Parfums Forvil

Parfums Forvil, located at 1 rue de Castiglione in Paris, France, is a fragrance house with a storied history that began in 1922. The company was initially established by Leo Fink under the name Forval, a moniker that reflected its early ambitions in the perfume industry. Situated in one of Paris's most prestigious and bustling districts, Forval's early operations were marked by a dedication to creating sophisticated and luxurious fragrances, catering to the refined tastes of the era.

In 1923, a significant change occurred when Forval was acquired by La Société Anonyme les Dentifrices du Docteur Pierre Mussot, a renowned dental hygiene company founded in 1837 by Dr. Pierre Mussot. This acquisition marked a new chapter for the fragrance house, which was rebranded as Forvil. The new name, Forvil, signified not only a continuation of the company’s original vision but also a fresh alignment with the Mussot family's long-standing reputation for quality and innovation in personal care products.

The move to rename and reestablish the company as Forvil under Mussot's influence likely brought a new level of prestige and resources, facilitating its expansion and evolution within the perfume industry. The Parisian location at 1 rue de Castiglione remained a central hub for the brand, further cementing its status in the heart of France's capital city. Over the years, Forvil developed a reputation for crafting elegant and memorable fragrances, contributing to its enduring legacy in the world of perfumery.

In 1968, Forvil, the distinguished Parisian perfume house, underwent a significant transition when it was acquired by the American pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers. This acquisition marked a pivotal moment in Forvil's history, integrating the perfume house into a larger, diversified corporation. Bristol-Myers, known for its broad portfolio in pharmaceuticals and consumer products, brought new financial and strategic resources to Forvil. However, despite these resources, the perfume house faced challenges that led to its closure in 1969, ending a significant chapter in its storied existence.

The closure of Forvil was a loss to the world of perfumery, as the brand had built a reputation for creating exquisite fragrances. However, the legacy of Forvil was not entirely lost to time. In a stroke of serendipity for fragrance enthusiasts and historians, Forvil has been resurrected, breathing new life into its celebrated tradition. The revival of the brand has been marked by a renewed commitment to quality and heritage, as seen in its updated digital presence. The new Forvil website, http://forvil.com/?lang=en, serves as a portal to the brand's storied past and contemporary offerings, bridging the gap between its historic legacy and modern innovation. This revival offers a glimpse into the enduring allure of Forvil and its dedication to the art of perfumery, continuing to enchant and inspire a new generation of fragrance lovers.

The Perfumes of Forvil:

• 1914 Le Parfum NN (Nuit Noir)
• 1920s Pour Vous
• 1922 La Perle Noire (a realistic carnation perfume)
• 1924 Relief
• 1925 Chypre
• 1925 La Corail Rouge
• 1926 Les 5 Fleurs/Five Flowers/5
• 1926 Eau de Cologne
• 1926 Soir de Fete (released under Docteur Pierre name, I believe)
• 1926 Le Bois Dormant (released under Docteur Pierre name, I believe)
• 1926 Parfum qui Grise (released under Docteur Pierre name, I believe)
• 1926 Parfum Rouge (released under Docteur Pierre name, I believe)
• 1926 Le Parfum Noir (released under Docteur Pierre name, I believe)
• 1926 Conte de Fee (released under Docteur Pierre name, I believe)
• 1926 Mystere de Paris (released under Docteur Pierre name, I believe)
• 1926 Les Rayons-Les Ombres (released under Docteur Pierre name, I believe)
• 1926 Passion Sublime (released under Docteur Pierre name, I believe)
• 1927 Le Parfum BB
• 1928 Narcisse
• 1928 France Fleurs
• 1929 Les Anemones
• 1936 A Vous Ordres, reintroduced in 1958
• 1936 Lavender
• 1936 Russe
• 1937 Les Trois Valses
• 1937 Les Yeux Doux/Les Yeux Noirs
• 1941 Hymenee
• 1941 Gale Jade
• 1951 Equivoque
• 1954 Poeme
• 1964 Taquin
• Gageure (launch date unknown)

Bottles:

Renowned for its artistry in glassmaking, Lalique created some of the most iconic perfume bottles of the early 20th century, distinguished by their unique and luxurious designs. Among the few companies honored with Lalique's black glass bottles were D'Orsay and Forvil, both founded by Leo Fink. These exclusive creations exemplify Lalique's mastery in blending functionality with aesthetic brilliance, making them prized collectors' items today.

