Miracle by Lentheric c1924

In 1924, when Lentheric launched the perfume "Miracle - Miracle," the world was amidst a transformative era marked by artistic and cultural revolutions. This period, known as the Roaring Twenties, epitomized a newfound sense of liberation and decadence following the First World War. The name "Miracle - Miracle" was carefully chosen to resonate with the zeitgeist of the time, capturing the spirit of optimism, innovation, and fascination with the extraordinary.

Against this backdrop, Max Reinhardt's play "Miracle" became a sensation, starring the enchanting actress Diana Manners, celebrated for her beauty and charm. The play itself symbolized the allure of theatrical magic and the ability to transport audiences to realms of wonder and fantasy. Lentheric's decision to name their perfume after this play was strategic, aiming to evoke a sense of enchantment and allure that resonated with the desires of the era's cosmopolitan and sophisticated clientele.

Moreover, the name "Miracle - Miracle" suggests not only the miraculous allure of the fragrance itself but also the transformative power it promises to its wearer. Just as Diana Manners captured hearts on stage, the perfume sought to captivate with its elegant blend of scents, promising wearers a touch of theatrical glamour and sophistication. In essence, the choice of name was a nod to the cultural currents of the time, where art, theater, and beauty converged to create moments of pure enchantment and allure, mirroring the essence of Lentheric's exquisite fragrance.

The play "Miracle" by Max Reinhardt, premiered in 1911, was a spectacle that combined elements of fairy tale, pantomime, and spectacle. It was known for its lavish production values and its ability to transport audiences into a fantastical realm of wonder and enchantment.

The plot of "Miracle" revolves around the story of a young girl, Princess Cyprienne, who is cursed with ugliness by an evil fairy. To break the curse, she must find true love's kiss before her 16th birthday. The play unfolds with magical interventions, dramatic twists, and a colorful cast of characters, including fairies, knights, and mystical beings. The narrative is rich with themes of love, beauty, transformation, and the triumph of goodness over adversity.

Max Reinhardt's production of "Miracle" was renowned for its elaborate sets, dazzling costumes, and innovative use of stage effects, which brought the fairy tale world vividly to life. The play captivated audiences with its visual spectacle and emotional resonance, becoming a significant cultural event of its time.

Given its fantastical elements and emphasis on magical themes, naming a perfume "Miracle - Miracle" after this play would evoke notions of enchantment, beauty, and the transformative power of art and imagination, aligning perfectly with the spirit of early 20th-century theatrical glamour and romanticism.

In 1924, Lentheric seized a strategic marketing opportunity by launching their perfume "Miracle - Miracle" in conjunction with the U.S. premiere of the grand pantomime 'The Miracle' at New York City's Century Theatre on January 15. This elaborate production, directed by Max Reinhardt with a libretto by Karl Vollmoeller and music by Englebert Humperdinck, was a visual and auditory spectacle of mythical proportions. The program for the premiere featured a full-page advertisement for Lentheric's new fragrance, strategically placed to capture the attention of the sophisticated theater-going audience. 

Designed by the visionary Norman Bel Geddes, whose elaborate costumes were showcased in stunning ink and watercolor renderings throughout the program, 'The Miracle' epitomized the era's fascination with fantasy, beauty, and artistic innovation. Lentheric's perfume, thus named to evoke the enchantment and allure of the theatrical experience, capitalized on the cultural zeitgeist of the Roaring Twenties, promising wearers a fragrance that embodied the magical and transformative spirit of Reinhardt's mesmerizing production. This collaboration between theater and perfume marked a synergistic moment in cultural history, where artistry and luxury converged to captivate the imagination of audiences both on and off the stage.

1925 ad

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as a floral leather chypre fragrance for women. Consists of a mixed bouquet of flowers and herbs, just slightly spiced with carnation and lilies, on a leathery chypre base.

• Top notes: bergamot, lemon, lilac, coriander, jasmine, rose geranium, hyssop, verbena
• Middle notes: carnation, lily, camphor, iris, lavender, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, sage, oregano, basil.
• Base notes: carrot seed, orris, pine, sandalwood, Moroccan cedar, patchouli, civet, vanilla, leather, oakmoss

Scent Profile:

Imagine stepping into the world of "The Miracle" by Max Reinhardt, where every scent note of Lentheric's "Miracle" perfume evokes the enchanting atmosphere of the play's mythical setting. As the fragrance touches your skin, you are greeted first by a burst of freshness that mirrors the play's vibrant visuals and lively sounds. The top notes of bergamot, lemon, lilac, and verbena transport you to a sun-drenched garden, where citrus trees mingle with blooming lilac bushes under a clear blue sky. These initial scents are bright and invigorating, like the opening scenes of a magical performance.

