Heure Intime by Vigny c1933

Launching in 1933, "Heure Intime" by Vigny emerged during a tumultuous yet culturally rich period marked by the Great Depression. Despite economic hardships, this era also saw a resurgence of opulence and escapism in fashion, art, and fragrance.

The Great Depression, which began in 1929, cast a shadow over global economies, leading to widespread unemployment and financial insecurity. However, amidst these challenges, there was a cultural movement towards elegance and sophistication as a form of escapism from the harsh realities of the time. This was reflected in the fashion trends of the era, which embraced luxurious materials and intricate designs.

"Heure Intime," with its launch in 1933, encapsulated this dichotomy. The name itself, meaning "Intimate Hour," hinted at a desire for personal connection and escapism during uncertain times. Perfumes during this period often served not just as personal adornments but as a means of expressing elegance, grace, and a desire for a better world beyond economic hardships.

Jacques Vogel, the perfumer behind "Heure Intime," likely crafted a fragrance that resonated with the mood of the era. It might have blended floral notes with deeper, more complex undertones, providing wearers with a sense of sophistication and luxury that was increasingly sought after during the Great Depression.

Choosing "Heure Intime" not only honors its historical significance but also reflects a taste for timeless elegance and resilience in the face of adversity. Its blend of floral and possibly oriental notes continues to evoke a sense of mystery and allure, making it a poignant choice for those who appreciate fragrances with depth and a connection to history.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an aldehydic woody, floral amber fragrance for women. It begins with soapy aldehydic top note, followed by a rich spicy floral heart, resting on a warm, woodsy amber base with an animalic punch. It was said to be "lovely for furs".

• Top notes: aldehydes, neroli, orange blossom, bergamot, and lily of the valley
• Middle notes: spices, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, carnation, beeswax, and lilac
• Base notes: sandalwood, musk, vanilla, ambergris, and vetiver

Scent Profile:

Imagine stepping into a softly lit room where vintage lace curtains sway gently in a breeze, casting delicate patterns of light and shadow. The air is crisp and refreshing, reminiscent of freshly laundered linens infused with a subtle sweetness of neroli and the airy freshness of orange blossom and bergamot. Lily of the valley adds a touch of floral elegance, creating an atmosphere that feels clean and inviting, like the first moments of a cherished intimate hour.

As time unfolds, the room deepens in ambiance with the warm glow of candlelight flickering softly against the walls. The scent evolves into a complex bouquet that fills the air with spices mingling with the lush, velvety aroma of roses and jasmine. Ylang ylang contributes a creamy, exotic note, while carnation brings a subtle spiciness. Beeswax adds a warm, honeyed richness, and lilac lends a powdery floral essence that envelops the senses in a comforting embrace.

As the evening progresses, the room becomes imbued with a deeper, more sensual ambiance. The warm, woody embrace of sandalwood mingles with the smooth sensuality of musk, creating an atmosphere that feels luxurious and intimate. Vanilla adds a comforting sweetness, while ambergris provides a subtle, oceanic depth. Vetiver grounds the composition with its earthy richness, evoking a sense of timeless elegance and allure that lingers in the air like a whispered promise of intimacy.

"Heure Intime" by Vigny offers a journey through layers of elegance and intimacy, perfectly capturing the essence of a cherished hour with its complex and evocative notes.

Bottles:

Cylindrical Parfum Bottles:

The cylindrical parfum bottles made by Baccarat starting in 1923 held half an ounce of perfume and became iconic vessels for several Vigny fragrances, including Golliwogg. Their sleek, cylindrical design exuded elegance and simplicity, embodying the Art Deco aesthetic of the era. These bottles were not exclusive to Vigny; they were also adopted by other prestigious perfume houses such as Gabilla in 1923, Weil in 1933, D'Orsay, Molyneux for Rue Royale in 1940, and Jean Desprez in 1962. Each house utilized the Baccarat bottles to showcase their unique fragrances, highlighting the timeless appeal and versatility of the design. However, for Vigny perfumes, this particular bottle design was discontinued in 1939, marking the end of an era for these distinctive vessels that had once held some of the most coveted scents of their time.

The ad above reads: "You probably haven't seen that grotesque Golliwogg head since the war. Its fuzzy-wuzzy fur comes from Siberia...that grinning face is hand painted in France, Vigny just couldn't get either one during the war so they put their famous Golliwogg perfume in plain bottles. Next fall, the Golliwoggs will be back...and what happens to the plain bottles? YOU get them..with the same wonderful perfumes and colognes..but at a big savings. Vigny's going to repackage Heure Intime, too, so these perfumes and colognes are included in the Sale...and you save 1/2 to 1/3."

