Gamin by Carmel Myers c1958

The perfume "Gamin" was launched in 1958, a period marked by the post-World War II economic boom and the height of Hollywood's Golden Age. The late 1950s was an era of elegance, glamour, and sophistication, which was reflected in the fashion, beauty products, and cultural trends of the time. The perfume industry was flourishing, with new scents often embodying the zeitgeist of sophistication and glamour.

Carmel Myers, a prominent Hollywood actress, was deeply involved in the creation and promotion of "Gamin." Myers was known for her roles in silent films and early talkies, often portraying seductive vamp characters. Her collaboration with Fragonard, a prestigious French perfume house, was a testament to her status and influence in the entertainment industry.

The name "Gamin," meaning "mischievous" in French, likely drew inspiration from Myers' own on-screen persona and charm. It evoked a playful yet sophisticated image, aligning with the actress's legacy and the fashionable elegance of the 1950s. This collaboration highlighted the intersection of Hollywood glamour and luxury perfumery, encapsulating the allure and mystique that Myers represented.

Myers' career began at a young age, with her first film role at just 14. She quickly became a star, working with iconic actors like Lionel Barrymore, Douglas Fairbanks, and Rudolph Valentino. Her beauty and talent secured her roles as a seductive vamp, a character type that defined much of her career. Reflecting on her work, Myers noted the evolution of the "vamp" character from the overt portrayals by actresses like Theda Bara to the more nuanced performances by Greta Garbo. She later reminisced about the old days, "I suppose Theda Bara was the first 'vamp'. At first we were very obvious in our portrayals. Garbo was a new kind of vamp, because she acted in 'half-tones'."

The release of "Gamin" in 1958 not only celebrated Myers' illustrious career but also captured the essence of the glamorous and playful spirit of the time. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Carmel Myers, an actress who left an indelible mark on Hollywood and contributed to the cultural fabric of the 1950s.

Beauty:

Myers also revealed that in those early silent films, stars had to apply their own makeup as "there were no make-up men. We did our own, for better or worse. In those days, a movie queen had to be beautiful. She had to have good bone structure and be voluptuous to hold up, particularly under the harsh camera lights. She couldn't be heard, so her voice or singing ability didn't matter. We had no desire to look like anyone else, so we made up to emphasize our best points. Of course it wasn't a perfect makeup. Sometimes there was too much mascara or too much lipstick. But our faces looked like us."

Carmel Myers' reflections on the early days of Hollywood provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of film and beauty standards during the silent film era. Her insights offer a vivid picture of the era's challenges and the qualities that defined a successful movie star.

In the early silent film era, makeup artists were not a part of the production crew, meaning that actors and actresses had to apply their own makeup. This was a significant responsibility, as the harsh lighting used in film studios required a robust and often exaggerated makeup application to ensure facial features were visible on screen. Myers mentioned that this was done "for better or worse," highlighting the trial-and-error approach many stars had to adopt.

Myers emphasized that a movie queen needed to be beautiful, with good bone structure and a voluptuous figure, to withstand the scrutiny of the camera. The visual medium of silent films placed enormous emphasis on physical appearance, as actors could not rely on their voices to convey emotion or character. As a result, the beauty standards of the time were incredibly demanding, with a focus on natural beauty enhanced by strategic makeup application.

According to Myers, there was no desire among actresses to look like anyone else. Each actress used makeup to emphasize her unique features, leading to a diversity of looks and styles on screen. This individuality was crucial in an era where visual distinction was a key part of a star's appeal. However, this often led to imperfections, such as "too much mascara or too much lipstick," which were part of the charm and realism of early film stars. Despite these occasional excesses, the makeup allowed actresses' faces to retain their individuality.

The practices and improvisations of these early stars laid the groundwork for the professional makeup artistry that would become standard in later years. Their resourcefulness and creativity contributed to the development of makeup techniques that are still in use today. Myers' recollections underscore the importance of adaptability and personal style in the formative years of Hollywood cinema.

Carmel Myers' anecdotes about self-applied makeup and the beauty standards of early Hollywood reveal the resilience and ingenuity of silent film stars. These actresses not only had to navigate the technical challenges of early filmmaking but also had to maintain a unique and compelling screen presence. Myers' reflections highlight the personal efforts behind the glamour of early Hollywood and the enduring legacy of these pioneering actresses.

After the Films:

After the birth of her son in 1932, Carmel Myers transitioned from her illustrious film career to focus on her family life. To support her family, she ventured into several entrepreneurial activities. She hosted her own radio and television shows, showcasing her adaptability and leveraging her entertainment experience. Additionally, Myers founded a film production company, allowing her to stay connected to Hollywood, and she invested in real estate, demonstrating her business acumen.

Myers also worked as a talent agent, discovering and promoting new talent, thus contributing to the industry by supporting emerging artists. This role highlighted her eye for talent and her desire to mentor new generations of performers. Her diverse ventures illustrated her resilience and versatility in adapting to new challenges beyond her acting career.

