Audace by Rochas c1936

"Audace" by Rochas, launched in 1936 and pronounced "oh-doss," is a classic fragrance created by Marcel Rochas himself. Rochas, the renowned couturier, believed in the importance of scent, famously stating that "One should notice the scent of a woman before even seeing her."

This philosophy underscores the significance of fragrance as a form of personal expression and allure. "Audace" likely embodies this sentiment, offering a bold and distinctive scent designed to captivate and intrigue. With its rich history and association with Marcel Rochas, "Audace" remains a timeless and iconic fragrance that continues to resonate with those who appreciate sophistication and elegance in perfumery.

Fragrance Composition:

Notes at a glance:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a woodsy, leafy, chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: iris, jasmine, bergamot, violet
• Middle notes: carnation and may rose
• Base notes: galbanum, sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, musk, amber, juniper and pine

"Audace" by Rochas, classified as a woodsy, leafy chypre fragrance for women, sounds like a captivating olfactory journey. Here's a breakdown of its fragrance notes:

• Top notes: Iris, jasmine, bergamot, violet - The fragrance opens with a bouquet of floral notes, with iris and jasmine providing a rich and sophisticated floral essence. Bergamot adds a bright and citrusy sparkle, while violet offers a subtle powdery sweetness.

• Middle notes: Carnation and may rose - The heart of the fragrance features the spicy warmth of carnation paired with the delicate sweetness of may rose, creating a complex and alluring floral accord.

• Base notes: Galbanum, sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, musk, amber, juniper, and pine - The base notes anchor the fragrance with their earthy and woody tones. Galbanum adds a green and resinous quality, while sandalwood and oakmoss provide a creamy and mossy texture. Vetiver and patchouli lend a deep and earthy richness, while musk and amber offer warmth and sensuality. Juniper and pine add a touch of crispness and freshness to the composition, enhancing its overall complexity.

Overall, "Audace" seems to be a sophisticated and multifaceted fragrance, blending floral, woody, and mossy notes to create a scent that is both timeless and elegant. Its classification as a chypre fragrance suggests a sense of sophistication and refinement, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate classic and understated fragrances.

Bottles:

Rochas started carrying perfumes around 1936, and sold exclusively at the fashions shows of Marcel Rochas. The original bottles were directly inspired by Rochas' shop located at 12 Avenue Matignon, a pretty blue and white salon where he did a thriving business. These perfumes were Air Jeune, Audace, and Avenue Matignon and were housed in both square and rectangular white opaline glass bottles. These chic bottles were fitted with a matching opaline glass stopper with the initials MR molded into the glass. A blue paper label was wrapped around the middle of the bottle. This flacon was available in seven different sizes, one with atomizer.  However, at the start of the second World War, these perfumes were withdrawn from sale and are very rare to find today.

The history behind Rochas perfumes is fascinating, especially their exclusive availability at Marcel Rochas' fashion shows and their connection to his iconic shop at 12 Avenue Matignon. The original trio of perfumes—Air Jeune, Audace, and Avenue Matignon—reflect Rochas' dedication to elegance and sophistication, with their chic opaline glass bottles and matching stoppers bearing his initials, MR.

The withdrawal of these perfumes from sale at the onset of World War II adds to their rarity and mystique. Today, they are treasured relics of a bygone era, sought after by collectors and perfume enthusiasts alike for their historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship. It's a testament to the enduring allure of Rochas as a brand and Marcel Rochas' vision of beauty and refinement.

Drug and Cosmetic Industry - Volume 39 - Page 461, 1936:

"MARCEL ROCHAS The perfumes and toiletries of Marcel Rochas have come to America and are distributed by Pierre Amouroux, Inc. The bottles and packages are extremely smart in white with a wide blue band, and white and red lettering."

The introduction of Marcel Rochas' perfumes and toiletries to America, distributed by Pierre Amouroux, Inc., marked an exciting expansion for the brand. The packaging, characterized by its smart design featuring white with a wide blue band, as well as white and red lettering, likely exuded a sense of sophistication and modernity. This attention to aesthetics mirrored Rochas' commitment to elegance and style, ensuring that the presentation of his products matched the quality of their contents. This launch in America likely helped solidify Rochas' reputation as a global purveyor of luxury fragrances and beauty products.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The discontinuation of the original 1936 versions of Marcel Rochas' perfumes—Air Jeune, Audace, and Avenue Matignon—due to the onset of World War II reflects the significant disruptions caused by the conflict. Like many industries during wartime, perfume production and distribution were likely affected by shortages of materials, changes in consumer priorities, and economic challenges.

