Fantastique by D'Orsay c1952

The perfume "Fantastique" by Parfums D'Orsay was launched in 1952, a period marked by post-World War II recovery and a surge in optimism and creativity. This era saw the emergence of new social norms and cultural shifts as people embraced modernity and sought to leave the hardships of the war behind. The 1950s were characterized by a sense of glamour and sophistication, with the fashion and beauty industries flourishing as women sought to express their newfound freedom and individuality.

The name "Fantastique" translates to "fantastic" in English, conveying a sense of wonder, excellence, and extraordinary qualities. Parfums D'Orsay likely chose this name to encapsulate the spirit of the time, aiming to offer a fragrance that was not only appealing but also evocative of the dreams and aspirations of the era. The term "fantastique" suggests something out of the ordinary, enchanting, and magical, making it a fitting name for a perfume intended to evoke a sense of allure and mystery.

"Fantastique" would be an appropriate name for a perfume as it conveys a sense of extraordinary beauty and captivating charm. In perfumery, the concept of intoxication is often used to describe the effect a fragrance can have on the senses, creating an almost hypnotic allure that draws people in. A perfume named "Fantastique" would aim to intoxicate the wearer and those around her with its enchanting scent, leaving a memorable impression.

Le Dandy by D'Orsay c1925

Le Dandy by D'Orsay was launched in 1925, a time characterized by cultural and social transformation. The 1920s, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties" or the "Jazz Age," saw a significant shift in societal norms and lifestyles. This period followed the devastation of World War I, leading to a desire for change and a break from tradition. It was an era marked by economic prosperity, technological advancements, and a flourishing of the arts. The fashion and social scene of the 1920s was vibrant, with women challenging conventional roles and embracing newfound freedoms.

The term "dandy" refers to a man who places particular importance on physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, often associated with a flamboyant and sophisticated lifestyle. Originating in the late 18th century, the concept of the dandy was epitomized by figures such as Beau Brummell, who became icons of elegance and fashion. By the 1920s, the idea of the dandy had evolved, symbolizing not just a well-dressed man but also a certain nonchalance and sophistication in both men and women.

The term "La Garçonne," popularized by the 1922 novel by Victor Margueritte, refers to a young woman who adopts a boyish style and attitude, defying traditional feminine norms. This concept closely parallels the flapper, a term used to describe women in the 1920s who embraced new fashions, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and engaged in behaviors previously reserved for men, such as smoking and drinking. Flappers represented the rebellion against societal expectations and the embrace of a modern, liberated lifestyle.

D'Orsay's choice of the name "Le Dandy" for a perfume aligns perfectly with the cultural milieu of the 1920s. The name evokes the elegance, sophistication, and rebellious spirit of the time. By naming the perfume "Le Dandy," D'Orsay tapped into the zeitgeist, appealing to the modern woman who identified with the freedom and audacity of both the dandy and the flapper. This choice reflected the perfume's target audience—women who were bold, fashionable, and unafraid to challenge societal norms.

Voulez Vous by D'Orsay c1960

Voulez Vous by D'Orsay: launched in 1960.

Intoxication by D'Orsay c1938

In 1938, the world was on the brink of World War II, with the lingering effects of the Great Depression still palpable. This was a period marked by a desire for escapism and glamour amidst uncertainties and hardships. The fashion and beauty industries often responded to such times by offering products that promised a temporary reprieve from reality, allowing people to indulge in fantasies and pleasures. "Intoxication" by Parfums D'Orsay was launched during this era, embodying this very spirit of escapism and allure. Notably, this was also a few years after the end of Prohibition in the United States, a time when society was embracing newfound freedoms and celebrating the return of legal alcohol consumption, which added to the zeitgeist of indulgence and revelry.

Parfums D'Orsay choosing the name "Intoxication" for their perfume speaks volumes about the emotional and sensory experience they aimed to evoke. The word "intoxication" suggests a state of being overwhelmed by powerful feelings or sensations, often associated with love and passion. In connection with love, "intoxication" conveys the idea of being so deeply enamored and consumed by another person that one feels a heady, almost dizzying sense of euphoria. This is an apt metaphor for a fragrance, which has the power to evoke strong emotional responses and create lasting impressions. In the context of the post-Prohibition era, the name also hints at a liberated, joyous embrace of pleasure and indulgence.

