Bourrasque by Le Galion c1937

In 1937, the world was grappling with the lingering effects of the Great Depression, a time marked by economic hardship and uncertainty. Despite the prevailing hardships, the era also held a romanticized view of love, often depicted in literature, art, and cinema as a refuge from the harsh realities of the time. Films of the period often explored themes of romantic love as a means of escapism, offering audiences a temporary respite from their everyday struggles.

Against this backdrop, Le Galion chose the name "Bourrasque" for their perfume. The word "Bourrasque" in French means a gust of wind or a squall, typically associated with sudden, intense bursts of weather. This name evokes a sense of drama, unpredictability, and a touch of wildness, characteristics that could metaphorically apply to both love and the spirit of the times.

"Bourrasque" would make a compelling name for a perfume because it suggests passion, intensity, and perhaps a hint of danger or adventure. In the context of the 1930s, women might have been drawn to such a name as it promised excitement and allure, qualities that contrasted with the economic and social constraints of the era.

Women of the time period would likely respond positively to a perfume called "Bourrasque" as it would evoke feelings of romance, intrigue, and a sense of living life to the fullest despite adversity. The name itself conjures images of windswept landscapes, tempestuous emotions, and the thrill of being swept off one's feet by love or adventure.

The uniqueness of the name "Bourrasque" lies in its evocative power and its ability to transport the imagination. It suggests a narrative of passion and spontaneity, appealing to those seeking a fragrance that embodies both elegance and a touch of daring. For consumers in the 1930s, "Bourrasque" would have been interpreted as a symbol of resilience and hope, encapsulating the spirit of embracing life's storms with grace and allure.

 

 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fruity woody fougere fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh fougere top accented with fruits, followed by a floral heart resting on a base of precious woods and resins.

• Top notes: cyclamen, fern, lavender, cardamom, pepper, bergamot and aldehydes, greengage plum, peach 
• Heart notes: ylang ylang, Turkish rose, genet, carnation, jasmine, orchid, cyclamen and Florentine iris
• Base notes: macassar, ebony, oakmoss, rosewood, patchouli, Atlas cedar, sandalwood, Java vetiver, incense resinoid, opoponax, costus, arnica and vanilla

L'Amour de l'art, 1950:

"Bourrasque by Le Galion: its scent of fern, precious wood and genet rises in successive waves that are very enveloping and stimulating. It's an excellent fragrance that extends beyond the wind and sporting activity."

Combat, 1954:

"Bourrasque Lotion by Le Galion: How many trees delivered the blood of their trunks, so that, in the invigorating bitterness of the shade, for happy nymphs, this vegetal symphony might be composed in which the jasmine sings, as if softly, the cyclamen and the rose of Anatolia? Distant trees whose flesh shivers under unknown winds: macassar, ebony, Java vetiver, rosewood pecked by hummingbirds, Atlas cedar with ornate branches. , but how manly in the blissful heat!"

Scent Profile:

Imagine walking through a garden bordering a lush, fern-laden forest on a tranquil summer day. The air is thick with the earthy scent of damp soil and the sweet aroma of wildflowers. As you stroll deeper into the garden, the sky darkens unexpectedly, hinting at an approaching storm. Suddenly, the first raindrops begin to fall, cool and refreshing on your skin.

The fragrance of "Bourrasque" by Le Galion unfolds around you like a story woven into the fabric of the garden. The initial burst of freshness from the fougere accord greets your senses, reminiscent of the crisp greenery of ferns and the aromatic lavender swaying in the gentle breeze. A zesty citrusy tang from bergamot and greengage plum adds a juicy sweetness, tantalizing your taste buds like the first bite of a ripe peach.

As the rain intensifies, you find shelter under a canopy of ancient oak trees. The heart of the fragrance blooms like the garden around you, with floral notes dancing in the rain. Ylang ylang and Turkish rose intertwine with the delicate petals of jasmine and orchid, their fragrance mingling with the earthy scent of wet soil and the peppery warmth of carnation. You can almost taste the freshness in the air, as if each raindrop carries the essence of the flowers it touches.

The storm reaches its peak, and the base notes of "Bourrasque" emerge like the grounding presence of the forest itself. Precious woods like macassar and rosewood lend a deep, woody richness, evoking the strength and resilience of the ancient trees. Patchouli and cedarwood add a smoky complexity, mingling with the incense resinoid and opoponax to create a sense of mystery and depth.

