Mademoiselle by Philippe Venet c1965

Launched in 1968, Mademoiselle is a fragrance that captures the essence of youth and elegance, crafted by the talented perfumer Michel Hy. Philippe Venet, an esteemed fashion designer known for his avant-garde approach and innovative designs, sought to create a fragrance that resonated with the modern woman of the late 1960s. The choice of the name Mademoiselle—French for "young lady"—conveys a sense of freshness, sophistication, and spirited independence. Pronounced as "ma-duh-zoe," the term evokes images of youthful charm, grace, and vitality, perfectly aligning with the zeitgeist of the era.

The word Mademoiselle carries connotations of playfulness and femininity, suggesting a woman who is confident yet approachable. Women of the time, emerging from the constraints of previous generations, found themselves embracing their independence and personal identity. The fragrance Mademoiselle served as a tribute to this newfound spirit, inviting women to embody a sense of freedom and self-expression. The fresh, floral character of the perfume further aligns with the optimistic and liberating feelings that were prevalent during this transformative period.

Interpreted in scent, Mademoiselle embodies a delicate yet invigorating blend, characterized by a fresh floral composition that includes Parma violets and sweet lily of the valley. These notes evoke the scent of blooming flowers in a sunlit garden, providing a crisp and uplifting experience. The fragrance reflects a sporty, daytime persona, ideal for women who embraced an active lifestyle while maintaining a sense of elegance. Launched concurrently with Madame, its evening counterpart, Mademoiselle was designed to complement the more opulent and sensual qualities of Madame, showcasing a duality in femininity that resonated deeply with women of the time.

In the context of the late 1960s perfume market, Mademoiselle emerged amidst a variety of floral fragrances that captured the spirit of liberation and individualism. While fragrances like Chanel No. 5 continued to dominate with their iconic status, Mademoiselle distinguished itself by focusing on a fresh, youthful floral profile, embodying a modern interpretation of femininity. Its classification as a fresh floral fragrance allowed it to stand out during an era where women sought scents that were both chic and effortlessly wearable. Overall, Mademoiselle encapsulated the evolving sensibilities of the era, offering a fragrant representation of youth, vibrancy, and the joy of self-discovery.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fresh floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: lily of the valley, bergamot, neroli, sweet orange, peach, green notes
• Middle notes: spices, iris, jasmine, Parma violet, rose, tuberose, carnation, gardenia, freesia, magnolia
• Base notes: amber, sandalwood, vetiver, musk, oakmoss, labdanum, patchouli, vanilla, tonka bean, benzoin, heliotrope, cedar

Cue, 1971:

"Philippe Venet's Mademoiselle, daytime breezy, and Madame, an evening romantic, from $15."

House & Garden, 1972:

"MADAME by Philippe Venet — another very quiet, un- show-offy scent, new from France. But this one has an amusing hook in it — a feeling of a rhythmic heat you can almost hear. At the same time Venet presents Mademoiselle, fresh, less ..."

Scent Profile:

In the enchanting fragrance of Mademoiselle by Philippe Venet, the top notes unfold like the first rays of sunlight breaking through a dewy morning. The crisp, green notes burst forth with a fresh vibrancy that dances on the senses, awakening the spirit. As you breathe in, the delicate aroma of lily of the valley emerges, its sweet, bell-shaped blossoms reminiscent of a sunlit garden, evoking feelings of purity and innocence. 

Intertwined with this floral elegance is the bright, zesty scent of bergamot—a fragrant citrus fruit that adds a refreshing sparkle, reminiscent of sunshine on ripe fruit. The neroli, derived from orange blossom, envelops the senses with its soft, sweet fragrance, imparting a sense of calm and serenity. Sweet orange further enhances this uplifting experience, bringing to mind the joys of summer with its juicy, tangy notes. A subtle hint of peach adds a luscious sweetness, wrapping the bouquet in a velvety embrace, while fresh green notes provide an invigorating contrast, reminiscent of newly cut grass in a sun-drenched meadow.

