Side Glance by Parfums Anjou c1952

Launched in 1952, Side Glance by Parfums Anjou was a fragrance that captured the spirit of the early 1950s—a time when elegance, sophistication, and femininity were at their peak. The name Side Glance evokes a sense of mystery, allure, and subtlety, painting a picture of a woman who is both captivating and elusive, someone who draws attention without fully revealing herself. The term "side glance" refers to the subtle, almost secretive look that someone gives when they want to convey an emotion or thought without direct confrontation. It suggests a fleeting moment of intrigue, a glance that sparks curiosity, but doesn’t fully expose the inner depths of the person. This sense of controlled seduction and quiet confidence was perfectly aligned with the societal and fashion trends of the time, making Side Glance an intriguing choice for a fragrance name.

The 1950s was a decade marked by a return to femininity after the hardships of World War II. Following the austerity of wartime, the fashion world experienced a resurgence of glamour and opulence, thanks largely to designers like Christian Dior and his iconic "New Look." Women’s fashion became synonymous with curvaceous silhouettes, full skirts, narrow waists, and a focus on romantic, elegant dressing. This period saw the rise of femininity as a symbol of power and grace, and Side Glance fits seamlessly into this atmosphere. The fragrance was likely intended for women who were self-assured, poised, and effortlessly chic—those who knew the power of a sideways glance to stir curiosity and attraction without saying a word.

The 1950s also ushered in an era of glamour and escapism in film, with actresses like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe becoming iconic figures who epitomized both beauty and sophistication. The name Side Glance evokes the mystery and allure these actresses exuded—quiet yet unmistakable confidence that could captivate an entire room without being overly assertive. The idea of a "side glance" calls to mind these glamorous women, who were admired not just for their beauty but for their ability to convey emotions and thoughts with a simple look. Side Glance by Parfums Anjou was thus perfectly poised to become a fragrance that captured this essence of refined allure.

Side Glance is classified as a bright aldehydic floral fragrance with a subtle chypre base, a combination that was highly popular during the early 1950s. Aldehydic perfumes, such as Chanel No. 5, had taken the perfume world by storm, with their sparkling, effervescent character that was both modern and sophisticated. The aldehydic top notes of Side Glance would have introduced a sharp, clean brightness, offering an almost soapy freshness that evokes images of luxury and high society. Aldehydes are known for their ability to lift and enhance other notes, giving the perfume a light, airy quality, like a soft breeze or the delicate sparkle of diamonds. This bright, almost effervescent opening would have been perfectly suited to the fresh optimism of the early 1950s.

Following the aldehydic burst, Side Glance unfolds into a lush floral heart. Florals were, of course, a staple of women’s perfumes at the time, but Side Glance would have stood out for its distinctive combination. The floral notes in this fragrance would have conjured up images of fresh, dewy blooms—roses, jasmine, and lily-of-the-valley—giving it a sense of lightness and femininity. These flowers, though delicate, would have had a subtle depth to them, conveying a quiet elegance rather than an overpowering sweetness.

The fragrance is anchored by a gentle chypre base, a hallmark of many classic perfumes. Chypres, characterized by their blend of oakmoss, patchouli, and bergamot, provided a grounding and sophisticated contrast to the bright florals above. The chypre base in Side Glance would have been subtle yet present, offering an earthy depth and a slight dryness that would have balanced the more effervescent floral notes. The chypre structure, with its mix of green, woody, and slightly mossy elements, adds complexity and intrigue, enhancing the sense of mystery that the name Side Glance evokes.

When compared to other fragrances on the market in the early 1950s, Side Glance wasn’t entirely unique, but it certainly fell in line with the prevailing trends of the era. Perfumes like Chanel No. 5 and L'Interdit by Givenchy had already established aldehydic florals as the leading scent profiles for women. However, what set Side Glance apart was its ability to blend the modern brightness of aldehydes with the earthy richness of a chypre base. The result was a fragrance that was fresh yet grounded, bright yet mysterious—much like the women of the 1950s who embraced it.

This fragrance would have been well-suited for women who were looking for a perfume that represented their new post-war confidence—someone who could embody the delicate balance of being both approachable and elusive. The subtlety of the chypre base would have appealed to women who sought a fragrance with depth, complexity, and an air of refinement, while the aldehydic florals would have appealed to those looking for something modern and fresh.

