4 Vents by Revillon c1950

In 1950, when Revillon launched the perfume "4 Vents" in France, the world was experiencing a period of recovery and transformation following the end of World War II. Europe, in particular, was rebuilding its cities, economies, and societies. This era was marked by a sense of optimism and a desire for new beginnings. The fashion and beauty industries were thriving, with a renewed emphasis on luxury and elegance. By the time "4 Vents" was introduced to the United States in 1952, America was in the midst of a post-war economic boom, characterized by consumerism, suburban growth, and a fascination with new products and innovations.

The name "4 Vents" translates to "Four Winds" in English and is derived from French. Revillon, a Parisian furrier and luxury brand, chose this name to evoke the idea of global reach and universal appeal. The phrase "four winds" suggests something that spans across the entire world, touching every corner and bringing a sense of adventure and exploration.

Revillon likely chose the name "4 Vents" to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication that transcends geographical boundaries. The notion of the four winds can be associated with the four cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west—implying a fragrance that is as diverse and encompassing as the winds themselves. It suggests a perfume that captures the essence of various cultures and landscapes, appealing to a cosmopolitan clientele.

"4 Vents" is an appropriate name for a perfume as it conjures images of movement, travel, and the natural elements. Perfumes often aim to transport the wearer to different places or evoke particular memories and emotions. The name "4 Vents" aligns perfectly with this goal, as it implies a sensory journey through different environments carried by the winds. It suggests a fragrance that is dynamic and multifaceted, capable of evoking different moods and atmospheres.

The perfume "4 Vents" would have resonated with a sophisticated and adventurous audience. This includes women who were worldly, well-traveled, and appreciative of fine fragrances. They would likely respond to "4 Vents" with a sense of intrigue and excitement, eager to experience a perfume that promises to take them on a sensory journey around the world. The name alone would evoke a sense of wanderlust and curiosity, appealing to those who sought elegance and a connection to the broader world.

The phrase "4 Vents" evokes a range of vivid images and feelings. One might imagine standing on a windswept cliff, the air filled with the scent of the sea and distant lands. It brings to mind the freedom of the open air, the thrill of exploration, and the serene beauty of nature. The winds symbolize change and movement, suggesting a fragrance that is ever-changing and never static. Feelings of adventure, freedom, and elegance are inherent in the name, making "4 Vents" a perfume that promises a captivating and transformative experience.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? 4 Vents by Revillon is classified as a woody floral chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, Malabar black pepper, African blackcurrant.
• Middle notes: French carnation, Bulgarian rose, Grasse jasmine, Nossi-Be ylang-ylang, Indian tuberose, Aleppo pine needles.
• Base notes: Venezuelan tonka bean, Mysore sandalwood, Java vetiver, Virginian cedarwood, Yugoslavian oakmoss, Tonkin musk, ambergris, Indonesian patchouli, Maltese labdanum.

Femme, 1950:

"And since we are on the chapter of seduction, let us immediately note the lightning launch of 4 Vents, the new perfume from Revillon, which prides itself on seducing all men - which will make it the favorite of all women - It is hot, disturbing, enveloping, wild...With remarkable tenacity and an astonishing power of diffusion, 4 Vents boldly combines woody scents, forest scents and great floral essences, without forgetting the warm and sensual note brought by the musk and amber. Worthy brother of Amou Daria and Carnet de Bal."

Combat, 1952:

"Elegant and vermilion in its flame-cut bottle, "4 Vents" offers the appeal of novelty. This Benjamin de Revillon has the unprecedented power of preserving each of its components with its distinctive particularities. From the harmonious blend of aromas, the more diverse, stand out in so many moving notes, the smell of wood and moss, the heady scent of fruits ripened in the sun. Jasmine and Bulgarian rose set the tone of elegance and distinction; musk and amber add a disturbing and sensual accord. A luxury perfume with sought-after qualities, it cannot however eclipse "Carnet de Bal" imbued with memories springing from a skillful synthesis of balsamic scents, amber and exotic essences."

Harper's Bazaar, 1953:

"At Revillon Freres. Scent it with "4 Vents." Revillon's warm, spring-smelling perfume. Pale suede gloves, by Kislav."

Scent Profile:

4 Vents by Revillon is a fragrance of shifting horizons, where the winds from four corners of the world converge, carrying the scent of distant lands—floral, woody, and chypre-laced with mystery. It opens with the bright, citrusy radiance of Calabrian bergamot, a jewel of the Mediterranean, its tart zest softened by a sun-warmed sweetness. Unlike other bergamot varieties, this one from Calabria is prized for its complexity—a luminous, slightly floral freshness that feels as if golden light has been captured in scent. 

Then, a gust of Malabar black pepper cuts through the citrus brightness, its piquant, resinous heat swirling like spice-laden air from an Indian market. It crackles with depth, its sharp warmth amplifying the green bite of African blackcurrant, which lends a deep, almost inky fruitiness. Unlike the sweeter European varieties, this blackcurrant is wild and tannic, its green, cassis-like sharpness carrying the scent of crushed leaves and dark-skinned berries warmed by the sun.

As the fragrance unfolds, a rich floral heart emerges, carried on a wind thick with opulence. French carnation, spiced and clove-like, flickers with a dry, fiery elegance, its peppery petals unfurling alongside the lushness of Bulgarian rose. Harvested from the famed Rose Valley, this rose is liquid poetry—dark and full-bodied, with honeyed undertones that seem to hum in the air. 

