Marc Isanbel Parfums

Marc Isanbel was a relatively obscure yet intriguing figure in the perfume industry of the 1940s. He was associated with Les Parfums Burdin, a distinguished Parisian perfume house known for its refined and elegant fragrances. Although little is documented about Isanbel’s career, his contributions to the world of perfumery remain a part of France’s rich fragrance history, particularly during the mid-20th century.

 Les Parfums Burdin had already established itself by 1934, introducing a range of fine perfumes that reflected the era’s sophisticated olfactory trends. However, by the 1940s, it appears that the Marc Isanbel company may have acquired Les Parfums Burdin, potentially relaunching and rebranding some of its notable fragrances under the Isanbel name. Evidence suggests that certain perfumes originally produced by Les Parfums Burdin—such as Tabac and Cuir de Russie—were later sold under Marc Isanbel’s branding. One notable example is Berylune, which appears to have been a direct rebranding of Burdin’s earlier Tabac fragrance.

The Marc Isanbel name was later trademarked in Cuba in 1950, indicating that his brand may have expanded beyond France, possibly targeting an international market. This trademark registration raises intriguing questions about the extent of his business operations and whether his perfumes gained a following in the Cuban luxury market, which was known for its appreciation of European perfumery and high-end goods.

While Marc Isanbel’s legacy remains largely enigmatic, his connection to Les Parfums Burdin suggests a fascinating chapter in the history of French fragrance—one marked by rebranding, possible acquisitions, and the continued evolution of perfumery in the post-war era.

 

 

Perfumes:

• Berylune (this is the re-branded fragrance 'Tabac')
• Cuir de Russie
• Tabac
• Diatomee
• Tartane 

The Burdin perfumes can be found using Isanbel branded bottles. Repackaging fragrances from acquired brands in bottles branded with the acquiring company's name was a common practice in the perfume industry. It helped streamline branding and marketing efforts under a unified identity while still offering consumers familiar scents they loved.

This practice not only provided continuity for loyal customers but also allowed the acquiring company to capitalize on the reputation and recognition of the acquired fragrances. It's a testament to the savvy business strategies employed by companies like Marc Isanbel to strengthen their market position and appeal to a broader audience.

Bottles:

The luxurious Marc Isanbel perfume bottles are exquisitely made of frosted glass and have an unusual pattern that reminds me of melted candle wax that has dripped repeatedly over a bottle, like those chianti flasks found in Italian restaurants. The large disk shaped frosted glass stoppers have the matching pattern. The bottles have their paper labels fitted towards the upper part of the bottle just below the neck, a small square reserve molded into the bottle fits the labels perfectly inside. The bases will are molded with "Isanbel Paris". The unique bottles were made in Czechoslovakia by Verreries Tcheco-Moraves - CMS formerly the Reich factory.

Often one cannot find the bottles with their labels intact. The bottles can be found in five different sizes:

• 1/4 oz? bottle stands 2.40" (6.1cm) tall 
• 1/2 oz? bottle stands 2.87" (7.3cm) tall
• 0.73 oz (21ml) bottle stands 2.75" tall 
• 1 oz (30ml) stands 2.95" (7.5cm) tall with a stopper diameter of 
• stands 4.72" (12cm) tall with a stopper diameter of 1.96" (5 cm)
• 5" (15.2cm) tall for "Lotion"
• 6" tall with a stopper diameter 2.5"
• stands 6.29" (16cm) tall with a stopper diameter of 2.36" (6 cm)
• stands 7.48" (19cm) tall with a stopper diameter of 2.75" (7 cm)
• stands 9.44" (24cm) tall with a stopper diameter of 3.54" (9 cm)

 

 

I am not sure when Marc Isabel ceased production, but I believe it was by the 1960s. It's not uncommon for companies in the perfume industry to experience shifts in ownership, changes in production, or even closure over time, due to various factors such as market trends, competition, and changes in consumer preferences. While the exact timeline of Marc Isanbel's production and eventual cessation may not be widely documented, your estimation aligns with the typical lifespan of many perfume brands.

The 1960s marked a period of significant cultural and social change, which also influenced the perfume industry. New trends emerged, and consumer preferences shifted, leading to transformations in the market landscape. It's plausible that Marc Isanbel, like many other perfume brands of that era, may have faced challenges adapting to these changes, ultimately resulting in the discontinuation of production.

Despite the cessation of production, Marc Isanbel's legacy lives on through the fragrances and bottles that were produced during its active years, leaving a mark on the history of perfumery.