Parfumerie Miga was established by Villy Frey in 1925 at 99 Zweierstrasse, Zurich. The company specialized in buying bankrupt stock and eventually expanded its operations to Cuba. In 1940, Parfumerie Miga was acquired by Drialys and became a subsidiary under their ownership.
Villy Frey's name was registered in France on December 18, 1934, with registration numbers 234511 and 88829 on March 5, 1935. The registration details indicate his involvement in the manufacture and trade of cosmetics of all kinds. Additionally, Villy Frey was also registered in Switzerland on December 5, 1934, under a yet undisclosed registration number.
This information highlights the early history and business activities of Parfumerie Miga and its founder Villy Frey during the early to mid-20th century.
The perfumes of Miga:
- 1925 Bonjour
- 1925 Bonne Nuit
- 1927 Espoir
- 1927 Pois de Senteur.
- 1929 Le Tempe d'Hiver.
- 1932 Ano Curenta
- 1932 Cuban Love
- 1932 Gardenia
- 1932 Jazmin.
- 1932 Narciso
- 1932 Mariposa
- 1932 Nuit de Fête
- 1932 Origan
- 1932 Sugestons (This is the re-branded fragrance 'Cuban Love')
Bottles:
Pois de Senteur by Miga:
The "Pois de Senteur" perfume by Miga, introduced in 1932, featured a highly desirable bottle designed by Baccarat. The bottle was made of opaque pink crystal and had a molded and textured recessed surface design with a stylized floral motif. A rectangular pink glass stopper complemented the bottle, and it was adorned with a gilded foil paper label affixed along its side. This specific bottle was identified by Baccarat as model number 636, and it bore the Baccarat mark on its base.
Espoir by Miga:
At auction in 2014, a "Pois de Senteur" perfume bottle like this fetched $2,600, indicating its value and desirability among collectors of vintage perfume bottles and Baccarat crystal artifacts. "Pois de Senteur" translates to "Sweet Pea" in English. Sweet Pea is a term used to refer to a fragrant flower known for its delicate and pleasant scent. It's not only a popular garden flower but has also been a source of inspiration for perfumery, often associated with fresh, floral scents in various cosmetic products, including perfumes.
In 1925, the name "Espoir" would have held profound significance for a perfume. Translating to "Hope" in French, it resonated deeply in a post-World War I era characterized by a collective desire for optimism and renewal. Following the devastation of the war, society was striving to rebuild and embrace a brighter future. Naming a perfume "Espoir" captured this spirit of hope, offering consumers a symbol of positivity and aspiration.
The cultural backdrop of the 1920s further enriched the choice of "Espoir" as a perfume name. This period saw the rise of the Art Deco movement, which celebrated modernity, elegance, and sophistication. The name aligned perfectly with the artistic dynamism of the time, appealing to those drawn to luxurious and emotionally evocative products.
Moreover, the choice of an ovoid bottle, reminiscent of ancient Chinese snuff bottles and made from green and white marbled opaque glass imitating jade, added a layer of exoticism and allure. Adorned with molded Chinese symbols and featuring a black glass button stopper, the bottle exuded a sense of craftsmanship and cultural richness that complemented the name "Espoir" beautifully.
Ultimately, "Espoir" encapsulated not only a fragrance but also a narrative of hope and aspiration, appealing to consumers seeking optimism and elegance in the midst of a transformative period in history.
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