Chenier Perfumes, Inc.

Viviny Perfumers Inc., based in West Haven, Connecticut, operated under the trade name "André Chénier," a nod to the celebrated 18th-century French poet. The company launched a comprehensive line of toilet preparations during the 1920s, which included perfumes, face powders, talcum powders, face creams, bath salts, lipsticks, and rouges. Their diverse offerings reflected the expanding beauty and cosmetics market of the era. Notably, Viviny Perfumers supplied exclusive perfumes for the upscale B. Altman department stores, catering to a clientele that demanded refined and luxurious products.

In 1931, Viviny Perfumers introduced a series of single-flower perfumes under the banner “André Chénier Fleurs.” It is believed that this collection may have been the perfumes specially commissioned for B. Altman. These creations captured the simplicity and elegance of floral fragrances, a popular trend during the early 20th century. Carroll Cut Rate Perfumer, a New York-based retailer, also marketed André Chénier perfumes, broadening their distribution and appeal.

 Viviny Perfumers expanded their business under multiple brand names, including Valencia, Maurice (sometimes labeled as Philip Maurice), Jean La Salle, and Betty-Faye. These brands primarily focused on cosmetics, diversifying the company’s portfolio. The Jean La Salle trademark, filed on February 7, 1929, was named after a prominent French priest and educational reformer born in Reims, France. This trademark was officially registered on July 9, 1929, and subsequently renewed in 1949 under the ownership of The Viviny-Associated Company of West Haven, Connecticut. Additionally, Betty-Faye Co., operating as Dr. Higgins Laboratories in New Haven, further illustrates Viviny's strategic branding efforts.

The André Chénier name was also connected with several other perfumery entities, including Marques de Elorza, Parfumerie Brecher, and Parfums de Paul. Furthermore, the company had associations with the notable French couture house Boué Sœurs. It is noteworthy that identical perfume names occasionally appeared under these affiliated brands, suggesting a networked approach to marketing and production. This overlap highlights the interconnected nature of the perfume and cosmetics industries during the early 20th century.

The perfumes of André Chenier :

• 1925 Myrys
• 1925 Ondés d’Amour
• 1926 Chenier No. 5
• 1926 Sweet Pea
• 1926 Jasmin
• 1926 Narcisse
• 1926 Gardenia
• 1926 Violet
• 1926 Lilas/Lilac
• 1928 Jipsee Fleurs
• 1929 Honeysuckle Blossom
• 1929 Valencia
• 1929 Bouquet de Souvenirs
• 1930 Chenier 16
• 1930 Marché Nuptiale
• 1930 Corsage du Temps
• 1932 Printemps de Paris (skincare line)
• 1932 White Rose
• 1932 Lily of the Valley
• 1934 Incarnate
• 1934 Night in Orient
• 1940 Apple Blossom
• 1940 Carnation
• 1941 Spring Clover
• 1941 Orange Blossom
• 1941 Peach Blossom
• 1943 Tulip Mist
• 1940s Por Ma-Dame
• 1940s Beau Blanc
• 1940s Spring Meadow

Any presentations of Chenier perfumes that have "French Masters" embossed on the decorative base date to 1960.

The perfumes created exclusively for B. Altman stores:

• 1930 André Chénier Fleurs Apple Blossom
• 1931 Lysystra 
• 1931 Spring Madness 
• 1931 Chenier 
• 1931 André Chénier Fleurs Jasmin 
• 1931 André Chénier Fleurs Gardenia
• 1931 André Chénier Fleurs Lavender
• 1931 André Chénier Fleurs Chypre 
• 1931 André Chénier Fleurs Rose 
• 1931 André Chénier Fleurs Sweet Pea 
• 1931 André Chénier Fleurs Lilac 
• 1947 Andalusia

Viviny Perfumers 

• 1930 Valencia d'Amour
• 1931 Paul de Bois
• 1932 J.V.G.
• 1934 Viennese Nights

Jean La Salle:

• 1947 Carioca
• 1947 Hayloft

Betty Faye:

• 1947 Mon Paris
• 1947 Lilac

Maurice:

• 1947 Heatherfield
• 1947 Toujours L'Amour