Side Glance by Parfums Anjou was a fragrance that captured the essence of 1950s femininity—elegant, sophisticated, and mysterious. Its name evokes the allure of a woman who knows the power of a subtle, sidelong glance, while the fragrance itself embodies the spirit of modern luxury, blending bright aldehydes with delicate florals and a sophisticated chypre base. In the context of the 1950s, it was part of a wider trend toward bright, floral fragrances, but its unique combination of aldehydes with chypre elements made it distinct. Women of the time would have related to Side Glance as a symbol of their own evolving identity—one that was confident, sophisticated, and yet deeply enigmatic.

 

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Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a bright aldehydic floral fragrance for women with a subtle chypre base. I feel that this perfume is very similar to L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci and Joy by Jean Patou.

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, lilac, lemon, ylang ylang, peach
• Middle notes: violet, Bulgarian rose, heliotrope, lily of the valley, jasmine, tuberose
• Base notes: orris, civet, benzoin, Mysore sandalwood, oakmoss, patchouli, musk, ambergris, vetiver

 

Scent Profile:

Side Glance by Parfums Anjou is a captivating fragrance that envelops you in its bright aldehydic floral composition with a subtle chypre base. It evokes a sense of elegance, refinement, and sophistication, drawing on ingredients that are both classic and exotic. The perfume's composition reflects a delicate balance between the effervescent freshness of aldehydes, the delicate floral notes that unfold as it develops, and the grounding, earthy richness of its base. Let's journey through each individual ingredient as if we were experiencing them firsthand, savoring their distinctiveness and the stories they tell.

The opening of Side Glance is defined by a sparkling burst of aldehydes, a hallmark of many classic perfumes from the early 20th century. Aldehydes are abstract, slightly soapy and airy, but with an invigorating sharpness that dances on the skin like sunlight breaking through mist. It’s a scent that immediately captures attention, lending the fragrance a sense of luminous freshness. The aldehydes combine effortlessly with the fresh zest of bergamot from Italy, a citrus fruit that offers a bright, tangy lift that is both refreshing and effervescent.

As this opening evolves, the soft, powdery sweetness of lilac from the temperate climates of Europe blends into the heart of the fragrance, offering a floral softness reminiscent of spring’s first blooms. The lemon, from sunny Mediterranean groves, adds a further zesty layer to the composition, sharpening the citrus top notes with its bright, tart presence. Then, the tropical ylang ylang comes into play, offering an exotic, sweet, almost fruity floral note with a creamy, slightly spicy undertone. Ylang ylang, from the islands of the Comoros or Madagascar, is both heady and rich, adding depth to the bright citrus and florals around it. And finally, peach – its juicy, sweet essence adds a lush, succulent fruitiness, creating a beautiful contrast with the crisp aldehydes and citrus.

As the top notes begin to settle, Side Glance reveals its heart, where an intricate bouquet of florals emerges. The delicate scent of violet, sourced from cooler European climates, gently unfurls, offering a soft, powdery floral note that balances sweetness with a subtle green freshness. This note is made even more enchanting with the presence of Bulgarian rose, a highly prized variety of rose grown in the heart of Bulgaria's Valley of the Roses. The rich, honeyed, slightly spicy aroma of Bulgarian rose lends a depth and sophistication to the heart, enveloping the wearer in the classic, timeless fragrance of roses in full bloom.

In this heart, heliotrope contributes a warm, almond-like sweetness, evoking the softness of a sun-warmed summer day, and pairing beautifully with the crisp green freshness of lily of the valley. The lily of the valley, often associated with purity and grace, provides a fresh, dewy floral note that is both delicate and uplifting. Jasmine, from the warm climates of Egypt or India, adds a rich, sensual layer, with its creamy, opulent sweetness that deepens the floral accord. Finally, the bold, intoxicating scent of tuberose comes forward, a note that is both sweet and slightly animalic, infusing the fragrance with a seductive, almost velvety quality. Tuberose, grown in warm regions like India, adds a mysterious depth, blending perfectly with the other florals.

