Tempest by Lucien Lelong c1947

Launched in 1947, Tempest by Lucien Lelong is a notable fragrance that has left a lasting mark in the world of perfumery. Originally named 'Orage' for the French market, this fragrance was rebranded as 'Tempest' to appeal to the English-speaking audience.

Lucien Lelong, a prominent figure in the fashion and fragrance world, was known for his innovative approach and high standards. Tempest reflects this legacy, embodying the elegance and sophistication of the late 1940s. It remains a classic example of how a fragrance can encapsulate the spirit of an era while offering a timeless appeal.

Tempest by Lucien Lelong stands as a symbol of post-war elegance and innovation in the fragrance industry. Its comprehensive line of products and thoughtful rebranding strategy highlight Lelong's visionary approach, making Tempest a treasured name in the history of perfumery.

Fragrance Composition:

Notes at a glance:

So what does it smell like? It was a sparkling aldehydic floral oriental fragrance for women with a chypre base.  

• Top notes: aldehydes, mandarin, bergamot, neroli,
• Middle notes: violet, sage, freesia, iris, Grasse jasmine, hydrangea, Bulgarian rose, lily of the valley, ylang ylang
• Base notes: iis, musk, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, oakmoss, amber, vanilla

Scent Profile:

Tempest is celebrated for its sparkling aldehydic floral oriental composition with a chypre base. It is often described as "light and lilting, fresh, young," encapsulating a sense of youthful elegance and vibrancy.

Olfactory Notes:

Top Notes: The fragrance opens with a bright and effervescent blend of aldehydes, mandarin, bergamot, and neroli. These notes create a sparkling and invigorating introduction, setting a fresh and lively tone.

• Aldehydes: Add a fizzy, sparkling quality.
• Mandarin: Offers a sweet, citrusy freshness.
• Bergamot: Provides a zesty, slightly bitter edge.
• Neroli: Brings a floral and slightly spicy aroma.

Middle Notes: The heart of Tempest unfolds with a rich bouquet of violet, sage, freesia, iris, Grasse jasmine, hydrangea, Bulgarian rose, lily of the valley, and ylang-ylang. This combination delivers a multi-faceted floral symphony, balancing delicate and intense floral notes.

• Violet: Adds a soft, powdery floral touch.
• Sage: Introduces an herbaceous and slightly woody nuance.
• Freesia: Contributes a sweet, peppery floral scent.
• Iris: Lends a sophisticated and slightly earthy floral note.
• Grasse Jasmine: Known for its luxurious and rich floral aroma.
• Hydrangea: Provides a fresh, airy floral scent.
• Bulgarian Rose: Adds a deep, romantic floral richness.
• Lily of the Valley: Brings a fresh, green floral note.
• Ylang Ylang: Contributes an exotic, creamy floral scent.

Base Notes: The fragrance is anchored by a warm, woody, and earthy base of iris, musk, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, oakmoss, amber, and vanilla. These notes ensure a lasting, sensual finish that lingers beautifully on the skin.

• Iris: Continues from the heart, adding depth.
• Musk: Provides a soft, sensual foundation.
• Cedar: Adds a dry, woody quality.
• Vetiver: Brings an earthy, green richness.
• Patchouli: Adds a deep, earthy, and slightly sweet touch.
• Sandalwood: Lends a creamy, woody smoothness.
• Oakmoss: Contributes a classic chypre earthiness.
• Amber: Adds warmth and a subtle sweetness.
• Vanilla: Provides a comforting, sweet finish.

Comprehensive Product Line:

Tempest was more than just a perfume; it was a comprehensive line that included various beauty products, offering a full sensory experience:

• Perfume: The heart of the line, capturing the brand’s essence.
• Lipsticks: Designed in complementary shades to the fragrance.
• Cologne: Available in three sizes, providing a lighter, more casual wear.
• Toilet Water: A lighter fragrance option for everyday use.
• Solid Cologne: A portable and convenient form of the fragrance.
• Sachet: Fragrance-infused sachets for drawers and closets.
• Soap: Luxurious, scented soap to enhance the bathing experience.
• Dusting Powder: Silky powder to leave the skin softly fragranced.
• Talcum Powder: Delicate powder for a light, fresh feeling.
• Rouge: Blush in shades that complement the fragrance.
• Cream Rouge: A cream-based blush for a natural glow.
• Quick Change Makeup Base: A versatile base for a smooth complexion.
• Face Powder: Finely milled powder for a flawless finish.

 

Good Housekeeping - Volume 125, 1947:

"Presenting a new Lucien Lelong Perfume . . . electric as a Paris Salon opening ... a combination of confidence and pure French excitement. You'll wear Tempest as you'd wear a Paris original . . . assured of its fashion importance, and inspirited by the stir.."

Lucien Lelong, a visionary in the fashion and fragrance world, crafted Tempest to reflect the elegance and sophistication of the late 1940s. Good Housekeeping, Volume 125 (1947), describes it as "electric as a Paris Salon opening ... a combination of confidence and pure French excitement." Tempest was envisioned as more than just a scent; it was a fashion statement. "You'll wear Tempest as you'd wear a Paris original ... assured of its fashion importance, and inspirited by the stir," the magazine continues, highlighting the fragrance’s role in evoking a sense of high fashion and exhilaration.

Bottles:

Tempest's parfum was presented in an unusual and captivating bottle that embodied the elegance and movement of a twirling skirt during dancing. The bottle’s design featured: A squat, fluted conical form with radiating facets, resting on a pedestal base. The stopper echoed the design with radiated facets, creating a cohesive and striking appearance.

Bottle Sizes:

• 3.75" tall: The largest size available, making a bold statement.
• 1 oz bottle (3.25" tall): A medium size for regular use.
• 0.5 oz bottle (2.5" tall): A compact option, ideal for travel.
• 0.25 oz bottle (1.75" tall): The smallest size, perfect for sampling or as a collectible.
• Factice (dummy) bottle (4" tall): Filled with colored water to simulate the perfume, used for display purposes.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Lucien Lelong's Tempest perfume, like many other classic fragrances, was discontinued for a variety of potential reasons. The discontinuation of a perfume can be attributed to several factors:

• Market Demand: Over time, consumer preferences shift, and what was once a popular scent may fall out of favor. If sales decline significantly, a company might decide to discontinue the product.

• Ingredient Availability: Perfumes are made from a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients. If a key ingredient becomes scarce, difficult to source, or prohibitively expensive, it can lead to the discontinuation of the fragrance.

• Regulatory Changes: Changes in regulations regarding certain ingredients, particularly those deemed allergenic or harmful, can force companies to reformulate or discontinue a product. This is particularly relevant in the European Union, where cosmetic regulations are stringent.

• Brand Strategy: Companies often refresh their product lines to stay current and relevant. This can involve discontinuing older products to make way for new launches or to rebrand and streamline their offerings.

• Cost of Production: If the cost of producing a particular perfume becomes too high relative to its sales, the company may decide to discontinue it. This includes factors like the cost of raw materials, manufacturing, and distribution.

• Corporate Changes: Mergers, acquisitions, and changes in company ownership can also lead to the discontinuation of certain products as new management may have different strategic priorities or focus areas.

Without specific details from Lucien Lelong or the associated company, pinpointing the exact reason for Tempest's discontinuation is speculative. However, it's likely a combination of these factors influenced the decision.