Animale by Animale c1987

Introducing Animale by Animale, a fragrance that debuted in the illustrious year of 1987. Crafted in collaboration with the esteemed Suzanne de Lyon and brought to life by the master perfumers of Roure Bertrand.

Suzanne de Lyon, a renowned fragrance creator, has contributed to numerous iconic perfumes over the years. Some notable fragrances associated with her include:

• Chanel Cristalle (1974)
• Lancôme Magie Noire (1978)
• Chanel Coco (1984)
• Chanel Coco Mademoiselle (2001)
• Lancôme Trésor (1990)
• Lancôme Poême (1995)

These are just a few examples of her remarkable portfolio, showcasing her talent and creativity in the world of perfumery.

In 1987, Suzanne de Lyon, a Swiss-born entrepreneur residing in Houston, embarked on a groundbreaking journey into the fragrance industry. Drawing from her extensive background in finance, investments, and import/export, de Lyon recognized an opportunity to translate her diverse expertise into the realm of scent creation. To navigate this new terrain, she turned to Thomas E. Virtue, a seasoned leader in the fragrance world and the President of Roure Bertrand DuPont, for invaluable guidance and support.

Their collaboration culminated in the unveiling of Animale on June 1st, a momentous occasion that marked the fusion of artistic vision and strategic business acumen. This exclusive launch at Bloomingdale's served as a platform to showcase the innovation and sophistication inherent in Animale.

The creation of Animale was a collaborative effort that drew upon the talents of esteemed professionals within the fragrance industry. Working closely with key executives from Bloomingdale's, including Arline Friedman, Peter Clelland, and Onute Miller, de Lyon ensured that every aspect of Animale's design, advertising, and promotion was meticulously crafted to perfection.

The result of their collective efforts was a product of unparalleled quality and refinement, embodying a meticulous attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Animale emerged as a beacon of taste and professionalism, establishing a new standard of excellence within the beauty and fragrance landscape.

When Suzanne de Lyon unveiled Animale at Bloomingdale's, the affair was nothing short of spectacular. Adorned in sleek zebra print bodysuits, graceful models graced the event, setting a tone of allure and sophistication. Speaking to reporters, de Lyon articulated her vision, emphasizing the essence of shock and intrigue that defines the essence of any remarkable perfume. She told reporters that "Like any other perfume, it has to be shocking."

"Steamy. Stormy. Sensuous. A scent as lush and expectant as the jungle before a storm. Exciting as the tension between the hunter and the hunted. Animale. Presented in its creator's signature lightning bolt flacon. The chase is on!

Following her feminine instincts, Suzanne de Lyon resolves the contradiction in the uniquely cohesive fragrance creation, Animale. This elegant, modernistic orchestration tames vivacious floral notes with deep, harmonizing undertones of rich resins, precious woods, oakmoss and musk. As its frosted crystal flacon dramatizes, Animale strikes like lightning, leaving a lasting aura of mystery and romance."

Product Marketing for Beauty Industry Retailers & Manufacturers, 1987:

"Four years ago, Suzanne de Lyon decided it was time to have a fragrance of her own. de Lyon is a Swiss-born, Houston-based  entrepreneur who after earning her Master's Degree in Finance at Drexel University has polished her skills by successfully negotiating the fields of investments, real estate, and forming import/export companies for crystal, linens and lingerie.  

When her attention turned to perfume, she turned for advice to the man with the golden touch, Thomas E. Virtue, an old friend and the president of Roure Bertrand DuPont. And on the first of June, Animale was launched exclusively at Bloomingdale's. 

Some of the most respected talents in the fragrance industry were involved with Animale, and de Lyon worked with top cosmetics executives from Bloomingdale's in a unique manner. Arline Friedman, VP, cosmetics and fragrances, Peter Clelland, DMM, cosmetics and fragrances and Onute Miller, women's fragrance buyer, were involved in making design, advertising and promotion decisions. The high polish of taste and professionalism shows in every aspect."

 

 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral chypre fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh flowery top, followed by a rosy floral heart, resting on a warm, woody base. 

"A harmonizing of floral notes, woods and musks..combining the classic with the modern. Animale is the sensuous new fragrance by Suzanne de Lyon. A streak of lightning in a frosted crystal flacon. A bold scent which awakens the animal instincts in every woman. A study in contrasts, both the bottle and the perfume, Animale is a bolt from the sky which emanates mystery and romance."

• Top notes: bergamot, green notes, basil, coriander, hyacinth, Brazilian rosewood, neroli
• Middle notes: pimento berry, ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, carnation, orris, lily of the valley, honey
• Base notes: Mysore sandalwood, labdanum, oakmoss, musk, vetiver, patchouli, castoreum, civet, coconut, cistus

Animale, crafted by Suzanne de Lyon, is a captivating fragrance experience that tantalizes the senses with its exquisite blend of floral and woody accords.

