Fernand Capelle Parfumeur

Fernand Capelle, based at 78 Boulevard Lamouroux, Vitry-sur-Seine, Seine, France, emerged as an obscure figure in the perfume industry in 1936. The establishment, founded that year, became renowned for its elegant and distinctive fragrances. The mark associated with this brand was succinctly inscribed as "Capelle Paris," a signature that exuded both simplicity and sophistication.

The two perfumes known from the Capelle Paris collection are "Mon Faible" and "Les Drags." "Mon Faible," launched in 1936, was the inaugural fragrance of the brand. This perfume likely embodied the charm and elegance of the era, reflecting Capelle’s vision and the stylish essence of the 1930s. "Les Drags," introduced a year later in 1937, continued this tradition, potentially offering a different olfactory experience while maintaining the brand's refined aesthetic.

Although the range of fragrances from Capelle Paris was limited to these two offerings, their creations are remembered for their distinctiveness and the mark they left in the perfume industry during a period of rich olfactory innovation.

The perfumes of Fernand Capelle:

• 1936 Mon Faible
• 1937 Les Drags

The perfumes created by Fernand Capelle, a lesser-known yet intriguing figure in perfumery, offer a glimpse into the refined sensibilities of the late 1930s. Known for crafting scents with evocative names and sophisticated profiles, Capelle's fragrances encapsulated the elegance and emotional depth that characterized the era. Released just a few years apart, Mon Faible and Les Drags represent two unique aromatic expressions, both with names that hint at their intended emotional impact and olfactory journey.

Mon Faible:

Released in 1936, Mon Faible, which translates to "My Weakness" in English, is a name that suggests an intimate, perhaps slightly indulgent fragrance. The name implies a scent that tempts and captivates, evoking an irresistible allure. Mon Faible might have featured warm, velvety notes, perhaps with sensual amber, patchouli, or musk forming its base, while rich floral accords like rose, jasmine, or ylang-ylang could have added a lush complexity. The scent likely conveyed a romantic, slightly powdery character, creating an air of sophisticated seduction suited to evening wear. With this enticing name, Mon Faible was probably designed to make an unforgettable impression, embodying the essence of a private obsession or guilty pleasure.

Les Drags:

A year later, in 1937, Capelle introduced Les Drags, a title that translates to “The Dragees” or “The Sweets.” This name evokes the luxurious, sugar-coated almond treats traditionally enjoyed at celebrations, especially weddings and baptisms, where they symbolize joy, purity, and indulgence. True to its name, Les Drags may have carried a gourmand profile, featuring soft, sweet notes like almond, vanilla, or even honey, woven with subtle floral undertones. Such a fragrance might open with a light, almost confectionery sweetness, balanced by creamy or powdery notes that linger on the skin. Les Drags would likely feel nostalgic and comforting, inviting wearers to indulge in a scent both charming and slightly playful—a fragrant tribute to life’s little luxuries.

Both of Fernand Capelle’s creations, Mon Faible and Les Drags, reflect a romantic and intimate sensibility, capturing emotions and moments of personal indulgence in olfactory form. These fragrances invite wearers into a world of nostalgia, elegance, and refined decadence, embodying the sentimental and celebratory spirit of the late 1930s.

On April 2, 1947, Fernand Capelle officially filed a trademark for the name Mon Faible to represent an extended line of personal care products. The trademark covered not only perfumes and toilet waters but also cosmetics, including rouge, lipstick, and face creams. This strategic expansion of Mon Faible into cosmetics indicates Capelle’s vision to create a unified line of products that embodied the allure and sophistication of the fragrance itself, allowing wearers to surround themselves with the brand’s essence in multiple forms. The claim that Mon Faible had been in use since February 13, 1936, highlights that the fragrance had already established itself as a memorable and desirable product for over a decade by the time of the trademark filing.

The choice to extend the Mon Faible name into makeup and skincare products suggests that Capelle aimed to craft a comprehensive beauty experience under a single, evocative name. With Mon Faible translating to “My Weakness,” these products likely targeted a clientele looking for a luxurious indulgence in their beauty routine. A Mon Faible lipstick or face cream, like the perfume, would evoke a sense of romantic allure and might have been marketed as both a personal luxury and an accessory to captivate others. This trademark application marks Capelle’s ambition to expand his brand’s influence, creating a line where fragrance, color, and skincare came together to enhance one’s natural beauty in a sophisticated, cohesive style.