Tocade by Corysé Salomé, launched in 1957, is a perfume whose very name evokes passion, spontaneity, and allure. The word "Tocade" is derived from French and is pronounced toh-KAHD. In its essence, "tocade" refers to a whim, a sudden and impulsive desire, or even a fleeting obsession—something irresistible, yet light-hearted and playful. The name itself captures the unpredictable, carefree nature of falling in love or chasing after one’s desires. It suggests a woman who is bold, adventurous, and unafraid to follow her impulses, even if only for a brief, intense moment.
In terms of imagery, the word "Tocade" brings to mind the free-spirited woman of the 1950s, with a touch of elegance and a hint of recklessness. She is spontaneous, joyfully impulsive, perhaps chasing a whim through the cobblestone streets of Paris, a smile on her lips. The word conjures emotions of exhilaration, indulgence, and fleeting beauty—like a brief romance or a sudden, overpowering craving for something delightful. It evokes images of vibrant florals blooming unexpectedly, a rush of fresh citrus, and earthy notes grounding the perfume like the pull of reality on a whimsical dream.
Interpreted in scent, Tocade takes this notion of fleeting passion and transforms it into a fruity floral woody fragrance. The dominant jasmine note represents the heart of this scent, lush and seductive, unfolding like a bouquet of white petals. Italian citron brings a sparkling brightness, adding a playful, sun-kissed citrus touch. The grounding earthiness of vetiver and patchouli gives the fragrance depth, balancing the lively florals with a steady, sultry base. Ambergris lends its warmth, creating a soft, alluring trail, while musk wraps the fragrance in a sensual, intimate veil. Together, these notes form a perfume that is at once feminine and bold, floral yet grounded—a true expression of the whimsical and passionate spirit of "Tocade."
When Tocade was released in 1957, the perfume world was evolving in the context of post-war femininity. The 1950s marked a period of revival and glamour, with women embracing more luxurious, expressive fragrances. Perfumes at the time were rich, opulent, and often bold statements of femininity. However, Tocade stood out for its playful, yet sophisticated take on the fruity floral genre, combining the freshness of citrus with the depth of woodsy, earthy notes. The inclusion of musk and ambergris added a layer of sensuality that was bold for the time, while patchouli and vetiver kept the scent grounded in a timeless elegance.
