Houpette Pli Retractable Powder Puffs

In this guide I will introduce you to the small world of the Houpette Pli, the unusual container with a retractable swansdown powder puff from France. The word "houpette" means "puff in French. and Pli means "fold".

c1934 ad

The pli was manufactured by Alexandre Willk. Their primary client was Molinard.

Plis can be found made up of celluloid, bakelite and galalith. The bottom unscrews for powder and is usually imprinted “Brevete Pli S.G.D.G. Made In France”.

The top unscrews and reveals a fluffy powder puff when the cylinder tube is pushed up. Attached to material encasing the outside of the puff are delicate wires that allow the goose down feathers to expand as they are passed through the tube. Powder can be expelled by unscrewing the cap on the base.

The Houpette Pli truly was a masterpiece of both functionality and craftsmanship. The attention to detail in its design, from the materials used to the intricate mechanism for dispensing powder, is impressive. It must have been a must-have accessory for anyone seeking elegance and convenience in their beauty routine. 

French trademarks:

• Brevet or Brevete is French for "patent" or "patented." Remember, it is NOT the maker's name!
• Cie or Compagnie means "company."
• Déposé means "registered"
• Modele Déposé means "registered design"
• Marque Déposé means "trademark"
• Marque de Fabrique means "trademark."
• Décore a la main means "hand decorated."
• Bté. SGDG is the abbreviation for Breveté Sans Garantie du Gouvernement which means "Patented Without State Guarantee."

photos from worthpoint

Molinard branded Pli, photos from worthpoint

Molinard branded Pli, photos from worthpoint

photo from worthpoint

Habanita by Molinard c1921

Habanita by Molinard: the essence of Havana, was launched in 1921. Interestingly, the fragrance was first created to perfume cigarettes, which was a fad during the 1920s. Other companies such as Bourjois also had perfume for cigarettes as well with their Ashes of Roses scent. The idea behind perfuming cigarettes was to cover up the stale smell of the smoke as well as make it more enjoyable, especially to women.

Molinard Concreta

In 1925, Molinard created the first solid perfumes, called concreta. These solids were the genuine wax from the flowers. This alcohol free formula, is a very guarded secret and has even been patented by Molinard. It is more concentrated than any other perfume, and will last a lot longer as well. Even vintage concreta still retains a strong scent.Each sphere holds the equivalent of 1 liquid ounce of French perfume.

Nirmala by Molinard c1955

Nirmala by Molinard was launched in 1955. It was originally created as a marriage of the flowers of Provence and the rare essences of India.

Xmas Bells by Molinard c1926

Xmas Bells by Molinard was launched in 1926. It was also known by the name Cloches de Noel in French.