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Monday, September 11, 2023

Marc Isanbel Parfums

Marc Isanbel was a little known figure in the perfume industry during the 1940s. He was associated with Les Parfums Burdin, a well-known perfume company based in Paris. Isanbel's contribution to the world of perfumery during that era left a lasting impact, and his work is often remembered as part of the rich history of fragrance creation in France.



Les Parfums Burdin Paris launched a range of fragrances in 1934.

I believe that the Marc Isanbel company may have acquired Les Parfums Burdin and relaunched some of their fragrances under the Marc Isanbel name in the 1940s. Berylune is the rebranded perfume Tabac. Cuir de Russie and Tabac were also sold by Les Parfums Burdin.

The name Isanbel was trademarked in Cuba in 1950.

It's fascinating how perfume companies often undergo acquisitions and rebrandings, and the transition of fragrances from one brand to another is a common occurrence in the industry. If Marc Isanbel did indeed acquire Les Parfums Burdin and relaunch some of their fragrances under his own name in the 1940s, it would demonstrate a strategic move to expand his brand's portfolio and possibly leverage the existing popularity and reputation of the acquired fragrances.

The trademarking of the name Isanbel in Cuba in 1950 adds another interesting layer to the story, hinting at potential international expansion or distribution of Isanbel fragrances.

This kind of historical detective work is fascinating and can provide valuable insights into the evolution of perfume companies and the fragrances they produce.

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)








The description provided paints a vivid picture of the luxurious and distinctive design of Marc Isanbel perfume bottles. The frosted glass with a pattern resembling melted candle wax creates a unique and elegant aesthetic, reminiscent of the charm of traditional Italian chianti flasks. The attention to detail, such as the matching pattern on the stoppers and the carefully fitted paper labels, speaks to the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness put into the design of these bottles.

The fact that these bottles were made in Czechoslovakia by Verreries Tcheco-Moraves (CMS), formerly the Reich factory, adds another layer of historical and geographical context to the story of Marc Isanbel perfumes. Collaborations with renowned glass manufacturers like CMS were common in the perfume industry, ensuring the production of high-quality bottles that complemented the premium fragrances they contained.

It's intriguing how the design elements of the bottles contribute to the overall branding and identity of Marc Isanbel perfumes, creating a visual representation of luxury and sophistication that enhances the allure of the fragrances themselves.

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.


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