The withdrawal of these fragrances from the market adds to their allure and rarity, as they remain elusive treasures sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Despite their discontinuation, the legacy of Marcel Rochas' perfumes endures, serving as a testament to his vision of beauty and elegance that transcends time and circumstance.

The name was reused for a reformulated version and the perfume was released in 1971, in USA by 1972. It was the first new perfume to be introduced by Rochas in 11 years and a heavy advertising campaign was enacted. To commemorate the occasion, the façade of the headquarters Rochas in 33 rue François Ier, was given a temporary facelift by the sculptor Pierre Sabatier (1935-2003). Created on the occasion of the launch of the perfume "Audace" in 1972, this off-white polyvinyl structure evokes fragrances and was inspired by Charles Baudelaire's poem "Harmonie du soir".

The reintroduction of "Audace" by Rochas in 1971 marked a significant moment for the brand, representing its first new perfume release in over a decade. The launch in the United States in 1972 was accompanied by a substantial advertising campaign, emphasizing the importance of this fragrance in Rochas' portfolio.

To commemorate the occasion, the headquarters of Rochas at 33 rue François Ier received a temporary facelift by sculptor Pierre Sabatier (1935-2003). This off-white polyvinyl structure, inspired by Charles Baudelaire's poem "Harmonie du soir," evoked the essence of fragrances and served as a striking visual representation of the brand's commitment to innovation and artistry.

The reintroduced "Audace" likely represented a modern interpretation of the original fragrance, reflecting the evolving tastes and trends of the time while maintaining the essence of Rochas' timeless elegance and sophistication.

For the reformulation's launch, Rochas commissioned designer Harry Algo to design a dress to match the personality of the perfume. Dubbed "The Audace Dress", reminiscent of Spain, richly feminine in chocolate brown velvet, the backless dress plunges to a deep-ruffled decolletage in front. Algo, a Parisian designer, studied as a boy with Marcel Rochas. By the 1970s, Algo had his own exclusive couture house.

The collaboration between Rochas and designer Harry Algo for the launch of the reformulated "Audace" perfume resulted in an exquisite creation: "The Audace Dress." Inspired by the personality of the fragrance, the dress evoked a sense of rich femininity with its chocolate brown velvet fabric and deep-ruffled decolletage, reminiscent of Spain.

Harry Algo's connection with Marcel Rochas from his youth, along with his established couture house by the 1970s, likely ensured that "The Audace Dress" captured the essence of Rochas' timeless elegance and sophistication.

At the gourmet luncheon given for the perfume's introduction at the Cote Basque in New York, guests were treated to a delightful experience. Each item on the menu contained a floral essence including chrysanthemums, rose petals and orchids.

The gourmet luncheon held for the perfume's introduction at the Cote Basque in New York added an extra layer of luxury and sensory delight to the occasion. Each item on the menu infused with floral essences, including chrysanthemums, rose petals, and orchids, would have complemented the fragrance beautifully, creating a truly immersive experience for the guests. This attention to detail and elegance further emphasized the sophistication and allure of "Audace" by Rochas.

The news traveled on the wind and Alexandre, the celebrated Parisian coiffeur, predicted Audace would be in the rare top echelon of scents. It was said that the hairdresser was known to have a sensitive "nose" much like a perfumer's and could instantly place a fragrance. Parfums Rochas asked him to create a hairstyle in honor of the Audace perfume. He created seven different designs but one was ultimately chosen, his favorite, number seven, that could be created either with false pieces or with shoulder length hair.

The anticipation and excitement surrounding the launch of "Audace" by Rochas were palpable, with news of the fragrance spreading like wildfire. Alexandre, the celebrated Parisian coiffeur renowned for his keen sense of smell akin to a perfumer's, predicted that "Audace" would ascend to the rare top echelon of scents. His endorsement added to the anticipation and prestige surrounding the fragrance.

Parfums Rochas's decision to collaborate with Alexandre to create a hairstyle in honor of "Audace" further underscored the fragrance's significance and impact. Alexandre's creation of seven different designs showcased his creativity and expertise, but it was his favorite, design number seven, that was ultimately chosen. This hairstyle, adaptable for both false pieces and shoulder-length hair, likely embodied the essence of "Audace" with its elegance, versatility, and timeless appeal.

The collaboration between Parfums Rochas and Alexandre not only honored the fragrance but also highlighted the interconnectedness of scent and style, showcasing how fragrance can inspire and influence other forms of beauty and self-expression.

