Parfums Calixte

Calixte, known for its fashion house based at 227 rue St.-Honoré in Paris, introduced a small collection of perfumes in the 1940s. These fragrances have since become extremely rare and are considered nearly extinct in the modern perfume market. The limited production and specific historical context contribute to their scarcity today. Collectors and enthusiasts of vintage perfumes might occasionally seek out these rare items, but they are seldom available.

The perfumes of Calixte:

• 1944 - Marage
• 1945 - Givré, Parfum d'Hiver
• 1945 - Cuir
• 1947 - Ulysse, Parfum d'Aventure

Femme, 1946:

""Cuir" from Calixte seems to us to be reserved for sportswomen, those who smoke, who drive their cars, who are independent and don't like overly suave perfumes. "Cuir" is a deep perfume. Tenacious, based on leather from Russia."

Bottles:

Ulysse:

The perfume Ulysse by Calixte is notable not only for its scent but also for its distinctive and creative packaging. It comes in a unique cardboard box lined with titled polychrome paper that mimics the appearance of a postal parcel. The interior of the box is illustrated with a geographical map, adding a whimsical and exploratory theme to the presentation.

The perfume bottle itself is a standard square shape made of colorless glass, featuring an illustrated label. Additionally, it includes a pouch made of suede imitation fabrics designed for carrying the bottle in a bag. This playful and detailed presentation highlights the artistic and innovative approach Calixte took in both fashion and perfumery, making Ulysse a memorable and collectible item despite its rarity today. Image: drouot.

Givre:

The perfume Givre by Calixte is housed in a rare and striking modernist bottle crafted from solid colorless pressed glass. The bottle features a cubic rectangular section, giving it a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. At its square terminal, there are protruding gadroons, adding texture and visual interest to the design.

The flat cap of the bottle is covered with a heavy glass capsule adorned with the same decorative gadroon pattern, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. Interestingly, this distinctive bottle design was also utilized for another Calixte perfume, Cuir, showcasing the brand's penchant for elegant and innovative packaging.

The combination of the modernist bottle design and the luxurious heavy glass construction reflects the sophistication and attention to detail characteristic of Calixte perfumes, making Givre a unique and covetable addition to any fragrance collection. Cuir. Image: drouot.