Tortue by Polly Bergen c1969

Tortue by Polly Bergen: launched in 1969.  Polly Bergen was an American actress, singer, and businesswoman. She was born on July 14, 1930, and passed away on September 20, 2014. Bergen had a successful career spanning several decades, with notable achievements in film, television, and theater. She received an Emmy Award for her performance in "The Helen Morgan Story" (1957) and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in "Pollyanna" (1960). In addition to her acting career, Bergen was also known for her singing talent and released several albums. Later in her life, she ventured into business, notably launching a line of cosmetics and fragrances.

Bergen said that "I have always wanted to become involved with fragrance. It's such an undefinable part of a woman." The Tortue fragrance was directly inspired by her "Oil of the Turtle" beauty preparations introduced in 1967. The name Tortue is French for turtle. Bergen said, "I asked two of my European friends - Mrs. Kirk Douglas and Mrs. Gregory Peck - if the word 'tortue' conjured up unpleasant thoughts and they said heck, no. In Paris, when a man tells a girl she's his little turtle, it means they're lovebirds."

Polly Bergen indeed had a connection to the fragrance "Tortue," and it was inspired by her "Oil of the Turtle" beauty preparations. The name "Tortue" is French for "turtle," and according to Bergen, it conveys affectionate connotations in Parisian culture. It's fascinating to learn about her involvement in the fragrance industry and her perspective on the significance of fragrance in defining a woman's identity.

Polly's Principles, 1974:

"I like having a distinctive scent, and I only use one fragrance. The chemists for my company experimented with 383 formulas before they came up with 'Tortue'. Perfume is a personal matter, I feel, and should be noticeable only when you're getting personal."

Polly Bergen's principles regarding fragrance underscore her belief in the importance of personal scent and its role in making a statement. Bergen values having a signature fragrance that sets her apart. By choosing to use only one perfume, she ensures that her scent becomes associated with her identity. The dedication of her company's chemists to create the perfect fragrance reflects Bergen's commitment to quality and uniqueness. The extensive experimentation with 383 formulas highlights the meticulous process involved in crafting "Tortue."

Bergen views perfume as a deeply personal choice. She believes that fragrance should enhance one's personal allure and intimacy rather than overpowering or overwhelming. This perspective aligns with her preference for a scent that is noticeable only in intimate moments. Overall, Bergen's principles emphasize the individuality and intimacy associated with fragrance, highlighting its potential to make a subtle yet memorable impression.

"Choose your perfume for the man in your life. Men buy 68% of the perfume sold today and they don't want to be overpowered," said Bergen. She added that Tortue, "doesn't shout buts it's alluring. There are 933 drops in an ounce of perfume - 933 ways for a woman to please a man."

 Polly Bergen's insights into perfume and its appeal to both men and women are intriguing. Her emphasis on creating a fragrance that is alluring yet subtle reflects an understanding of the preferences of both genders. By highlighting the idea of not overpowering the senses, she acknowledges the importance of balance and subtlety in fragrance selection. The analogy of 933 drops in an ounce of perfume being 933 ways for a woman to please a man is a creative way to express the intricacies and nuances of scent and its potential impact on personal connections. It suggests that fragrance can be a subtle yet powerful tool for enhancing intimacy and relationships.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral oriental chypre fragrance for women. Flowers, ferns and woods. Tortue is described as fresh, green, earthy, woodsy, ferny, the purest scent of a forest; it isn't too floral, and carries with it a sexual note. The "turtle perfume," is an essence of green tropical blossoms with warm amber, and light, fruity citrus undertones.  

• Top notes: bergamot, fruity citrus note
• Middle notes: rose, jasmine, lavender, floral notes, spices
• Base notes: patchouli, tonka bean, myrrh, vetiver, musk, ambergris, oakmoss, fern, labdanum, sandalwood

 

Scent Profile:

Tortue by Polly Bergen opens with a burst of lively bergamot and a hint of fruity citrus, immediately capturing your attention with its bright, zesty freshness. The bergamot’s tangy sharpness evokes the sensation of peeling a citrus fruit in the cool morning air, releasing its oils and filling the senses with an invigorating, slightly bitter aroma. There’s a subtle sweetness to the citrus as well, reminiscent of sun-warmed oranges, but it remains crisp and clean, not cloying. This introduction is vibrant yet delicate, setting the stage for the lush, green heart of the fragrance.

As the citrus top notes gently fade, Tortue’s floral middle emerges. Rose and jasmine unfurl together, soft and luxurious, but neither overwhelms the senses. The rose is velvety and rich, but with a hint of dewiness that makes it feel fresh rather than powdery. The jasmine adds a sensual, almost narcotic quality, its heady floral aroma drifting softly on the breeze, with just enough presence to remind you of its inherent allure. 

Lavender joins the bouquet, adding a clean, herbal sharpness that contrasts with the florals, balancing their sweetness with an aromatic, green edge. This lavender is not overly floral but more reminiscent of lavender growing in wild fields, grounded and slightly earthy. Interwoven are the delicate spices, adding warmth and complexity, a whisper of peppery, sweet warmth that enhances the florals without overshadowing them.

In the base, Tortue takes a deep turn into the forest, where the richness of the earth and woods unfurls with intensity. Patchouli dominates with its dark, earthy aroma—damp, slightly sweet, with a touch of smokiness. It’s the scent of moss-covered forest floors after rain, grounding the entire composition in nature. Tonka bean adds a soft, almost vanilla-like warmth, while myrrh introduces a resinous, ancient sweetness, evoking the scent of incense burning faintly in the distance. 

