Charivari by Charles of the Ritz c1978

Charivari by Charles of the Ritz: launched in 1978.

Charles of the Ritz was a renowned brand in the world of perfumery and cosmetics, known for its high-quality fragrances and skincare products. Established by Charles Jundt in 1926, the brand gained popularity for its innovative formulations and luxurious scents.

One of the most famous fragrances from Charles of the Ritz was "Sculptura," introduced in 1969. It was notable for its sculpted bottle design and captivating scent, featuring notes of jasmine, rose, and sandalwood. Another well-known fragrance was "Cinnabar," launched in 1978, which became a classic oriental spicy scent with notes of amber, cloves, and incense.

While "Charivari" was also a fragrance by Charles of the Ritz, it's less well-documented compared to some of their other offerings. However, like many discontinued fragrances, it may still hold a special place in the hearts of perfume enthusiasts and collectors.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a light fruity floral chypre fragrance for women.  

It starts of with an aldehydic top, followed by an elegant floral heart, resting on a powdery, feminine base. It combines rose, jasmine and tuberose accented with exotic herbs, European oakmoss and the fresh woodiness of vetiver and sandalwood.

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, green notes, lemon, peach and raspberry
• Middle notes: herbs, honey, orris, jasmine, lily of the valley, carnation and rose
• Base notes: amber, benzoin, oakmoss, musk, sandalwood and cedar

With an aldehydic top note, an elegant floral heart, and a powdery, feminine base, "Charivari" by Charles of the Ritz is a classic and sophisticated fragrance.

The aldehydic top note would likely give it a sparkling and effervescent opening, while the combination of rose, jasmine, and tuberose in the floral heart would provide a rich and luxurious bouquet, evoking a sense of femininity and grace. The addition of exotic herbs could add a unique twist to the floral accord, perhaps introducing a subtle spicy or green undertone.

The base notes of European oakmoss, vetiver, and sandalwood would anchor the fragrance with a woody and earthy warmth, complementing the floral elements while adding depth and complexity. The powdery aspect of the base would contribute to the overall elegance and sophistication of the scent, leaving a lasting impression of refinement.

Overall, "Charivari" sounds like a timeless and multifaceted fragrance, blending classic floral notes with fresh, woody, and powdery elements to create a scent that is both modern and enduring.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Last newspaper ad I found for it was from 1983 at a deeply discounted cost. The fact that it was deeply discounted in 1983 could suggest it wasn't as popular as initially anticipated or that it was being phased out for newer fragrances. However, discontinued perfumes often have a cult following among collectors who seek out vintage bottles for their unique scents and nostalgic value.

CLICK HERE TO FIND CHARIVARI PERFUME BY CHARLES OF THE RITZ