Antinea, launched by Paul Poiret in 1922, was a bold and evocative fragrance that drew on both myth and modernity, perfectly capturing the spirit of its time. The name "Antinea" is derived from the legendary character in Pierre Benoit’s novel L'Atlantide, published in 1919. In the novel, Antinea is a captivating and enigmatic queen who rules over the lost city of Atlantis. She is portrayed as a powerful femme fatale, mysterious and dangerously seductive, embodying both the beauty and perils of the ocean’s depths. The name Antinea itself is pronounced “An-tee-eh-nah” (with a soft emphasis on the second syllable), and in this context, it evokes images of ancient ruins, a mystical underwater world, and a woman whose allure is both intoxicating and perilous. It conjures emotions of longing, curiosity, and a sense of foreboding—drawing parallels to the attraction and danger inherent in the unknown.
The early 1920s, when Antinea was launched, were a time of significant social and cultural transformation. The aftermath of World War I gave rise to the "Roaring Twenties," an era marked by dramatic shifts in fashion, art, and social norms. The spirit of modernity and liberation, coupled with a growing fascination for the exotic, influenced not only the visual arts but also the world of perfumery. This was the age of Art Deco—a style characterized by geometric elegance, vibrant colors, and the blending of opulence with industrial design. Women of the period were rejecting traditional roles and embracing a more daring and independent lifestyle, epitomized by the flapper. Antinea, with its name and fragrance, was a perfect match for this moment of bold reinvention and exploration of the unknown, as it captured a sense of adventure, mystery, and exoticism.
