Eisenberg

Eisenberg of Chicago, IL, was a renowned name in the American fashion and beauty industry, known for its glamorous costume jewelry, clothing, and, by 1941, an equally sophisticated line of perfumes and cosmetics. The company’s offerings were exclusive, with its products available only in select department stores across major American cities. This approach ensured that each city had a single retailer carrying Eisenberg's complete collection, adding an air of exclusivity and prestige to the brand.

The fragrance line included four custom scents, each packaged with an eye for style and elegance that matched the brand’s reputation. The perfumes were designed to be as refined and fashionable as Eisenberg’s jewelry and garments, creating a complete sensory experience for customers. The company’s fragrances, along with its luxurious cosmetics, were a perfect complement to the upscale image Eisenberg cultivated through its fashion and accessories, catering to a clientele that valued sophistication, exclusivity, and high-quality craftsmanship.

Parfums Guermantes

Parfums Guermantes was founded in 1936 by Claude Caron, a chemist and entrepreneur, at 24 rue de la Paix, Paris, one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the city. Caron, who also operated a pharmacy at this address, ventured into perfumery during a period when Parisian fragrance houses were at the height of their global influence. The choice of the name Guermantes was a nod to Marcel Proust's À la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time), referencing the aristocratic Guermantes family in the novel. This literary connection added a sense of sophistication and cultural prestige to the brand.

Claude Caron, the father of famed actress Leslie Caron, infused his fragrances with both scientific precision and artistic flair. His work in perfumery extended through some of the most turbulent periods of modern history, including World War II, during which he continued to produce perfumes despite the challenges of material shortages and wartime restrictions. In fact, Caron recycled bottles from the Lubin perfume house due to post-war rationing and shortages. After the war, the company relocated to 3 place de la Madeleine, Paris, another address synonymous with luxury and refinement.

Parfums Paul Caret

Paul Caret, a designer active in the 1920s, was among the wave of couturiers who recognized the appeal of launching perfumes as extensions of their fashion houses. Much like his contemporaries, Caret sought to offer clients a complete experience of elegance, with fragrances that would complement and enhance his fashionable creations. Perfumes were increasingly seen as essential elements in a designer's portfolio, adding an aura of refinement that aligned with the chic attire of the era.

However, Caret’s venture into perfumery appears to have been brief, making his line one of the rarest among early fashion designers. Unlike the enduring perfume lines of some of his peers, Caret’s creations were only produced in limited quantities, likely due to the challenges of entering a competitive market dominated by established perfume houses. Today, these perfumes are elusive treasures for collectors and historians, with only a few surviving bottles known to exist. Their scarcity adds an air of mystique to Caret’s legacy, reflecting both the fleeting nature of his perfumed endeavors and their rarity as coveted artifacts from the era of early designer perfumes.

Parfums Calixte

Calixte, the fashion house, was renowned for its refined aesthetic and operated from 227 rue St.-Honoré in Paris, a district synonymous with luxury and haute couture. In the 1940s, the brand ventured into perfumery, introducing a small but distinctive collection of fragrances. These perfumes, crafted with the sophistication and artistry of the era, have since become exceedingly rare. Their scarcity is a result of limited production, the passage of time, and their specific historical context during a tumultuous period in Europe.

The name Calixte is of Greek origin, derived from the masculine name Callistus or its feminine counterpart Callista, meaning "most beautiful" or "most excellent." It carries connotations of beauty, excellence, and nobility, which align perfectly with its use as the name of a Parisian fashion house. The name is pronounced kah-LEEXT in French, reflecting its elegance and sophistication.

Today, Calixte's perfumes are highly sought after by collectors and vintage perfume enthusiasts, though they are rarely found in the modern market. These elusive treasures hold a unique place in the history of perfumery, representing a bygone era of exclusivity and artisanal excellence.

Les Parfums Eliane

Eliane of 79 Rue des Petits Champs, Paris, was a milliner who brought out her signature perfume, Le Parfum d'Eliane in 1927.

Creating both hats and perfume suggests a keen sense of style and a deep understanding of aesthetics. "Le Parfum d'Eliane" must have been quite the sensation in 1927, Paris being a hub of fashion and fragrance. I wonder what inspired her to transition from millinery to perfumery?

Parfums de-Folet

Parfums de-Folet, a highly obscure French perfume company, operated within a narrow window from 1938 to 1941. Despite its short existence, the brand left an indelible mark on the fragrance world with its distinct and elusive scents. Founded amidst the tumultuous years leading up to World War II, Parfums de-Folet crafted perfumes that captured the essence of an era marked by uncertainty and shifting societal norms.

