Parfums de-Folet

Parfums de-Folet, a highly obscure French perfume company, operated within a narrow window from 1938 to 1941. Despite its short existence, the brand left an indelible mark on the fragrance world with its distinct and elusive scents. Founded amidst the tumultuous years leading up to World War II, Parfums de-Folet crafted perfumes that captured the essence of an era marked by uncertainty and shifting societal norms.

Though scant information remains about the company's history, its legacy endures through whispers in fragrance enthusiast circles and rare vintage bottles that occasionally surface in auctions or private collections. The allure of Parfums de-Folet lies not only in its ephemeral existence but also in the mystique surrounding its creations, which are shrouded in the enigmatic ambiance of pre-war France.

The fragrances produced by Parfums de-Folet are revered for their complexity and sophistication, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Each scent is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of a time when perfumers meticulously blended rare ingredients to create olfactory masterpieces. Despite the passage of time, the allure of Parfums de-Folet continues to captivate perfume aficionados who seek to uncover the secrets of this enigmatic brand.

Parfums Grenoville

Parfums Grenoville, originally established as Parfumerie Grenoville by Paul Grenoville in 1879, has a fascinating history rooted in the heart of Paris. The founder, Paul Grenoville, chose to change his family name from 'grenouille', which translates to 'frog' in French, to 'Grenoville', likely to add a more elegant and sophisticated touch to the brand's identity. This subtle yet significant change helped position the brand within the luxurious and refined world of Parisian perfumery. Located at 20 rue Royale, the house of Grenoville became known for its exquisite fragrances, contributing to the rich tapestry of Paris's renowned perfumery heritage.

Morana Inc. Imported Perfume Bottles by Julien Viard

In the 1922 article below, Morana Inc "have secured the exclusive American agency of C & J Viard and R. Mouquet, glass bottle designers and manufacturers of Montreuil, Seine, France." The most well-known bottle used by Morana was the cherub stoppered bottle designed by Julien Viard and made in Czechoslovakia. This bottle was most likely used by various perfumes, in one photo below, we can see it was used by both Lemoine and Prochaska.

The American Perfumer and Essential Oil Review, Volume 16, 1922:

"Beginning with this issue, the usual insert of Morana, Inc. which appears between advertising pages 16 and 17, has been increased to six pages, at which size it will continue until the further growth of the business makes necessary the use of larger space. The increase in the size of the insert is due to the addition of an imported bottle department. As was reported in the last issue, Morana, Inc. have secured the exclusive American agency of C. and J. Viard and R. Mouquet, glass bottle designers and manufacturers of Montreuil, Seine, France. This insert is another example of a sagacious advertiser recognizing the value of this kind of display, which gives prominence to his own products, and incidentally livens up the advertising section as a whole, and we are told stimulates the interest of the casual reader in the contents of the entire journal."

The American Perfumer and Essential Oil Review, 1920:

"One of the most interesting developments in the American perfumery and flavoring extract supply industry took place on October 1 when Compagnie Morana and the Commonwealth Products Corporation were united into a single corporation. Compagnie Morana has increased its capital stock to $1,000,000 common stock $250,000 first preferred $600,000 second preferred $150,000 and changed its corporate name to Morana Incorporated under which name Compagnie Morana and the Commonwealth Products Corporation will henceforth be conducted. 

Morana Incorporated is the outgrowth of a modest business established fourteen years ago by Carl Schaetzer, Warren E Burns, and Williard A Walsh. Their training and temperament well fitted them for harmonious and effective association and the present division of responsibilities indicates the trend of their natural aptitudes viz the production department under Mr Schaetzer, who is president the financial and foreign departments under Mr Burns, who is vice president and the sales department under Mr Walsh, who is treasurer. The secretary of the company is Mr Walter Mueller. 

Commonwealth Products Corporation was established some six years ago for the manufacture of flavors, synthetic aromatic chemicals, etc. Its plant at Elizabeth, NJ was rapidly developed and is now well equipped for the manufacture on a large scale of the products in which it has specialized. Its staff includes a group of chemists who have made reputations for themselves, both here and abroad, as specialists in the manufacture of aromatic chemicals and similar products. Its union with Morana Incorporated affords it a large outlet through the extensive and well trained selling staff of that corporation Morana Incorporated for its part acquires a well developed manufacturing plant and organization thereby assuring a steady and controllable supply of synthetic raw materials and flavors." 

Morana, Inc developed into IFF, read  about that here.

Ahmed Soliman and Shimy Brothers Perfumes

In this guide, I will introduce you to the world of vintage perfumes crafted by Ahmed Soliman and the Shimy Brothers Perfume Companies of Egypt. These two renowned competitors specialized in catering to the upscale segment of the tourist trade, creating luxurious and sought-after fragrances. Today, both Ahmed Soliman and Shimy Brothers perfumes are exceedingly rare and fetch substantial prices at auctions. The pictures below showcase the diverse and exquisite types of perfume bottles that are a testament to their timeless elegance and craftsmanship.