Charivari by Charles of the Ritz c1978

Charivari by Charles of the Ritz, launched in 1978, is a perfume that encapsulates the playful elegance of the late 1970s. The name "Charivari" was a deliberate choice by Charles of the Ritz, a renowned brand in perfumery. The word "Charivari" comes from French, pronounced as "sha-ree-vah-ree", and traditionally refers to a noisy, playful commotion, often associated with celebratory or mischievous gatherings. The term conjures images of lively and festive events, with an undertone of humor and unexpected joy. There’s a sense of vibrant energy, spontaneity, and irreverence that the name evokes, suggesting that the perfume embodies a spirit of fun and unpredictability.

For women in the late 1970s, the name "Charivari" would have resonated with a sense of liberation and confidence. This was a time when women were embracing greater independence, both personally and professionally. A perfume named after a spirited, joyful chaos might have appealed to women who sought to express themselves in a world that was becoming more dynamic and less rigid. It would have suggested that this fragrance wasn’t for the passive or demure, but for the woman who owned her individuality and wasn’t afraid to make a statement.

Charivari as a scent would interpret its name through a playful yet refined composition. Classified as a light fruity floral chypre, the perfume opens with a sparkling aldehydic top that immediately captures attention with its effervescence. Aldehydes often give a perfume a bright, almost champagne-like quality, and in this context, they might evoke the lively clamor suggested by the name. The floral heart—an elegant blend of rose, jasmine, and tuberose—adds depth and sophistication, grounding the perfume with a rich, feminine allure. These florals, each powerful in their own right, would interweave harmoniously, symbolizing both the beauty and complexity of the wearer. The base of the perfume, with its powdery notes accented by oakmoss, vetiver, and sandalwood, adds a sensual, earthy finish, hinting at both refinement and sensuality.

Directoire by Charles of the Ritz c1946

In 1946, Directoire by Charles of the Ritz was launched into a world emerging from the devastation of World War II. This early post-war period was marked by significant societal shifts and economic recovery efforts, particularly in Europe, where the Marshall Plan was soon to be implemented to rebuild economies. The transition from a wartime to a peacetime economy meant the demobilization of soldiers and a complex adjustment for women who had joined the workforce during the war and were now expected to return to domestic roles. Fashion and culture, however, began to experience a resurgence as wartime rationing ended, with luxury goods and fashion reclaiming their places in society. Christian Dior’s "New Look," introduced in 1947, emphasized femininity and opulence, sharply contrasting the austere styles of the wartime period.

The inspiration for the perfume, the Directoire period, spanned from 1795 to 1799 and followed the tumultuous years of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Governed by a directory of five directors, this era represented a time of relative stability and cultural rejuvenation before the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The period was distinguished by a return to classical influences in art, fashion, and architecture. Women's fashion during the Directoire period featured empire waist dresses that allowed greater movement and comfort, moving away from the restrictive corsets and elaborate gowns of the earlier 18th century. This simplicity and elegance, inspired by classical Greek and Roman styles, were defining characteristics of the era's fashion.

For women in the post-World War II era, the Directoire period's fashion and cultural shifts had a particular appeal. After enduring years of wartime austerity and utilitarian clothing, women longed for a return to elegance, luxury, and femininity. The classical elegance of the Directoire period resonated with this sentiment, symbolizing both a break from the past's restrictions and a renewed focus on comfort and beauty. The Directoire period also represented a time of rebuilding and re-establishing social order after revolutionary chaos, mirroring the post-war period's spirit of reconstruction and renewal.

Naming the perfume "Directoire" evoked the sophistication and classical beauty of this historical era, appealing to women who desired to embrace a sense of historical glamour. The association with a period of cultural renaissance and new beginnings made it an appealing inspiration for a luxury product like perfume. Directoire by Charles of the Ritz encapsulated the longing for elegance, stability, and a return to classical beauty in a world recovering from the upheaval of war.

DIRECTOIRE ... the fragrance of an epoch of splendour, distilled for you by Charles of the Ritz Bottled, packaged, sealed in France. 

Senchal by Charles of the Ritz c1981

Senchal by Charles of the Ritz: launched in 1981.  The name is derived from a lake in India.

Undiscouraged by Revlon's 1980 lack of success with its Scoundrel, Charles of the Ritz went after the same younger market in 1981 with Senchal, using heavy advertising. Charles of the Ritz, spent $250,000 and took two and a half years to develop Senchal. Charles of the Ritz spent almost $5 million on network television in the fall of 1981 to launch its second mass market women's fragrance, Senchal.

Forever Krystle by Carrington c1984

Forever Krystle by Carrington; launched in 1984.  The fragrance was named after the character Krystle Carrington, played by actress Linda Evans in the 1980's soap opera Dynasty.

Made by Charles of the Ritz and sold under the Carrington name. The pinnacle of success was the addition of a men's fragrance simply named Carrington, appeared in 1985.

