Les Parfums Nelombo

Les Parfums Nelombo was founded in 1931 by Les Laboratoires Dausse, Société Anonyme, based in Paris, France. The company’s name, Nelombo, was inspired by the Netumbium speciosum, more commonly known as the Nelumbo or the large pink water lily, which is often associated with purity, beauty, and tranquility. This water lily, also known as the lotus, flourishes in aquatic environments and is celebrated for its striking appearance and symbolism in various cultures, especially in Eastern traditions where it represents enlightenment and rebirth.

The name Nelombo thus evoked both a sense of elegance and natural beauty, aligning with the brand's mission to offer high-quality fragrances. By adopting the name of such a revered flower, the company aimed to establish a connection to the natural world and its intrinsic beauty, which is often a theme in luxury perfumery. The choice of the Nelumbo as a symbol reflected the company’s aspirations in the world of fine fragrance, positioning their offerings as both refined and timeless.

The trademark "NELOMBO," registered under Trademark No. 334,365, was filed on January 26, 1933. This trademark was applied to a wide range of beauty and personal care products, signaling the diverse offerings of the Nelombo brand in the cosmetic and fragrance industry. The brand extended beyond perfumes and toilet waters, including products such as face powders, compact powders, rouges, lipsticks, eyebrow pencils, and hair tints in solid form.

Additionally, the trademark covered other personal care items such as lavender waters, vegetal lotions, eau de cologne, bath salts, and both liquid and paste dentifrices (toothpastes). The range further included face and skin creams, beauty lotions, shampoos, depilatories in paste form, liquid toilet astringents, and nut oil lotion for the skin. The inclusion of brilliantine, a hair grooming product, and nail polishes reflected Nelombo's broad approach to the beauty market, offering a complete suite of products for personal care and grooming.

The trademark claimed use of the name "NELOMBO" in commerce since December 18, 1931, indicating that the brand had been operational for some time before filing for trademark protection. This earlier usage demonstrates that Nelombo had already established a presence in the beauty and fragrance industry and sought to safeguard its name and products as it expanded its offerings.

The known perfumes of Les Parfums Nelombo:

• 1933 Oeillet
• 1933 Rose
• 1933 Violette
• 1933 Fougere
• 1933 Calliopsis (Greek word for "beautiful to see")
• 1933 Gardenia
• 1933 Chypre
• 1933 Pois de Senteur
• 1933 En Croisiere
• 1933 Le Parfum de Gaby Morlay

Les Parfums Nelombo, launched in 1933, introduced a variety of fragrances that mirrored the popular olfactory trends of the early 20th century while also reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the time. The perfumes, many named after flowers and other botanicals, offered a glimpse into the fragrance preferences of an era that valued both floral and more complex, earthy notes. Below are some of the notable scents from their collection, described with potential ingredients and their evocative names.

1933 Oeillet

"Oeillet" is French for "Carnation," a flower often associated with warmth and spice. Carnation-based perfumes are typically rich, spicy, and floral, with notes of clove, cinnamon, and pepper, underscored by a soft floral sweetness. The fragrance may have featured these spicy and sweet accords, creating a sophisticated and vibrant profile.

1933 Rose

As expected, "Rose" is a classic floral fragrance, derived from the timeless and beloved flower. Rose perfumes often contain fresh, romantic notes of rose petals, balanced by green, dewy nuances and occasionally accented with hints of honey, citrus, or a soft powderiness. This fragrance likely conveyed a soft yet powerful floral scent, ideal for those seeking elegance and refinement.

1933 Violette

"Violette," meaning "Violet" in French, would likely have centered on the sweet, powdery, and slightly green characteristics of the violet flower. Violet perfumes often contain notes of green leaves, sweet florals, and sometimes a light, iris-like powderiness. A blend of these notes would have created a fresh and delicate scent, perfect for spring or daytime wear.

1933 Fougere

"Fougere" translates to "fern" in French, a term used in perfumery to describe a particular family of fragrances. Fougere scents are typically composed of lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin (a sweet, hay-like note). These perfumes often have a fresh, herbaceous quality, balanced by woody, earthy, and sometimes floral undertones. This fragrance would have had a classic, green, and slightly aromatic quality, evoking the scent of a forest floor.

1933 Calliopsis

Derived from the Greek word "kallio" (meaning beautiful) and "opsis" (meaning appearance), "Calliopsis" translates roughly to "beautiful to see." This fragrance may have drawn inspiration from the brightly colored Calliopsis flower, with notes of fresh citrus, green leaves, and a floral bouquet that was likely vibrant and uplifting. The fragrance would likely be bright and sunny, with a blend of floral and citrusy accords.

1933 Gardenia

Named after the fragrant white flower, "Gardenia" perfumes typically boast creamy, lush floral notes, evoking the essence of the gardenia flower with its rich, sweet scent. Gardenia fragrances often contain notes of jasmine, tuberose, and sometimes coconut, creating a creamy and slightly tropical aroma. This perfume would likely have a sophisticated, sensual, and deeply floral character.

1933 Chypre

"Chypre" refers to a fragrance family known for its complex, earthy, and woody compositions. Typically, Chypre perfumes contain citrus top notes, floral middle notes, and a base of oakmoss, patchouli, and labdanum. The scent is warm, smoky, and earthy with a deep, refined character. This fragrance would have conveyed a bold, timeless, and elegant profile, popular in classic perfumery.

1933 Pois de Senteur

"Pois de Senteur" translates to "Sweet Peas" in English. This fragrance would likely have emphasized the soft, floral, and sweet scent of sweet peas, which are known for their delicate and airy qualities. Expect a light and fresh composition, potentially with green, dewy notes and soft florals, creating a pleasant, spring-like fragrance.

1933 En Croisière

The fragrance "En Croisière," which translates to "On a Cruise" in English, evokes the essence of adventure, elegance, and the open sea. Launched in 1933, this perfume likely aimed to capture the feeling of a luxurious voyage, combining fresh, invigorating elements with a sense of refined escapism. Given the name, one could expect a blend of light, breezy, and marine notes, designed to transport the wearer to the deck of a ship sailing through the open waters.

The composition of "En Croisière" might have featured crisp citrus top notes, such as lemon or bergamot, which are often associated with freshness and brightness. These could have been complemented by green, grassy elements, evoking the scent of the sea breeze mingling with the fresh air. Middle notes might include florals like neroli or jasmine, which are light and uplifting, adding a delicate, ethereal quality to the fragrance. Finally, the base could have contained woody or musky elements, such as sandalwood or cedar, grounding the scent with a soft, earthy warmth that mimics the feeling of standing on a sunlit deck, gazing at the horizon.

This fragrance would likely have been both refreshing and sophisticated, capturing the spirit of an elegant journey while remaining light and accessible. "En Croisière" would have been a perfume for those seeking a sense of adventure, yet with a refined and composed allure. It was a scent designed to embody the freedom of travel and the luxuriousness of the high seas, perfectly aligned with the spirit of the 1930s.

1933 Le Parfum de Gaby Morlay

This perfume was named after the famous French actress Gaby Morlay, known for her elegance and charm. "Le Parfum de Gaby Morlay" likely embodied sophistication, possibly featuring a blend of floral, woody, and powdery notes to create a refined and luxurious scent. The fragrance would have aimed to capture the glamour and allure of Gaby Morlay, with perhaps a touch of the sensual or dramatic.

Each of these fragrances from Les Parfums Nelombo, launched in 1933, offered a distinctive olfactory experience, combining floral, earthy, and aromatic elements that were reflective of the perfume trends of the early 20th century. They are a testament to the era's love for both nature-inspired scents and complex, layered compositions.