Coriandre by Jean Couturier, launched in 1973, carries a name as intriguing and evocative as the fragrance itself. The word "Coriandre" is the French term for coriander, pronounced koh-ree-AHN-druh. It stems from the Latin coriandrum, which traces back to the Greek koriannon. The word conjures images of verdant herb gardens, sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes, and the vibrant, aromatic markets of old-world spice routes. It evokes a sense of natural freshness and rustic sophistication — an unpretentious yet alluring balance between green vitality and earthy warmth.
Choosing this name for a perfume was a bold, artistic statement. Coriander, both herb and spice, straddles the line between bright citrusy greenness and warm, slightly peppery sweetness — an unusual inspiration that mirrored the changing spirit of the early 1970s. This was a decade in flux, bridging the free-spirited rebellion of the 1960s with the burgeoning glamour and hedonism that defined the late 70s. Fashion was evolving rapidly: hippie influences lingered with flowing skirts, earthy colors, and natural fibers, while sleek, modern silhouettes emerged, marked by pantsuits, wrap dresses, and the glittering opulence of disco fashion just around the corner. It was a time of female empowerment — women were embracing new roles in society, and their fragrances reflected that bold confidence.
Perfumery in this period was undergoing a transformation too. Green chypres were having their moment, embodying the independent, sophisticated woman who wanted a scent that felt more assertive and complex than the powdery florals of earlier decades. Coriandre stood out as a floral aldehyde chypre — a composition that married crisp, aldehydic brightness with the rich, mossy depth of a classic chypre base. It wasn’t sweet or overtly feminine in the traditional sense; it was fresh, woody, spicy, and slightly austere — a perfect olfactory reflection of the modern, cosmopolitan woman.