At first spritz, Animale reveals a delightful burst of freshness, characterized by a bouquet of floral notes mingled with hints of greenery, citrusy bergamot, and aromatic basil. This invigorating opening sets the stage for the fragrance's journey.

As Animale evolves, it unfolds into a lush and romantic heart, where the essence of roses, jasmine, and ylang-ylang intertwines with the warmth of spices like pimento berry and the subtle sweetness of honey. This floral symphony evokes a sense of timeless elegance and feminine allure.

Finally, Animale settles into its seductive and alluring base, where rich, woody notes of sandalwood and vetiver merge with earthy moss and musk. This warm and enveloping foundation adds depth and complexity to the fragrance, leaving a lingering trail of sophistication and sensuality.

In essence, Animale is a harmonious fusion of classic and modern elements, encapsulated in a sleek and striking lightning bolt flacon. It's a bold olfactory statement that ignites the primal instincts within every woman, while also embodying an air of mystery and romance that is truly captivating.

In a departure from traditional fragrance compositions, Animale presents a modern and linear olfactory journey that maintains its initial allure throughout wear. The fragrance revolves around a central theme of rose, accented by the luxurious notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and neroli. This floral symphony is skillfully balanced by the spicy nuances of pimento berry, the sensuality of musk, and the depth of labdanum and patchouli. The result is a captivating and harmonious blend that evolves seamlessly on the skin, creating a distinctive and unforgettable scent experience.

Product Marketing for Beauty Industry Retailers & Manufacturers, 1987:

"Rather than the traditional head/heart/body progression, the fragrance is a linear, modem one which retains the initial impression through wearing. Rose is a major theme, with jasmine, ylang ylang, and neroli balanced by pimento berry, musk, labdanum and patchouly."

 

Bottle:

In collaboration with Suzanne de Lyon, the entrepreneurial force behind Animale, Gerard Caron, chairman of the board at Carre Noir USA, took charge of the packaging and design. "The name Animale suggests something soft and rounded, but we wanted the surprise of contrast," he explains. This sentiment resonates throughout the design process, culminating in a perfume bottle that defies expectations. 

Standing at 7 inches tall and weighing a substantial one and a half pounds, the bottle is crafted from frosted solid crystal, featuring sharp angles and slashing diagonals. Within this striking vessel, a lightning bolt of clear crystal cuts a startling oblique line, housing the precious perfume within—a bold representation of the fragrance's daring nature. As described by The New York Times Magazine, Animale is indeed "sold in a bottle resembling a bolt of lightning," a testament to its electrifying presence in the world of fragrance.

The New York Times Magazine, 1987:

" Animale, a new perfume marketed by a businesswoman, Suzanne de Lyon, is sold in a bottle resembling a bolt of lightning."

 Product Marketing for Beauty Industry Retailers & Manufacturers, 1987:

"Gerard Caron, chairman of the board, Carre Noir USA undertook the packaging and design creation. "The name Animale suggests something soft and rounded, but we wanted the surprise of contrast," he says. And how! The 1-oz perfume bottle is all right angles and slashing diagonals, a tall (7 inches) and weighty (one and a half pounds) slab of frosted solid crystal with a lightning bolt of clear crystal (in which the perfume is contained) cutting a startling oblique line. Animale's vivid colors——emerald, purple, turquoise and fuchsia—dart across the box in a geometric design."

Initially, the collection boasted a luxurious array of offerings, catering to diverse preferences and budgets:

• 1 oz Parfum, a pinnacle of indulgence, retailed at $200.
• 1/4 oz Parfum, a smaller yet exquisite option, was available for $80.
• 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray and 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum Spray provided versatile options for everyday wear, priced at $45 and $70 respectively.
• 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Splash and 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum Splash offered a refreshing alternative, each priced at $40 and $65.

By 1994, the collection expanded to include:

• 0.2 oz Parfum miniature, perfect for sampling the scent on-the-go.
• 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray, offering a lighter interpretation of the fragrance.
• Bath Foam and Dusting Powder, enhancing the sensory experience beyond just scent.

Releasing matching body products alongside a perfume offers consumers the opportunity to engage in what is often referred to as "fragrance layering." This involves using multiple scented products from the same line, such as body lotion, shower gel, or dusting powder, in conjunction with the perfume itself.

Layering enhances the longevity and intensity of the fragrance, as each product contains complementary scent notes that build upon and enhance the perfume's aroma. For example, using a scented body lotion or shower gel before applying the perfume can create a more robust and long-lasting scent experience, as the fragrance is absorbed into the skin and layered with the perfume.

