Divine by D'Orsay c1947

Launched in 1947, "Divine" by Parfums D'Orsay emerged into a world grappling with the aftermath of World War II. This era, marked by a thirst for renewal and hope, saw society embracing elegance and luxury as symbols of recovery and optimism. The post-war period was a time when fragrances were not just scents but symbols of a new beginning and a yearning for something exquisite amidst the rebuilding of everyday life.

Parfums D'Orsay chose the name "Divine" for their perfume as a deliberate nod to the divine qualities of love, beauty, and transcendent grace. The term "divine" implies something heavenly, perfect, and supremely beautiful—attributes that align perfectly with the fragrance's aspirations. In the context of love, "divine" conveys an idealized, almost otherworldly form of affection that is profound and ethereal. This name suggests that the wearer of "Divine" is enveloped in an almost celestial allure, evoking feelings of enchantment and admiration.

The name "Divine" is particularly appropriate for a perfume as it encapsulates the essence of what fragrances often seek to achieve: a sense of enchantment and an elevation of the everyday. Perfume, in its essence, aims to offer a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary, making the wearer feel exceptional and unique. By naming their fragrance "Divine," D'Orsay positioned it as more than just a scent—it's a portal to a heightened state of being.

In the realm of divination, perfumes often hold symbolic meanings and are used to evoke specific moods or presages. Just as divination seeks to offer insights into the unknown or to reveal hidden truths, a fragrance like "Divine" aims to unlock the wearer’s inner essence, projecting a persona that is both captivating and mystical. The act of wearing a perfume can be seen as a form of personal divination, where one’s scent becomes a reflection of their innermost desires and traits.

A fragrance called "Divine" would likely appeal to women who seek to make a memorable impression and to express their individuality in a way that is both sophisticated and enigmatic. These women might be drawn to the perfume for its promise of elegance and transcendence, responding to it as a means of enhancing their own sense of allure and charm.

The word "Divine" evokes a range of powerful images and feelings. It conjures visions of celestial beauty and ethereal grace, suggesting a fragrance that is both rare and sublime. It evokes the feeling of something cherished and extraordinary, promising a sensory experience that lifts one’s spirit and enchants those around them. In essence, "Divine" is not just a name; it’s an invitation to experience a sublime and transcendent olfactory journey.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as an woodsy floral oriental fragrance for women with a dominant heavy, sweet orange blossom note resting on woody-mossy-leafy base punctuated by spices. The notes of spices and flowers are infused with fruity notes.

• Top notes: bergamot, lemon, orange blossom, neroli, peach, plum
• Middle notes: lavender, jasmine, orange blossom, rose, ylang ylang, carnation, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon
• Base notes: musk, labdanum, cedar, patchouli, sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver, ambergris, benzoin, vanilla

L'Amour de l'art, 1950"

"Divine by D'Orsay: green and woody scent that opens up the heart without altering the head. Blend that slowly rounds off in an unreal breath. Sweet and warm smell that seems to rise to the sky. Perfume and character thanks to which a brunette or a blonde will be the most divine of women!"

The New Yorker, 1948:

"Then, of course, there's D'Orsay's brand-new Divine, a very sweet floral, at $22.20 an ounce."

Cue, 1949:

"D'Orsay's new perfume, Divine, makes its American debut this season after having established itself as a favorite in Paris."

Scent Story:

The morning sun gently kissed the grounds of the historic estate, where an air of anticipation mingled with the fragrant blossoms in the garden. Today, amidst this enchanting backdrop, a young woman prepared for her wedding. Her heart fluttered with excitement as she gazed at herself in the antique mirror, adorned in a lace gown that whispered of timeless elegance. In her hands, she clutched a bouquet of jasmine, roses, and ylang-ylang, their sweet scent wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. A crown of fresh orange blossoms perched atop her head, their heavy, sweet fragrance promising a day filled with love and joy.

The ceremony was set in the heart of a lush garden, surrounded by the orchards and groves that made the estate famous. The orchards were alive with the ripening scents of peaches and plums, their sweet and juicy aroma mingling with the citrusy zest of nearby orange and lemon groves. The vibrant bouquet of flowers in the garden included blooming lavender, roses, and carnations, their fragrances blending harmoniously with the bride’s bouquet.

As the bride stepped out into the garden, the world seemed to hold its breath. The vibrant greens of the garden contrasted beautifully with the soft whites of her dress. The guests turned to look, their eyes filled with admiration and joy. She could smell the citrusy notes of bergamot and lemon carried on the gentle breeze, mingling with the heady scent of neroli and the dominant orange blossom. The peach and plum orchards added a fruity sweetness to the air, creating a symphony of scents that danced around her as she walked.

