Parfums Benoit

Parfums Benoit was a distinguished perfume house established in 1926 by Marco Barouche at 10 boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, Paris. Its operations reflected the vibrancy of the interwar period in perfumery, characterized by creativity and expansion. The company's collaboration with Garcia Anastasios Somoza, located at 77 A Prado Street, Havana, Cuba, is particularly notable. This partnership suggests a transatlantic presence, indicating that Parfums Benoit was involved in either the distribution or manufacturing of its fragrances on a global scale. Such an alliance underscores the brand’s ambition to extend its influence beyond Europe, tapping into the flourishing Cuban market of the time.

Between 1926 and 1942, Parfums Benoit contributed significantly to the era's perfume culture through its fragrance releases. These creations likely reflected the aesthetic trends of their time, aligning with the sophisticated tastes of a burgeoning global clientele. The company's association with Parfumerie Brecher highlights its integration within the perfume industry network. This affiliation may have involved collaborative efforts in production, packaging, or distribution, underscoring the interconnectedness of perfumery houses in that period.

The legacy of Parfums Benoit is a testament to its role in the early 20th-century perfume industry. Its Parisian origins, coupled with its international collaborations, illustrate the dynamic and cross-cultural nature of perfumery during the interwar years. Although its operations ceased by 1942, Parfums Benoit's story remains an intriguing chapter in the history of perfume.

 

 The perfumes of Parfums Benoit were presented in a variety of flacons, with some of the most exquisite examples crafted by C. Depinoix et Fils. Signature creations such as Nuit de Paques (Easter Night), Merry Christmas, Lune de Miel (Honeymoon), and Orage d'Amour (Love Storm) were housed in beautifully designed bottles that epitomized elegance and artistry. These flacons not only enhanced the visual appeal of the fragrances but also elevated the overall luxury of the brand.

The collaboration with C. Depinoix et Fils, renowned for their expertise in glassmaking and decorative artistry, underscored Parfums Benoit’s commitment to excellence. The brand placed as much emphasis on the presentation of its perfumes as on the compositions themselves, ensuring the packaging was as memorable as the scents. The evocative names of the perfumes—ranging from romantic to festive—aligned with the visual and aromatic narratives the house sought to create. Together, these elements embodied a sense of celebration, sentimentality, and refined sophistication, leaving a lasting impression on the world of perfumery.

  

The perfumes of Benoit:

• 1925 Merry Christmas
• 1926 Orage d’Amour  
• 1926 My Kiss  
• 1926 Lune de Miel
• 1920s Nuit Romantique
• 1928 Nuit de Pâques  
• 1929 Jardin du Mystère  
• 1930 Une Corbeille de Fleurs  
• 1935 Ange de Gloria
• 1935 Fleurs de Jericho
• 1942 Clair de Lune  
• 1942 Maderas de Tropico  
• 1942 Muguet de Mai  
• 1942 Aromas de Oriente  
• 1942 Clavel Rojo  
• 1942 Nuit de Paris  
• Un Soir de Folie (An Evening of Madness) in association with Parfumerie Brecher
• Chamelle (Female Camel) in association with Parfumerie Brecher

The perfumes of Parfums Benoit, released between 1925 and 1942, reflect a rich tapestry of themes, emotions, and inspirations, often mirrored in their evocative names. Each fragrance captures a moment or sentiment, often paired with luxurious presentations designed to appeal to an international audience. Below is a deeper look into their possible olfactory profiles, translated and interpreted through their names. Parfums Benoit’s diverse portfolio demonstrates their ability to capture a wide range of moods and settings, blending artistry with olfactory imagination.

Nuit de Pâques:

Launched in 1928, the perfume Nuit de Pâques means Easter Night in French. Reflecting renewal and springtime, this perfume might have featured fresh, green florals such as lily of the valley, daffodil, and hyacinth, combined with a hint of earthy moss or galbanum, evoking the essence of a tranquil spring evening.

"Nuit de Pâques" (Easter Evening) was launched in 1928. It's parfum was presented in a opaque black crystal with gilt details, including starry night sky. Bottle made by C Depinoix et Fils. Bottle measures approx. 4.25" tall. Embossed with "Marque Deposee, H. Benoit, Paris" on bottle back. The Eau de Toilette bottle is the same style as the parfum but it stands 6.25" tall and is molded with "Eau de Toilette" on the front, and embossed with "Marque Deposee, H. Benoit, Paris" on the back.

"Nuit de Pâques" and its presentation in an opaque black crystal bottle with gilt details is absolutely stunning. The attention to detail, such as the depiction of a starry night sky, adds an extra layer of artistry and luxury to the fragrance. The fact that the bottle was made by C. Depinoix et Fils further emphasizes its quality and craftsmanship. The embossing on the bottle, featuring "Marque Deposee, H. Benoit, Paris," speaks to the brand's identity and commitment to its products. It's fascinating how even the Eau de Toilette version maintained the same style and elegance as the parfum, albeit in a slightly different size and with appropriate labeling. These details give us a glimpse into the sophistication and refinement of perfumery during that era, making "Nuit de Pâques" a truly timeless piece of olfactory art.

