Indiscret by Lucien Lelong c1936

Indiscret by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1936. Pronounced as "AN-DEES-KRAY", in French it means "heedless, indiscreet."

Le Golliwogg by Vigny c1918

Le Golliwogg by Vigny: launched in 1918.

Shiseido Enchanting Dance vs Clamy's Femme Ailees Perfume Bottle

Enchanting Dance by Shiseido, launched in 1987, carries a name that instantly evokes images of beauty in motion, elegance, and timeless allure. The phrase "Enchanting Dance" suggests a captivating performance—graceful, fluid, and mesmerizing. It hints at a story told through movement, with each step drawing the viewer further into a magical, almost otherworldly experience. Shiseido likely chose this name to reflect the seamless blend of artistry and beauty that both dance and fragrance embody. Just as a dancer can convey emotions through subtle gestures and sweeping movements, this fragrance promises to do the same through its delicate, evolving notes.

The word "Enchanting Dance" conjures up emotions of grace, charm, and mystery. It suggests a moment in time where the dancer, bathed in soft light, captivates an audience with her effortless elegance. In scent, it evokes the idea of transformation—how each phase of the fragrance unfolds like a dance, moving from the fresh, light beginnings to deeper, more sensual undertones. Women in 1987, a time of empowerment and self-expression, would have been drawn to the idea of wearing a perfume called "Enchanting Dance." It offered a way to embody grace, femininity, and the ability to leave a lasting impression, much like a memorable performance on stage. The name taps into a desire for a sense of beauty that feels both personal and universal, allowing women to feel connected to an art form that transcends time and culture.

In scent, "Enchanting Dance" would be interpreted as a harmonious progression, where each note mirrors the flowing movements of a dancer. The fresh floral top notes symbolize the lightness of a dancer’s opening sequence, full of energy and promise. The floral heart would be the peak of the performance, where elegance and passion combine, much like a perfectly timed pirouette. The woody, ambery base notes represent the finale, where the dancer’s movements slow and come to a graceful, lasting close, leaving behind an air of mystery and depth. Each phase of the fragrance reflects a different mood, much like the varying emotions conveyed through dance.

The fragrance was launched at a time when the perfume industry was moving through a period of bold statements. The late 1980s saw the rise of strong, powerful fragrances that matched the energy of the decade—think of iconic scents like Dior’s "Poison" (1985) or YSL’s "Opium" (1977), which were rich, heady, and unafraid to stand out. "Enchanting Dance," classified as a floral chypre, struck a balance between the floral elegance of traditional feminine scents and the woody, amber base that reflected the popular chypre trend of the time. While it followed the broader trends of bolder compositions, it differentiated itself with its grace and poise, offering something more refined and delicate amid the assertive perfumes of the era.