In 1935, when Revillon launched their perfume "Tornade," the world was deep in the throes of the Great Depression. This period was marked by severe economic hardship, mass unemployment, and widespread poverty. Despite these challenges, people sought escapism and solace through various forms of entertainment and luxury, even in small doses. Romantic love often served as a refuge, a timeless narrative that continued to captivate hearts and minds during these tough times. The era's cinema, often referred to as the Golden Age of Hollywood, frequently featured themes of romantic love, offering a blend of fantasy and hope that resonated deeply with audiences. Films such as "Top Hat" (1935) with its lighthearted romance, and "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1935), though more adventurous, still carried underlying currents of personal and emotional relationships, were reflective of this trend.
The choice of the name "Tornade" by furriers Revillon is intriguing and multifaceted. "Tornade," the French word for "tornado," evokes a sense of powerful, swirling forces, and dramatic upheaval. This name suggests a perfume that is bold, intense, and capable of leaving a strong impression—much like the natural phenomenon it is named after. For Revillon, a renowned furrier branching into luxury fragrances, "Tornade" symbolized an intense, irresistible force of nature, aligning with the high impact they likely aimed to achieve with their perfume. The name conjures images of passion, unpredictability, and a whirlwind of emotions, all of which are potent associations for a fragrance meant to captivate and enchant.
Women of the 1930s might have found the name "Tornade" particularly compelling. The era’s societal constraints were being challenged, and women were beginning to explore more liberated forms of self-expression. A perfume named "Tornade" would have appealed to the modern woman’s desire for something daring and exciting, something that stood out in stark contrast to the everyday struggles of the Depression. The perfume’s name would evoke a sense of drama and allure, qualities that women might aspire to embody or be attracted to during a time when escapism through beauty and personal care products was a form of subtle rebellion against the harshness of reality.
