Paquerettes by Roger et Gallet c1913

In 1913, the period when Roger et Gallet launched their perfume "Paquerettes," Europe was experiencing the Belle Époque era, characterized by a flourishing of arts, culture, and optimism before the outbreak of World War I. This was a time when society embraced elegance and refinement, with a keen interest in perfumes that captured the essence of nature and femininity.

Daisies, the namesake of "Paquerettes," hold a symbolic charm in perfumery. Known for their delicate white petals and cheerful demeanor, daisies evoke feelings of innocence, purity, and simplicity. Their fresh, floral scent is often associated with cleanliness and a sense of natural beauty. While daisies themselves are not typically used to extract essential oils for perfumery due to their minimal fragrance yield, their symbolic and aesthetic appeal makes them a popular choice for perfume names and themes.

Roger et Gallet likely chose the name "Paquerettes" for its evocative charm and romantic connotations. "Paquerettes," meaning daisies in French, suggests a fragrance that embodies the freshness and purity associated with these flowers. The name would appeal to individuals seeking a perfume that captures the essence of a spring meadow, filled with blooming daisies under a clear blue sky. For those who appreciate floral scents without overwhelming sweetness, "Paquerettes" would offer a subtle, natural fragrance that complements a sophisticated yet understated style.

The choice of "Paquerettes" as a perfume name would resonate particularly with women of the Belle Époque era who valued elegance, femininity, and a connection to nature. They would respond favorably to its delicate floral notes, which evoke images of sunlit meadows and feelings of youthful vitality. The word "Paquerettes" itself evokes images of fields dotted with white and yellow blooms, the gentle rustle of petals in the breeze, and the joyous simplicity of a carefree afternoon.

Overall, "Paquerettes" by Roger et Gallet, launched in 1913, encapsulates the spirit of its time with a fragrance that celebrates the natural beauty and timeless elegance associated with daisies.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Given that "Paquerettes" means "daisies" in French and considering its association with the daisy flower, it's reasonable to assume that the fragrance would have a floral bouquet scent, possibly with notes reminiscent of daisies themselves.

The incorporation of daisies into the design of the bottle's stopper further reinforces the association with the flower and its symbolic meanings. It's a thoughtful detail that adds to the overall aesthetic and concept of the fragrance, enhancing its connection to nature and floral beauty. The molded daisies on the stopper likely serve as a visual representation of the scent within, inviting users to experience the delicate and elegant aroma of "Paquerettes."

Interestingly, the daisy was part of secret code called the Language of Flowers, here are some of the "meanings" for daisies:

• Daisy, Garden—I share your feelings.
• Daisy, Michaelmas—Farewell.
• Daisy, Red—Beauty unknown to possessor.
• Daisy, White—Innocence.
• Daisy, Wild—I will think of it.

Bottle:

The exquisite flacon used for Paquerettes was made by Rene Lalique in 1913. Lalique was renowned for his exceptional glasswork and artistic designs, and his collaboration with Roger et Gallet resulted in a stunning bottle that perfectly complemented the essence of the fragrance.

The triangular body of the bottle, coupled with the circular tiara stopper adorned with daisies, creates a harmonious blend of geometric and organic elements. The daisy motif, with stems emanating from the tiara stem like a vase of flowers, adds a touch of whimsy and natural beauty to the design.

The bottle is a plain clear triangular body with nearly circular tiara stopper decorated with daisies with stems emanating from the tiara stem emulating a vase of flowers. The bottle stands 3.75" tall and has a cellophane label on the front. It was housed in a presentation box covered in orange paper.  

Standing at 3.75" tall, the bottle exudes elegance and sophistication in its compact size. The cellophane label on the front likely provided necessary information about the perfume, while the presentation box covered in orange paper would have added to the allure of the packaging.

It's fascinating that this particular bottle style seems to be the only one used for Paquerettes, emphasizing its uniqueness and perhaps contributing to its collectible value among perfume enthusiasts and collectors.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The discontinuation of "Paquerettes" by Roger et Gallet adds to its mystique and allure, leaving behind a legacy of a fragrance that captured the essence of daisies and a bygone era of elegance and sophistication. While the exact date of its discontinuation remains unknown, its presence in the market until at least 1925 indicates its popularity and enduring appeal during the early 20th century.

The late 1920s marked a period of significant social and cultural change, with shifting trends in fashion, art, and fragrance preferences. It's possible that evolving consumer tastes and market dynamics contributed to the discontinuation of "Paquerettes." Despite its discontinuation, the fragrance continues to hold a special place in the hearts of perfume aficionados and collectors, cherished for its timeless scent and exquisite packaging designed by René Lalique.