Les Parfums Marly

Les Parfums Marly, a French perfume house founded around 1920, emerged as a notable name in the world of luxury fragrances. The brand quickly made its mark with a diverse range of products that extended beyond mere perfumes. Their offerings included Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne, catering to various preferences and occasions. In addition to fragrances, Les Parfums Marly also produced an array of beauty products, such as brilliantines—specialized hair products designed to add shine and manageability. Their line of face powders and bath powders provided a touch of elegance and sophistication to daily routines.

The brand's cosmetic range was equally impressive, featuring rouge compacts, rouge refills, and cream rouge to enhance the natural beauty of their clientele. Their lipsticks, crafted to complement their other products, completed the comprehensive beauty regimen that Les Parfums Marly offered. Each item was advertised as being created in France, underscoring the brand's commitment to French craftsmanship and quality.

In the United States, Les Parfums Marly was represented by Geo Borgfeldt & Co., a company known for its role in distributing luxury goods. This partnership helped to establish Les Parfums Marly's presence in the American market, bringing their sophisticated products to a wider audience and contributing to their international reputation.

Between 1930 and 1934, Les Parfums Marly, a distinguished French fragrance house, had its American headquarters located at 565 Fifth Avenue, New York City. This prestigious address placed the brand in a prominent commercial district, reflecting its commitment to high-end luxury.

In 1934, the company’s operations in the U.S. expanded as they leased new space in La Maison Francaise, within the Rockefeller Center at 610 Fifth Avenue, New York City. This move was reported in the Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter and marked a significant development for Les Parfums Marly, indicating their growth and enhanced visibility in a prestigious location.

Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter - Volume 125, 1934:

"FRENCH FIRM LEASES - Les Parfums Marly, Inc., blenders of French perfumes and cosmetics, this city, will open a showroom and executive offices in La Maison Francaise in the Rockefeller Center at 610 Fifth Avenue, New York City."

Charles Prince, a former sales manager from Ybry Co., was reported to have joined Les Parfums Marly as the assistant sales manager and general contact person, as noted in Drug Markets of 1931. This shift highlighted the company's strategic efforts to strengthen its sales and marketing team.

Drug Markets - Volume 29, 1931:

"Prince with Les Perfumes Marly - Charles Prince, formerly sales manager, Ybry Co., has become assistant sales manager and general contact man for Les Parfums Marly, Inc."

In 1932, the Poughkeepsie NY Daily Eagle featured Les Parfums Marly’s new popular fragrance, Noelys. The advertisement promoted a 2-piece set, which included face powder and perfume housed in a velvet-lined case, priced at $2.00. A more elaborate 3-piece set, which consisted of perfume, a compact, and face powder, was available in a gift box for $3.50. This highlighted the brand's commitment to offering luxury products at accessible price points, catering to a range of consumer preferences.

Poughkeepsie NY Daily Eagle, 1932:

"Les Parfums Marly" in a new, popular fragrance—. Noelys. A 2-piece set consisting of face powder and perfume in a velvet lined case. $2.00. 3 piece set packed in a gift box consisting of perfume, compact and face powder. $3.50."

However, by 1939, the Federal Trade Commission addressed an important issue related to Les Parfums Marly. The company was found to have been using the word "Paris" and the address "Paris 24 Rue Caumartin" on its packaging and promotional materials, suggesting a French connection that was misleading. The commission required Les Parfums Marly to cease and desist from such practices to avoid implying that the corporation had an office or operations in France.

 

Federal Trade Commission Decisions - Volume 25, 1939:

"Les Parfums Marly, Inc., a corporation, engaged in the business of compounding perfumes in the United States of America from imported essential oil and essences to which is added denatured alcohol as a diluting agent, and in the sale and .... .imported as finished perfumes from said country...Les Parfums Marly, Inc., agreed to cease and desist from the use of the word "Paris" or of the words "Paris 24 Rue Caumartin" on its packaged products or on its printed matter or in any other way so as to import or imply that the said corporation has an office in France."