Ritz by Charles of the Ritz c1972

Ritz by Charles of the Ritz was launched in 1972, presenting itself as a notable addition to the fragrance landscape of the early 1970s. This perfume distinguished itself with an intense floral chypre composition, blending rich floral notes with warm, woodsy undertones. It was known for its sophisticated and elegant character, which was mirrored in its distinctive packaging and its complex olfactory profile.

The Ritz fragrance was carefully crafted to offer a bold and captivating scent experience. The initial top notes featured a fresh and vibrant aldehydic green, combined with the sharpness of galbanum, the fruitiness of peach, and the crispness of hyacinth. This opening was followed by a lush floral heart, where violet, rose, jasmine, lily of the valley, carnation, orris, geranium, and ylang ylang intertwined in a harmonious bouquet. The fragrance then settled into a rich, warm base of vetiver, sandalwood, amber, oakmoss, musk, Virginia cedar, and incense, creating a deep, lasting impression.

In 1977, another perfume was introduced under the name Charles of the Ritz by Charles of the Ritz. Despite the similarity in names, this fragrance was distinct from the original 1972 Ritz. The 1977 iteration focused on a different fragrance profile and was a separate creation within the Charles of the Ritz brand portfolio. It’s important to note that while both perfumes shared the Charles of the Ritz brand, they were different in their compositions and market positioning.

The Ritz launched in 1972 remains a classic example of the floral chypre genre from that era, celebrated for its elegant and complex scent. Its packaging, with shiny aluminum canisters and clear glass bottles, complemented the luxurious nature of the fragrance, making it a memorable and stylish choice for fragrance connoisseurs of the time.

Enjoli by Charles of the Ritz c1978

Enjoli by Charles of the Ritz: launched in 1978. Pronounced "On-jo-lee" with the accent on the middle syllable. "It's a non-word, but sounds French" said Brenda Harburger, vice president of new products for Charles of the Ritz.  

Ishah by Charles of the Ritz c1954

Launched in 1954, Ishah by Charles of the Ritz is an intriguing perfume, with a name steeped in meaning and mystery. The choice of the name "Ishah" is particularly evocative, as it is the Hebrew word for "woman." This simple yet profound name captures the essence of femininity in its most elemental form. While the name might not have been immediately understood by non-Hebrew speaking women, its exotic sound and the elegance of its pronunciation would have undoubtedly piqued curiosity and evoked a sense of intrigue.

The word "Ishah" conjures images of timeless beauty and universal femininity, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. It is a name that suggests a connection to something ancient and enduring, a tribute to the essence of womanhood that has been celebrated throughout history. For women of the 1950s, a perfume named "Ishah" might have felt empowering, as it speaks directly to their identity as women. The name would have resonated with an aura of sophistication and depth, suggesting a fragrance that is both classic and modern, rich in meaning yet accessible.

The mid-1950s was a period of post-war optimism and growth, where women were beginning to assert their independence and explore new identities. Perfumes of this era often reflected this change, moving towards more complex and daring compositions that allowed women to express their individuality. In this context, "Ishah" would have stood out as a unique offering in the market, a fragrance that not only appealed to the senses but also spoke to the heart.

While there may not have been specific films or novels at the time directly tied to the Hebrew theme of "Ishah," the broader cultural context of the 1950s was one of exploration and rediscovery of ancient cultures and traditions. This was a time when themes of history, spirituality, and identity were being explored in art, literature, and cinema, making a perfume like "Ishah" particularly resonant. In the broader context, the 1950s was a time when Jewish characters and themes began to gain more prominence in film, reflecting the growing awareness and exploration of diverse cultural narratives. While not always central, these films contributed to the evolving representation of Jewish and Hebrew elements in cinema.

Charles of the Ritz by Charles of the Ritz c1977

Charles of the Ritz by Charles of the Ritz, introduced in 1977, is a fragrance that embodies the opulence and sophistication of its era. This perfume is a testament to the lavishness and elegance that characterized the late 1970s. Designed for women who appreciated a fragrance with both depth and complexity, it offers a rich olfactory experience. 

Charles of the Ritz Perfumes

In this guide I have listed the various perfume produced by Charles of the Ritz of New York City.

In 1916, Charles Jundt, a coiffeur took over the beauty salon at the Ritz Carlton in New York City. He founded his own cosmetics company in 1919. Prior to the war, he had achieved notable triumphs abroad, only serving members of the aristocracy and ultra-wealthy. The war practically ruined his salons. So, like many other artists, he came to the United States. He opened a salon in the Ritz-Carlton and his clientele rapidly increased. In 1926 began marketing his products with the name Charles of the Ritz. In 1927, he introduced perfumes.

Xi'a Xi'ang by Revlon c1987

Xi'a Xi'ang by Charles of the Ritz: launched in 1987, in 1990, it was released under the Revlon name. " Pronounced, "See Ah See Ang", meaning "Imagination". It was called the "Fragrance of the Imagination.