Lune de Miel (Honeymoon):

Launched in 1926, the fragrance Lune de Miel, meaning Honeymoon, likely embodied romance and new beginnings, perhaps with luminous notes of orange blossom, neroli, and honey, supported by soft vanilla and a whisper of white musk to evoke the sweetness and intimacy of a honeymoon.

Lune de Miel in opaque black glass, its front molded with a crescent moon and stars, high lighted with silver patina. The clear glass stopper in the shape of a crescent moon is also silvered. The bottle stands 4.5" tall and was made by Depinoix for Benoit.  

The presentation of Lune de Miel (Honeymoon) is enchanting and beautifully crafted. The use of opaque black glass, molded with a crescent moon and stars, highlighted with silver patina, evokes a sense of celestial elegance and mystery. The clear glass stopper in the shape of a crescent moon, also silvered, adds to the overall theme and completes the presentation with a touch of whimsy. The collaboration with Depinoix for the creation of this bottle further underscores its quality and attention to detail. At 4.5" tall, it's a piece that commands attention and reflects the artistry and sophistication of perfumery during that time. It's remarkable how every aspect of the bottle, from its design to its materials and embellishments, contributes to the overall experience of the fragrance.

 

Merry Christmas:

Parfums Benoit launched Merry Christmas in 1925. It was no doubt inspired by Parfumerie Caron's Nuit de noel perfume, launched in 1922. A celebratory fragrance likely inspired by the festive season, Merry Christmas may have featured warm, comforting notes such as spiced cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet orange, reminiscent of holiday pomanders. A touch of evergreens, perhaps pine or fir balsam could evoke a wintry forest, balanced by soft florals like jasmine or rose for a touch of elegance. An accent of frankincense and myrrh would have completed the masterpiece.

 

"Merry Christmas," housed in a Depinoix perfume bottle, is a delightful creation, especially fitting for the festive season. The use of opaque black glass with gilt detail suggests a sense of luxury and elegance, while the paper label on the base adds a vintage touch, indicating its origin and authenticity. Standing at 4.5" tall, it commands attention with its sophisticated design and craftsmanship. This fragrance, housed in such a beautiful vessel, would surely have been a cherished gift or a personal indulgence during the holiday season, evoking warmth, joy, and celebration with every application.

Merry Christmas by Benoit in alternate black crystal bottle by Depinoix, circa 1926.

My Kiss:

A romantic and intimate name, My Kiss may have been a soft floral or powdery scent. Notes of violet, heliotrope, and rose could have combined with a delicate base of creamy sandalwood and musk, creating an aura of tenderness and allure.

"My Kiss" by Benoit was launched in 1926, and housed inside of an opaque black glass disk shaped bottle, with gilded medallion of a lady's face. The reverse is molded with a medallion of flowers, highlighted with gilding. The gilded, molded glass stopper is in the shape of flowers. Bottle stands 5” tall x 3” wide. Base is molded with “Marque Depose”.

"My Kiss" was a bewitching fragrance, encapsulated in a truly exquisite bottle. The opaque black glass disk-shaped bottle, adorned with a gilded medallion of a lady's face on one side and a molded medallion of flowers highlighted with gilding on the reverse, suggests a sense of romance and allure. The attention to detail, from the intricate design of the bottle to the gilded, molded glass stopper in the shape of flowers, reflects the artistry and craftsmanship of the era. Standing at 5" tall and 3" wide, it's a statement piece that undoubtedly adds a touch of sophistication to any vanity or perfume collection. The presence of "Marque Depose" on the base further emphasizes the brand's commitment to quality and authenticity. "My Kiss" seems to embody the essence of romance and femininity, both in its fragrance and its presentation.

Nuit Romantique:

Nuit Romantique, meaning Romantic Night, was launched sometime in the mid-1920s. Rare bottle in molded opaque black pressed glass with a cubic rectangular section, in the shape of a bollard, one side decorated with a gold lacquered floral frieze, titled in the lower part on a gold lacquered background, neck with notebook, with its gold lacquered cabochon stopper. H.: 10.5cm.

Nuit Romantique is a treasure from the past, contained in a truly unique and rare bottle. The description of the bottle, molded in opaque black pressed glass with a cubic rectangular section reminiscent of a bollard, evokes a sense of vintage charm and sophistication. The gold lacquered floral frieze adorning one side adds a touch of elegance and romance, while the title in the lower part on a gold lacquered background further enhances its allure. The neck with a bollard and its gold lacquered cabochon stopper add to the overall aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship of the bottle. Standing at 10.5cm tall, it's not only a vessel for fragrance but also a work of art that speaks to the elegance and refinement of the 1920s. Nuit Romantique seems to capture the essence of a bygone era, transporting us to a time of romance and sophistication.