The death of her husband, Ralph H. Blum, with whom she shared 22 years of marriage, led Myers into a period of depression. Seeking something exciting to fill the void, she launched the perfume "Gamin" in 1958 in association with Fragonard. This endeavor combined her glamorous Hollywood legacy with a new business venture, allowing her to re-engage with her public persona and find renewed purpose.

Carmel Myers' post-acting career exemplifies her multifaceted talents and determination. By diversifying her activities across various domains, she not only supported her family but also left a lasting impact on the entertainment and business worlds. Her ability to reinvent herself ensured her legacy extended well beyond her years as a film star.

Perfumes:

In 1952, Carmel Myers remarried Alfred W. Schwalberg, an executive of the Paramount film distributing company. Myers maintained numerous connections in the entertainment world, forming lasting friendships with many industry figures. During a trip to Paris with her new husband, Myers visited the perfume factory of Parfumerie Fragonard and discovered two fragrances she adored: Zizanie for her husband and Gamin for herself. Enamored with these scents, she decided to acquire the rights to distribute them in the United States.

Myers approached the owner of Fragonard with her request, but he was initially uninterested in selling the distribution rights to an American agent and refused to discuss the matter. As he was escorting Myers and her husband out, he mentioned that she looked familiar. Seizing the opportunity, Myers said she "pulled out one of my old movie publicity shots" of herself as the Egyptian vamp Iras from the 1925 film "Ben Hur." She said to the business owner, "Perhaps you saw me in Ben Hur", she replied. He replied "You are not Carmel Myers of Ben Hur?" She quickly replied "Yes."  Surprised, the owner recognized her and, impressed by her celebrity status, decided to grant her request, selling her the distribution rights for Zizanie and Gamin.

This venture into the fragrance industry not only showcased Myers' business acumen but also illustrated her ability to leverage her Hollywood legacy to achieve her goals. Her successful negotiation with Fragonard allowed her to bring the beloved fragrances to the American market, blending her entrepreneurial spirit with her glamorous past.

"I went into the perfume business because I remembered how important it was in my era. I remember a movie I made with Rudolph Valentino, and how impressed I was with the fragrance about him. He always smelled beautiful in contrast to other perspiring men who couldn't take hot lights. Of course he was European and European men so often use a good scent. So I selected the rose as the scent of the perfume I wanted to do and called it Gamin."

She was in two movies with Rudy and worked with him before he became a well known movie star. "I told Universal Studios to put him under contract but they said they could get him anytime for what they were paying him - it was $50 or $75 a week. Then he suddenly became a star, so they never could get him."

Carmel Myers' first foray into the world of perfume dates back to 1925 when she became the endorsing symbol for the Ben Hur perfume, a tie-in with the spectacular film. Manufactured by the Andrew Jergens Company, this perfume was promoted using Myers' alluring image. Advertising campaigns in Photoplay magazine featured Myers dressed as the seductive temptress Iras, adorned in sumptuous Egyptian costumes designed by the famed Erté. Scented blotters were distributed to moviegoers as both a souvenir and an advertising gimmick, blending the allure of the film with the fragrance.  

 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Gamin was classified as a floral oriental fragrance for women, with a dominant rose facet with additional notes of lemon and orange. The creation of Gamin reportedly took 18 months to develop and Myers says it "is like a thousand roses in bloom."  

• Top notes: lemon oil, orange oil, bergamot
• Middle notes: rose, jasmine, orange blossom, ylang ylang
• Base notes: incense, sandalwood, vanilla, ambergris, oakmoss, patchouli, musk

Scent Profile:

As you inhale the top notes of lemon oil, orange oil, and bergamot, envision yourself transported to the opulent world of ancient Egypt, where the sun-drenched citruses dance on the breeze like rays of sunlight glinting off the golden sands of the desert. These bright and zesty aromas awaken the senses, evoking the vibrant energy of a bustling marketplace in Jerusalem, where merchants peddle their wares amid the hustle and bustle of daily life.

As the fragrance unfolds, the heart notes of rose, jasmine, orange blossom, and ylang-ylang emerge, weaving a tapestry of floral richness that mirrors the splendor of the palace gardens where Iras, the enigmatic Egyptian vamp of "Ben Hur," holds court. Close your eyes and imagine the intoxicating scent of a thousand roses in bloom, their petals soft and velvety against your skin, their heady aroma filling the air with an irresistible allure.

As the scent deepens, the base notes of incense, sandalwood, vanilla, ambergris, oakmoss, patchouli, and musk envelop you in a warm and sensuous embrace, reminiscent of the mysterious and seductive aura that surrounds Iras. Picture yourself wandering through ancient temples adorned with flickering incense burners, the scent of sacred resins mingling with the earthy sweetness of vanilla and the musky warmth of ambergris.

In each inhalation, you journey deeper into the world of "Ben Hur" and the captivating character of Iras, her essence captured in the floral oriental allure of Gamin. This fragrance, with its intricate blend of citrusy freshness, floral elegance, and exotic richness, is a tribute to the timeless allure of femininity and the enduring beauty of ancient Egypt.