The ancient forest surrounding the garden added a grounding, earthy aroma to the atmosphere. The rich scents of cedar and sandalwood intertwined with the damp, green notes of mosses, vetiver, and patchouli, creating a woody, leafy base that anchored the floral and fruity top notes. The forest seemed to whisper secrets of time long past, adding a sense of timelessness to the occasion.

The sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the gentle breeze filled the air, a natural symphony that added to the magic of the day. The soft murmur of the guests, the rustle of silk dresses, and the occasional laugh created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The bride felt the soft petals of her bouquet under her fingertips, the smooth silk of her gown, and the cool metal of her engagement ring, each touch grounding her in the beauty of the moment.

After the ceremony, the reception was a feast for the senses. The centerpiece was a spiced wedding cake, redolent with the rich aromas of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, all wrapped in a creamy vanilla frosting. Each bite was a journey through the sweet and spicy layers, a perfect complement to the floral and fruity notes that lingered in the air. The guests chatted and laughed, their voices a joyful background to the celebration, while the clinking of glasses and the soft strains of a string quartet added a touch of elegance to the afternoon.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the garden, the bride took a moment to breathe it all in. The rich musk and labdanum added a sensual depth to the fragrance that surrounded her, while the sweet notes of ambergris and benzoin added warmth and complexity. The vanilla note, already present in the cake, tied the experience together, adding a creamy, comforting finish.

In this moment, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the love of family and friends, the young bride felt a sense of completeness. The fragrance of D'Orsay's Divine, created in 1947, encapsulated this perfect day—a woodsy floral oriental symphony with a dominant orange blossom note, resting on a woody-mossy-leafy base punctuated by spices and infused with the fruity notes of the orchards. It was a day of sensory delight, a memory that would be cherished forever, much like the exquisite fragrance that had captured the essence of this magical moment.

Bottles:

"Divine" by Parfums D'Orsay was presented in a striking twisted crystal bottle designed by Jacques Guerin, a design that speaks volumes about the elegance and sophistication of the fragrance within. The bottle's twisted form is a marvel of craftsmanship, embodying a sense of fluidity and grace that mirrors the perfume's ethereal qualities.

The crystal bottle's design features a spiral or twisted effect, creating a visually arresting play of light and shadow. This twist is not merely decorative but also functional, as it enhances the refractive qualities of the crystal. When light passes through the bottle, it is fractured into a spectrum of colors, making the bottle appear almost alive with movement and brilliance. The twist can be seen as a metaphor for the complexity and depth of the fragrance itself, capturing the essence of "Divine" in both form and function.

Jacques Guerin’s design showcases his mastery in combining artistic vision with practical elegance. The bottle’s twisted structure not only provides a stunning visual impact but also enhances the tactile experience. The smooth, cool touch of the crystal in its intricate, twisted form adds to the overall luxurious experience of using the perfume. The bottle’s design draws attention and admiration, aligning perfectly with the perfume’s sophisticated and divine aura.

The crystal used in the bottle is likely of the highest quality, contributing to its weight and clarity. The transparency of the crystal allows the golden or amber hue of the fragrance to be seen, adding an extra layer of sensory appeal. The combination of the bottle’s elegant design and the fragrance’s luxurious content creates an object of beauty that stands as a testament to the high standards of Parfums D'Orsay and the timeless appeal of "Divine."

In summary, Jacques Guerin's twisted crystal bottle for "Divine" encapsulates the perfume’s essence in its design. It reflects the sophistication, beauty, and transcendent quality of the fragrance, making it not just a vessel but a work of art in its own right.

Harpers' Bazaar, 1949:

"This heady perfume now comes in a tiny spiral flacon, a copy of the full-size flask, with its own satin bag. Pursette, by D'Orsay." 

Woman's Home Companion, 1954:

"D'Orsay's Divine perfume flacon in gold metal cloth bag. $3."

Fate of the Fragrance:

"Divine" by Parfums D'Orsay, despite its initial allure and captivating presence, was eventually discontinued, with the exact date of discontinuation remaining unknown. However, it is widely speculated that the fragrance was likely taken off the market around 1970. The discontinuation of "Divine" marks the end of an era for a scent that embodied post-war elegance and sophistication. Perfume enthusiasts and collectors often regard discontinued fragrances like "Divine" with a sense of nostalgia and loss, as these scents become rarer and more coveted over time. The precise reasons for its discontinuation are not well-documented, but it may have been due to changing market trends, evolving consumer preferences, or shifts within the company itself. Despite its absence from contemporary perfumery, "Divine" remains a cherished memory for those who experienced its enchanting aroma, and its legacy endures through stories, vintage bottles, and the lasting impression it made on the world of fragrance.

CLICK HERE TO FIND DIVINE PERFUME BY D'ORSAY