As the perfume deepens, Side Glance settles into its base, where the earthy richness of chypre ingredients begins to shine. Orris, the dried root of the iris plant, lends a powdery, woody scent that is refined and luxurious. The orris root, sourced primarily from Italy, is considered one of the most expensive perfume ingredients, offering a subtle elegance that lingers on the skin like a soft, velvety whisper. The warm, animalic note of civet adds a raw sensuality, giving the fragrance a slight edge, yet it is tempered by the sweet resinousness of benzoin. Benzoin, from Southeast Asia, adds a creamy, balsamic sweetness that softens the harsher aspects of civet, creating a more harmonious depth.

The Mysore sandalwood, a prized ingredient sourced from southern India, is one of the most renowned notes in perfumery. Its creamy, rich, woody scent adds a smooth, almost milky texture to the base, enveloping the wearer in a comforting warmth. Oakmoss, another classic chypre ingredient, imparts a damp, earthy, and slightly woody note that grounds the fragrance, adding complexity and depth. The oakmoss, often sourced from the forests of Eastern Europe, brings a mossy green richness that adds to the fragrance's timeless, natural elegance.

Patchouli, originating from Southeast Asia, is known for its earthy, spicy aroma that brings an intoxicating and slightly dark richness to the composition. Its inclusion here enhances the fragrance’s depth, adding to the chypre character of the perfume. Musk and ambergris, two classic animalic ingredients, lend a soft, sensual warmth that gives the fragrance a lasting trail. Musk, often from synthetic sources today, imparts a subtle warmth, while ambergris—harvested from the sperm whale—adds a rich, oceanic, slightly salty character that creates an exquisite contrast with the earthy base notes. Finally, vetiver, originating from Haiti or India, imparts a dry, woody, smoky aroma that cuts through the sweetness of the florals and balsams, leaving behind a grounding, sophisticated finish.

Side Glance by Parfums Anjou is a journey of contrasts: a delicate balance between bright citrus and aldehydic florals, a lush heart of classic blooms, and a deep, earthy base of chypre ingredients. Each note has been carefully chosen to evoke a sense of elegance and refinement, reflecting the timeless beauty and complexity of the modern woman. From the effervescent sparkle of the top notes to the sultry depth of the base, this fragrance is a celebration of both nature and luxury, offering a sensory experience that lingers long after the last spritz.

Program Notes, 1952:

"SIDE GLANCE by Anjou its brand new. . . so it's at Stevens! Anjou's flirtatious new fragrance, the lilt of flowers laced with provocative undertones! Be among the first to wear it — Perfume, $2.50 to $17. Cologne, $2.50 to $4."

Product Line:

Side Glance by Parfums Anjou was not just a fragrance; it was an entire sensory experience, available in various formats to suit the preferences and lifestyles of its sophisticated wearers. Released in multiple forms, Side Glance could be enjoyed in a variety of ways, each enhancing the wearer’s personal scent experience and providing different layers of luxury. Whether as a dusting powder, eau de parfum, parfum, or cologne, Side Glance allowed the modern woman of the 1950s to envelop herself in the bright aldehydic florals and subtle chypre base of the fragrance in whichever way best suited her needs. Each formulation offered a different intensity and longevity, catering to every occasion, from daily wear to evening elegance.

Dusting Powder: Soft and Luxurious

The dusting powder version of Side Glance was a tactile indulgence, designed to leave the skin delicately scented while providing a luxurious touch. Dusting powders were often seen as an elegant addition to a woman’s vanity, a symbol of refinement and self-care. The soft texture of the powder would have been perfect for lightly dusting the body after a bath or shower, leaving behind a gentle veil of fragrance. The scent would have been more subtle compared to the eau de parfum or parfum, offering a delicate, ambient presence that surrounded the wearer without being overpowering. It was an ideal way to experience the fragrance in an intimate, almost ethereal manner, offering a soft suggestion of the aldehydic floral notes that defined Side Glance. For women who preferred a quieter, more understated scent throughout the day, the dusting powder allowed them to enjoy the perfume’s aura while adding a luxurious finish to their beauty ritual.

