Cleopatra's Boudoir: Madame by Philippe Venet c1968

Philippe Venet is an esteemed fashion designer and perfumer known for his elegant creations that blend modernity with classic style. He gained prominence in the fashion industry during the 1960s, a decade characterized by a bold exploration of identity, femininity, and self-expression. By naming his fragrance “Madame,” Venet cleverly positioned it as a symbol of sophistication and maturity. The word "Madame," derived from French, is pronounced as “mah-dahm,” and it evokes a sense of elegance, authority, and refinement. It conjures images of poised women who are confident and alluring, embodying the essence of grace and sophistication that the fragrance aims to capture.

The name “Madame” resonates deeply with women of the late 1960s, a time when many were embracing their femininity and independence while still navigating societal expectations. This fragrance would have appealed to women seeking to express their maturity and allure, making it an ideal choice for evening wear. The association with “Madame” suggests a refined and cultured persona, one that is both captivating and commanding.

In terms of scent, “Madame” is classified as a green floral chypre fragrance, emphasizing freshness while offering a rich, complex profile. The fragrance opens with verdant green notes that evoke the sensation of a lush garden in full bloom. As it unfolds, the heart reveals an exquisite blend of jasmine, rose, and hyacinth, each flower contributing its unique character—jasmine adds sensuality, rose brings romance, and hyacinth provides a crisp, fresh aroma. These floral notes are anchored by a base of earthy moss, creating a harmonious balance between the lively top notes and the grounding base.

Launched in 1968, “Madame” emerged during a transformative era in the fragrance industry, where scents began to reflect a growing desire for individuality and expression. This was a time when chypre fragrances, known for their sophisticated blend of floral and earthy elements, gained immense popularity. While “Madame” shares similarities with other chypre fragrances on the market, its focus on evening wear and the rich floral composition distinguishes it from its daytime counterpart, “Mademoiselle.” The duality of these fragrances reflects the evolving roles of women during the 1960s, showcasing both their vibrant and elegant sides.

Ultimately, “Madame” stands as a testament to Philippe Venet's vision of capturing the essence of femininity and sophistication. The fragrance not only appeals to the senses but also resonates with the social and cultural currents of its time, embodying the spirit of a generation of women who embraced their identities with confidence and grace.

Fragrance Composition:

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

Top notes: galbanum, bergamot, aldehydes, neroli, coriander, lemon
Middle notes: jasmine, rose, hyacinth, ylang ylang, iris, carnation
Base notes: oakmoss, sandalwood, musk, amber, vetiver, patchouli, frankincense, civet, myrrh

Historia, 1968:

"VENET MADAME A mysterious fragrance, attractive and subtle made of moss, jasmine, rose, and woody notes, which will be an essential complement to jewelry and evening dresses for the sophisticated woman. PHILIPPE Perfume VENET."

Cue, 1971:

"Philippe Venet's Mademoiselle, daytime breezy, and Madame, an evening romantic, from $15."

House & Garden, 1972:

"MADAME by Philippe Venet — another very quiet, un- show-offy scent, new from France. But this one has an amusing hook in it — a feeling of a rhythmic heat you can almost hear. At the same time Venet presents Mademoiselle, fresh, less complicated, poignant ..."

Scent Profile:

Madame by Philippe Venet envelops you in a lush garden of fragrance that captures the very essence of femininity and sophistication. As the scent opens, the top notes burst forth with a vibrant freshness. The galbanum introduces a bright, green note that evokes the crispness of dew-kissed leaves in early spring, a sharp yet soothing embrace that enlivens the senses. Bergamot follows, infusing the air with its effervescent citrus aroma, a sweet and tangy invitation that dances playfully on the skin.

The aldehydes contribute an airy quality, lending a soft sparkle reminiscent of sunlit petals, while the neroli weaves in a delicate, honeyed floral note that whispers of blooming orange blossoms. A hint of coriander adds a subtle spiciness, grounding the opening with its earthy, aromatic depth. Finally, the zesty brightness of lemon rounds out this initial symphony, providing a refreshing lift that excites and energizes.

As the fragrance evolves, the heart reveals a rich tapestry of florals. The jasmine emerges as the star of the show, its intoxicating scent enveloping you in a sensual embrace, a heady and luxurious bloom that speaks of warm summer nights. The rose follows, adding a touch of classic romance; its velvety petals unfurl, bestowing a timeless elegance that is both comforting and captivating.

Hyacinth enhances this floral bouquet with its green, sweet aroma, reminiscent of a garden in full bloom, while ylang ylang adds an exotic touch, its sweet, tropical scent evoking lush, faraway lands. The iris brings a powdery softness, offering a velvety caress that harmonizes beautifully with the more robust floral notes. A whisper of carnation introduces a spicy nuance, adding depth and complexity to the heart.

As Madame unfolds into its base notes, the fragrance settles into a warm and earthy embrace. Oakmoss anchors the scent with its rich, woody aroma, evoking the damp, earthy scent of a forest floor after rain. Sandalwood follows, providing a creamy, smooth backdrop that wraps around the other notes like a gentle hug, infusing the fragrance with its soft, milky warmth. Musk adds a sensual, animalistic touch, enhancing the allure and depth of the fragrance.

Amber introduces a warm, resinous sweetness, evoking the golden glow of late afternoon sun, while vetiver brings a green, grassy note that roots the scent firmly in nature. Patchouli offers its characteristic earthiness, adding a rich, herbal depth that resonates through the heart of the fragrance. Finally, hints of frankincense, civet, and myrrh weave through the base, each contributing their unique qualities—frankincense adds a smoky warmth, civet enhances the animalic sensuality, and myrrh introduces a sweet, balsamic richness that lingers beautifully on the skin.

Madame by Philippe Venet, with its complex blend of notes, is a celebration of femininity that captures the spirit of the late 1960s, inviting you into a world of sophistication and allure. Each inhalation tells a story of blooming gardens, sun-drenched afternoons, and the timeless elegance of a woman who knows her power.

Bottles:

The flacons of perfume designed by Serge Mansau are striking examples of artistry and functionality, captivating the eye with their unique aesthetic. Each bottle showcases a distinctive bark-like texture that invites touch, creating an organic connection between the fragrance and its natural inspirations. This design choice not only enhances the visual appeal but also evokes a sense of nature, grounding the luxurious essence within.

The Parfum bottles, with their frosted finish, exude elegance and sophistication. Each bottle is adorned with a button-shaped frosted glass stopper that mirrors the bark pattern of the flacon, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. This thoughtful design detail enhances the tactile experience, inviting users to interact with the bottle while highlighting the attention to craftsmanship. The Parfum is available in several sizes, including 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz, and 2 oz, catering to a variety of preferences and needs. Among the offerings is the “Atomiseur de Sac,” a purse-sized spray bottle that combines convenience with luxury, allowing the wearer to indulge in their signature scent on the go.

In contrast, the Eau de Toilette bottles feature clear glass that showcases the liquid within, allowing the fragrance's color to shine through. The gilded screw caps add a touch of opulence, enhancing the overall presentation. Available in larger sizes of 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz, the Eau de Toilette caters to those who wish to immerse themselves in their fragrance experience more abundantly. The range includes not only splash bottles for traditional application but also a Natural Spray option and an aerosol-based Atomiseur, reflecting the era's innovation and the evolving preferences of fragrance enthusiasts.

Each aspect of these bottles, from their tactile textures to the thoughtful variety in sizes, encapsulates the essence of luxury while ensuring accessibility and practicality, making them not just containers for fragrance, but beautiful objects of desire in their own right.