Launched in 1936, Amber by Charbert took its name from one of perfumery’s most prized and enigmatic materials—ambergris. The word Amber evokes warmth, depth, and an almost mystical allure, conjuring images of golden-hued resin, candlelit salons, and the exotic romance of faraway shores. While ambergris is distinctly different from fossilized amber, both share a reputation for their rich, enveloping scent and historical association with luxury. By choosing this name, Charbert sought to capitalize on the enduring fascination with ambergris, a material treasured for centuries for its complex, animalic, and slightly marine aroma that lent perfumes extraordinary depth and longevity.
The perfume debuted during a transformative era known as the Art Deco period, a time of both opulence and uncertainty. The mid-1930s were marked by the lingering effects of the Great Depression, yet there was a strong cultural push toward escapism, modernism, and refined elegance. Women’s fashion reflected a balance between streamlined sophistication and romantic femininity—silken bias-cut gowns, fur-trimmed coats, and sculpted hats defined the era. Hollywood’s Golden Age was in full swing, with silver-screen sirens like Jean Harlow and Marlene Dietrich embodying a new, powerful sensuality. Perfumes of the time mirrored this aesthetic, often exuding deep, opulent, and long-lasting compositions that complemented the glamorous yet structured fashion trends. Amber would have been perceived as a sophisticated, mysterious scent—one that evoked both timeless luxury and the allure of a world beyond the everyday struggles of the decade.