The advertisement from Vigny speaks to the impact of wartime shortages on their iconic Golliwogg perfume and other fragrances. Known for its distinctive bottle adorned with a whimsical Golliwogg head, typically made with fur from Siberia and hand-painted in France, Vigny faced challenges during the war years. Unable to source these materials, they temporarily packaged Golliwogg perfume in plain bottles. However, the ad promises that with the return of the Golliwoggs next fall, these plain bottles will be offered to customers at significant savings. Notably, this sale also includes Vigny's celebrated Heure Intime perfume, which will be repackaged alongside other fragrances, offering customers savings of half to one-third of the original price. This marketing strategy not only addresses wartime scarcity but also emphasizes the opportunity for customers to enjoy Vigny's renowned perfumes and colognes at a reduced cost, making luxury scents more accessible during a period of economic strain.

Parfum Grenade Bottles:

 "Heure Intime," introduced in 1933, was initially packaged in the distinctive grenade flacon. Over the years, Vigny offered various sizes and designs for their perfumes, catering to different preferences and needs. The advertisement from 1944 marks the first instance of the 5/16 oz size being promoted, reflecting a shift in consumer demand or availability during wartime.

The range of bottle sizes offered by Vigny illustrates their commitment to accommodating a wide clientele:

• The Standard Deluxe bottle, a generous 4 oz in size, stands 5.75 inches tall and features a glass stopper, conveying luxury and longevity.

• The Medium De Luxe option provides a slightly smaller alternative at 2 oz, maintaining a substantial presence with its glass stopper.

• The Junior De Luxe bottle, sized at 2/7 oz and standing 3 1/8 inches tall, offers a compact yet elegant choice for those seeking a more moderate amount.

• For those desiring a smaller amount, the Small De Luxe bottle holds 5/8 oz and stands 3 3/8 inches tall, also featuring a glass stopper for a touch of sophistication.

• The 5/16 oz bottle, introduced later, stands 2 3/8 inches tall and includes a glass stopper, providing a more petite option ideal for sampling or travel.

• The 5/28 oz mini bottle, standing 2 inches tall with a gold screw cap, offers a diminutive size that combines convenience with elegance.

• Finally, the 1/5 oz bottle stands at 1.75 inches tall, catering to those who prefer a compact yet exquisite vessel for their perfume.

Each size and design variation of "Heure Intime" bottles not only served practical purposes but also reflected Vigny's dedication to offering their renowned fragrances in formats that appealed to a broad spectrum of consumers, from collectors to everyday users. These bottles, with their diverse sizes and closures, continue to embody the brand's commitment to luxury and accessibility in the world of perfumery.

Eau de Cologne Grenade Bottle:

The Eau de Cologne in the grenade bottle design was initially launched in 1939, showcasing a range of sizes to cater to various preferences and needs. Here's a breakdown of the sizes and specifications:

• The Factice (dummy) bottle stands impressively at 9 inches tall, serving as a display piece rather than a functional container.
• An 8 oz bottle measures 5.75 inches in height and features a lucite stopper, offering a substantial amount of fragrance for enthusiasts.
• A 4 oz bottle stands 4.75 inches tall and is distinguished by a white plastic stopper, balancing practicality with aesthetic appeal.
• There are two variations of the 2 oz bottle: one standing 4 inches tall with a lucite stopper, and another at 3.75 inches tall with a white plastic stopper, providing options for those seeking different sizes and closures.
• The 1 oz bottle completes the lineup, offering a compact option without sacrificing elegance, featuring a lucite stopper.

Each size of the Eau de Cologne grenade bottle not only emphasizes practicality and elegance but also reflects the versatility and craftsmanship that define Vigny's approach to fragrance packaging. These bottles, with their varied sizes and stopper materials, ensure that there is a suitable option for both collectors and everyday users, maintaining the brand's commitment to quality and accessibility in the realm of perfumery.

Eau de Toilette Grenade Bottle:

• 4 oz bottle stands 4.75" tall and has gold screw cap.

Lotion Bottle:

• 3.75" tall and has white plastic stopper

Fate of the Fragrance:

"Heure Intime," the beloved fragrance by Vigny, faced discontinuation sometime in the early 1970s, although the exact date remains unclear. The last documented instance of it being available for sale was noted in a 1972 newspaper advertisement. This marked the conclusion of its presence in the market, signaling the end of an era for this iconic perfume that had captured the hearts of many over the years.

The reasons behind its discontinuation are not explicitly stated in historical records, but factors such as shifting consumer preferences, changes in fragrance trends, or business decisions within the perfume industry could have played a role. Despite its discontinuation, "Heure Intime" continues to hold a place in the memories of perfume enthusiasts and collectors who value its unique blend and historical significance.