Gigolo by Germaine Monteil c1951

Gigolo by Germaine Monteil, launched in 1951, is a perfume name that sparks curiosity and intrigue. The word "Gigolo" comes from the Italian and French languages, where it refers to a young man who is financially supported by an older woman in exchange for companionship, often with romantic or sexual connotations. The term gained a certain level of notoriety, suggesting a figure who is charming, seductive, and possibly a little dangerous. By choosing such a provocative name, Monteil created a fragrance that would evoke boldness and mystery—qualities that resonated with women seeking to express a more daring and confident side of their personalities.

American women in the early 1950s would have understood the meaning of the word "gigolo," especially as it had already entered popular culture through films and literature. The name "Gigolo" would likely evoke images of sophisticated men, nightlife, and a sense of alluring danger. It conjures emotions of glamour, seduction, and excitement, making it an unusual yet compelling choice for a women's fragrance. As a name for a perfume, Gigolo suggests a scent that is intoxicating and captivating, one that lingers like the memory of a forbidden romance.

In scent, "Gigolo" could be interpreted as a blend of charm and intrigue, balancing sweetness with an edge of the unexpected. Classified as a sweet, green floral fougère fragrance, this composition reflects the tension between refinement and sensuality. The green notes suggest freshness and elegance, while the sweet undertones evoke femininity and warmth. The fougère base, typically associated with masculine fragrances, introduces an element of surprise, adding depth and complexity to the scent—just as the name itself plays with contrasting ideas of femininity and seduction.

In the context of the early 1950s, a perfume called "Gigolo" would have been quite daring. This was a time when post-war society was experiencing a return to normalcy, but with a growing desire for self-expression and sophistication. The glamor of Hollywood and the rise of more independent female icons influenced fashion and beauty trends. Women were beginning to embrace more assertive roles in both their personal and professional lives, and a perfume with a name like Gigolo would have resonated with those who wanted to project an air of confidence and intrigue. The name itself would have likely sparked conversation and piqued curiosity, making it stand out in the world of perfumes that were often more conservatively named.

In terms of fragrance trends, Gigolo stood out for its unique balance of green florals and fougère elements. Many women’s fragrances of the time focused on floral and aldehydic profiles that were light, fresh, and feminine. By incorporating the more unisex fougère accord—a blend of lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin traditionally used in men’s fragrances—Monteil created a scent that felt modern, bold, and slightly rebellious. This innovative approach reflected the changing attitudes of the era, as women sought to break free from traditional norms and explore new forms of self-expression.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a sweet, green floral fougere fragrance for women.

• Top notes: lavender, bergamot, geranium
• Middle notes: Bulgarian rose and jasmine
• Base notes: oakmoss, sandalwood, musk, vanilla, patchouli

Cue: The Weekly Magazine of New York Life, 1951:

"Germaine Monteil's new Gigolo, a captivating, French perfume with a rose and jasmine base."

Scent Profile:

As I first encounter Gigolo, the fragrance opens with a fresh, herbal breeze of lavender—a note that feels both calming and invigorating. Its subtle sweetness is laced with a touch of green, evoking images of wild lavender fields under a warm, sunlit sky. The floral herbality of the lavender is soon joined by the crisp, sharp sparkle of bergamot, adding a citrusy brightness that feels both clean and energizing. This zesty burst contrasts beautifully with the soft, velvety herbal tones of geranium, which adds an earthier layer, balancing the lightness of bergamot with a subtle peppery undertone. Together, these top notes are lively, refreshing, and hint at something deeper beneath the surface, inviting you to explore further.

As the fragrance begins to unfold, the heart reveals its rich floral core. The sensual warmth of Bulgarian rose blooms, radiating a deep, velvety scent. It's opulent and romantic, with a slight spiciness that speaks of timeless elegance. This isn’t a shy rose—it's bold and luxurious, filling the air with a sense of passion and sophistication. 

Woven into this floral tapestry is jasmine, offering its intoxicating, heady sweetness. Jasmine brings a sense of exotic allure, its creamy, almost narcotic floralcy wrapping itself around the rose. Together, the rose and jasmine create a soft, romantic heart that feels both tender and seductive, hinting at mystery and intimacy. The combination is distinctly feminine, yet carries an undercurrent of strength.

As the scent settles, it deepens into its base, where a lush tapestry of earthy and sensual notes emerges. Oakmoss provides a grounding, forest-like quality, its green, slightly damp aroma evoking a walk through a dense woodland after rain. It gives the scent a raw, natural character that contrasts beautifully with the sweeter, more floral elements of the heart. Sandalwood adds a creamy, smooth warmth, its soft, woody nature bringing a sense of comfort and depth. It's rich without being overpowering, blending harmoniously with the earthy oakmoss.

At the base, musk introduces a subtle sensuality, its powdery, animalic quality lingering on the skin like a whispered touch. There’s something deeply intimate about this note—it clings closely, adding a layer of warmth and depth that makes the scent feel personal and enveloping. Vanilla then adds a sweet, comforting richness, its creamy, slightly gourmand quality softening the more intense elements of the base. It's not overly sugary, but rather smooth and velvety, like the sweetness of skin kissed by sunlight. Patchouli rounds out the base with its earthy, slightly spicy character. Its dark, resinous depth adds a touch of mystery and allure, grounding the sweetness of vanilla and musk with a sense of timeless elegance.

The progression of Gigolo is a journey through contrasts—light and dark, sweet and earthy, fresh and warm—each note contributing to a complex, intriguing blend. It's a fragrance that feels both familiar and surprising, embracing femininity with an unexpected twist of depth and sensuality.

Bottles:

Gigolo's parfum was presented in a tapered triangular shaped crystal bottle with truncated edges.  The bottle is fitted with a tall, crystal stopper. The parfum was available in two sizes and retailed for $30 for the 3/4 oz and $50 for the 1 1/2 oz in 1951. The bottle was nestled in a red lined gold presentation box. The bottle may have been made by Verreries Brosse, who made other bottles for Monteil.

The Eau Concentree was equal to today's modern Eau de Parfum strength. Stronger than an Eau de Toilette but weaker than pure Parfum.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.

CLICK HERE TO FIND GIGOLO PERFUME BY GERMAINE MONTEIL