Le Golliwogg by Vigny, launched in 1918, carries a name that immediately draws attention. The word "Golliwogg" originates from a character in Florence Kate Upton's children's books, first appearing in The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwogg (1895). This character was depicted as a Black doll with exaggerated features, initially portrayed as kind-hearted and brave. The name "Golliwogg" itself is English, pronounced "GOL-ee-wog" — the French article "Le" gives it a touch of Parisian elegance. The imagery evoked is complex: to audiences of the time, the Golliwogg represented a playful, adventurous figure, though the character and its visual representation later became associated with harmful racial stereotypes. In 1918, however, the Golliwogg was still largely seen as a whimsical, beloved figure, even appearing on various products and advertisements.
The choice of this name for a perfume reflects the era’s fascination with the exotic and the unconventional. The late 1910s marked the end of World War I, ushering in the Roaring Twenties — a period known for its rebellion against traditional norms, indulgence in luxury, and a thirst for the new and daring. Fashion was transforming rapidly: corsets were abandoned in favor of looser, more comfortable silhouettes inspired by designers like Paul Poiret and Coco Chanel. Women embraced shorter skirts, bolder makeup, and striking accessories. Perfume followed this bold shift, moving away from delicate floral bouquets to more daring, opulent compositions.