As the fragrance evolves, the heart reveals a captivating blend of middle notes that weave together an intricate tapestry of floral opulence. The spices awaken the senses, adding an alluring warmth that dances playfully on the skin. Jasmine unfurls its rich, intoxicating aroma, inviting you to lose yourself in its creamy sweetness, while the soft, powdery essence of iris imparts a gentle sophistication. 

The Parma violet, with its delicate floral nuances, adds a touch of whimsy, conjuring images of purple-hued petals swaying in a gentle breeze. The lush richness of rose fills the air, offering a timeless romance that envelops the heart with its enchanting presence. Tuberose, with its heady, waxy aroma, creates a feeling of indulgence, while the softness of carnation provides a spicy floral contrast. Gardenia, with its creamy, velvety scent, envelops you in an aura of elegance, while the fresh, uplifting notes of freesia and magnolia add a bright, fruity floral character, making the heart of Mademoiselle truly radiant and unforgettable.

As the fragrance gracefully settles into its base notes, a warm and comforting embrace envelops you, inviting a sense of deep relaxation. The rich, resinous warmth of amber envelops the senses, lending a golden glow that evokes memories of tranquil evenings. Sandalwood contributes its creamy, milky richness, providing a grounding effect that harmonizes beautifully with the fragrance. Vetiver adds an earthy, woody depth, bringing an aromatic complexity that is both calming and invigorating. 

Musk, with its animalic warmth, weaves through the composition, adding a sensual touch that lingers on the skin. Oakmoss, with its forest-like aroma, introduces an element of earthiness, evoking the feeling of wandering through a sun-dappled woodland. Labdanum's rich, resinous scent brings an exotic allure, while patchouli adds a touch of earthy richness that balances the sweeter notes. 

Vanilla and tonka bean envelop the composition in a sweet embrace, their comforting warmth reminiscent of cozy evenings by the fire. Benzoin, with its sweet, balsamic scent, adds an extra layer of depth, while heliotrope contributes a soft, powdery sweetness that rounds out the fragrance. Finally, cedar introduces a dry, woody note that adds a touch of sophistication, anchoring the ethereal floral bouquet and leaving a lingering trail of elegance.


In its entirety, Mademoiselle is a fragrant ode to femininity, celebrating the beauty of fresh florals while enveloping the wearer in a warm, comforting embrace that evokes the spirit of joy, vitality, and timeless grace.

Bottles:

The bottles for Mademoiselle perfume by Philippe Venet are designed with exquisite attention to detail, reflecting the essence of nature and elegance. Inspired by the organic beauty of tree bark, the bottles are meticulously molded to replicate the intricate texture and pattern found in the natural world.

Each bottle serves as a testament to craftsmanship, with its surface adorned with delicate ridges and subtle imperfections, mirroring the unique character of tree bark. This tactile design invites the touch, allowing the wearer to experience the fragrance not only through scent but also through sight and feel.

The choice of this botanical motif for the bottle design adds a touch of understated luxury and sophistication to the presentation of Mademoiselle perfume. It creates a harmonious connection between the fragrance and the natural world, evoking a sense of tranquility and timeless beauty.

As a result, the bottles for Mademoiselle perfume stand not only as vessels for a beloved fragrance but also as works of art, capturing the imagination and delighting the senses with their intricate design inspired by the wonders of nature.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Mademoiselle perfume by Philippe Venet holds a special allure for fragrance enthusiasts, but its rarity adds to its mystique. Since its launch in 1965, this timeless scent has become increasingly difficult to find, as it has been discontinued from regular production.

For those seeking a bottle of this elusive fragrance, the hunt can be both thrilling and challenging. Its scarcity on the market only adds to its desirability among collectors and connoisseurs of fine perfumes.

Occasionally, dedicated perfume aficionados may stumble upon vintage bottles of Mademoiselle through specialty fragrance boutiques, online auction sites, or through private sellers. However, due to its limited availability and high demand, securing a bottle may require patience and persistence.

Despite its rarity, the allure of Mademoiselle remains undiminished, with its unique blend of floral and oriental notes continuing to captivate those fortunate enough to experience its enchanting aroma. As a result, owning a bottle of Mademoiselle becomes not only a cherished possession but also a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic fragrance.