Midnight by Tussy, launched in 1949, was a glamorous and accessible fragrance sold at drugstores. Marketed as magical, romantic, and refreshing, it resonated with women during the 1950s and 1960s and enjoyed a popularity rivaling that of the iconic Evening in Paris. The name "Midnight" was likely chosen to evoke mystery, allure, and a touch of the extraordinary. The word "midnight" originates from Old English, a combination of "mid" (middle) and "niht" (night). The term conjures images of the deepest, quietest part of the night, imbued with secrecy and romantic possibilities. It suggests starry skies, moonlit strolls, and a heightened sense of drama.
The late 1940s and early 1950s were a transitional period known as the post-war era, marked by the optimism and consumerism of a recovering world. Women who had taken on new roles during World War II were now returning to a domestic ideal but retained a sense of empowerment. This period celebrated glamour and femininity, with Christian Dior’s "New Look" defining the fashion of the day. Full skirts, nipped waists, and luxurious fabrics embodied elegance, while beauty trends emphasized polished makeup and coiffed hairstyles. Fragrance was an essential part of this ideal, completing a woman’s sense of sophistication.
A perfume named "Midnight" would have appealed to the romantic and adventurous aspirations of women in this era. Midnight symbolized a time of escapism and fantasy, drawing them into a world of elegance and mystery. It might suggest clandestine rendezvous, exotic travels, or a transformation from the ordinary to the extraordinary—emotions and dreams well-suited to an aldehydic floral fragrance.
