Parfums D'Hortys

The perfumery and cosmetic house was founded by Max Heidelberg in 1917, located at 100 avenue du Roule in Neuilly, Seine. Heidelberg’s establishment contributed to the flourishing French fragrance industry during a period of significant growth in perfumery following World War I. The house developed a reputation for producing fine perfumes and beauty products, catering to the evolving tastes of the early 20th-century clientele.

In 1927, the business was acquired by Maurice Blanchet (Blanched), who was also associated with Coryse Salomé, a well-known French cosmetics brand. This acquisition allowed the Heidelberg brand to benefit from Blanchet's expertise in cosmetics, bringing the two entities under shared management. Coryse Salomé's influence likely expanded the reach and innovation of the perfumery, blending traditional perfume-making with modern cosmetic advancements.

The perfumes of D'Hortys:

• 1917 Corysé Ylanga
• 1919 Le Bouquet
• 1919 Rose de Mai
• 1919 Violette
• 1920 Ambre
• 1920 Roses
• 1920 Jasmin
• 1920 Chypre
• 1920 Chypre Egyptien
• 1920 Lilas
• 1920 Muguet
• 1920 Jonchée d'Automne
• 1922 Parfum d'Hortys 

Parfums d’Hortys: A Legacy of Elegance:

1917 – Corysé Ylanga

This early creation highlights the ylang-ylang flower, renowned for its sweet, exotic, and slightly narcotic fragrance. Paired with the lyrical name "Corysé," this perfume likely captured an opulent and tropical essence, perfect for women seeking a scent both sensual and refined during the early 20th century.

1919 – Le Bouquet

Translated as "The Bouquet," this perfume likely encapsulated a harmonious medley of floral notes. Its name suggests a vibrant and well-balanced blend, perhaps including roses, violets, and other traditional blossoms, creating a versatile fragrance for any occasion.

1919 – Rose de Mai

Meaning "May Rose," this fragrance celebrated the centifolia rose, prized for its fresh, dewy, and slightly honeyed scent. Known for its rarity and exquisite aroma, Rose de Mai was a tribute to the most romantic of flowers, evoking a soft and powdery elegance.

1919 – Violette

With its namesake being the violet flower, this perfume would have offered a delicate, powdery, and slightly sweet floral aroma. Its gentle, nostalgic quality made it a perfect choice for understated sophistication.

1920 – Ambre

A celebration of ambergris, this fragrance would have exuded a warm, animalic, and subtly salty aroma, often described as both earthy and oceanic. Ambergris, a rare and prized ingredient in perfumery, was highly sought after for its ability to add depth, softness, and an alluring warmth to compositions. Paired with other complementary notes such as hints of vanilla or spices, Ambre would have been a sophisticated and sensual scent, ideal for evening wear and evoking an air of mystery and elegance.

1920 – Roses

This simple yet evocative name promised a pure, rich rose fragrance. Likely a soliflore, Roses would have captured the multifaceted scent of freshly picked roses, balancing sweetness and green, dewy freshness.

1920 – Jasmin

A classic nod to the jasmine flower, this perfume would have been lush, opulent, and intoxicating, making it a timeless choice for women who appreciated heady white florals.

1920 – Chypre

Meaning "Cyprus," this fragrance belonged to the chypre family, characterized by a blend of citrus, oakmoss, patchouli, and labdanum. Chypre would have been a bold and elegant scent, exuding sophistication and earthiness.

1920 – Chypre Egyptien

Adding an exotic twist to the traditional chypre, "Egyptian Chypre" likely incorporated spicy, resinous, or incense-like accords, evoking the mystique and allure of the ancient culture.

1920 – Lilas

This perfume captured the soft and powdery aroma of lilac, a light floral scent with subtle green and slightly soapy undertones. Lilas would have evoked the freshness of spring gardens.

1920 – Muguet

A tribute to lily-of-the-valley, this fragrance would have been delicate, sweet, and fresh, reminiscent of the tiny white blossoms often associated with purity and renewal.

1920 – Jonchée d’Automne

Translated as "Autumn Meadow," this perfume likely combined earthy, woody, and subtly spicy notes to evoke the crisp and golden atmosphere of the fall season. Perhaps incorporating hay, dried flowers, tonka bean or soft amber, it would have offered a nostalgic and comforting aroma.

1922 – Parfum d’Hortys

The house’s namesake fragrance, "Perfume of Hortys," was likely a signature creation embodying the brand’s ethos of refinement and luxury. Its composition could have blended rich florals, warm woods, and musky undertones to create a sophisticated and enduring impression.

Parfums d’Hortys artfully wove the essence of nature and emotion into each of their creations. Whether celebrating a single flower or a complex composition, these perfumes spoke to the tastes and sentiments of their time, leaving a legacy of elegance and artistry.

Bottles:

Many of the perfumes were housed in Baccarat flacons which were then hand painted with floral designs.