Bottles:

As you hold the gilded glass bottle in your hand, its weight speaks of luxury and opulence. The curved lines of the bottle, reminiscent of an ancient Roman urn, evoke a sense of timeless elegance, transporting you back to the grandeur of classical antiquity. The "Made in France" inscription on the base attests to its quality craftsmanship, a mark of distinction befitting the exquisite fragrance it contains.

As you open the luxe presentation box with its drop front, you're greeted by an embossed design of white and gold, reminiscent of ornate plasterwork adorning the palaces of ancient Egypt. The cobalt blue satin lining cradles the bottle like a precious jewel, its rich hue a nod to the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean landscape. The interior of the box bears the golden serigraphy, elegantly proclaiming the name "Gamin," alongside Carmel Myers' signature and the enchanting locale of Paris, France.

Every detail, from the padded interior of the lid to the snug well at the base of the box, is carefully designed to ensure the perfume's protection and presentation. As you run your fingers over the smooth surface of the bottle and inhale the scent of the finely crafted packaging, you're reminded of Carmel Myers' creative vision and attention to detail. In this meticulously crafted presentation, the essence of Gamin is not just a fragrance but a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and the timeless allure of Hollywood glamour.

 

Carmel Myers claimed that all the packaging and creative ideas were her own and the bottle was produced in France by Verrières Brosse. The bottle was available in these sizes:

• The 0.25 oz bottle stands 2.75" tall.
• The 0.5 oz bottle stands 3" tall.
• The 1 oz bottle stands 3.75" tall.
• possible 2 oz bottle stands 4.5" tall

 

In 1959, Gamin perfume was also available in a captivating French glass purse flacon, adding an extra touch of charm and sophistication to its presentation. This miniature masterpiece featured delicately antiqued-silver filigree accents, reminiscent of intricate lacework adorning elegant garments of the era. At the top of the screw cap gleamed a faux turquoise gem, adding a pop of color and a hint of exotic allure to the design.

Measuring just 1 3/16" wide by 2 3/16" tall, this petite flacon was a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of its manufacturer, Pochet et du Courval. Despite its diminutive size, it exuded an air of luxury and refinement, embodying the essence of Gamin in a compact and portable form.

As you hold this exquisite glass purse flacon in your hand, you can't help but marvel at its intricate detailing and impeccable design. Each filigree motif tells a story of old-world elegance and timeless beauty, while the faux turquoise gem adds a touch of whimsy and playfulness. With every spritz of Gamin from this charming vessel, you're transported to a world of glamour and sophistication, where luxury knows no bounds.

The aerosol eau de toilette of Gamin was housed in gilded aluminum bottles, a testament to both functionality and elegance. Crafted to resist breakage, discoloration, and light fading, these bottles ensured that the precious fragrance within remained protected and pristine, preserving its integrity and allure over time.

The gilded aluminum construction not only provided durability but also added a touch of luxury and sophistication to the packaging. With their gleaming golden hue, these bottles exuded an air of opulence, inviting you to indulge in the sensory experience of Gamin with every spritz.

As you hold one of these gilded aluminum bottles in your hand, you're struck by its sturdiness and beauty. The golden sheen catches the light, casting a warm glow that reflects the timeless allure of the fragrance within. With each gentle press of the aerosol dispenser, the essence of Gamin is released, enveloping you in its enchanting aroma and transporting you to a world of elegance and glamour.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Carmel Myers leveraged her experience and connections in Hollywood to promote both the Zizanie and Gamin fragrances, employing marketing tactics typically associated with the film industry. Drawing on her background as a prominent actress and entrepreneur, she utilized innovative and attention-grabbing strategies to generate buzz and excitement around the perfumes.

One such method involved creating captivating advertising campaigns that captured the imagination of consumers. Much like movie posters and trailers, these campaigns showcased the allure and sophistication of the fragrances, enticing potential buyers with images and narratives that evoked glamour and luxury. By tapping into the visual storytelling techniques of Hollywood, Myers ensured that the fragrances stood out in a crowded marketplace, appealing to the aspirations and desires of her target audience.

Additionally, Myers may have utilized celebrity endorsements and product placements to further enhance the visibility and desirability of the fragrances. By associating the perfumes with well-known personalities or glamorous events, she leveraged the power of star appeal to attract attention and create a sense of prestige around the brand.

Furthermore, Myers may have employed promotional events and experiential marketing techniques to engage consumers directly and create memorable experiences. Whether through exclusive fragrance launches, in-store demonstrations, or themed events, she sought to immerse consumers in the world of Zizanie and Gamin, fostering a sense of connection and loyalty to the brand.

Overall, by applying Hollywood and movie methods to promote the fragrances, Carmel Myers transformed the marketing of Zizanie and Gamin into a captivating and immersive experience, elevating them beyond mere products to symbols of luxury, sophistication, and glamour.

However, it's not uncommon for fragrances to have a limited lifespan on the market, and Gamin, despite its initial success and popularity, likely followed suit. With changing consumer preferences, evolving trends in the fragrance industry, and the introduction of new products, brands often discontinue older scents to make way for fresh releases. While Gamin may have been discontinued around 1970, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who cherished its captivating aroma and exquisite packaging.