Parfumerie Miga

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')

Bonjour (1925)

Translating to Good Day, Bonjour likely embodied an uplifting and bright aroma suited for morning or daytime wear. The scent might have opened with fresh and zesty citrus notes like bergamot and lemon, softened by a bouquet of delicate florals such as lily of the valley or freesia. A subtle woody or musky base would provide a refined finish, mirroring the optimism of a new day.

Bonne Nuit (1925)

Good Night suggests a soothing and tranquil fragrance, perfect for evening relaxation. This scent might have featured soft, powdery notes of violet or iris, blended with warm elements like vanilla, sandalwood, or a whisper of amber. The overall profile would evoke comfort and serenity, akin to preparing for restful sleep.

Espoir (1927)

Meaning Hope, Espoir would evoke feelings of renewal and optimism. Likely a delicate yet radiant fragrance, it may have included sparkling aldehydes, tender florals like rose or peony, and a grounding base of vetiver or white musk. This composition would symbolize the uplifting promise of a hopeful heart.

Pois de Senteur (1927)

This name translates to Sweet Pea, a flower known for its fresh, sweet, and slightly fruity aroma. The perfume might have captured the dainty charm of sweet pea blossoms with supporting notes of pear, soft greens, and perhaps hints of heliotrope or white florals. Its airy nature would make it ideal for springtime.

Le Temps d'Hiver (1929)

Wintertime evokes a fragrance designed to encapsulate the crisp and contemplative essence of the cold season. This scent could have combined cool, resinous notes like pine or cedar with a touch of spicy warmth from cinnamon or clove. A musky or amber base might add a cozy depth, balancing the chill with comfort.

Ano Curenta (1932)

The name translates to The Current Year in Spanish, possibly celebrating modernity and trends of the era. This fragrance might have blended contemporary elements like aldehydes or vibrant green notes with a sophisticated floral heart of rose or jasmine, finishing with a polished woody or chypre base.

Cuban Love (1932)

A name like Cuban Love hints at an exotic, tropical romance. This fragrance likely featured intoxicating white florals like ylang-ylang or frangipani, combined with creamy coconut, rich vanilla, and hints of spice like clove or cinnamon. It would evoke the warmth and passion of a Cuban sunset.

Gardenia (1932)

As with other gardenia fragrances, this perfume would highlight the lush, creamy aroma of the gardenia flower. Likely a soliflore, it might have included green and citrus accents to enhance the freshness, balanced with a soft, musky undertone.

Jazmin (1932)

Jasmine in Spanish, this fragrance likely spotlighted the sensual, heady aroma of jasmine blossoms. A blend of supporting white florals like orange blossom or tuberose could enhance the composition, with a warm base of amber or sandalwood for richness.

Narciso (1932)

Meaning Narcissus, this perfume would have captured the unique and slightly green floral scent of narcissus flowers. It might have been enriched with woody or mossy undertones, creating an earthy yet elegant fragrance reminiscent of a spring garden.

Mariposa (1932)

Butterfly in Spanish, Mariposa suggests a light, airy, and fluttering scent. It might have included bright, fruity notes like peach or apricot, blended with delicate florals such as violet or peony. A soft, powdery base could provide a gentle, whimsical finish.

Nuit de Fête (1932)

Night of Celebration implies a glamorous and lively fragrance designed for evening wear. This perfume might have combined sparkling aldehydes with opulent florals like tuberose or gardenia, layered over a luxurious base of patchouli, amber, or vanilla, evoking the elegance of festive nights.

Origan (1932)

This fragrance, named after Oregano, likely drew inspiration from the herb’s warm, aromatic quality. It could have been a complex blend of spicy, woody, and floral notes, with a heart of carnation or clove and a base of amber or incense, creating a rich, oriental profile.

Sugestons (1932)

As the rebranded Cuban Love, Sugestons (suggestions) may have retained the tropical and exotic character of its predecessor. Featuring lush florals, creamy coconut, spicy undertones, and a warm vanilla or amber base, it likely evoked the romance and allure of a distant paradise.

These perfumes reflect the varied and emotive inspirations of the early 20th century, ranging from tender morning sentiments to exotic and glamorous escapism.

Bottles:

Pois de Senteur by Miga:  

This name translates to Sweet Pea, a flower known for its fresh, sweet, and slightly fruity aroma. The perfume might have captured the dainty charm of sweet pea blossoms with supporting notes of pear, soft greens, and perhaps hints of heliotrope or white florals. Its airy nature would make it ideal for springtime.

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.

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.

Espoir by Miga: 

Meaning Hope, Espoir would evoke feelings of renewal and optimism. Likely a delicate yet radiant fragrance, it may have included sparkling aldehydes, tender florals like rose or peony, and a grounding base of vetiver or white musk. This composition would symbolize the uplifting promise of a hopeful heart.

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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