MW de Messire c1972

MW de Messire: launched in 1972 in association with Jean d'Albret/Orlane. In USA in 1973.  It was created for the young career orientated, active women who were tired of the more flowery perfumes.

The MW stands for "Modern Woman", however, a blurb in a newspaper article mentioned that "MW" stands for "whatever you want it to be" and that the fragrance was unisex. "The first modern and vigorous fragrance created for women in a line for men."

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a full bodied and spicy chypre fragrance for women. 

• Top notes: citrus, bergamot, gin, cubeb pepper
• Middle notes: spices, jasmine, rose, rosewood
• Base notes: tobacco, vetiver, Mysore sandalwood, musk, tonka bean, labdanum, ambergris, Yugoslavian oakmoss

Described as "fresh, light, citrus, woody, spice, It suggests wild, woody forests and hills with lots of fresh misty smells in the air. It's fresh without being overpowering. A brief mention in a newspaper article stated that it "is a fragrance light enough to be worn by men and women alike." The scent is described as "light with just a dash of spice to lend a fresh inviting air."

Soap, 1975:

""MW" is a re-interpretation of the old chypre concept: based on oak moss it is quite earthy and rich, without sweetness. A bergamot citrus top note provides a brief moment of freshness, but when this is gone "MW" becomes a heavy scent, even in the Eau de Toilette form. More than the normal difference is found between the perfume and Eau de Toilette versions. Not only does the perfume lack fresh topnotes, it also contains some deeper, spicier and greener elements which are not smelled in the Eau de Toilette.Both versions are low-pitched and do not project well, but are long lasting."

The fragrance was available in the following products:

• 1/4 oz Parfum Splash
• 1/2 oz Parfum Splash
• 1 oz Parfum Splash
• 1/4 oz Parfum Spray
• 2 oz Eau de Toilette Splash 
• 4 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 7 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
• 2 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
• 4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued in 1977 with the closing of the independent Jean d'Albret company. According to various vintage newspaper advertisements the Jean d'Albret name was co-branded alongside Orlane, who had acquired the Jean d'Albret brand and other associated fragrances such as Ecusson and Casaque in the 1960s. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND MW BY MESSIRE