Additionally, matching body products contribute to a cohesive sensory experience, allowing consumers to enjoy the fragrance in various forms throughout their daily routine, from bathing to moisturizing to wearing the perfume itself. This holistic approach to scent creates a more immersive and memorable experience for the consumer, fostering brand loyalty and enhancing the overall perception of the fragrance line.

Fate of the Fragrance:

In 1987, Suzanne de Lyon established Parfums Animale, marking the inception of a captivating fragrance venture. However, in 1989, the company's trajectory was overshadowed by an FBI investigation focused on Suzanne Frame, also known professionally as Suzanne de Lyon, and her involvement in a cluster of companies alongside her husband. Among these entities was Suzanne de Lyon, Inc., the manufacturer responsible for producing the Animale fragrance.

The investigation spotlighted allegations of financial misconduct, with suspicions of bank funds being redirected for personal use. Notably, attention was drawn to a series of checks made payable to Bill Thompson, who had received interest payments from loans issued by Texas Investment Bank during Jack Frame's tenure as an officer. These checks were subsequently deposited into an account held by Jack Frame at Western-Bank-Westheimer, as revealed in federal civil case records filed by aggrieved investors against Suzanne Frame. The FBI, in a letter addressed to investors, disclosed that Suzanne Frame and her business associate, Manuel Zepeda, were under scrutiny for potential violations of federal mail fraud statutes.

In 1990, amidst financial turmoil, Parlux assumed control of the company following Suzanne de Lyon's bankruptcy filing. Eventually, in 2004, the Animale brand found new ownership under the Animale Group, signaling a new chapter in its storied history.

Flankers:

Flanker scents refer to variations or spin-offs of an original perfume. These variations typically retain certain key elements of the original scent but introduce new notes or nuances to create a distinct olfactory experience. Here's a breakdown of the flanker scents for Animale:

• 1994 - Animale Animale: This flanker likely builds upon the foundation of the original Animale fragrance, perhaps enhancing certain notes or introducing new elements to create a unique interpretation.

• 1997 - Instinct d'Animale: This flanker might focus on highlighting the instinctual or primal aspects of the original Animale fragrance, possibly by introducing deeper, more animalic notes or emphasizing certain accords to evoke a sense of raw sensuality.

• 2000 - Chaleur d`Animale: "Chaleur" translates to "heat" in French, suggesting that this flanker scent could explore warmer, spicier facets of the original fragrance. It might feature notes that evoke a sense of warmth or intensity, such as spicy spices, rich woods, or amber.

• 2006 - Animale Temptation: This flanker likely aims to evoke feelings of temptation and allure. It might feature notes that are traditionally associated with seduction, such as exotic florals, sweet fruits, or sensual musks, to create a captivating and irresistible scent.

• 2012 - Animale Love: This flanker might focus on capturing the essence of love and romance. It could feature soft, romantic florals, delicate powdery notes, or sweet, creamy accords to evoke feelings of affection and intimacy.

• 2013 - Animale Intense: This flanker may offer a more concentrated and intense version of the original Animale fragrance, with deeper, richer notes and a longer-lasting sillage. It might appeal to those who prefer bolder, more impactful scents.

Animale for Men:

Here's a breakdown of Animale for Men and its subsequent flankers:

• 1993 Animale for Men: This fragrance, released in 1993, likely represents the original iteration of the Animale scent tailored specifically for men. It could feature a blend of masculine notes such as woods, spices, and citrus, creating a bold and sophisticated aroma.

• 1994 Animale Animale for Men: Following the success of the original Animale for Men, this flanker scent was introduced in 1994. It might offer a variation on the original theme, possibly amplifying certain notes or introducing new elements to create a unique olfactory experience.

• 2000 Chaleur d`Animale pour Homme: "Chaleur" translates to "heat" in French, suggesting that this flanker scent explores warm and spicy facets of the original Animale for Men. It might feature notes like cinnamon, cardamom, and amber, creating a scent that exudes intensity and sensuality.

• 2005 Animale Azul: This flanker could be a fresh interpretation of the original Animale for Men, featuring bright and invigorating notes such as citrus, marine accords, and aromatic herbs. It might evoke a sense of vitality and energy, perfect for daytime wear.

• 2005 Animale Temptation Man: This flanker likely aims to capture the allure and temptation associated with the original Animale for Men. It could feature notes that exude seduction and masculinity, such as leather, tobacco, and exotic spices, creating a scent that is both sophisticated and alluring.

• Animale Black: This flanker might offer a darker and more intense version of the original Animale for Men. It could feature notes like leather, oud, and dark woods, creating a bold and mysterious fragrance that is perfect for evening wear or special occasions.