Vetiver brings a dry, grassy edge, reminiscent of winds sweeping through the ferns, its earthy sharpness perfectly complementing the richness of musk—deep, animalic, and sensual. There’s a distinct green note from the oakmoss and fern, cool and refreshing, transporting you to a shadowed forest glen where the scent of greenery is thick in the air. The ambergris adds a salty, slightly marine warmth, like the air near a tropical coast, while labdanum contributes a sticky, leathery sweetness. Rounding out the base is sandalwood, smooth and creamy, adding a final layer of warmth and sophistication to the fragrance.

Tortue is an intricate dance between fresh green ferns, earthy woods, and delicate florals, creating a scent that feels both grounded and ethereal. The interplay of tropical blossoms, amber warmth, and the rich, earthy depth of mosses and woods creates an evocative journey through a lush, tropical forest. It lingers on the skin, leaving a trail that feels both natural and subtly sensual, with just enough floral and spicy sweetness to intrigue without ever becoming overtly feminine. Tortue is a fragrance that envelops you in the timeless, untamed beauty of nature, blending its green freshness with the ancient warmth of amber and woods.

Bottles:

The packaging and presentation of "Tortue" perfume reflect a sense of elegance and sophistication, in line with its luxurious scent profile. Here are some details about the packaging:

• Parfum Bottle: The parfum version of "Tortue" is housed in a clear, classic bottle, evoking a sense of timeless beauty. It sits on a platinum-toned platform, adding a touch of refinement to its appearance. The bottle is then enclosed in a burgundy red pochette, likely enhancing its allure and providing a sense of luxury.

• Eau de Tortue Spray Mist: The Eau de Tortue Spray Mist is presented in a column of frosted glass, giving it a modern and elegant aesthetic. The silver-toned metal accents further enhance its sophistication, while the frosted glass adds a subtle touch of texture and mystery.

• Gift Set Boxes: The Tortue gift set boxes are manufactured by the Wallace Packaging Corporation, based in Maspeth, Long Island. These boxes are likely designed to complement the elegance of the perfume, providing a stylish and practical way to store and present the fragrance.

Overall, the packaging of "Tortue" reflects attention to detail and a commitment to quality, enhancing the overall experience of using and gifting the perfume.

The availability of "Tortue" in various forms demonstrates its versatility and the desire to cater to different preferences and needs of consumers. Here's a breakdown of the different forms in which "Tortue" was offered:

• Bare Skin Perfume: Available in a 1 oz size, offering a concentrated and long-lasting scent experience.

• Parfum: Offered in multiple sizes, including 1/8 oz, 1/6 oz Purser Spray, 0.25 oz, 0.5 oz, and 1 oz, providing options for different usage and portability preferences.

• Eau de Tortue Spray Mist: Offered in a 2 oz size, providing a lighter and more refreshing alternative to the concentrated parfum.

• Cologne Splash: Available in 0.75 oz, 1 oz, and 2 oz sizes, offering a lighter and more subtle fragrance option.

• Spice Mist: Offered in a 3 oz size, likely providing a unique and exotic scent experience.

• Body Lotion, Milk Bath, Bath Powder: Offered in various sizes (4 oz, 2 oz, 9 oz), providing complementary products for layering the fragrance and enhancing the overall scent experience.

• Bath Soap: Offering a luxurious way to enjoy the fragrance during bathing rituals.

• Solid Perfume: Providing a convenient and portable option for on-the-go application.

• "Oil of the Turtle" Deep Sea Bath Treatment, Moisturizer: Offering additional skincare benefits infused with the signature "Tortue" scent.

Overall, the availability of "Tortue" in diverse forms allows consumers to enjoy the fragrance in their preferred formats, whether as a concentrated parfum, a refreshing spray mist, or as part of their skincare routine.

CLICK HERE TO FIND TORTUE BY POLLY BERGEN

Fate of the Fragrance:

The journey of "Tortue" perfume and the Polly Bergen line highlights both its initial success and eventual changes in ownership and fate.  Polly Bergen's entrepreneurial venture into the fragrance industry proved to be lucrative, with $2 million worth of sales from her turtle oil and perfumes by 1969. This success reflects the popularity and appeal of the "Tortue" fragrance among consumers.

Acquisition by Faberge: In 1975, Faberge acquired the Polly Bergen line, including the "Tortue" fragrance. However, despite its initial success, Faberge made the decision to discontinue manufacturing and selling "Tortue" in November of the same year. This move likely signaled a shift in the company's strategic focus or changes in consumer preferences.

Bankruptcy and Clearance: Following the acquisition by Faberge, the Polly Bergen brand was later purchased by International Cosmetics, Inc., a unit of Investments Finance Corp, Lugano, SA, a Swiss holding company. However, the company faced financial challenges, leading to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in 1976. This bankruptcy likely contributed to the discontinuation of the "Tortue" fragrance and other products associated with the Polly Bergen line. Old stock of "Tortue" and other products may have been sold at clearance prices until around 1981, marking the end of its availability in the market.

Overall, the fate of "Tortue" reflects the dynamic nature of the fragrance industry, with shifts in ownership, market trends, and financial circumstances influencing the availability and success of perfumes. Despite its eventual discontinuation, "Tortue" remains a part of fragrance history, remembered for its unique scent and association with Polly Bergen's entrepreneurial spirit.