Gradually, the herbal bouquet begins to unfold, reminiscent of an herb garden in full bloom, just as depicted in the elaborate costumes designed by Norman Bel Geddes. Rosemary, coriander, tarragon, thyme, basil, sage, oregano, and lavender blend together, adding layers of complexity and depth to the fragrance. Each herb brings its unique character, creating an olfactory tapestry that mirrors the play's intricate plot and diverse cast of characters.

Among these herbal notes, a hint of medicinal camphor emerges, adding a mystical quality to the scent experience. This note suggests healing and transformation, echoing the central themes of "The Miracle" where characters undergo profound changes and challenges.

As the perfume settles into its base notes, the woody aromas of cedar, pine, and sandalwood emerge, grounding the fragrance with an earthy richness. Patchouli and oakmoss deepen the scent, evoking the ancient forests and enchanted landscapes that serve as the backdrop to Reinhardt's theatrical masterpiece. These base notes linger like the solemn, enduring melodies in Humperdinck's score, weaving together the final act of this olfactory journey.

In experiencing Lentheric's "Miracle" perfume, you not only inhale its floral and herbal complexities but also embark on a sensory adventure that mirrors the sights, sounds, and emotions of witnessing "The Miracle" unfold on stage. Each note, from the citrusy top to the woody base, resonates with the essence of theatrical enchantment, inviting you to immerse yourself in the spellbinding world of art and fantasy.

Product Line:

Lentheric's "Miracle" fragrance, launched in 1924, offered a comprehensive range of luxurious forms to cater to different preferences and needs. Available in Parfum, also known as extract or extrait, it provided a concentrated and long-lasting scent experience. For those preferring a lighter touch, Bouquet Miracle was offered as a double strength eau de cologne, combining freshness with enhanced fragrance intensity.

Additionally, Lentheric offered the fragrance in Eau de Cologne form, providing a refreshing and lighter option compared to the more concentrated Parfum. Beyond liquid fragrances, Miracle was also available in various ancillary products such as Dusting Powder and Powder Sachet, offering a scented way to add a delicate touch to the skin.

For a more indulgent experience, Lentheric produced Creme Bouquet in cream sachet form, providing a luxurious way to enjoy the fragrance on the skin. The fragrance extended into daily grooming with Miracle Soap, Talc, and Bath Salts, allowing individuals to incorporate the scent into their daily bathing rituals.

Further expanding its versatility, Lentheric offered Miracle in Brilliantine form, which was likely used to add shine and fragrance to hair, providing a sophisticated finishing touch. Completing the collection, Miracle was also available in Face Powder and compacts, allowing individuals to enjoy the fragrance in their makeup routine.

Overall, Lentheric's "Miracle" line not only offered a variety of forms for fragrance application but also integrated luxurious scented products into daily grooming rituals, embodying the glamour and sophistication of the Roaring Twenties era.

Bottles:

Black Crystal Floating Gold Parfum Flacon:

In the midst of the 1920s, a decade marked by opulence and artistic innovation, Lentheric's "Miracle" perfume stood out as a luxurious and sophisticated creation. Its presentation in a unique black crystal bottle, adorned with real gold dust embedded through a process called "floating gold," epitomized the era's fascination with extravagance and fine craftsmanship. The deluxe flacon, made by the renowned Baccarat and designed by Georges Dumoulin, showcased a level of artistry that was both visually striking and deeply symbolic of the high standards of luxury that defined the Roaring Twenties. Even the smaller bottles, produced by glassworks Depinoix, were crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of "Miracle" exuded elegance.

The choice of such a distinctive and luxurious bottle was a deliberate nod to the cultural and social context of the 1920s. This was a time when people were captivated by the magic of theater, art, and high society, seeking out items that reflected their sophisticated tastes and love for beauty. The black crystal bottle with its inner glass stopper and black bakelite cap not only protected the precious perfume but also served as a statement piece, embodying the glamour and innovation of the period. The acid-stamped "Made in France" on the base further emphasized the fragrance's authenticity and superior quality, aligning with France's reputation as the epicenter of haute couture and luxury goods.

The bottles were available in three sizes: 5 7/8 inches tall, 4 1/2 inches tall, and 3 1/8 inches tall, catering to different preferences and needs.

In this context, naming the perfume "Miracle" was fitting, as it evoked the enchantment and transformative power reminiscent of Max Reinhardt's theatrical production, also titled "The Miracle." Just as the play captivated audiences with its visual and emotional splendor, the perfume aimed to enchant its wearers, offering them a sensory experience that transcended the ordinary. The intricate design of the bottle and the rich, complex fragrance within it promised a miraculous escape into a world of elegance and sophistication, perfectly capturing the spirit of the 1920s.