Grasse jasmine, cultivated in the perfume capital of the world, blossoms with its creamy, indolic richness, its scent both luminous and narcotic, weaving seamlessly with the exotic sweetness of Nossi-Be ylang-ylang. This ylang-ylang, grown on Madagascar’s perfume island, has an intoxicating depth, its facets ranging from banana-like fruitiness to lush, custard-like florals. Then comes Indian tuberose, bold and luminous, its creamy, heady sweetness unfurling like a moonlit bloom, exuding an almost carnal intensity. Amidst these florals, Aleppo pine needles bring an unexpected green sharpness—cool, balsamic, and slightly resinous, conjuring the scent of ancient cedar forests where warm winds carry whispers of spice and wood.

The base is a tapestry of depth and sensuality, where woods, mosses, and resins create an enduring impression. Venezuelan tonka bean lends its sweet, almond-like warmth, an earthy, vanilla-kissed depth that blends seamlessly into the smooth, sacred richness of Mysore sandalwood. Unlike sandalwoods from other regions, Mysore’s variety is famed for its unparalleled creaminess—milky, slightly smoky, and deeply grounding. Java vetiver adds a grassy, smoky contrast, its earthy richness mingling with the dry, resinous strength of Virginian cedarwood. 

Yugoslavian oakmoss, a chypre cornerstone, emerges with its deep, forest-floor dampness, its green, leathery richness wrapping around the woods like velvet shadows. Then comes the whisper of Tonkin musk, raw and animalic, a rare essence that adds a warm, primal sensuality. Ambergris, like a sea-kissed breeze, lends a salty, almost skin-like warmth, its elusive depth weaving seamlessly with the dark, spiced richness of Indonesian patchouli. Maltese labdanum completes the journey, its ambered, resinous sweetness evoking sun-warmed rocks and windblown landscapes, where scents of the earth rise into the air like an offering to the sky.

4 Vents is a fragrance of movement—of winds that carry the essence of lands near and far, their scents entwining in a composition both untamed and refined. It is the embodiment of wanderlust, a journey across shifting landscapes, where flowers bloom in sun-drenched valleys and woods stand tall against the whisper of time.

Bottles:

The presentation of 4 Vents parfum by Revillon paints a vivid picture of luxury and sophistication, reflecting the elegance associated with high-end fragrances of that era.

The primary presentation of 4 Vents parfum featured a beautiful twisted French crystal bottle, crafted with precision and artistry. The crystal clear glass showcased the rich color and texture of the fragrance within, while the ground glass stopper provided a secure seal to preserve its precious contents. Housed inside a red velvet presentation case, the perfume exuded opulence from every detail.

Two distinct presentation styles were offered, catering to different preferences and tastes. The first style, a domed trunk case, provided a regal setting for the bottle, resting on a padded interior for added protection and elegance. The second style, a cylindrical case, offered a sleek and streamlined presentation, with the bottle inserted into the base and its lid sliding over the top for a secure closure.

Embossed with "Revillon Made in France" on the bottom, the bottle bore the hallmark of quality craftsmanship and French artistry, further enhancing its allure and prestige.

 

In addition to the primary presentation, a modified version of the twisted parfum flacon was designed for portability and convenience. Fitted with a brass screw cap, this purse bottle allowed fragrance enthusiasts to carry their favorite scent with them on the go, without the risk of leakage or spillage. Housed in a red velvet slip case within a cylindrical box, this portable presentation maintained the luxurious standard set by its larger counterpart, ensuring that the fragrance remained protected and pristine, even while traveling.

Overall, the presentation of 4 Vents parfum by Revillon epitomized the height of luxury and sophistication, from its exquisite crystal bottle to its meticulously designed cases and packaging. Each element was thoughtfully crafted to enhance the sensory experience and evoke a sense of indulgence and glamour for those fortunate enough to experience the fragrance.

A less expensive bottle was used for the 4 Vents parfum and provides insight into the brand's efforts to offer a more accessible option while still maintaining an element of elegance and style.

Unlike the luxurious twisted French crystal bottle used for the premium version, the less expensive version featured a narrow, upright rectangular bottle. This design likely allowed for cost savings while still providing a sleek and modern aesthetic.

The bottle was fitted with an openworked ground glass stopper, adding a touch of sophistication to the presentation. The stopper's shape, resembling a triangle with truncated corners, contributed to the overall visual appeal of the bottle and differentiated it from standard designs.

While this version may have lacked the ornate detailing and opulent packaging of its premium counterpart, it still retained a sense of refinement and quality characteristic of the Revillon brand.

By offering both a premium and a more affordable option, Revillon aimed to cater to a wider range of consumers without compromising on the essence of luxury associated with the 4 Vents parfum fragrance.

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

4 Vents parfum by Revillon was discontinued at an unknown date, but it was still available for purchase as late as 1960.

The reasons for discontinuing a perfume can vary and may include factors such as changes in consumer preferences, shifts in market trends, production costs, licensing agreements, or corporate restructuring. Without specific information about the circumstances surrounding the discontinuation of 4 Vents parfum by Revillon, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact reasons. However, common factors that contribute to the discontinuation of fragrances include declining sales, evolving consumer tastes, or the desire to focus resources on new product developments. Additionally, changes within the company, such as mergers or acquisitions, can also influence decisions regarding product lines.