Eau de Parfum: Elegant and Long-Lasting

The Eau de Parfum version of Side Glance offered a balance between intensity and wearability, making it an ideal choice for everyday elegance. With its higher concentration of fragrance oils compared to cologne, the eau de parfum provided a more pronounced scent profile, while still being suitable for daytime wear. Women could apply it generously, letting the aldehydic floral notes bloom with the first spray and then gradually revealing the more grounded chypre base as the day went on. This version would have been perfect for the woman who wanted to make a lasting impression without overwhelming the senses. Its versatility made it appropriate for both professional settings and social gatherings, embodying the grace and poise expected from a modern woman in the early 1950s.

Parfum: The Ultimate Expression of Luxury

For those seeking the most intense and long-lasting form of the fragrance, the Parfum version of Side Glance was the ultimate expression of luxury. The parfum was the most concentrated form, designed for a more intimate experience of the fragrance. Just a few drops would have been enough to envelop the wearer in a rich, lingering trail of scent, making it the ideal choice for special occasions or evenings when a stronger impression was desired. The deep floral and chypre notes would have been amplified in the parfum, offering a more sensual and enveloping experience. The perfume would have remained with the wearer throughout the day or evening, leaving a subtle yet unmistakable signature wherever she went. Parfum was often reserved for those who wanted their scent to speak volumes without saying a word—an embodiment of sophistication and refinement.

Cologne: Fresh and Invigorating

Finally, the Cologne version of Side Glance offered a lighter, more refreshing option for those who preferred a more subdued scent or wanted something to energize them in the morning. With its lower concentration of fragrance oils, the cologne would have provided a burst of citrusy brightness with each application, offering an invigorating lift to the senses. This version of Side Glance would have been perfect for warmer days, casual outings, or moments when a lighter, more playful scent was desired. The zesty top notes, like mandarin and bergamot, would have been most prominent in the cologne, offering a fresh and uplifting introduction to the fragrance. For women who wanted a scent that could seamlessly transition from day to night, or simply enjoyed the refreshing qualities of cologne, this would have been the perfect iteration of Side Glance.

The availability of Side Glance in these various formulations made it a versatile fragrance for women of the 1950s, catering to different preferences, occasions, and intensities. Whether used as a dusting powder for a soft, intimate scent or as an eau de parfum or parfum for a more pronounced and luxurious experience, Side Glance provided its wearer with a tailored fragrance experience that could evolve with her day. Each version of the perfume brought out a different facet of its complex floral and chypre composition, allowing women to immerse themselves in the fragrance as much or as little as they desired. This variety ensured that Side Glance could accompany a woman through every aspect of her day, from private moments of self-care to the most public, glamorous occasions.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Side Glance by Parfums Anjou was launched in 1952, during an era marked by elegance and sophistication. The 1950s were a time when women were embracing a newfound sense of femininity and glamour, influenced by the post-war optimism and the enduring legacy of iconic figures such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Fashion was opulent, with Christian Dior’s “New Look” defining the style of the era, emphasizing hourglass silhouettes and luxurious fabrics. Perfumes during this time reflected this sense of elegance, with a preference for complex, floral, and aldehydic compositions that communicated both refinement and modernity.

Side Glance, with its bright aldehydic floral profile and subtle chypre base, perfectly captured the mood of the time. The fragrance evoked images of a woman poised and confident, offering only a glimpse of her true nature with a side glance—a subtle, knowing look that hinted at depth and mystery. The name "Side Glance" itself conjured an air of intrigue and sophistication, suggesting a woman who is both approachable and enigmatic. It spoke to a woman who, much like the fragrance itself, was multi-faceted: soft and floral on the surface, yet with a subtle strength and sensuality beneath.

Although Side Glance debuted in the early '50s, its staying power was notable. The perfume remained on the market for several decades, still sold in 1975, a testament to its appeal and the strong demand for fragrances that embodied grace and femininity. However, by the time it was discontinued—date unknown—it was likely overtaken by the changing tastes in perfumery, as the 1970s ushered in new trends with a preference for more natural, green, and woody fragrances. Despite this, Side Glance had earned its place as a beloved classic of its time, offering women a delicate yet sophisticated scent that complemented their evolving sense of style.

The perfume’s discontinuation, like that of many vintage fragrances, marked the end of an era in perfumery, but its legacy lived on for those who cherished it. For years after it was no longer in production, Side Glance remained a symbol of mid-century elegance, evoking memories of a time when fragrance was synonymous with refinement and timeless beauty.