Grain de Sable by Nicky Verfaillie c1977

Grain de Sable by Parfums Nicky Verfaillie was launched in 1977, a time when the fragrance industry was experiencing a wave of creativity and innovation. The late 1970s were marked by a cultural shift towards more relaxed and natural lifestyles, influenced by the lingering effects of the counterculture movement of the 1960s and early 1970s. This era celebrated individuality and self-expression, which translated into the world of perfumes through the creation of unique and unconventional scents. Grain de Sable, created by renowned perfumer Henri Sorsana, fit perfectly within this context, offering a fragrance that captured the essence of natural beauty and free-spirited elegance.

The name "Grain de Sable" translates to "Grain of Sand" in English. This name was likely chosen by Nicky Verfaillie to evoke the simplicity, timelessness, and natural beauty associated with sand. Just as a single grain of sand is small yet significant, the perfume was designed to be a subtle but impactful accessory for the wearer. The name "Grain de Sable" is appropriate for a perfume because it conjures images of serene beaches, the gentle touch of sand, and the timeless allure of coastal landscapes. It suggests a fragrance that is both delicate and enduring, a perfect complement to the natural elegance of the wearer.

Women who would have been drawn to a fragrance called "Grain de Sable" are likely those who appreciate understated sophistication and a connection to nature. These women might have sought out a scent that was not overpowering but rather enhanced their natural aura. They would have responded to Grain de Sable with a sense of delight, finding it a perfect match for their personal style—elegant, refined, and effortlessly chic. The fragrance would have appealed to those who value quality and uniqueness in their personal care products.

The phrase "Grain de Sable" evokes images of sun-drenched beaches, the feel of warm sand beneath one's feet, and the sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore. It brings to mind feelings of tranquility, relaxation, and a deep connection to the earth and sea. For many, it would have conjured up memories of idyllic vacations and peaceful moments spent by the ocean. The simplicity of a grain of sand, with its quiet yet profound presence, mirrors the subtle but lasting impression of the perfume.

Distributed by Anjac Inc. of 713 Grandview Ave, San Francisco, CA, Grain de Sable was able to reach a wider audience, particularly in the United States, where its appeal was embraced by those looking for something different from the mainstream fragrances of the time. The partnership with Anjac Inc. helped establish Grain de Sable as a beloved scent that resonated with the desires and sensibilities of women seeking a unique olfactory experience in the late 1970s and beyond.

Launch:

Rosemarie Stack, the wife of actor Robert Stack, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by purchasing the distribution rights for Grain de Sable from Nicky Verfaillie. Her decision was deeply rooted in a personal passion for the fragrances. As Rosemarie recounts, her journey began serendipitously at a music festival on the Spanish island of Majorca in 1980. There, she noticed her French friend wearing a captivating scent. Upon inquiry, she discovered it was Grain de Sable, a perfume made by Nicky Verfaillie. "A friend who lives in Paris was wearing the most beautiful fragrance. It's a quality fragrance. I was embarrassed to ask her what it was because, with women, you don't know how they'll react. Anyway, I loved it and asked her what she was wearing. She told me, and the next day, I found a sample in the letterbox at my hotel," said Mrs. Stack.


Her friend, who did public relations for the company, began sending her the fragrance, as it was unavailable in the United States. "On each visit," said Mrs. Stack, "I bought my own. Then my friends in L.A. began pushing, 'Bring some back for me.' Eventually, it occurred to me that it might be a wonderful idea to bring it to the USA, period. This little voice inside me kept prompting me." Encouraged by an agent in Los Angeles who suggested she go into business, things "just sort of snowballed" from there. This initial love for the scent organically evolved into a distributorship, driven by her desire to share this enchanting fragrance with others. She fondly referred to the venture as "pretty much my baby," highlighting her deep personal connection and commitment to the brand. With her husband, she secured the U.S. distribution rights from Nicky Verfaillie, naming the company Rosemarie Stack Limited. "I'm President, and Bob is vice-president and Chairman of the Board," said Mrs. Stack.


Under her distribution company, Rosemarie Stack, Ltd., she expanded the Les Grains line to include two more fragrances: Grain de Folie in 1981 and Grain de Passion in 1985. "I've smelled so many fragrances that are all alike. If you took the labels off, you wouldn't know one from the other," she remarked. "They either have too much musk or too much lemon." She emphasized that her line of Nicky Verfaillie fragrances were unusual but "related" florals, meaning they could be worn separately or layered together. "The concept is that you have a fragrance on in the morning, it stays in the oils on your skin all day long. When you get to the evening, you can add a little more voltage with a different scent from the same family, rather than fighting it with something entirely different," she explained, adding, "The dimensions are wonderful."


The Les Grains line was designed to reflect the shifting moods and special feelings of a woman, much like shifting sands. Rather than a singular fragrance, it offered a range that encompassed every facet of her emotions. The trio of unique fragrances each had their own identities but were designed to be layered "to blend and complement one another - for either a subtle refinement or an intensification of effect," according to promotional material. Grain de Sable was described as "light, easy, with care-free overtones," housed in a frosted glass bottle. Grain de Folie, "warmer, more fully rounded," was held in a midnight black bottle. Grain de Passion, the most powerful, with "extra voltage for night," was captured in a flaming red bottle. "They're related scents, so you can layer them. As the day wears on, you can gain voltage," Mrs. Stack noted.


