Terre de Retz Powder Boxes c1920s

"Terre de Retz" was a line of face powder sold by the Galeries Lafayette department store in Paris, The face powder was housed inside papier mache or composition powder boxes molded in various forms from historical figures to sailing ships. Richly painted in dreamy pastels or bold primary colors, these fanciful boxes adorned boudoirs during the 1920s.

c1927 ad

Nysis by Agra c1919

Nysis by Agra Parfumeur: launched in 1919. Nysis was a line that included perfume, toilet water, cold cream, talc, face powder, vanishing cream, and soap.

The packaging is emblazoned with a wonderful Egyptian style woman's head wit long black hair.  Themes featuring any sort of Egyptomania was very popular during the 1920s. You can see from the advertisements below that the Egyptian theme was carried out by showing some Egyptian maidens to the upper right side of the ads. These were from a 1920 issue of Cosmopolitan.

Nysis has been discontinued since the 1920s. The products are very collectible, with the perfume and toilet water the most expensive and rare, while the face powder and the talcum tin are common.

 

Solon Palmer Perfumes

Solon Palmer, an influential figure in the world of perfumery and toiletries, established his company in 1847 in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a perfumer and chemist, Palmer's venture quickly became known for its high-quality products. His early offerings included Palmer's Invisible, a ladies’ face powder, and a selection of handkerchief extracts and toilet soaps. These initial products set the stage for Palmer’s subsequent success, helping to build a strong foundation for his business.

In 1870, Palmer expanded his operations by opening a branch in New York City at 12 Platt Street. This move was a strategic step to tap into the vibrant and growing market of New York. Shortly after, he relocated the branch to 372, 374, and 376 Pearl Street, reflecting the company's growth and increasing prominence. Palmer's presence in New York enabled him to reach a broader audience and enhance the brand's reputation on a larger scale.

By 1892, the company was under the leadership of Solon Palmer's son, Eddy Palmer. Eddy’s management marked a new phase for the business, continuing its growth and innovation. Eventually, the company came under the stewardship of Solon M. Palmer, ensuring that the family's legacy in the perfumery and toiletry industry continued. The Palmer family maintained the business until 1947, a testament to their enduring influence and the company’s resilience through changing times.

Throughout its history, Solon Palmer’s company expanded its product range significantly. From its early focus on face powders, handkerchief extracts, and soaps, the line broadened to include powders, sachet powders, rouges, lotions, cold creams, tissue creams, perfumes, brilliantine, and lipsticks. This diversification reflected the company’s adaptability and its ability to cater to evolving consumer needs and preferences.

The design of Palmer's perfume bottles also evolved over time. Early cologne bottles were distinguished by their beautiful deep emerald green or rich teal hues and typically featured a lay-down style. These bottles were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the product’s appeal. As the years progressed, the design shifted to clear or light aqua glass bottles with cylindrical or hourglass shapes. These later bottles represented a more modern approach while maintaining the elegance associated with the Palmer brand.

La Fougeraie Au Crepuscule by Coty c1928

The launch of "La Fougeraie Au Crepuscule" by Coty in 1928 marked a significant moment in the history of perfume. François Coty, a renowned perfumer and entrepreneur, was behind this creation. It's noteworthy that this perfume was released during the interwar period, a time of significant cultural shifts and artistic exploration.

The choice of launching in 1928 places it in the era known as the "Roaring Twenties," a time characterized by economic prosperity, cultural dynamism, and social change, particularly in Western societies. Perfume, along with other luxury goods, experienced a surge in popularity during this time, as people sought to indulge in sensual pleasures and express their newfound freedoms.

The fact that "La Fougeraie Au Crepuscule" took five years to perfect speaks to the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that François Coty and his team invested in its creation. Perfume-making during this period was often a labor-intensive process, involving the sourcing of rare and exotic ingredients, as well as the blending of various essences to achieve a harmonious and distinctive scent profile.

By 1932, the perfume had made its way to the United States, reflecting Coty's ambition to tap into the lucrative American market. The 1930s marked a time of economic turmoil with the onset of the Great Depression, yet luxury items like perfume continued to hold appeal for those who could afford them.

"La Fougeraie Au Crepuscule" holds additional significance as François Coty's final perfume before his death in 1934. Coty was a pioneering figure in the world of fragrance, credited with revolutionizing the perfume industry through his innovative marketing strategies and the introduction of new scent compositions. As such, this perfume represents the culmination of his lifelong dedication to the art of perfumery.

Overall, the launch of "La Fougeraie Au Crepuscule" in the late 1920s and its subsequent arrival in the United States in the early 1930s occurred against the backdrop of a vibrant and evolving cultural landscape, marking a notable chapter in the history of perfume.