Les Parfums de Clamy, Creations d'Art

Philippe de Back, later known as Philippe Back de Surany, founded the prestigious company 'Les Parfums de Clamy, Creations d'Art' in 1913 in the renowned Arcade des Champs-Elysées in Paris. The company's name was trademarked earlier in 1900. Philippe de Back was born in Budapest in 1860 and passed away in Paris in 1956. His father was Maurice Back, and Philippe himself became a distinguished Egyptologist and businessman.

Philippe managed the Cairo branch of the Back Orosdi Institutions and was honored with knighthood by the Emperor of Austria in 1909. The company's factory, known as Fabrique de Parfumerie (Parfums de Clamy), was located at 30, avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris, with an additional manufacturing site in Asnières at 108, avenue d'Argenteuil. The business had Austrian origins and, at one point, was managed by a liquidator named M. Navarre.

Les Parfums de Clamy was renowned for its luxurious perfume presentations, often featuring exquisite bottles designed by the famous jeweler and artist Lucien Gaillard. Between 1915 and 1919, some of these bottles were further adorned with artwork by Robert and Sonia Delaunay, who were close friends with Philippe and his wife, reflecting the company's deep connections with contemporary art and culture.

In 1926, Philippe Back de Surany's youngest daughter, Germaine Carvaillo, took over the direction of 'Les Parfums de Clamy, Creations d'Art'. Despite her efforts, the business struggled to survive during the Great Depression and ultimately closed its doors in 1930. Following the closure, the company sold all its remaining essential oils and materials to Guerlain, a prominent name in the perfume industry.

In 1943, the remnants of 'Les Parfums de Clamy' were acquired by Grenoville, another established perfume house. This marked the end of an era for the company, which had been known for its luxurious and artistically designed perfume bottles and its connections with notable artists such as Robert and Sonia Delaunay.

Shiseido Enchanting Dance vs Clamy's Femme Ailees Perfume Bottle

Enchanting Dance by Shiseido, launched in 1987, carries a name that instantly evokes images of beauty in motion, elegance, and timeless allure. The phrase "Enchanting Dance" suggests a captivating performance—graceful, fluid, and mesmerizing. It hints at a story told through movement, with each step drawing the viewer further into a magical, almost otherworldly experience. Shiseido likely chose this name to reflect the seamless blend of artistry and beauty that both dance and fragrance embody. Just as a dancer can convey emotions through subtle gestures and sweeping movements, this fragrance promises to do the same through its delicate, evolving notes.

The word "Enchanting Dance" conjures up emotions of grace, charm, and mystery. It suggests a moment in time where the dancer, bathed in soft light, captivates an audience with her effortless elegance. In scent, it evokes the idea of transformation—how each phase of the fragrance unfolds like a dance, moving from the fresh, light beginnings to deeper, more sensual undertones. Women in 1987, a time of empowerment and self-expression, would have been drawn to the idea of wearing a perfume called "Enchanting Dance." It offered a way to embody grace, femininity, and the ability to leave a lasting impression, much like a memorable performance on stage. The name taps into a desire for a sense of beauty that feels both personal and universal, allowing women to feel connected to an art form that transcends time and culture.

In scent, "Enchanting Dance" would be interpreted as a harmonious progression, where each note mirrors the flowing movements of a dancer. The fresh floral top notes symbolize the lightness of a dancer’s opening sequence, full of energy and promise. The floral heart would be the peak of the performance, where elegance and passion combine, much like a perfectly timed pirouette. The woody, ambery base notes represent the finale, where the dancer’s movements slow and come to a graceful, lasting close, leaving behind an air of mystery and depth. Each phase of the fragrance reflects a different mood, much like the varying emotions conveyed through dance.

The fragrance was launched at a time when the perfume industry was moving through a period of bold statements. The late 1980s saw the rise of strong, powerful fragrances that matched the energy of the decade—think of iconic scents like Dior’s "Poison" (1985) or YSL’s "Opium" (1977), which were rich, heady, and unafraid to stand out. "Enchanting Dance," classified as a floral chypre, struck a balance between the floral elegance of traditional feminine scents and the woody, amber base that reflected the popular chypre trend of the time. While it followed the broader trends of bolder compositions, it differentiated itself with its grace and poise, offering something more refined and delicate amid the assertive perfumes of the era.