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Welcome to my unique perfume blog! Here, you'll find detailed, encyclopedic entries about perfumes and companies, complete with facts and photos for easy research. This site is not affiliated with any perfume companies; it's a reference source for collectors and enthusiasts who cherish classic fragrances. My goal is to highlight beloved, discontinued classics and show current brand owners the demand for their revival. Your input is invaluable! Please share why you liked a fragrance, describe its scent, the time period you wore it, any memorable occasions, or what it reminded you of. Did a relative wear it, or did you like the bottle design? Your stories might catch the attention of brand representatives. I regularly update posts with new information and corrections. Your contributions help keep my entries accurate and comprehensive. Please comment and share any additional information you have. Together, we can keep the legacy of classic perfumes alive!

Sunday, July 28, 2024

L'Heure Romantique by Corday c1928

"L'Heure Romantique" translates to "The Romantic Hour" in English. The perfume was launched in 1928, a time known for its distinctive blend of sensuality, romance, and intimacy.

In the 1920s, particularly in Western societies, there was a notable shift towards more liberated attitudes regarding love, relationships, and personal expression. The era was characterized by jazz, flappers, and a sense of freedom after the end of World War I. Women's fashion became more daring, and there was a growing emphasis on enjoying life and indulging in pleasures, including romantic ones.

The name "L'Heure Romantique" captures the essence of this period perfectly. It suggests a specific moment in time dedicated to romance and intimacy, evoking images of candlelit dinners, whispered confessions of love, and stolen kisses. During the 1920s, notions of romance were evolving beyond traditional norms, embracing new forms of expression and freedom in relationships.


Blanche Arvoy, the founder of Corday perfumes, likely chose the name "L'Heure Romantique" to tap into the spirit of the times and appeal to women who sought elegance, sensuality, and a touch of allure in their fragrances. The name suggests a perfume designed for a woman who appreciates romance and understands its nuances, someone who values moments of intimacy and wishes to enhance them with a scent that complements the atmosphere.

Women of that era would likely respond positively to such a perfume with a name like "L'Heure Romantique." It would resonate with their desire for sophistication and romance, offering them a way to enhance their allure and create an aura of mystery and sensuality.

The name "L'Heure Romantique" conjures images of moonlit walks, silk dresses, and whispered promises. It evokes feelings of nostalgia for a time when romance was celebrated openly and passionately. In the context of the 1920s, it signifies a departure from Victorian restraint to a more modern, liberated approach to love and relationships.

Overall, "L'Heure Romantique" by Corday not only captures the essence of its time but also embodies the desires and aspirations of women who sought romance and intimacy amidst the changing social landscape of the 1920s.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an aldehydic heavy floral fragrance for women with a dominant orange blossom note.

  • Top notes: aldehydes, neroli, cassie, sweet orange, bergamot
  • Middle notes: cloves, jasmine, rose, orange blossom, orris
  • Base notes: civet, sandalwood, ambergris, oakmoss, labdanum, tonka bean, musk, tolu balsam


Scent Story:


As the evening unfolds under a canopy of moonlit stars, the air carries a delicate symphony of scents, each note weaving a tale of romance and intimacy. At first inhale, the aldehydes sparkle like champagne bubbles, setting a celebratory tone for the night ahead. The citrusy sweetness of neroli and sweet orange dances playfully, mingling with the crisp bergamot breeze that whispers promises of freshness and vitality.

Amidst this aromatic symphony, a hint of cassie blooms like golden sunlight, casting a warm embrace over the lovers as they wander through the night. The scent of cloves adds a spicy allure, reminiscent of whispered secrets shared in the dark, while jasmine and rose unfurl their heady fragrances like love letters, stirring passion and desire in the heart.

Dominating the essence is the orange blossom, its floral embrace enveloping them in a tender caress, each breath deepening their connection. Orris adds a powdery softness, like silk against the skin, enhancing the romantic ambiance that surrounds them.

As the night deepens, the base notes emerge, grounding their senses in a symphony of warmth and depth. Sandalwood wraps them in a comforting embrace, while ambergris adds a mysterious allure, like the depths of the ocean under a moonlit sky. Oakmoss lends an earthy greenness, connecting them to nature's embrace, while labdanum and tonka bean add a resinous sweetness, akin to the warmth of a shared dessert after a sumptuous meal.

Musk whispers softly, its warm, skin-like scent creating an aura of intimacy and passion between them. Tolu balsam enriches the air with a sweet, vanilla-like richness, lingering like a tender kiss. Together, these scents blend into a harmonious olfactory journey, enhancing every touch, taste, sound, and sight of their enchanting evening together.

Under the moon's gentle glow, surrounded by the rustle of leaves and the distant melody of music, they savor the sweetness of shared moments, the warmth of intertwined hands, and the tender caress of their love story, etched in the fragrance of L'Heure Romantique.

Bottles:


The deluxe parfum bottle of "L'Heure Romantique" by Corday, crafted from exquisite Baccarat crystal, epitomizes luxury and elegance. Designed by Georges Chevalier, a renowned glass designer and artist associated with Baccarat, the bottle features a distinctive flattened arched shape. Its base is adorned with a deep fluted band finished in gold enamel, which adds a touch of opulence and refinement. At the front of the bottle, the name of the perfume is delicately inscribed in gold enamel, further enhancing its sophisticated appearance.

Baccarat, a prestigious French crystal manufacturer established in 1764, is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic designs. The collaboration with Georges Chevalier ensured that the "L'Heure Romantique" bottle not only housed a luxurious fragrance but also served as a collectible piece of art in its own right.

The perfume was available in three different sizes, catering to varying preferences and needs. The smallest size, a 1 oz bottle, stands at a charming 3 inches tall and was originally sold for $6.00. A slightly larger 2 oz version, measuring 3.75 inches in height, was priced at $12.00. For those seeking an even grander display, a substantial 4 oz bottle stood 4.5 inches tall, offering a more generous supply of the beloved fragrance.

In addition to these practical sizes, Baccarat also produced a magnificent factice bottle of "L'Heure Romantique." Factice bottles are oversized, non-functional display bottles often used for promotional purposes or as decorative items in stores. This oversized factice bottle would have been a stunning showpiece, showcasing both the fragrance and the craftsmanship of Baccarat's crystal work.

Overall, the design and presentation of "L'Heure Romantique" in its Baccarat crystal bottle epitomize the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s. It reflects the era's appreciation for artistry, luxury, and the finer things in life, making it a coveted accessory for those who appreciate both beauty and fragrance.




The New Yorker, 1949:
"Your choice of these long-lasting French fragrances: Corday's TOUJOURS MOI or POSSESSION at $2.50; FAME, ROMANTIQUE, L'ARDENTE NUIT or FEMME du JOUR at $2.00; JET at $1.75. All prices plus tax."






Fate of the Fragrance:


The L'Heure Romantique perfume by Corday, which was still available for purchase in 1949, has since been discontinued, though the exact date of discontinuation is unclear.

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