Though scant information remains about the company's history, its legacy endures through whispers in fragrance enthusiast circles and rare vintage bottles that occasionally surface in auctions or private collections. The allure of Parfums de-Folet lies not only in its ephemeral existence but also in the mystique surrounding its creations, which are shrouded in the enigmatic ambiance of pre-war France.

The fragrances produced by Parfums de-Folet are revered for their complexity and sophistication, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Each scent is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of a time when perfumers meticulously blended rare ingredients to create olfactory masterpieces. Despite the passage of time, the allure of Parfums de-Folet continues to captivate perfume aficionados who seek to uncover the secrets of this enigmatic brand.

Parfums François Villon

Societe Francaise de Parfumerie-Parfums François Villon, a perfume manufacturer and wholesaler was established by S. de Benveniste at 1 rue Lord Byron, Toulouse. The name Francois Villon was based on a well-known French lyric poet who died in about 1485. The company name was trademarked in the USA in 1949.

CB Rocca

In 1946, Clara Hirsch, operating under the business name Rocca in Paris, France, filed a trademark registration. This registration covered a range of products including perfume, rouge (cosmetic), and dentifrice (toothpaste) under the name CB Rocca. The filing date for the trademark was July 30, 1946.

The trademark registration claimed use of the Rocca brand since May 25, 1897. This suggests that Clara Hirsch had been actively using the Rocca name for these products for nearly half a century before the trademark filing.

In 1946, ownership of the Rocca trademark belonged to Clara Hirsch, indicating her established role in the perfumery and cosmetic industry in Paris. The long history of the Rocca brand underscores its enduring presence and reputation in the marketplace from the late 19th century onward.

Anny Blatt

Anny Blatt, a distinguished French designer, is celebrated for revolutionizing the world of knitwear with her sophisticated and luxurious designs. Known for her impeccable craftsmanship, Blatt was among the first to introduce hand-knitted clothing for women, transforming knitwear from simple, functional pieces into high-fashion garments. Her innovative approach set a new standard in the fashion industry, blending elegance with the timeless art of knitting.

In 1934, Blatt expanded her creative influence by venturing into the world of perfumery. This move marked another chapter in her illustrious career, where she applied the same dedication to quality and artistry that defined her fashion designs. Through her perfumes, Blatt continued to express her unique vision, offering women not only exquisite clothing but also fragrances that complemented the sophistication and allure of her knitwear collections.

Garwood's Standard Perfumes

Philadelphia; claimed established in 1852; most likely c1873; a subsidiary of Schandein & Lind in c1900; launched a range of fragrances in the first quarter of 20th century.

Poujol

Poujol, founded by Gustav K. Poujol, was a prominent name in the fragrance and cosmetic industry. The company was renowned for its imported French perfumes, which were carried in the United States by Mandel Brothers. This partnership helped Poujol’s luxury products reach a broader American audience, underscoring the brand’s appeal and quality.

In addition to its distinguished line of perfumes, Poujol offered a wide range of personal care products. The company’s offerings included sachets, soap, talcum powder, and toilet waters. Poujol also extended its product line to cosmetics, featuring face powders and compacts, lipsticks, rouge, and cleansing tissues. This comprehensive range demonstrated Poujol's commitment to beauty and personal grooming, catering to various aspects of daily care and elegance.

Augusta Bernard et Cie

Established by Augusta Bernard at 3 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore, Paris in 1927; couture house, like many of its contemporise it added fragrances to add value to its cloths, launched L’Heure Blonde in 1928; closed in 1934. Perfume labels will be marked with the name "augustabernard" as one word.



The perfumes of Augusta Bernard:

• 1928 L'Heure Blond
• c1930 Parfum Mon Secret
• c1930 Aveu d'Amour

Wenck

"The Wenck" Perfume Mfg Co. 77 Franklin Street, New York City. 

Laboratory and office at 381 Sixth Ave, New York City (in 1876).

Parfumerie Brecher

Parfumerie Brecher, founded by Paul Brecher in Pontoise around 1910, underwent a significant change in ownership after 1918 when Jacques Ernest Mazurier took over. Mazurier relocated the company to 10 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle in Paris. Under Mazurier's ownership, the perfumes were labeled as 'Aux Perfumeries Reunites'.

The company had affiliations with Benoit and Marquis de Elorza, indicating its network and possibly collaborations within the perfume industry during that era.

