La Fuite des Heures/Fleeting Moment by Balenciaga c1947

"La Fuite des Heures" or "Fleeting Moment" by Balenciaga is a classic fragrance that was launched in 1947. It's renowned for its elegant and timeless scent, capturing the essence of fleeting moments with its sophisticated blend of notes. Germaine Cellier, a prominent perfumer known for her bold and innovative creations, was the mastermind behind this iconic fragrance. By 1949, it had made its way to the USA, further solidifying its status as a beloved scent worldwide.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral chypre fragrance for women with dominant jasmine, thyme and rose notes on a woodsy base.

• Top notes: aldehydes, seringa, anise, bergamot, tarragon, orange, neroli, thyme
• Middle notes: lily, narcissus, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, lily of the valley, violet
• Base notes: iris, opoponax, patchouli, cedar, orris, sandalwood, leather, ambergris, vanilla, tonka, musk, vetiver

 L'Amour de l'art, 1950:

"La Fuite des Heures by Balenciaga: In search of lost time, in the company of a blonde huntress, its scents evoke the harmonious and persistent reminder of a walk in the woods or a 'wet garden which drips into the shadow that I have made within me'."

The New Yorker, 1952:

"Balenciaga's Le Dix is in the inviting fruit-and-flowers tradition of Rochas' Femme (q.v.), but he's also come up with La Fuite des Heures, which is woodier, odd and elfin. These two are at Saks Fifth Avenue."

Combat, 1953:

"Le Fuite des Heures by Balenciaga - Balsamic, fruity scents, lily, syringa and narcissus on an amber background, with puffs of iris and puffs of opoponax. We dream of the very hermetic settings where Proust plunged in pursuit of lost time: molded salons where the great ladies in love with Botticelli, Gustave Moreau and Debussy, received with affected nonchalance; conservatories and boudoirs, where "princess" dresses turned their backs on clothes, on padded "causeuses"."

Combat, 1954:

"Eau La Fuite des Heures by Balenciaga: The voluptuous swoon of tuberoses, with tufts of iris, projections of mock orange, and puffs of opoponax, drowns exquisitely in the freshness of an eau de toilette. It idealizes our beautiful friends of the gardens where we take tea in the colorful shade of a large parasol, mobilizing the young people in flowing dresses who will never have finished playing graces, with affected nonchalance, among the meadows in Bloom by Claude Monet."

Fodor's France, 1958:

"Balenciaga. "Le Dix," designed for brunettes; "Fuite des heures," languishing; "Quadrille," spicy."

"Fleeting Moment" by Balenciaga is a truly luxurious and complex fragrance with a rich combination of notes. Let's break down its scent profile:

• Top Notes: The top notes set the stage with a vibrant and fresh opening, featuring aldehydes, seringa, anise, bergamot, tarragon, orange, neroli, and thyme. These elements likely provide a bright and invigorating introduction, possibly with hints of citrus, herbs, and floral undertones.

• Middle Notes: The heart of the fragrance unfolds with a rich bouquet of floral notes, including lily, narcissus, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, and violet. This combination suggests a lush and romantic character, with jasmine and rose likely playing prominent roles alongside other delicate florals.

• Base Notes: The base notes provide depth and warmth, grounding the fragrance with a woody and sensual foundation. With iris, opoponax, patchouli, cedar, orris, sandalwood, leather, ambergris, vanilla, tonka, musk, and vetiver, you can expect a complex blend of earthy, sweet, and musky tones. The inclusion of leather and ambergris adds a sophisticated and luxurious touch, while the woodsy and resinous notes offer a sense of depth and longevity.

Overall, "Fleeting Moment" seems to offer a multi-dimensional olfactory experience, blending floral, herbal, citrus, and woody accords to create a timeless and captivating fragrance.

Bottle:

To open the classic Balenciaga crystal flacon, use the following tip provided by Parfums Balenciaga themselves in 1963:

"Briefly immerse neck of bottle in boiling water; loop strong twine around neck and with a seesaw motion add more heat. The top is threaded, easy to hold firmly, twists off without difficulty."

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. It was still being sold in 1973. It's fascinating that "Fleeting Moment" by  had such a lasting presence, being available for over two decades until at least 1973. Its longevity speaks to its enduring appeal and the quality of its composition. While its discontinuation date remains uncertain, the fact that it was still being sold in 1973 suggests that it had a significant impact and continued to be cherished by fragrance enthusiasts for many years.