Gigolo by Germaine Monteil c1951

Gigolo by Germaine Monteil, launched in 1951, is a perfume name that sparks curiosity and intrigue. The word "Gigolo" comes from the Italian and French languages, where it refers to a young man who is financially supported by an older woman in exchange for companionship, often with romantic or sexual connotations. The term gained a certain level of notoriety, suggesting a figure who is charming, seductive, and possibly a little dangerous. By choosing such a provocative name, Monteil created a fragrance that would evoke boldness and mystery—qualities that resonated with women seeking to express a more daring and confident side of their personalities.

American women in the early 1950s would have understood the meaning of the word "gigolo," especially as it had already entered popular culture through films and literature. The name "Gigolo" would likely evoke images of sophisticated men, nightlife, and a sense of alluring danger. It conjures emotions of glamour, seduction, and excitement, making it an unusual yet compelling choice for a women's fragrance. As a name for a perfume, Gigolo suggests a scent that is intoxicating and captivating, one that lingers like the memory of a forbidden romance.

In scent, "Gigolo" could be interpreted as a blend of charm and intrigue, balancing sweetness with an edge of the unexpected. Classified as a sweet, green floral fougère fragrance, this composition reflects the tension between refinement and sensuality. The green notes suggest freshness and elegance, while the sweet undertones evoke femininity and warmth. The fougère base, typically associated with masculine fragrances, introduces an element of surprise, adding depth and complexity to the scent—just as the name itself plays with contrasting ideas of femininity and seduction.

Realm by Germaine Monteil c1975

Realm by Germaine Monteil: launched in 1975 as a men's collection of fragrances for bath and John Street, president of Germaine Monteil claimed that it was a "masculine fragrance for the man who never before found a fragrance he liked." The name Realm was chosen "to indicate that these grooming aids are a part of a man's world, his own realm."

Bakir by Germaine Monteil c1975

Bakir by Germaine Monteil, launched in 1975, carries a name that evokes both mystery and richness. The word Bakir is Turkish for "copper," a metal known for its warmth, luster, and earthiness. The choice of this name is both exotic and meaningful, setting the tone for the fragrance's character. The imagery of copper—deep, burnished, and glowing—immediately conjures warmth and depth, mirroring the qualities of an oriental fragrance. The packaging, with its striking combination of copper and deep blue, complements the name, evoking a sense of elegance and sophistication. The contrast of these two colors suggests a balance between the grounded, earthy elements of copper and the expansive, mysterious qualities of the deep blue, possibly representing the sky or sea.

Bakir is a name that naturally evokes emotions of strength, sensuality, and exotic allure. Copper, with its ability to conduct heat, can be seen as a metaphor for the way this fragrance lingers warmly on the skin, radiating with subtle intensity. The name also suggests a connection to ancient traditions and craftsmanship, tying the fragrance to a sense of heritage and timelessness. In scent, Bakir would likely be interpreted as rich, warm, and slightly metallic, with layers of earthy and spicy notes that glow softly, like polished copper in candlelight.

The scent itself, classified as an oriental fragrance, opens with a spicy, fruity top. The initial burst of spice and fruit is likely to be both invigorating and inviting, drawing in the wearer with its lively and slightly exotic energy. As the fragrance develops, the heart reveals a spicy floral bouquet, where the warmth of spices blends seamlessly with the softness of floral notes, creating a complex, feminine, yet bold experience. Finally, the base settles into a sensual, balsamic oriental composition, where deep resins and woods combine with warmth to leave a lasting, hauntingly exotic impression. The overall effect is earthy, sensual, and comforting, but with an undercurrent of mystery that lingers long after the initial spritz.

Laughter by Germaine Monteil c1940

Laughter by Germaine Monteil: launched in 1940. The creation of the perfume took eight year to complete.

It was reformulated in 1950 and was rechristened Rigolade (pronounced REE-GO-LAHD), you may find some labels marked with both names: Laughter (Rigolade).

Nostalgia by Germaine Monteil c1941

Nostalgia by Germaine Monteil, launched in 1941, is a fragrance steeped in emotional depth and reflection, embodying the essence of its name. The word Nostalgia, derived from the Greek nostos (meaning "return home") and algia (meaning "pain"), refers to a wistful longing for the past, evoking emotions of yearning and sentimentality. Choosing the name Nostalgia for a perfume in the early 1940s was not only poignant but deeply evocative, as the world was in the grip of World War II—a time when thoughts of the past and a desire for peace and stability were at the forefront of people’s minds. The name taps into the universal human experience of memory, of longing for a simpler, happier time, and of reflecting on the fleeting moments that bring comfort during uncertainty.

In scent, Nostalgia would naturally be interpreted as a fragrance that evokes both warmth and melancholy, creating a bridge between the past and the present. The opening notes of powdery aldehydes, known for their soft, clean, and slightly soapy quality, are often associated with the elegance of classic perfumes. These aldehydes lend a sense of timelessness and sophistication, evoking the image of a woman dressed in refined, vintage elegance. The bright citrus notes that accompany the aldehydes provide an immediate freshness, a reminder of brighter days, perhaps symbolizing hope amidst the dark realities of the war.

As the scent unfolds, the heart reveals a floral bouquet dominated by lilac, jasmine, and rose. These flowers, with their soft, romantic qualities, add an air of femininity and grace. Lilac, with its nostalgic connotations of spring and renewal, pairs beautifully with the timeless appeal of rose and the sultry depth of jasmine, creating an emotional pull. The floral notes in Nostalgia speak to a longing for love, beauty, and the familiar comforts of home, things that would have been acutely missed by women living through the hardships and separations of the war years.

The base notes—warm, rich, mossy, and woodsy—ground the fragrance in a comforting earthiness. Oakmoss and sandalwood, staples of the chypre fragrance family, provide a sense of depth and solidity, almost like an anchor to the past. The richness of these base notes mirrors the complexity of memory, the way in which emotions linger and deepen over time. In this way, Nostalgia captures not just the fleeting beauty of floral notes but also the enduring power of memory, with its warmth and quiet strength.

Royal Secret by Germaine Monteil c1935

        Royal Secret by Germaine Monteil. "For that feeling of utter luxury."

Germaine Monteil was a celebrated French fashion designer at 39 boulevard des Capucines, Paris, and also had a boutique at 663 Fifth Ave, NY. The company was acquired by BAT in 1969 and sold on to the Benckiser Group in the early 1990’s.

Germaine Monteil and his company launched a range of fragrances, and his best known and best selling fragrance was Royal Secret. Royal Secret was launched in 1935.