would have provided a potent expression of the fragrance, allowing for creative and luxurious applications.

The skin sachet, a soft cream or lotion-like product, allowed the fragrance to blend seamlessly with the skin’s natural warmth. This form likely added a moisturizing element, leaving the skin hydrated and scented with the rich, complex notes of Jealousy. Ideal for both personal pampering and layering beneath the parfum or cologne, the skin sachet added a tactile, indulgent dimension to the line.

Each item in the Jealousy product line was designed to reflect the glamour and allure associated with the fragrance. Together, they offered women the ability to customize their experience with the scent, whether they wanted a bold statement or a subtle whisper of intrigue. The comprehensive nature of the line highlighted the thoughtfulness of Parfums Blanchard in creating a fully immersive olfactory journey for their customers.

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Jealousy by Blanchard was introduced in 1943, amidst the tumultuous years of the Second World War, when luxury and beauty provided a comforting escape from the harsh realities of global conflict. The name itself, Jealousy, evokes a blend of passion, longing, and intensity, perhaps mirroring the heightened emotions of the era. This floral woody oriental fragrance offered a touch of sophistication and allure to women seeking moments of glamour during uncertain times. Despite the challenges of wartime, its enduring appeal ensured its presence well into the post-war years, as it was still being sold as late as 1961. The exact date of its discontinuation remains unclear, but Jealousy endures as a symbol of resilience and elegance, capturing the spirit of an era where beauty and fragrance served as a form of solace and self-expression.