 This sentiment was echoed in a 1929 issue of Hearst's, which described the perfume with poetic reverence: "Inevitably they return with a zealously guarded bottle of this most exquisite perfume of Guillaume Lentheric — a bottle in onyx and sprayed gold, full of tiny drops — within each drop, forever trapped, the quick sweet scents of fragile living flowers." Such descriptions highlight the timeless allure and cherished nature of "Miracle," underscoring its status as a treasured luxury item that encapsulated the essence of beauty and refinement in every precious drop.

Baccarat/Val St Lambert - Blue Edged Parfum Flacon:
 

Another early bottle used for Lentheric's "Miracle" parfum in the 1920s was a square-shaped masterpiece crafted from cased blue and clear crystal. This elegant bottle, standing at 3 1/2 inches tall, featured a glass inner stopper, a brass metal cover, and a paper label, combining both aesthetic beauty and practical functionality. This design was created by the esteemed glassworks of both Val St. Lambert and Baccarat, ensuring that each bottle was a work of art.

This particular bottle, known as Baccarat model number 298, was originally created in 1916 and could also be found with green cased glass, used for Lentheric's "Ambre Mousse" perfume launched in 1912. The cased glass technique, where a layer of colored glass is encased within a layer of clear glass, added depth and richness to the bottle's appearance, making it an exquisite piece to behold.

 

 The square bottle was not only a luxurious addition to any boudoir but also highly practical for travel. Its tight-fitting brass lid and inner glass stopper ensured that the precious fragrance remained secure and spill-proof, making it an ideal companion for the sophisticated traveler. This dual-purpose design highlighted the innovative spirit of the time, catering to the needs of a clientele who valued both beauty and convenience.

In the context of the 1920s, this bottle embodied the era's fascination with opulence and fine craftsmanship. It was a perfect reflection of the Roaring Twenties' dynamic and adventurous spirit, allowing individuals to carry the enchanting scent of "Miracle" with them wherever they went. The collaboration between Val St. Lambert and Baccarat resulted in a bottle that not only protected the fragrance but also served as a testament to the period's luxurious and refined taste.

Frosted Grecian Capital Parfum Flacon:

Starting in 1936, Lentheric's "Miracle" perfume was presented in a strikingly elegant bottle made by Verreries Brosse. This bottle, designed by Frank McIntosh and patented in the U.S. on May 27, 1936, featured frosted and clear glass with scrolling motifs on each side, reminiscent of an Ionic capital from ancient Greek architecture. The decision to use this design not only reflected a shift in aesthetic preferences but also addressed the practical need to replace the very expensive "floating gold" Baccarat/Depinoix bottle.

The Ionic capital is one of the classical orders of Grecian architecture, characterized by its scroll-like volutes. This design element conveys a sense of classical beauty, balance, and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for a perfume bottle. Using such a timeless and elegant motif for the "Miracle" perfume bottle aligned perfectly with the luxurious and refined image of the fragrance.

This new design was versatile and came in several sizes to suit various needs:

• Mini perfume (1/8 oz) - 1-5/16" tall x 1-9/16" wide
• Half ounce - 2" tall x 2-1/2" wide
• One ounce - 2-5/8" tall x 3-1/2" wide
• Two ounce
• Four ounce - 3-1/4" tall x 4-1/4" wide
• Eight ounce - 4" tall x 5-1/4" wide

The bottle's intricate design, with its classic lines and graceful scrolls, was described in a 1936 travel article as "a flacon of arresting beauty — a replica in crystal of the capital of a Grecian column." This description highlights how the bottle's aesthetic appeal was both captivating and timeless, making it a perfect vessel for the cherished "Miracle" perfume.

Travel, 1936:

"A flacon of arresting beauty — replica in crystal of the capital of a Grecian column, with classic lines and graceful scrolls."

The transition to this new bottle design not only reduced manufacturing costs but also enhanced the perfume's marketability. The bottle's classic and elegant design resonated with the sophisticated tastes of the 1930s, appealing to those who appreciated the blend of historical beauty and modern refinement. By drawing inspiration from ancient Greek architecture, Lentheric was able to create a bottle that was not only functional and economical but also a true work of art, embodying the enduring allure and mystique of the "Miracle" fragrance.

Czech Controlled Bubble Parfum Flacons:


 In 1935, Lentheric introduced another exquisite presentation for its perfumes, the controlled bubble glass bottle, made in Czechoslovakia. This 4-inch tall bottle featured a unique design where the glass was filled with tiny bubbles, giving the entire bottle the appearance of a large, shimmering bubble. This innovative bottle came in different colors, each associated with a specific Lentheric perfume: cerulean blue for Miracle, softened rose for Lotus D'Or, green for Le Pirate, green for Au Fil de L'Eau, green for Foret Vierge, mirror clear for Asphodele, champagne for Tweed, and amber for Numero Douze.

