Barbara Gould’s fragrance Nocturne, launched in 1952, evokes an air of sophistication and allure, bringing with it a unique and evocative name choice. The term “Nocturne,” derived from the French word for “night” (from the Latin nocturnus), is often associated with evening and night. In music, a nocturne refers to a piece designed to evoke the tranquility or mystery of the night, with a mood that can range from contemplative to deeply romantic. By naming the perfume Nocturne, Barbara Gould likely intended to conjure images of evening elegance and allure, suggesting a scent that would envelop the wearer in a soft, velvety aura as dusk gives way to night.
As an oriental fragrance, Nocturne is classified by its rich, sweet notes that are characteristic of the genre, often utilizing ingredients like spices, resins, and deep florals. Such fragrances are typically warm, opulent, and inviting. The oriental category, which often suggests a sense of exoticism and mystery, was especially popular among women of the 1950s who were drawn to the allure of luxurious and intense scents. The name Nocturne would have evoked emotions of warmth, intimacy, and perhaps a hint of the exotic, reflecting the allure of nightfall.