"Intoxication" is an appropriate name for a perfume because it encapsulates the transformative and alluring nature of fragrances. Perfume can create an almost magical effect, enhancing one's presence and evoking deep-seated emotions and memories. A scent that claims to intoxicate suggests that it can captivate and enthrall, much like the feeling of falling in love or being swept away by a powerful emotion. The end of Prohibition had seen a resurgence in nightlife and social gatherings, where people sought to enjoy themselves freely, and a perfume named "Intoxication" would perfectly complement this atmosphere of revelry.

In the context of perfumery, "Intoxication" relates to the concept of creating a compelling and irresistible fragrance. Perfumers aim to craft scents that can evoke strong, almost addictive responses. The name implies that the perfume has a potent and unforgettable quality, designed to leave a lasting impression on those who encounter it.

"Intoxication, the champagne fragrance that whispers 'Someone lovely has just passed by' wearing Intoxication".

Divine by D'Orsay c1947

Launched in 1947, "Divine" by Parfums D'Orsay emerged into a world grappling with the aftermath of World War II. This era, marked by a thirst for renewal and hope, saw society embracing elegance and luxury as symbols of recovery and optimism. The post-war period was a time when fragrances were not just scents but symbols of a new beginning and a yearning for something exquisite amidst the rebuilding of everyday life.

Parfums D'Orsay chose the name "Divine" for their perfume as a deliberate nod to the divine qualities of love, beauty, and transcendent grace. The term "divine" implies something heavenly, perfect, and supremely beautiful—attributes that align perfectly with the fragrance's aspirations. In the context of love, "divine" conveys an idealized, almost otherworldly form of affection that is profound and ethereal. This name suggests that the wearer of "Divine" is enveloped in an almost celestial allure, evoking feelings of enchantment and admiration.

The name "Divine" is particularly appropriate for a perfume as it encapsulates the essence of what fragrances often seek to achieve: a sense of enchantment and an elevation of the everyday. Perfume, in its essence, aims to offer a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary, making the wearer feel exceptional and unique. By naming their fragrance "Divine," D'Orsay positioned it as more than just a scent—it's a portal to a heightened state of being.

In the realm of divination, perfumes often hold symbolic meanings and are used to evoke specific moods or presages. Just as divination seeks to offer insights into the unknown or to reveal hidden truths, a fragrance like "Divine" aims to unlock the wearer’s inner essence, projecting a persona that is both captivating and mystical. The act of wearing a perfume can be seen as a form of personal divination, where one’s scent becomes a reflection of their innermost desires and traits.

Mystere by D'Orsay c1915

Mystere by D'Orsay: launched in 1915.

Dolores Del Rio and Her Perfume Collection

Dolores Del Rio and her beautiful perfume collection.

In this photo I spy:

• Lerys 6 bottle presentation in bronze caddy
• Parfum des Champs Elysées/À Travers Champs/Guerlinade or Candide Effluve by Guerlain
• Jungla by Myrurgia c1933
• unknown early Elizabeth Arden
• Secret de la Perle by Pleville c1926
• two Prince Matchabelli bottles
• La Jacee by Coty
• Sans Adieu by Worth c1929 (Lalique bottle)
• Les Lys by D'Orsay c1922 (Lalique bottle)
• Hattie Carnegie c1925 (Depinoix bottle)
• Lentheric (Baccarat bottle)
• Elizabeth Arden
• She is holding an early Lancome bottle, possibly for Kypre or Bocages

I cannot make out all of the bottles, nor can I make out labels, but if you can, please comment below. 

Chevalier by D'Orsay c1911

Chevalier by Parfums D'Orsay was launched in 1911 in France and in the USA in 1912, as a women's perfume, it had a sweet, citrusy, masculine edge and was popular for many years. The fragrance was created as an homage to the Count D'Orsay, who created the D'Orsay line in 1830 for his mistress, Lady Blessington of England.