The controlled bubble glass bottle was highlighted in a 1935 issue of Drug and Cosmetic Industry, which described it as: "LENTHERIC'S Bubble Bottle comes in blue, clear, rose, amber or green. The glass is full of tiny bubbles and the whole bottle looks like one large bubble itself. Numero Douze, Miracle, Asphodele, and Le Pirate are the perfumes bottled in this way." This description captures the bottle's enchanting and ethereal quality, making it a distinctive and visually appealing option for perfume presentation.

The design not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the perfumes but also added an element of whimsy and charm, aligning perfectly with the luxurious and innovative image of Lentheric. Each color variant was carefully chosen to complement the specific fragrance it contained, creating a cohesive and elegant collection that stood out in the competitive perfume market of the 1930s. The bubble glass bottle's artistic design and association with high-quality craftsmanship made it a coveted item for perfume connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Orrefors Crystal Parfum Flacons:
 

In 1936, Lentheric unveiled a trio of exquisite crystal parfum flacons crafted by Orrefors, designed to house their prestigious fragrances Tweed, Gardenia de Tahiti, and Miracle. Each bottle featured a distinct etched design on its front and was elegantly topped with a frosted glass spire-like stopper. The presentation was further enhanced by a vaulted top box adorned with silver and blue paper, adding to the luxurious appeal of these collectible pieces.

Despite their beauty and craftsmanship, the Orrefors crystal bottles used by Lentheric often went unrecognized due to their lack of visible Orrefors markings. Instead, they were typically adorned with hang tags that were frequently lost over time, leaving many unaware of their association with the renowned Swedish glassmaker. This oversight has contributed to their rarity and mystique among collectors and enthusiasts of vintage perfume bottles.

The collaboration between Lentheric and Orrefors represented a convergence of artistic vision and technical skill, producing vessels that not only preserved the fragrances within but also served as objets d'art in their own right. The ornate etchings and delicate frosted glass stoppers exemplified the attention to detail and commitment to quality that characterized both brands, catering to a clientele with discerning tastes for beauty and elegance.

These Orrefors crystal parfum flacons remain cherished artifacts of a bygone era, symbolizing the union of luxury perfume and fine craftsmanship. Their understated elegance and historical significance continue to captivate collectors, offering a glimpse into the glamorous world of fragrance and design during the early 20th century.

Other bottles:

Fate of the Fragrance:

Until the late 1960s, Miracle by Lentheric was available in a variety of less elaborate bottles compared to its earlier luxurious presentations. These bottles, while lacking the ornate details of earlier designs, still encapsulated the essence of the fragrance within practical and accessible packaging. The transition from the exquisite Baccarat and Orrefors crystal bottles to simpler containers reflected changing consumer preferences and economic considerations of the time.

The exact date of Miracle's discontinuation remains unclear, adding to its mystique and allure among perfume enthusiasts and collectors. Despite its eventual departure from the market, Miracle left an indelible mark as a fragrance that embodied the elegance and sophistication of its era. Its legacy continues through memories of its various bottle designs and the lasting impressions it made during its years of availability.

CLICK HERE TO FIND MIRACLE BY LENTHERIC

From a 1929 Lentheric catalog, Miracle was available in the following, with original prices:

Extract (boxed):

• No. 2360 - 1/2 oz - $4.00
• No. 1360 - 1 oz - $7.00
• No. 360 - 2 oz - $12.50
• No. 361 - 4 oz - $25.00
• No. 362 - 8 oz $45.00

Toilet Water:

• No. 370 - 4 oz - $6.00
• No. 371 - 8 oz - $10.00
• No. 372 - 16 oz - $18.00

Double Compact (with extra refill):

• No. 100 - $2.50
• Rouge: Pour Blonde, Medium, Pour Brune
• Powder: Naturelle, Rachel, Blanche

Single Compact (with extra refill):

• No. 101 - $1.00
• Naturelle, Rachel, Blanche

Powder Refill (with puff for No. 101 and 100):

• No. 103 - $0.50
• Naturelle, Rachel, Blanche

Face Powder (with puff):

• No. 105 - $1.00
• Naturelle No. 1
• Naturelle No. 2
• Naturelle No. 3
• Rachel No. 1
• Rachel No. 2
• Summer Tan
• Ocre
• Ocre Rose
• Blanche

Talcum Powder

• No. 110 - 4 1/2 oz - $1.00
• Summer Tan
• White

Dusting Powder (with puff)

• No. 115 - $2.00

Bath Salts

• No. 120 - small - $1.50
• No. 121 - large - $2.50

Soaps (3 cakes to a box):

• No. 130 - per cake - $1.00

Brilliantine:

• No. 135 - Liquid - $1.50
• No. 136 - Crystallized - $2.50

Sachet:

• No. 140 - 1 oz - $2.00