Les Parfums du Lido

Les Parfums du Lido, a brief but intriguing perfume house, was founded in 1927 at the prestigious 78 Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, later moving to 76 Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Connected to the famous Lido Night Club, this fragrance venture aimed to capture the allure and mystique associated with Parisian nightlife. The Lido Night Club, established in 1928 on the Champs-Élysées, is a celebrated cabaret known for its glamorous revues and opulent performances. It drew inspiration from the legendary Lido beaches in Venice, bringing a taste of Mediterranean luxury and Parisian sophistication to the city's entertainment scene. As a beacon of glitzy Parisian nightlife, the Lido offered audiences an escape into a world of dance, music, and dazzling costumes, which likely influenced the aesthetic and character of Les Parfums du Lido.

Les Parfums du Lido had a manufacturing base at Asnières in the Seine department, hinting at a small production operation focused on creating high-quality fragrances in limited quantities. The brand was short-lived, with its perfumes becoming rare collectors' items due to their scarcity and historical connection to a unique period in Parisian culture. Export arrangements were managed by Barany & Co., located at 51 Rue de Paradis in Paris, indicating the brand's aspiration to reach an international clientele.

Though Les Parfums du Lido operated for only a brief time, it is remembered as a fragrant expression of Parisian nightlife glamour, embodying the chic and seductive atmosphere of the Lido Night Club. Its fragrances were perhaps intended to give wearers a sense of that same charm and elegance—an aromatic souvenir from one of Paris's most iconic entertainment venues.

Les Parfums du Lido:

• 1927 Le Lido de Paris
• 1927 Champs Elysees
• 1927 Lady Diana
• 1927 Barbier de Venise
• 1927 La Nuit de Lido
• 1929 Un Coin de Venise
• 1940 First Lady
• 1953 La Vie en Rose

Les Parfums du Lido launched a captivating range of fragrances, each inspired by iconic locations, people, and the timeless allure of the Lido Night Club. Here's a look at their notable creations, infused with rich names that suggest their aromatic profiles:

1927 - Le Lido de Paris

Named after the club itself, Le Lido de Paris evokes the ambiance of Parisian nightlife with likely notes of seductive, smoky accords, perhaps amber or opulent florals like jasmine or ylang-ylang. This fragrance would have aimed to capture the club's allure, drawing in patrons with a lush, sophisticated scent perfect for evening wear.

1927 - Champs Élysées

Inspired by the famous avenue in Paris, Champs Élysées might have been a light, floral fragrance reflecting the elegance and vibrancy of the Champs-Élysées boulevard. This scent may have included fresh citrus top notes, like bergamot or lemon, combined with floral notes such as rose, mimosa, or lily of the valley, creating a fragrance that felt both airy and sophisticated, like a Parisian springtime.

1927 - Lady Diana

Lady Diana likely channeled the era's glamor with a fragrance as elegant as its name. Named after a figure reminiscent of high society, this perfume might have been a blend of powdery florals and soft musks, embodying feminine sophistication and grace. Hints of iris, violet, and a touch of sandalwood may have been used to create a delicate, refined aura.

1927 - Barbier de Venise (Barber of Venice)

Reflecting the artistry of Venetian style, Barbier de Venise may have offered a bold and exotic fragrance. Likely a more masculine scent, it might have combined sharp notes like clove, bergamot, or black pepper with smoother, woodier elements, perhaps cedar or vetiver. This scent would evoke the unique charm of Venice’s canals and craftsmen.

1927 - La Nuit de Lido (The Night at Lido)

Capturing the sensuality of the Lido at night, La Nuit de Lido was likely a rich, seductive fragrance with deep floral and oriental notes, such as tuberose, patchouli, or vanilla. Its intent would have been to transport the wearer to an evening filled with mystery and allure, evoking the heady atmosphere of the club after dark.

1929 - Un Coin de Venise (A Corner of Venice)

A Corner of Venice conjures a dreamy, romantic scene, perhaps with a fragrance that blended aquatic notes with earthy hints, embodying Venice’s mix of water and ancient stone. Soft, warm florals like water lily or iris may have intertwined with aquatic accords to capture Venice’s timeless charm and mystery.

1940 - First Lady

Launched during a time of changing societal roles for women, First Lady might have been a more restrained, classic scent with aldehydic top notes and a heart of rose or jasmine, expressing a confident elegance. A light amber or musk base would give it staying power, representing poise and leadership.

1953 - La Vie en Rose (Life in Pink)

Perhaps inspired by the famed song by Edith Piaf, La Vie en Rose is likely a romantic, rose-centered fragrance with soft and powdery undertones. The scent may have opened with bright citrus notes, balanced by a lush heart of rose and finishing with warm, comforting musk. This fragrance would embody the nostalgic charm of the 1950s and celebrate love, beauty, and the joie de vivre of Paris.

Each of these perfumes represents an aspect of Les Parfums du Lido’s artistic vision, offering both locals and visitors alike a scented journey through Parisian elegance, Venetian romance, and timeless sophistication. The fragrances were likely crafted to embody and extend the glamour of the famed Lido, allowing wearers to carry a piece of its enchanting ambiance wherever they went.

Bottles:

The perfume La Nuit de Lido was presented in a bottle by Verrières Viard.