For D'Orsay, Rene Lalique designed the striking black glass bottle for "La Perle Noire," a fragrance that reflected the opulence and sophistication associated with both Lalique and D'Orsay. The bottle's dark, lustrous glass not only highlighted the perfume's luxurious character but also set a new standard for elegance in fragrance packaging. Similarly, Rene Lalique crafted a black glass bottle for Forvil's "Le Corail Rouge." This design captured the essence of Forvil's sophisticated appeal while showcasing Lalique's skill in creating visually captivating and tactilely satisfying bottles.

Both bottles, with their deep, rich black glass and intricate detailing, stand as testaments to Lalique's commitment to excellence in design and craftsmanship. They are more than just containers; they are works of art that enhance the sensory experience of the perfume they hold. The collaboration between Lalique and these prestigious brands underscores the significance of packaging in the perfume industry and highlights the enduring legacy of Leo Fink's vision in the world of fragrance.

A 1930 newspaper advertisement for Forvil's fragrance "The Black Pearl" captures the essence of luxury and refinement associated with the brand and its products. The ad proudly proclaims that "The Black Pearl" comes in a sophisticated Lalique bottle, which is prominently featured in the accompanying image. This elegant bottle, crafted by the renowned glassmaker Lalique, is encased in a beautifully designed box, emphasizing the attention to detail and quality that Forvil invested in its presentation. The advertisement underscores the fragrance's appeal as an exquisite gift, highlighting its "unquestionable good taste" and making it clear that "The Black Pearl" is a symbol of refined sophistication. The ad not only markets the perfume itself but also the artistry and prestige of its packaging, ensuring that it stands out as a remarkable choice for discerning individuals seeking a luxurious and tasteful gift.

5 Fleurs by Forvil is classified as a floral woody fragrance for women.

• Top notes: bergamot, orange blossom, heliotrope, and lilac
• Middle notes: ylang ylang, rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, and honeysuckle
• Base notes: vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, cedar, musk, and benzoin

"5 Fleurs" by Forvil is a distinguished floral woody fragrance for women, celebrated for its intricate and harmonious blend of notes that create a sophisticated olfactory experience. From the moment of application, the fragrance unveils its vibrant top notes of bergamot, orange blossom, heliotrope, and lilac. This opening bouquet delivers a fresh, citrusy brightness mingled with the soft, powdery sweetness of heliotrope and lilac, setting a graceful and uplifting tone.

As the fragrance evolves, it reveals its rich and opulent heart. The middle notes of ylang ylang, rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, and honeysuckle come together in a lush, floral symphony. Ylang ylang and jasmine impart a tropical, exotic allure, while rose and honeysuckle add a romantic, delicate touch. Lily of the valley introduces a hint of green freshness, further enhancing the complexity of this floral bouquet.

The base notes of "5 Fleurs" provide a warm and grounding finish to the fragrance. Vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, cedar, musk, and benzoin blend to create a rich, woody foundation that complements the earlier floral notes. The earthy, smoky essence of vetiver and patchouli is balanced by the creamy, smooth quality of sandalwood and cedar. Musk and benzoin add a subtle sweetness and depth, ensuring that the fragrance leaves a lasting impression with its sophisticated and enduring scent profile. This intricate composition makes "5 Fleurs" a timeless and elegant choice for those who appreciate a complex and beautifully balanced fragrance.

"Le Parfum Noir" for Forvil, introduced between 1914 and 1920, is a classic example of early 20th-century perfume bottle design, showcasing the elegance and artistry of its era. The bottle's distinctive rectangular shape with rounded ends reflects a streamlined yet refined aesthetic, characteristic of the period. Its design is both practical and stylish, offering a unique blend of form and function.

The bottle's standout feature is its decorated band on the lid, which adds a touch of sophistication and intricacy to the overall design. This decorative element likely features intricate patterns or motifs that enhance the bottle's visual appeal and reflect the luxurious nature of the fragrance it contains. When the lid is removed, it reveals a domical stopper, which is subtly elegant and functional, ensuring that the perfume is securely sealed and preserved.

The choice of a rectangular bottle with rounded ends, coupled with the ornate lid and domical stopper, exemplifies the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Forvil invested in its products. "Le Parfum Noir" thus embodies both the aesthetic sensibilities and the practical considerations of its time, making it a notable example of early 20th-century perfume bottle design. The bottle not only serves as a vessel for the fragrance but also as a collectible piece that captures the essence of an era marked by innovation and elegance in perfumery.

The green and black glass bottle below was used for Forvil's Pour Vous fragrance.