Bill Blass by Bill Blass c1978

Bill Blass for Women was launched in 1978 as a collaborative creation between the renowned American fashion designer Bill Blass and the global cosmetics giant Revlon. Bill Blass, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, was celebrated for his sophisticated and elegant designs, which were characterized by their classic American style and understated luxury. His foray into the world of fragrance with this perfume reflected his deep understanding of elegance and refinement.

The fragrance was introduced during a period when Bill Blass was solidifying his reputation as a key player in American fashion. Known for his high-profile designs and glamorous approach, Blass's foray into perfume was a natural extension of his brand's commitment to luxury and sophistication. The collaboration with Revlon, a company with a strong legacy in beauty and personal care products, was a strategic move that allowed Blass to leverage Revlon's extensive distribution network and expertise in fragrance creation.

Bill Blass for Women was designed to embody the same qualities that defined Blass's fashion creations: elegance, sophistication, and a touch of modernity. The perfume was crafted to appeal to women who appreciated classic beauty with a contemporary edge, offering a scent profile that was both refined and timeless. The fragrance's composition was intended to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication, much like Blass's fashion designs, and it quickly became a notable addition to the world of high-end women's fragrances.

The association with Revlon ensured that Bill Blass for Women was well-received in the market, benefiting from Revlon's strong marketing and distribution capabilities. The perfume's launch in 1978 marked a significant moment in both Blass's career and in the fragrance industry, highlighting the intersection of high fashion and high fragrance.

Partage by Faberge c1979

Partage by Fabergé is a fragrance that embodies the essence of sharing, launched in 1979. The name "Partage" itself carries a deep meaning, rooted in the French language, where it translates to "Sharing." This evocative name suggests a scent that is meant to be experienced and enjoyed together, enhancing the bond between individuals.

The fragrance is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, blending notes that create a captivating olfactory experience. With its launch in the late 1970s, Partage Perfume by Fabergé captures the spirit of that era while maintaining a timeless appeal.

Each spritz of Partage Perfume envelops the senses in a harmonious blend of aromas, inviting those who wear it and those around them to share in its beauty. This fragrance serves as a reminder of the joy found in connection and the significance of sharing moments of delight with others.

Courant by Helena Rubinstein c1972

Courant by Helena Rubinstein: launched in 1972. Created by Max Gavarry. Courant was reportedly formulated to change with a woman's body temperature.

Moonwind by Avon c1971

Moonwind by Avon: launched in 1971.

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.

Dante Cologne & Aftershave c1965

Dante gentleman's cologne, a popular scent amongst men of all ages during the 1960s and into the 1970s. It was produced by Dante NY Distributors, a division of Shields. All of the Dante fragrances have been discontinued since the early 1980s.

The fragrances of Dante:

• 1965 - Dante Original 
• 1965 - Dante Gentleman Cologne 
• 1965 - Dante Centurian
• 1967 - Dante Leather 
• 1967 - Dante Lime 
• 1967 - Dante Tangerine
• 1967 - Dante Lemon
• 1970 - Anisetto?

Dante Original:

Dante was a line of toiletries which included everything a man needed to smell sexy and enticing. Shields/Dante also supplied cuff links, tie bars, tie tacs, hot brushes and wallets. Dante advertisements said that "He'll tingle to the exhilarating bracing action of Dante. You'll love the clean, masculine fragrance."

So what does it smell like?

• Top notes: bergamot, mint
• Middle notes: iris, honeysuckle, patchouli, rose, orris, cedarwood, opoponax
• Base notes: benzoin, tonka bean, vanilla, sandalwood, musk, tobacco, ambergris, oakmoss

Click HERE to find Dante Cologne

In a Dec 11, 1965 advertisement in the Milwaukee Sentinel, Dante Toiletries were advertised for the Christmas season "Dante Toiletries. Christmas Gifts Definitely Not  For The Man You Can Put On A Shelf...If you really want to start something, Give him Dante:

• Dante Cologne  & Shower Soap Set..........$5.00
• Dante Cologne 4 oz size.............................. $2.95
• Dante Aftershave 40 oz..................................$2.50
• Dante Travel Pack Refresher.......................$2.95
• Dante Deodorant Stick.......................... ........$1.75
• Dante Centurian Aftershave in blue flask...$4.50
• Dante Centurian Cologne in 6 oz red flask......: .$4.95
• Dante shower soap........................................$2.00
• Dante Cologne, aftershave and shower soap set ..$7.50
• Dante Cologne & Aftershave Set..................$5.00"

Centurian:

Usually, you will find that Dante Centurian Cologne is in a red glass bottle and the Centurian aftershave is in a blue bottle.

Centurian Cologne came out in 1965.  According to a Nov 30, 1965 ad in the Times Daily newspaper...

"For Men Who Know How to Handle Women. ..New Centurian Cologne and after-shave by Dante Its a lasting scent with subtle power. A unique combination of rare essential oils including Italian bergamot, Cananga from Java, Petitgrain from the bitter orange trees of Paraguay, Patchouli from  Singapore, Oak Moss Absolute from Algeria, natural civet from Ethiopia, and many more. Available in a new broad shouldered 6 oz flask. If you really want to start something, start with new Centurian. Aftershave $4.50. Cologne $5.00"

So what does it smell like?

• Top notes: Italian bergamot, Paraguayan petitgrain
• Middle notes: Javan ylang ylang, Singaporean Patchouli
• Base notes: sandalwood, ambergris, Algerian oakmoss absolute, Ethiopian civet

RSS Feed Widget

Hai Karate Cologne & Aftershave c1967

Hai Karate was a budget cologne on sale in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 1960s through the 1980s. The fragrance was developed by the Leeming Pacquin division of Pfizer and launched in 1967 as their answer to the popular Jade East scent made by Swank.


Hai Karate encompassed products such as aftershave, cologne, talc, shaving cream, foaming cologne, body spray, shampoo, soap on a rope etc. for men.  The scent was described by Leeming as "Mistletoe in a bottle."

Nine Flags Colognes

NINE FLAGS

The Nine Flags men's shaving cologne collection came out in 1965, it was still being sold well into the early 1970s. It was distributed by the Colton company of Boston, Massachusetts and was marketed by Gillette in the United Kingdom. The bottles are also marked "Essence Imported Blended in USA". I have also found reference to the Nine Flags men's soap set advertisement from 1972. By 1974, the Colton Company ceased production of the Nine Flags fragrances.