The appeal of the Les Grains fragrances quickly crossed the Atlantic, becoming as popular in America as they were in Europe. An illustrative example of this demand occurred when a Saudi Arabian princess placed an order worth $1,100 for Grain de Folie the day before its official introduction at a department store. The princess bought the entire store stock because she wanted all her ladies-in-waiting to wear the same fragrance she did. This impressive demand underscored the universal allure and exclusivity of the fragrance. Demonstrating her dedication to customer service, Mrs. Stack personally hand-carried the fragrance on a plane to San Francisco the following morning to ensure the princess received her order promptly.


Rosemarie Stack's personal passion for the fragrances, coupled with her business acumen, helped establish the Les Grains line's success in the American market. The story of the Saudi princess not only highlights the high demand and exclusivity of the fragrances but also exemplifies the luxury and sophistication that Grain de Folie and its counterparts embodied. Mrs. Stack's hands-on approach and personal investment in the brand were key factors in its successful transatlantic appeal.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fresh floral green floral fragrance for women. It starts with a very fresh, cool watery and transparent top, followed by a fruity floral heart of sweet melon alongside papaya, jasmine and rose, resting on a mossy, green floral base. Delicately romantic, petal-soft; composed of rose, iris, ylang ylang and vetiver.

• Top notes: sweet melon accord, calone, citrus oils, basil, peach, melon
• Middle notes: ylang ylang, iris, hyacinth, papaya, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, lily, carnation
• Base notes: vetiver, oakmoss, patchouli, musk, sandalwood

Scent Story:

In 1977, as the world moved towards embracing a more natural and relaxed lifestyle, Nicky Verfaillie and Henri Sorsana embarked on a journey to create a fragrance that encapsulated the essence of serene, sun-drenched beaches. They aimed to bottle the tranquil beauty of nature, crafting a scent that would transport its wearer to the peaceful shores of an idyllic vacation. This vision gave birth to Grain de Sable, a fresh floral green fragrance that captured the simplicity and profound presence of a single grain of sand.

Imagine standing on a pristine beach as the sun begins to rise, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The first thing you notice is the cool, refreshing breeze carrying the scent of the ocean. As you breathe in deeply, you are greeted by the fresh, cool, and watery top notes of Grain de Sable. The air is filled with the vibrant and invigorating aroma of sweet melon, mingling with the crispness of calone and the zesty hints of citrus oils. You can almost taste the sweetness of ripe peach and the green, herbaceous touch of basil, which adds a layer of complexity to the refreshing top accord.

As the sun climbs higher, casting a warm glow over the sand, you begin to walk along the shoreline. The gentle waves lap at your feet, each step sinking slightly into the soft, warm sand. This sensation mirrors the fragrance's transition to its heart notes. The air now carries the delicate and romantic blend of ylang ylang and iris, their floral richness mingling with the sweet, tropical aroma of papaya. The heady scent of jasmine and rose intertwines with the subtle freshness of lily of the valley and the spicy floral hints of hyacinth and carnation. Each breath you take is filled with this symphony of fruity florals, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.

Continuing your walk, you find a secluded spot where the sand is shaded by tall, swaying palm trees. You sit down, feeling the warm sand between your fingers and the gentle rustling of leaves above you. The fragrance's base notes begin to unfold, grounding the experience with their earthy and woody tones. The deep, smoky scent of vetiver combines with the damp, forest-like aroma of oakmoss, creating a green and mossy undertone. The richness of patchouli and musk adds a sensual depth, while the creamy smoothness of sandalwood wraps the entire composition in a comforting embrace.

The overall experience of Grain de Sable is one of delicate romance and petal-soft elegance. It is a fragrance that whispers rather than shouts, much like the subtle presence of a single grain of sand on a vast beach. It conjures images of tranquility and relaxation, evoking memories of peaceful moments spent by the ocean. The connection to nature is profound, offering a deep sense of calm and serenity.

Women who wear Grain de Sable are likely those who appreciate the beauty in simplicity and the elegance in subtlety. They are women who find joy in the quiet moments and have a deep connection to the earth and sea. Wearing this fragrance, they feel a sense of peace and contentment, as if they are carrying a piece of their favorite beach with them wherever they go. The scent of Grain de Sable is a reminder of the timeless beauty of nature, a fresh floral green fragrance that embodies the essence of serene, sun-drenched beaches and the simple yet profound presence of a single grain of sand.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Grain de Sable, a notable fragrance from the Les Grains line by Parfums Nicky Verfaillie, was eventually discontinued, though the exact date of its discontinuation remains unknown. This elegant and evocative fragrance, which once captivated many with its warm, fully-rounded scent profile, saw its distribution come to an end under the original distributors, Anjac, Inc. Anjac, Inc., a company that has since become defunct, was instrumental in bringing Grain de Sable to the market and establishing its presence in both European and American markets.

Despite the fragrance's initial success and the unique charm it brought to the Les Grains line, the closure of Anjac, Inc., and changing market trends likely contributed to Grain de Sable's eventual discontinuation. The fragrance's demise marked the loss of a beloved scent that had offered women a unique option to layer and enhance their daily fragrance experience. The discontinuation of Grain de Sable underscores the ever-changing landscape of the fragrance industry, where even the most enchanting scents may not endure indefinitely.

Flankers:

• Grain de Folie 1981 Oriental Discontinued, date unknown.
• Grain de Passion 1985 Chypre Discontinued, date unknown.
• Grain d'Amour?