Secret de Venus by Weil c1933

Parfums Weil originally launched Secret de Venus in 1933 as a parfum, and again in 1941/1942 in the USA as a bath oil (huile pour le bain et douche) or Bath and Body Perfume Oil. The bath oil version was an instant success and American women love it. Secret de Venus was launched later in France in 1947 but never really took off like it did in America.

Bambou by Weil c1934

Bambou by Weil: launched in 1934.

Antilope by Weil c1928

Launched in 1928 and trademarked in the United States in 1931, Antilope by Weil emerged during a transformative period in perfumery and fashion. The Weil brothers—Marcel, Jacques, and Alfred—had already established themselves as purveyors of luxury through their fur company, Les Fourrures Weil, founded in Paris in 1892. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship, the Weils catered to a clientele that demanded both refinement and innovation. Their expansion into perfumery in 1927 was a natural progression, as they sought to enhance the sensory experience of their furs with scents that would complement their warmth and texture.

The name Antilope was a fitting choice for this perfume, reflecting both the Weils’ use of antelope skin in their designs and the spirit of agility, grace, and untamed beauty embodied by the animal itself. The word “Antilope” is derived from the French spelling of "antelope," pronounced "ahn-tee-LOHP". It evokes imagery of swift movement across vast landscapes, the soft sleekness of a rare hide, and the inherent elegance of nature. In a fragrance, this name suggests a composition that is fluid yet strong, sophisticated yet free-spirited—qualities that resonated deeply with the modern woman of the late 1920s.

The perfume’s launch coincided with the final years of the Roaring Twenties, an era marked by cultural dynamism, artistic exploration, and a shift toward modernism. Women were embracing newfound freedoms, shedding restrictive corsets in favor of sleek silhouettes, and adopting a more confident, independent persona. Fashion was dominated by designers such as Coco Chanel and Jean Patou, who championed fluid lines and effortless sophistication. Perfume trends followed suit, moving toward more complex, refined compositions. Aldehydic fragrances—such as the groundbreaking Chanel No. 5 (1921)—had already redefined the olfactory landscape, and Antilope followed in this tradition while carving out its own distinctive identity.

Grigri by Weil c1943

Grigri by Weil: launched in 1943. The name pronounced "Gree Gree", is African in origin and means "magic charm" or "talisman." I believe that this perfume, with its exotic name and advertisements, was some sort of patriotic allusion to the French colonies in West Africa. Jean Patou, another French perfume manufacturer visited this theme with his perfume, Colony.

Noir by Parfums Weil c1937

Noir by Parfums Weil: launched in 1937. Created by Jacqueline Fraysse.

Padisha by Weil c1922

Padisha by Weil: launched in 1922, as a gift to special clients. It was later relaunched  for public sale in 1947.

Chunga by Weil c1977

Chunga by Weil: launched in 1977.

Zibeline by Weil c1927

In 1927, Marcel Weil of Les Fourrures Weil created Parfums Weil with their advertisements of “perfumes for furs”. These were based on a direct request from a regular client for a perfume suitable for wearing on furs. These were their first commercial perfumes that were advertised would guarantee not to harm the furs.

In 1928 the four perfumes inspired by fur themes were launched: Chinchilla Royal, Hermine (ermine), Une Fleur pour Fourrure (A Flower for Furs) and Zibeline (Sable) were favorites from the start. All of these perfumes were created by Claude Fraysse.

c1928

Cobra by Weil c1941

Cobra by Weil was launched in 1941.