Hanae Mori by Shiseido c1968

Hanae Mori perfume, created by Japanese fashion designer Hanae Mori and originally launched by Shiseido in 1968, holds significance as her first fragrance. The name, pronounced as "HAN-eye MORE-y," is accurate. It's a beautiful scent that has remained popular over the years.

In Japanese, "Hanae Mori" (花衣 森) roughly translates to "flower garment forest" or "forest of flowered clothes." "Hanae" (花衣) combines the characters for "flower" (花) and "clothing" or "garment" (衣), while "Mori" (森) means "forest." So, the name evokes imagery of a natural, floral landscape intertwined with the world of fashion.

Feminite du Bois by Shiseido c1992

Feminite du Bois by Shiseido: launched in 1992. Created by Christopher Sheldrake in collaboration with Pierre Bourdon. This was Shiseido's first perfume to be sold in the United Kingdom.

Suzuro by Shiseido c1976

Launched in 1976, Suzuro by Shiseido exemplifies the company’s commitment to blending traditional Japanese elegance with contemporary aesthetics. Shiseido, a prominent name in the beauty and fragrance industry, has a legacy rooted in innovation and artistry. The choice of the name "Suzuro" is particularly evocative; derived from the Japanese word すずろ (pronounced "soo-zoo-roh"), it conveys feelings of restlessness and distraction—an emotional state of being on edge or unable to focus. This choice of nomenclature speaks to a broader psychological experience, perhaps reflecting the fast-paced lifestyle of the 1970s, when many women were navigating personal aspirations alongside societal expectations.

The term Suzuro evokes a kaleidoscope of imagery and emotions. It conjures the image of a delicate flower swaying in the breeze, both beautiful and fragile, yet restless in its motion. Women of the time, facing the pressures of modernity, may have found resonance in a fragrance that encapsulated their feelings of distraction and yearning for calm amidst chaos. Suzuro offered a sense of connection to their inner emotional landscape, providing a fragrant solace that mirrored their experiences.

In terms of olfactory interpretation, Suzuro is classified as a fresh floral fragrance for women, designed to evoke a sense of vitality and elegance. The fragrance opens with a refreshing blend of flowery and green notes, which instantly uplifts the spirit, reminiscent of a vibrant spring morning. This lively introduction transitions seamlessly into a radiant floral heart, characterized by a rich bouquet of blossoms that envelops the wearer in a warm embrace of femininity. As the fragrance settles, it reveals a powdery floral base that adds depth and sophistication, creating a serene yet enchanting aura.

Mai by Shiseido c1968

Mai by Shiseido, launched in 1968, carries a name steeped in both cultural significance and poetic simplicity. The word "Mai" (舞) is Japanese, pronounced "mah-ee" in layman’s terms. In its native language, it refers to a traditional form of Japanese dance, often performed with grace and precision, evoking images of movement that is both fluid and controlled. This concept of "Mai" conjures a feeling of elegance, tranquility, and timeless beauty. The dance itself is a ceremonial performance, often associated with rituals and celebrations, where each step is measured and intentional. By choosing the name "Mai" for their fragrance, Shiseido may have sought to encapsulate these qualities in olfactory form, offering women a scent that mirrored the refinement, poise, and femininity of this ancient art form.

The name also evokes emotional imagery—one of quiet sophistication and deep cultural roots. Women of the late 1960s, a time of evolving societal norms and increasing individualism, would have likely been drawn to the notion of "Mai" as it bridged the gap between traditional elegance and modern femininity. The subtlety and grace associated with the word would have resonated with women seeking a perfume that captured not only their beauty but also their inner strength and allure. The delicate balance between tradition and modernity made the name and scent particularly evocative for women in Japan and beyond.

In terms of scent, the name "Mai" suggests a perfume that unfolds in delicate layers, much like the dance it is named after. The floral fragrance can be interpreted as a sensory dance, where each note, whether aldehydic, spicy, or powdery, moves gracefully into the next. The aldehydic top provides a clean, sparkling opening, reminiscent of the fresh, ethereal quality of air and light that accompanies the beginning of a dance. The floral heart, infused with spices, adds warmth and complexity, echoing the subtle passion and intensity of a dancer’s movements. Finally, the powdery base settles like the soft footfall of a dancer coming to rest, leaving behind a trail of sensuality and lasting femininity.

