Blue Flame by Ellyn Deleith c1941

Launched in 1941, Blue Flame by Ellyn Deleith encapsulates a moment in history marked by both uncertainty and hope. Ellyn Deleith, a perfumer whose work exemplified the innovative spirit of the early 20th century, sought to create a fragrance that would resonate deeply with women during a transformative period. The name Blue Flame evokes a sense of warmth, passion, and a flicker of vitality, suggesting an inner strength that women were beginning to embrace during World War II.

The term Blue Flame carries various interpretations, with its roots in the English language, symbolizing both the beauty and intensity of the color blue paired with the warmth of fire. This juxtaposition conjures vivid images of glowing embers and flickering flames, evoking emotions of passion, energy, and a certain mystique. In the context of fragrance, Blue Flame may suggest a scent that is both uplifting and comforting, encapsulating the essence of resilience and femininity.

Classified as a sweet white floral fragrance for women, Blue Flame would have appealed to the sensibilities of American women at the time, who were navigating a world in flux. The scent features a harmonious blend of delicate white florals, evoking an air of elegance and sophistication. This perfume would symbolize not just a moment of beauty but also a sense of empowerment, allowing women to express their individuality and strength amidst the challenges of the era.

The early 1940s were marked by the shadows of war, yet they also heralded a burgeoning sense of independence for women. Many took on roles traditionally held by men, contributing to the workforce and stepping into the spotlight. In this context, Blue Flame would symbolize both a refuge from the harsh realities of life and a beacon of hope, encapsulating the spirit of women who were rising to meet the demands of their time.

For American women of this period, Blue Flame would represent not only a fragrant escape but also a reminder of their inner fire and resilience. The scent would have been a way to connect with their femininity while also embracing the strength required to face a changing world. In essence, Blue Flame serves as a metaphor for the transformative journey of women during this time, illuminating the path toward a brighter future.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a sweet white floral oriental fragrance for women. Described as a deep, warm, haunting Oriental fragrance.

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, mandarin, plum, melon, neroli
• Middle notes: orange blossom, tuberose, violet, rose, gardenia, carnation, lily of the valley, jasmine, ylang ylang
• Base notes: vanilla, sandalwood, ambergris, benzoin, musk, patchouli

Scent Profile:

Blue Flame, a sweet white floral oriental fragrance, envelops the senses in a captivating blend that is at once haunting and warm, evoking a world of depth and richness. As you first experience its top notes, a bright and effervescent burst of aldehydes greets you with an unexpected spark, dancing lightly in the air like sunlight shimmering on water. This vibrant introduction is soon joined by the bergamot and mandarin, where the zesty citrus aroma unfurls like the petals of a blooming flower. 

The mandarin, with its sweeter, juicy nuances, softens the sharpness of bergamot, creating an inviting warmth. As you delve deeper, the luscious plum adds its ripe, succulent sweetness, while the refreshing melon offers a cool contrast, reminiscent of summer afternoons. Finally, the delicate, floral neroli intertwines with these fruity elements, leaving a bright, uplifting aura that sets the stage for the fragrance's heart.


Transitioning into the middle notes, Blue Flame reveals its rich, floral bouquet. The enchanting orange blossom emerges first, its creamy, honeyed scent wrapping around you like a soft embrace, invoking feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Soon after, the intoxicating tuberose unfolds, its heady aroma both lush and slightly spicy, capturing the essence of midnight gardens in full bloom. Each inhalation brings forth the violet, its delicate and powdery scent adding a touch of softness, while the classic rose offers its timeless elegance, blooming with a sweet, romantic essence that feels both fresh and familiar. 

The lush gardenia follows, enveloping you in its rich, creamy embrace, reminiscent of sunlit days spent in fragrant gardens. Subtle hints of carnation and the delicate lily of the valley add complexity to the floral heart, with the carnation’s spicy warmth harmonizing beautifully with the lily's ethereal lightness. Finally, the sweet, fruity note of jasmine intertwines with the creamy floral notes, imbuing the scent with an exotic allure, while ylang-ylang introduces a soft, tropical sweetness, rounding out this opulent bouquet.


As the fragrance settles, the base notes unfold with a mesmerizing depth. The warm embrace of vanilla envelops you, its creamy sweetness creating a comforting foundation that lingers on the skin. Sandalwood introduces a smooth, creamy woodiness, grounding the fragrance with its soft, warm touch, while the mysterious allure of ambergris weaves through, imparting a subtle, oceanic richness that enhances the overall depth. 

The resinous warmth of benzoin adds a balsamic sweetness, reminiscent of cozy evenings by a fire, its golden essence creating a sense of nostalgia. Musk weaves its way through the base, imparting a sensual warmth that lingers and enchants, while patchouli brings an earthy richness, its deep, herbaceous aroma enhancing the fragrance’s haunting quality.

Together, these notes create a sensory experience that is rich, warm, and deeply evocative. Blue Flame is not just a fragrance; it is a journey through an enchanting garden at dusk, a deep sigh of warmth and sensuality that lingers long after the last notes fade.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.