The newer version of Audace was discontinued by 1978. Rochas called it a "cool spiced floral, with a touch of green added, warmed and heightened by deep notes of sandalwood and amber musk, designed to adapt to individual skin chemistry."

• Top notes: aldehydes, Florentine iris, white jasmine, bergamot, violet
• Middle notes: jonquil, spices, wild thyme, honeysuckle, tuberose, carnation and Bulgarian rose
• Base notes: myrrh, galbanum, sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, musk, amber, juniper and pine

The description of the newer version of "Audace" by Rochas, discontinued by 1978, paints a picture of a sophisticated and versatile fragrance that aimed to adapt to individual skin chemistry. Here's a breakdown of its fragrance notes:

• Top notes: Aldehydes, Florentine iris, white jasmine, bergamot, violet - The fragrance opens with a bright and sparkling combination of aldehydes and bergamot, layered with the powdery elegance of Florentine iris and the sweet floralcy of white jasmine and violet.

• Middle notes: Jonquil, spices, wild thyme, honeysuckle, tuberose, carnation, and Bulgarian rose - The heart of the fragrance features a rich and complex bouquet of floral and spicy notes. Jonquil, honeysuckle, and tuberose likely contribute their sweet and heady floral aromas, while spices, wild thyme, and carnation add a warm and spicy depth. Bulgarian rose, known for its rich and velvety scent, adds a luxurious touch to the composition.

• Base notes: Myrrh, galbanum, sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli, musk, amber, juniper, and pine - The base notes anchor the fragrance with their earthy and woody tones. Myrrh and galbanum provide a resinous and balsamic quality, while sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver, and patchouli add depth and complexity. Musk and amber lend warmth and sensuality, while juniper and pine likely contribute a fresh and aromatic element to the composition.

Overall, the newer version of "Audace" appears to be a sophisticated and multifaceted fragrance, blending floral, spicy, and woody notes to create a scent that is both timeless and adaptable to individual skin chemistry. Its discontinuation by 1978 adds to its mystique and rarity, making it a cherished find for fragrance enthusiasts.

The availability of the newer version of "Audace" by Rochas in various sizes and formats reflects the brand's commitment to offering options for different preferences and lifestyles. Here's a list of the available sizes and formats:

• 1/5 oz Parfum Purse Spray
• 1/4 oz Parfum
• 1/2 oz Parfum
• 1/2 oz Parfum Spray
• 1 oz Parfum
• 2 oz Parfum
• 3 oz Parfum
• 0.75 oz Parfum de Toilette Spray
• 2 oz Parfum de Toilette Spray
• 4 oz Parfum de Toilette Spray
• 2 oz Parfum de Toilette Splash
• 4 oz Parfum de Toilette Splash
• 7.5 oz Parfum de Toilette Splash

This wide range of sizes and formats allows individuals to choose the option that best suits their needs and preferences, whether they prefer a convenient purse spray, a luxurious parfum, or a larger bottle for daily use. Additionally, the availability of both spray and splash formats provides flexibility in application methods, catering to different usage habits and personal preferences.

The bottle was made up of a smoothly shaped rectangle with softly rounded shoulders in golden amber tones. Double tiered base of polished opaque brown plexiglass holds it. Top has a panel face of brushed, satin-finished rose aluminum. Two spheres, , golden inner one circled by a dome of clear, coppery plexiglass, top it.

The description of the bottle for the newer version of "Audace" by Rochas paints a picture of a sleek and sophisticated design that complements the fragrance within. Here's a breakdown of its features:

• Shape: The bottle is characterized by a smoothly shaped rectangle with softly rounded shoulders, evoking a sense of elegance and refinement.

• Color: It features golden amber tones, adding warmth and richness to its appearance.

• Base: The double-tiered base is made of polished opaque brown plexiglass, providing stability and contrast to the rest of the bottle.

• Top: The top of the bottle has a panel face made of brushed, satin-finished rose aluminum, adding a touch of modernity and luxury. Two spheres, one golden inner sphere circled by a dome of clear, coppery plexiglass, top it off, adding visual interest and a unique aesthetic.

Altogether, the bottle design of "Audace" reflects the fragrance's sophistication and allure, with its sleek lines, warm tones, and contemporary accents. It's a fitting vessel for a fragrance that exudes timeless elegance and modern sensuality.

CLICK HERE TO FIND AUDACE PERFUME BY ROCHAS