Cleopatra's Boudoir: 1940s

Welcome!

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!

Showing posts with label 1940s. Show all posts

Monday, December 9, 2019

Dark Brilliance by Lentheric c1946

Dark Brilliance by Lentheric: launched in 1946.

Elgin American Compacts c1940 Advertisements

Vintage advertisements for Elgin American compacts from a 1940 N. Shure catalog. Shown as various enameled compacts, some have cloisonne.

Blue Flame by Ellyn Deleith c1941

Launched in 1941, Blue Flame by Ellyn Deleith encapsulates a moment in history marked by both uncertainty and hope. Ellyn Deleith, a perfumer whose work exemplified the innovative spirit of the early 20th century, sought to create a fragrance that would resonate deeply with women during a transformative period. The name Blue Flame evokes a sense of warmth, passion, and a flicker of vitality, suggesting an inner strength that women were beginning to embrace during World War II.

The term Blue Flame carries various interpretations, with its roots in the English language, symbolizing both the beauty and intensity of the color blue paired with the warmth of fire. This juxtaposition conjures vivid images of glowing embers and flickering flames, evoking emotions of passion, energy, and a certain mystique. In the context of fragrance, Blue Flame may suggest a scent that is both uplifting and comforting, encapsulating the essence of resilience and femininity.

Classified as a sweet white floral fragrance for women, Blue Flame would have appealed to the sensibilities of American women at the time, who were navigating a world in flux. The scent features a harmonious blend of delicate white florals, evoking an air of elegance and sophistication. This perfume would symbolize not just a moment of beauty but also a sense of empowerment, allowing women to express their individuality and strength amidst the challenges of the era.

Evans Luxury Line Compacts c1941 Advertisement

Evans Luxury Line of compacts and lighters are shown in this advertisement from a 1941 Fort Dearborn publication.

images: ebay seller gdawg

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Vintage Boudoirs of the Stars - Part 2

Claudette Colbert c1930s, various perfume bottles are shown on her vanity including Reflexions by Ciro, plus many others that look to be in travel flacons.

Dixie Dunbar c1940s, a Czech crystal perfume bottle and a Czech cut crystal atomizer are seen on her fringed vanity table.

Dorothy Dell, 1930s, various Czech perfume bottles on her vanity too.

Anne Shirley c1930s, gorgeous long handled hand mirror.

Agnes Ayres, c1920s, beautiful French hand mirror covered in silk and metallic passementerie trim.

Anita Page, c1920s-1930s,large Guerlain bottle for L'Heure Bleue or Mitsouko in the center of her vanity, and flanked by perfume atomizers, probably DeVilbiss.

Ann Dvorak, 1930s, two Lentheric perfumes on her vanity, Miracle and Asphodele.

Ann Dvorak, again, a different view, with the same Lentheric perfumes, here she is dabbing her skin with a bottle of Prince Matchabelli perfume.

photos from various sources found on the internet

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Black Satin by Angelique c1946

Black Satin by Angelique: launched in 1946.

Silent Night by Countess Maritza c1947

Silent Night by Countess Maritza: launched in 1947.

Amour Supreme by Elizabeth Paris c1947

"SPECIALLY DESIGNED CASE FOR ELIZABETH PARIS" A specially designed case to hold a perfume called "Amour Supreme" is admired by a young Parisian. Both the case, of navy blue shagreen lined with white moire, and the Bohemian crystal bottles, were designed by Norman Alberman. This will be the gift of Lady Nada Milford Haven, aunt of Lt. Philip Mountbatten, to Princess Elizabeth on the occasion of her marriage. Alberman is the noted perfumer who spent five years in a Nazi prison camp. 10/27/1947."

The perfume was made for Queen Elizabeth II, who was at the time still only a princess, but married Philip Mountbatten. According to history.com, "she paid for her wedding dress with ration coupons.
Princess Elizabeth married her third cousin Philip Mountbatten, formerly prince of Greece and Denmark, on November 20, 1947. Held during the postwar recovery years, their wedding was a relatively understated affair, at least compared to the lavish union of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in July 1981. With austerity measures still in effect, Elizabeth had to save up ration coupons to purchase the material for her wedding dress, an ivory satin gown designed by Norman Hartnell and encrusted with 10,000 white pearls."

Looking at the perfume atomizer in the center, it appears it is fitted with Marcel Franck hardware.

Elizabeth and her new husband Philip pose on their wedding day. (Credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Vintage 1940s Fan Top Fancy Glass Perfume Bottles Catalog Pages

The items shown in the following advertisement pages from 1940 and 1941 N. Shure catalogs, are made up of molded glass simulating the high quality cut crystal bottles from Czechoslovakia and Austria. These were made in the USA to imitate the more expensive items that were unable to be imported due to WWII. Some of the companies making these bottles are Imperial, Duncan Miller, Fenton, New Martinsville and the US Glass Company.