Amidst the storm, you feel the comforting touch of sandalwood and vanilla, a warm embrace amidst the cool rain. The fragrance lingers on your skin, a lingering memory of the garden's beauty and the exhilaration of being caught in nature's elemental embrace.

Fate of the Fragrance:

After a period of hiatus, "Bourrasque" is once again in production and available for purchase. Those interested can find this classic fragrance on Le Galion's official website. This revival allows both new admirers and long-time fans of the perfume to experience its sophisticated and multi-dimensional scent, continuing the legacy of Paul Vacher's timeless creation. For more information or to purchase, you can visit Le Galion's website.

From Le Galion:

"BOURRASQUE - The Uncompromisingly Chypre

The scent of spinning personalities, souls that wash away everything in their path.

Main notes: Chili - rose - osmanthus - patchouli

The olfactory signature: Night blooming jasmine, an Indian flower that builds bridges between the fresh, spicy and floral notes within this olfactory tornado.

Description: A burst of citrus and a flurry of both hot and cool spices carry a rose of apricot-like velvet. In a hurricane of leaves, moss and wood, witness the breezy notes of patchouli, cistus and oak.

Context: Paul Vacher first composed Bourrasque in 1937-1938. Rodrigo Flores-Roux then reinterpreted the fragrance while keeping in mind that it had initially been presented as “strong, strong, strong”. Inspired by the most emblematic chypre scents of the 20th century, he infused a level of modernity just as surprising as in its heyday, through his work with spices and wood.

A word from our perfumer: “Having known the original version of Bourrasque, I was easily swayed into reinventing it. I wanted to symbolise the strength of an autumn wind that carries all sorts of raw materials in its wake: flowers, spices, fruit, wood, mosses, all while leaving an enticing and fascinating trail.” - Rodrigo Flores-Roux"

Complete olfactory pyramid:

• Top notes: citrus, ginger, cardamom, chili, night blooming jasmine
• Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, osmanthus, wild strawberry, styrax, opoponax
• Base notes: patchouli, oak moss, hyraceum, Spanish cistus, oak infusion.

Scent Profile:

As you breathe in the initial notes of this fragrance, a burst of vibrant citrus greets your senses, like the first rays of sunlight breaking through a cloudy sky. The tangy freshness of citrus is accompanied by a spicy kick of ginger and cardamom, adding a warm and exotic depth to the air around you. There's a subtle hint of chili pepper, lending a touch of heat that balances perfectly with the coolness of the citrus and spice.

Amidst this lively blend, the scent of night blooming jasmine emerges delicately, its floral sweetness intertwining with the spicy notes like a veil of soft petals kissed by the evening breeze. The jasmine brings a sense of elegance and allure, reminiscent of a garden at twilight where flowers release their most intoxicating fragrances.

Moving deeper into the fragrance, the heart reveals itself with a sophisticated blend of Bulgarian rose and osmanthus. The rose offers a classic floral richness, velvety and romantic, while osmanthus contributes a fruity and apricot-like sweetness that adds a playful twist to the bouquet. A hint of wild strawberry adds a whimsical touch, evoking memories of sun-warmed berries picked straight from the garden.

As the fragrance settles on your skin, the base notes unfold with a grounding presence. Earthy patchouli and oak moss create a lush and forest-like backdrop, like stepping onto a bed of damp moss under the shade of ancient trees. Hyraceum adds a unique animalic accord, subtle and primal, evoking images of a wild heart beating in harmony with nature. Spanish cistus brings a resinous warmth, reminiscent of sun-soaked Mediterranean landscapes, while oak infusion adds a smooth and woody finish that lingers on your skin like a comforting embrace.

Together, these layers of scent create a harmonious symphony that evolves on your skin, from the bright and invigorating opening to the deep and sensual embrace of the base notes. Each note in this fragrance tells a story of contrast and harmony, inviting you to experience a journey through the senses where freshness meets warmth, and floral elegance merges with earthy richness.

This blend offers a modern twist on a classic scent, making it both timeless and contemporary, perfect for those who appreciate complexity and refinement in their fragrances.

CLICK HERE TO FIND VINTAGE BOURRASQUE BY LE GALION