Chant Du Coeur by Shiseido c1992

Chant Du Coeur by Shiseido: launched in 1992. The fragrance, created by Edouard Flechier and manufactured in France was marketed in Japan. The name means "Song of the Heart" in French.

Myth of Saso by Shiseido c1980

Myth of Saso: launched in 1980. It is dedicated to the ancient legend of the beautiful queen Kohi.

 

Murasaki by Shiseido c1980

Murasaki by Shiseido: launched in 1980. Created by Jean-Claude Astier.

The name translates to "purple" which is reflected in the bottle design which features purple accents. The name also refers to Lady Shikibu Murasaki, the Chinese royal court figure of the 11th century who penned the love story "Tale of Ghenj".

Koto by Shiseido c1967

Koto by Shiseido: launched in 1967 for the Japanese market. The Japanese word "Koto," refers to the name of the traditional Japanese harp which emits melancholy sounds.

Inoui by Shiseido c1976

Inoui by Shiseido: launched in 1976. Shiseido's Inoui took its name from the French word “Inoui" means “extraordinary” "unprecedented" or “unforgettable" in the English language. The name was also used for one of Shiseido's makeup lines.

Nombre Noir by Shiseido c1982

Nombre Noir by Shiseido was launched in 1982, a time marked by bold expressions and the flourishing of avant-garde culture. The early 1980s were characterized by a blend of flamboyant styles, from the vibrant aesthetics of the disco era to the emerging sophistication of new wave and punk movements. This period saw a surge in artistic experimentation, with designers and creators pushing boundaries in fashion, music, and visual arts. Against this backdrop, Shiseido introduced Nombre Noir, a perfume that embodied the era's daring spirit.

"Nombre Noir" translates to "Black Number" in French. The choice of French for the name reflects the language's historical association with luxury, elegance, and high fashion, making it a fitting choice for a premium fragrance. The term "Black Number" carries a sense of mystery and intrigue, qualities that are often sought after in the world of perfumery. The color black itself is synonymous with sophistication, depth, and timeless allure, further enhancing the perfume's appeal.

The name "Nombre Noir" is a compelling choice for a perfume. It conjures images of sophistication and enigma, aligning perfectly with the artistic direction led by Yusui Kumai and Serge Lutens, with the perfume crafted by Jean-Yves Leroy. The name suggests a sense of exclusivity and complexity, inviting curiosity and a desire to uncover the secrets within the fragrance. For the women of the time, a perfume named "Nombre Noir" would evoke a blend of modernity and classic elegance, appealing to those who embraced the bold yet refined trends of the early 1980s.

Zen by Shiseido c1964

Zen by Shiseido, launched in 1964, bears a name that is deeply rooted in the philosophy and aesthetics of Japanese culture. The word "Zen" comes from Japanese, derived from the Chinese word "Chan", which in turn comes from the Sanskrit "Dhyana," meaning meditation or deep contemplation. Pronounced simply as "zehn", the word evokes images of tranquility, simplicity, and balance. It suggests an inner peace, a serene state of mind in which distractions fall away, leaving a clear, meditative focus. For women of the 1960s, a perfume named Zen would have resonated as an exotic and alluring promise of calm in a rapidly modernizing world. As the name suggests, it likely conjured visions of minimalist beauty and harmony, aligning perfectly with the growing fascination with Eastern philosophies during that time.

In the context of fragrance, the word Zen would be interpreted as a scent designed to evoke serenity and balance. It speaks to the idea of a harmonious blend of natural elements, where no single note overpowers the others. The scent itself is classified as a fresh floral, which begins with a green top, reminiscent of fresh leaves and nature's vitality. This green opening could easily be imagined as the first breath of a calm morning in a Japanese garden, surrounded by soft greenery and crisp air, offering clarity and renewal. The green floral heart would follow, blending botanical essences that feel alive yet refined, evoking blossoming flowers that suggest purity and grace. This floral symphony would gradually transition into a feminine, powdery base, delicate yet comforting, grounding the fragrance with a sense of timeless beauty.

In terms of fragrance trends, Zen was somewhat unique for its time. The early 1960s saw a shift in perfume styles, moving away from the bold, heavily opulent scents of the 1950s toward lighter, fresher fragrances that suited the emerging fashion for more modern, streamlined elegance. In a period where many women were still drawn to the classic florals and aldehydic compositions of the previous decade, Zen stood out with its more natural and green-focused profile. It reflected the cultural exchange between the East and West, offering something both familiar in its floral base yet innovative with its meditative, nature-inspired top and heart notes.