22kt Gold Filigree Vanity Items from 1940s Catalog Pages

The items shown in the following advertisement pages from 1940 and 1941 N. Shure catalogs, are made up of 22kt gold over white metal filigree. The various perfume bottles and the trays I have had in the past. Some of the filigree has glass jewels. I am pretty sure these were made in the USA to imitate the more expensive items that were made in Czechoslovakia and Austria, but were unable to be imported due to WWII. From experience, I know that the metal is very soft and easy to break, I believe it is lead.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Jardanel by Jean Desprez c1938

Jardanel by Jean Desprez was launched in 1938, a period marked by the looming shadows of World War II. The late 1930s were a time of both tension and transition, with Europe on the brink of conflict but still clinging to the vestiges of pre-war elegance and sophistication. In France, the era was characterized by a blend of anxiety and a desire for escapism. High society sought solace in art, fashion, and fragrance, cherishing the last moments of a world that would soon be irrevocably changed. Perfumes of this time often carried a sense of nostalgia, beauty, and a yearning for simpler, more idyllic times.

Jean Desprez, a master perfumer known for his exquisite creations, chose the name "Jardanel" for this particular fragrance. The name "Jardanel" is a combination of "jardin," the French word for garden, and "anel," which could be derived from the French word "aneler," meaning to entwine or encircle. Thus, "Jardanel" can be interpreted as "garden entwined" or "encircled garden." This evokes imagery of a lush, fragrant garden, a place of natural beauty and tranquility. The name is inherently French, carrying the elegance and sophistication associated with French gardens, known for their meticulously designed landscapes and rich floral displays.

Choosing "Jardanel" as the name for a perfume is particularly appropriate because gardens are often associated with a variety of enchanting scents. A garden is a place where nature's fragrances blend harmoniously, creating an olfactory experience that is both soothing and invigorating. The name suggests a perfume that captures the essence of a garden, with notes that might include floral, green, and earthy elements, reminiscent of blooming flowers, fresh leaves, and damp soil. This aligns with the trends of the time, where there was a strong appreciation for natural and fresh fragrances.

The target audience for a perfume named "Jardanel" in the late 1930s would likely have been women who appreciated the elegance and refinement of French culture. These women would have been drawn to the romantic and sophisticated connotations of a garden, finding comfort and pleasure in a scent that offered an escape to a serene, natural haven. In a world on the cusp of turmoil, the idea of a peaceful, beautiful garden would have been particularly appealing, evoking a sense of calm and stability.

The images and feelings evoked by the word "Jardanel" are those of serenity, beauty, and nature. One might envision a sun-drenched garden filled with a riot of colorful flowers, the gentle buzz of bees, and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. The scent would likely transport the wearer to this idyllic setting, offering a sensory escape from the harsh realities of the time. Feelings of joy, tranquility, and a connection to nature would be central to the experience of wearing Jardanel, making it a cherished addition to a woman's perfume collection.

When Jardanel was relaunched in 1944, the world was in the midst of World War II, a starkly different environment from its initial launch. However, the name and concept remained a poignant reminder of peace and beauty amidst chaos. The fragrance would have resonated deeply with those longing for a return to normalcy and the simple pleasures of life, such as the timeless beauty of a garden.

Blue Waltz by Joubert c1920

Blue Waltz, this endearing perfume from the past was created by either Joubert et Cie or Jolind Inc. around 1920.

Millat Perfumes and Karoff Perfumes

Millat Parfumeur was established by Arthur R Karoff and his brother Robert B Karoff Jr, in Miami, Florida around 1925, they had an office in Paris. I think that the Karoff perfume company was originally named Millat in the mid to late 1920s and by 1930 was renamed Karoff.

Karoff Perfume Company, also known as Karoff Creations, Karoff LTD and Karoff Originals, established by Robert B Karoff at 347 Fifth Ave New York in 1930; launched a range of fragrances, many dime-store novelties in glass bottles by Owens-Illinois Glass Company, also owned Milart.

Milart Associates, was a sales promotion firm that specialized in dime store products as well as in Christmas mailings postmarked from Santa Claus, Indiana.

Robert B. Karoff was also the creator of all Stuart Products Co. packages and sometimes the same Karoff perfumes and presentations will be marked with the Stuart Products name instead. Stuart Products Co. was established by Wm B. Cohen in St Paul, Minnesota in 1935, became Stuart Co in 1947, specialised in novelty products.

Arthur Karoff was shot and killed while in his car in 1957, the murder remains a mystery even today.

The perfumes of Millat: