Le Clairac

Solis Le Clairac of Paris, France had exported his perfumes exclusively to the El Encanto store of Havana, Cuba starting around 1932 and continued to do so by 1946. Apparently Solis owned the El Encanto store.

The perfumes of Le Clairac:

• 1932 For Ever
• 1934 Forbidden Love
• 1934 Kismaju 
• 1934 Nuit Espagnole (Spanish Night, Noche Espagnola)
• 1935 Le No. 5
• 1930 Toujours et Toi
• 1930 Jasmin
• 1930 C'Est Pour Vous
• 1940 Le Clairac No. 85

This pair of Le Clairac Czech cut crystal perfume bottles. Retailed by El Encanto, Habana/Paris (original label was on one). Clear Czech glass in true Art Deco period style. Each measures 8.5" tall x 4" wide. I am unsure what scent came in these.

For Ever:

Launched in 1932. This perfume bottle and cover is made up of opaque green glass, with an inner black glass stopper, black enamel detail and labeling. Exclusively for El Encanto shop, Cuba. 2 5/8" tall.

Kismaju:

Kismaju was launched in 1934. Kismaju is named after a port city in southern Somalia. The perfume was presented in both clear and a yellow Czech crystal perfume bottle with an Art Deco stepped shape and matching stopper, both are accented with black enameled stripes. Stopper intaglio molded with "Le Clairac." The bottle came in two sizes: 5" tall and  6.5" tall.

Harper's Bazaar, 1935:

"El Encanto's perfume department is one of the best things Havana holds out to you. Le Clairac's "Kismaju" is delicious and put up in a particularly handsome bottle."

Harper's Bazaar, 1935:

"KISMAJU" an inspired perfume by Le Clairac India's fascinating spirit and eternal mystery is subtly reflected in this exquisite scent . . . most charmingly attuned to the mood of today's distinguished women. When you come to Havana ask for "Kismaju" at El Encanto . . . the home of precious perfumes — rare Spanish linens . . . treasures from all over the world."
 

"Kismaju" lotion bottles, made in France. One on left stands 5" tall and the other one measures about 5.75" tall.

 

Forbidden Love:

Launched in 1934, Forbidden Love was presented in a pink Czech cut crystal bottle in diamond shape with a pedestal foot, it was fitted with a diamond shaped stopper. Stopper intaglio molded with "Le Clairac". It measures 6" high x 3.25" wide.

Nuit Espagnole:

Launched in 1934, Nuit Espagnole, a gardenia perfume, was presented in a bottle with an arched shape, and an arched shaped stopper with hobnails. The bottle was also used for the Le Clairac perfume, Amour Espagnole.

Harper's Bazaar, 1934:

"Of course, all you Americans go mad over El Encanto's perfumes: “Nuit Espagnole,” Lanvin's “Scandal,” and “My Sin.” But I'll spend my time in the linen department, thank you, and let my beaux buy me the perfumes as a surprise."

Travels, 1936:

"When in Havana, ask for "NUIT ESPAGNOLE". Starlit Spanish nights . . . tropical moons . . . languorous moods are suggested in this subtle perfume. "Nuit Espagnole" (Spanish Night) is sold on this continent only at El Encanto."

No. 5:

No. 5 was a perfume scented with orange blossoms. It was presented in a pyramidal bottle fitted with a ball stopper.


Harper's Bazaar:

"On your winter cruise, stopping off in Havana, you will be blessed if you bring back Le Clairac perfume from its famed store, El Encanto. "No. 5" is a smart odor which any woman would love."

C'est Pour Vous:

This was an exciting oriental perfume for women.

Toujours et Toi:

Jasmin:

The bottle for Jasmin was ribbed, melon shaped clear glass and was fitted with a flat, circular shaped, jadeite green glass stopper. The bottle was accented with jadeite green glass beads which hung from the baudruchage on the neck of the bottle. This bottle was designed by Julien Viard and was also available in both opaque black glass and clear glass used for Best & Co. for their 1923 perfume, Qui m'aime? Bottle stands 2.25" tall x 2.35" diameter.  Reference: Masterpieces of the Perfume Industry by Christie Mayer Lefkowith, page 158.

El Encanto department store in Havana, Cuba.

On April 13, 1961 a dreadful fire caused by the explosion of several bombs in chain stores reduced to ashes, perhaps most emblematic of Central America: El Encanto de La Habana. It was founded in 1888 by brothers Bernard and Pepe Solis as a fabric store. In 1900 the Spaniard enters another company, Entrialgo, and the company would be renamed Solis and Co. Entrialgo El Encanto.

images: ebay seller collect-4-fun! 

CLICK HERE TO FIND LE CLAIRAC PERFUME BOTTLES