Parfums Carrère was established by Maurice Bertrand Carrère at 45 rue Pierre-Charron, Paris in 1945. They only produced a small range of perfumes. However, the company was not commercially successful and subsequently, closed soon after.
The fragrances of Parfums Carrère:
- 1945 Signature
- 1947 Vent Fou
Vent Fou:
Parfums Carrère "Vent Fou" (1948) – This perfume comes in a unique "pineapple" model bottle made of two-toned opaline glass. The piece stands 11 cm tall. The bottle is crafted in jade green opaline glass, featuring a distinctive hobnail texture that gives it a tactile and visually captivating presence. Its stopper, shaped somewhat like an open umbrella, is made of white opaline glass, creating a striking contrast with the jade green body. This whimsical design evokes a playful, breezy aesthetic, perfectly in line with the fragrance's name, "Vent Fou" ("Crazy Wind").
The "Vent Fou" perfume is presented in a distinctive rectangular, curved box made of cardboard and covered with polychrome paper. This packaging is richly illustrated with images of birds, flowers, and shrubs set against a latticed background. This piece stands at 12 cm tall and captures the lively essence of its name, with an appearance both whimsical and elegant. The colorful presentation box enhances the allure of this unique piece, which stands as a testament to the playful and innovative designs of post-war French perfumery.
Signature:
Carrère "Signature" (1945) embodies the pure romantic style of the 19th century, showcasing an exquisite opaline glass bottle that captures the essence of elegance and refinement. The bottle features a soft white opaline finish with a cylindrical shape, complemented by a conical body that gracefully flares out. Its surface is adorned with delicate golden vine leaf motifs and subtle gold fluting, adding a touch of opulence to the overall design.
Atop the bottle sits a beautifully crafted opaline stopper, highlighted with gold, which enhances its luxurious appeal. The base of the bottle is marked with its title, ensuring its authenticity and historical significance. Accompanying the main bottle is a coordinated atomizer featuring a Marcel Franck diffuser, which not only adds a practical element but also enhances the aesthetic charm of the set. The height of the main bottle is 13 cm, while the atomizer stands at 10 cm, making this elegant duo a coveted addition to any collection of fine perfumes.
Parfum de Carrère: Seize Signatures pour Une is a unique publication featuring the texts of Louis Chéronnet, produced in Paris by Aljanvic in 1946. This small quarto book, presented in a softcover format, is unpaginated and serves as a beautifully crafted homage to the world of art and literature surrounding the launch of Carrère's first fragrance, Signature.
The work is richly adorned with contributions from renowned writers and artists, including Jean Cocteau, Touchagues, Daragnès, Roland Houdot, and Christian Bérard. Each signature adds a layer of prestige and creative insight to the piece, highlighting the cultural milieu of the time. The booklet was specifically created to commemorate the debut of Signature, encapsulating the essence of Carrère's artistry.
Notably, the publication was intended to be perfumed, and vestiges of its fragrance remain, inviting readers to experience a lingering connection to the scent it celebrates. This intriguing blend of literature, art, and perfumery makes Seize Signatures pour Une not just a promotional material, but a cherished artifact that encapsulates the spirit of its era.
My grandfather owned that. I still have a few of the new bottles, still in the original box and even a little "juice". They used Maurice Chevalier as their "Influencer". Fun to see here.
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