The perfumes of Les Parfums Marly:

• No. 12
• #2
• #4
• No. 8
• No. 9
• 1925 Noelys
• 1930 Vous et Moi
• 1930 Eternity
• 1930 Lutetia/Lutecia
• 1930 Imperial Perfume
• 1930 Dream Loves
• 1930 Grasse Jasmine
• 1930 French Jasmine
• 1930 Rose of France
• 1930 Rose of Provence
• 1930 Violet from Grasse
• 1930 Violet of France
• 1930 Carnation
• 1930 Carnation from France
• 1930 Lily of the Valley
• 1930 Lilac
• 1930 First
• 1930 Gardenia
• 1930 Tenderness
• 1932 Adagio
• 1934 Torch of Marly
• 1934 Swagger
• 1936 Cyprus
• 1937 Cherzo

The New Yorker, 1932:

"Trio by Marly: three incomparable odors...blended to express the charm of your daily moods and modes...One is a gay, dewy, freshening fragrance for informal moments at home...Another is a jaunty, exhilarating essence attuned to the spirit of sports...And the third is a captivating odor, glamourous, intriguing - for evening's formal occasions..Presented in a charming champagne and brown package.at leading stores - $1.50. contains more than a dram of perfume. Les Parfums Marly, Inc. 604 Fifth Avenue. New York."

In 1932, The New Yorker featured a sophisticated and appealing presentation of Les Parfums Marly’s offerings, highlighting their trio of distinctive fragrances. The article described these scents as carefully crafted to match various aspects of daily life and personal style. One fragrance was noted for its "gay, dewy, freshening" qualities, perfect for informal moments at home. Another scent was characterized as "jaunty" and "exhilarating," ideal for the active spirit of sports. The third fragrance was described as "captivating" and "glamorous," suited for evening wear and formal occasions. These fragrances were elegantly packaged in champagne and brown, priced at $1.50, and each set contained more than a dram of perfume, reflecting the brand’s dedication to luxury and sophistication. The company was located at 604 Fifth Avenue, New York.

In the same year, The New Yorker also introduced Marly's "Adagio," an exotic blended scent noted for its unique and alluring composition, contributing to the brand's reputation for high-quality fragrances.

The New Yorker, 1932:

"Marly: Adagio is an exotic blended scent."

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 1933 showcased the range of exquisite odors that had established Marly Perfume’s prominence. The featured scents included Noelys, Vous et Moi, Reve Aime, Lutetia, and Imperial, along with floral fragrances like Lilac, Rose de Provence, Muguet, Jasmin de Grasse, Carnation, Violette de Grasse, and Gardenia. The ad emphasized a rare sale offering these French perfumes at a significantly reduced price of $1 due to the discontinuation of a particular size. This promotion highlighted the brand’s commitment to providing luxury fragrances at accessible prices.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle, 1933:

"These are the exquisite odors that have made Marly Perfume famous. ODOR: Noelys, Vous et Moi, Reve Aime, Lutetia, Imperial. FLOWER SCENTS: Lilac, Rose de Provence, Muguet, Jasmin de Grasse, Carnation, Violette de Grasse, Gardenia . Regularly $1. Here's a sale that only comes once in a blue moon! Really good French perfume, the kind you love to use yourself, at an absurdly low price. The firm importing these perfumes is discontinuing this particular size, and that's why these bargains."

By December 11, 1936, The Pittsburgh Press featured a special promotion for Marly’s "Adagio Perfume." This sophisticated scent was presented as a generous gift, offered in a handsome crystal and gilt bottle within a satin-padded beige leather case. Priced at $7.50, the Adagio perfume was noted for its value, having been sold previously at a much higher price. This fragrance was positioned as ideal for the modern woman with a dynamic lifestyle, ranging from shopping to social events, underscoring Marly’s appeal to a diverse and discerning clientele.

 The Pittsburgh Press - Dec 11, 1936:

"Adagio Perfume. A flattering gift of over 2 ounces of Marly's sophisticated perfume that has . sold for several times this low price. It is ideal for the modern woman who's schedule includes everything from shopping to dancing. Handsome crystal and gilt bottle in a satin padded beige leather case. $7.50."

 

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