Parfums Carrere

Parfums Carrère was established by Maurice Bertrand Carrère at 45 rue Pierre-Charron, Paris in 1945. They only produced a small range of perfumes. However, the company was not commercially successful and subsequently, closed soon after.

Bullock, Ward & Co

Bullock, Ward & Co. of Chicago, Illinois were manufacturers of soap, perfumes, pure food flavor extracts and toilet specialties. The company was established in 1899 by Thomas H. Bullock and Phillip T. Ward, and primarily dealt in the mail order business.

Mollie Parnis by Mollie Parnis c1978

Mollie Parnis by Mollie Parnis: launched in 1978 under the name Mollie Parnis Cosmetics Dist., possibly in conjunction with Parfums Weil. The perfume was concocted in France but botted in the USA. She chose tuberose as a main ingredient as it was her favorite flower, one of which she used to keep fresh blossoms in vases in her office.

In a 1977 article, Mollie Parnis mentions that "The French had ideas about perfume, I had some about fashion, we finally agreed...The world is getting more American designer oriented...I believe that creativity, whether it's in the arts or anything else, is where the money is. The money is here, we have the know-how and the creativity. "

Parfumerie de Jussy Saint-James

Parfumerie de Jussy Saint-James, a prominent manufacturer of fragrances and cosmetics, was originally established under the name Au Jardin Fleuri in the Halle aux Vins district of Paris in 1890. This initial establishment positioned the company at the heart of the thriving Parisian perfumery and wine trade area, where many perfumers and merchants operated.

Originally known as James Ducellier, the business was located at 2 Préau des Eaux-de-Vie, emphasizing its connection to the perfumery and spirits industries. Perfume and alcohol were often closely linked in the 19th century due to the use of alcohol as a solvent in fragrance production. James Ducellier’s establishment likely catered to this burgeoning demand for fine perfumes and cosmetic products during a period when Paris was becoming the global epicenter for luxury goods and personal care items.

As the business evolved, the company saw a change in leadership. Its successor, Veuve L. Dupont et Fils, continued to operate the business, likely bringing a new era of management and potentially expanding the product range or refining its existing offerings. The transition to Veuve L. Dupont et Fils suggests that the family tradition played a significant role in the company’s continuity, maintaining its legacy within the competitive world of French perfumery.

Parfumerie de Jussy Saint-James contributed to the rich tradition of French fragrance and cosmetics manufacturing, sustaining a lineage that began with James Ducellier's pioneering efforts in the late 19th century. Through changes in ownership and branding, the company remained a player in the Parisian perfumery scene, embodying the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined the French fragrance industry of that era.

Les Parfums de Peyronnet

Les Parfums de Peyronnet, also known as Parfumerie Peyronnet of Paris, was a distinguished perfumery subtitled "à la haie fleuri" (meaning "at the blooming hedge"). The business was also referred to as Parfumerie Peyronnet-Talence and Parfums Peyronnet-Talence in various forms of communication, including a letterhead and a catalog from 1919, indicating the broad recognition of its name and offerings.

Founded in 1897 by Auguste F. Peyronnet at 110 Chemin de Pessac, the perfumery originally began as a small venture in Talence, a suburb of Bordeaux, France. Over the years, the company grew in prominence, producing a variety of fragrant and cosmetic products. Auguste's legacy was later continued by his son, Jean Peyronnet, ensuring that the family business remained under the stewardship of its founders and expanded its reach in the French perfume industry.

Les Parfums de Peyronnet produced a wide range of products beyond perfumes, showcasing the versatility of the brand. In addition to perfumes and eaux de cologne, the company manufactured a variety of personal care items including toothpaste, brilliantines (hair grooming products), mouthwash, and hair lotions. These offerings positioned the company as a comprehensive producer of beauty and hygiene products during a time when grooming was becoming an integral part of daily life.

One of their notable trademarks was Princia, a line that likely became synonymous with their brand, along with their signature Eau de Cologne, which exemplified the timeless French tradition of fine cologne crafting. With its varied and well-rounded product lines, Parfumerie Peyronnet made a significant contribution to the development of French perfumery and cosmetics, remaining a staple in personal care throughout its operational years.

Claire Parfumeur, Inc

Claire Parfumeur, Inc  of Paris, France, elegant Paris shop specializing in luxury fashions and perfumes, established in 1924 by Rodney Wanamaker , a member of the founding family of John Wanamaker, department stores in the US. Claire also had a shop at Fifth Avenue, New York; launched a range of fragrances: associated to Evenod Parfumeur.