Orage d’Amour:

Launched in 1926, the perfume Orage d’Amour means Storm of Love in French. The passionate name suggests a dramatic, stormy fragrance. This could have been a bold chypre or oriental composition, with dark, resinous notes of patchouli, labdanum, and amber, accented by sultry florals like tuberose or ylang-ylang, and a hint of smoky vetiver to reflect the stormy theme.

Orage d'Amour housed in a Depinoix frosted crystal bottle with a figural butterfly stopper is absolutely enchanting. The use of frosted crystal adds a touch of elegance and mystery to the presentation, while the figural butterfly stopper suggests a sense of delicacy and whimsy. At approximately 6" tall with the stopper in place, it likely commands attention with its graceful silhouette and intricate detailing. This combination of beauty and craftsmanship would have made it a standout piece in any perfume collection, evoking feelings of romance and fascination with every glimpse. "Orage d'Amour" seems to embody the essence of passion and allure, both in its fragrance and its exquisite packaging.

Jardin du Mystère:

Launched in 1929, the perfume Jardin du Mystère means Garden of Mystery in French. This enigmatic fragrance likely celebrated lush, exotic gardens. It may have included a mix of opulent florals like jasmine, gardenia, and tuberose, layered with spices such as cardamom and clove, over a rich base of sandalwood and amber.

Une Corbeille de Fleurs:

Launched in 1930, the perfume Une Corbeille de Fleurs translates to A Basket of Flowers. As the name suggests, this scent likely captured the essence of a vibrant floral bouquet. Notes could have included rose, violet, carnation, and muguet (lily of the valley), accentuated by fresh green stems and a soft powdery base.

Ange de Gloria:

Launched in 1935, Ange de Gloria translates to Angel of Glory. This divine-sounding fragrance may have been an ethereal blend of aldehydes, delicate white florals like lily and orange blossom, and a soft, uplifting base of orris, benzoin, and soft woods.

Fleurs de Jericho:

Launched in 1935, Fleurs de Jericho means Flowers of Jericho. Named after the resurrection plant, this fragrance might have celebrated arid floral and herbal notes such as immortelle, sage, and desert rose, with earthy undertones of cedarwood and ambergris.

Clair de Lune:

Introduced in 1942, the perfume Clair de Lune translates to Moonlight. A romantic and tranquil name, Clair de Lune likely featured cool, silvery notes of iris, violet, and lily, paired with crystalline aldehydes and a soft musk base, evoking the serenity of a moonlit night.

Maderas de Tropico:

Launched in 1942, Maderas de Tropico translates to Tropical Woods. It may have been inspired by both Bois des Iles by Chanel and Maderas de Oriente by Myrurgia. This fragrance may have been a rich, woody blend inspired by tropical forests, featuring exotic woods like mahogany, rosewood, and sandalwood, accented by spicy and creamy elements such as nutmeg and coconut.

Muguet de Mai:

Launched in 1942, Muguet de Mai translates to May’s Lily of the Valley. A celebration of spring, this fragrance likely centered on the delicate floralcy of lily of the valley, paired with green, dewy notes and a hint of citrus for freshness, evoking a serene May morning.

Aromas de Oriente:

Introduced in 1942, Aromas de Oriente means Scents of the Orient. Inspired by the allure of the East, this perfume may have been an opulent oriental fragrance featuring spices like cinnamon, clove, and saffron, layered with rich amber, incense, and floral notes such as rose and jasmine.

Clavel Rojo:

Launched in 1942, Clavel Rojo means Red Carnation. This fiery and passionate scent likely highlighted the spicy, clove-like nuances of red carnation, supported by green stems, warm amber, and a touch of pepper for depth.

Nuit de Paris:

Launched in 1942, Nuit de Paris means Parisian Night. Most likely inspired by the best-selling perfume, Soir de Paris (Evening in Paris) by Bourjois. Capturing the glamour of the city, this fragrance may have included intoxicating notes of tuberose, jasmine, and rose, with a sultry base of musk, patchouli, and hints of leather or tobacco for sophistication.

Un Soir de Folie:

Launched sometime during the 1920s, Un Soir de Folie, means An Evening of Madness. Created in association with Parfumerie Brecher, this daringly named perfume may have been an exuberant blend of sparkling aldehydes, effervescent citrus, and lively florals, with a playful undercurrent of amber and spices.

Chamelle:

Launched either in the 1920s or 1930s, Chamelle, meaning Female Camel, was an unusual name for a perfume. Also created with Parfumerie Brecher, Chamelle suggests a desert-inspired scent. It may have featured warm, dry notes of amber, myrrh, and sandalwood, with hints of leathery accords, evoking the spirit of the Middle Eastern desert.