La Gourde du Poète, a fascinating chapter in early 20th-century perfumery, represents an innovative approach to fragrance presentation and design. The line, marketed as both practical and luxurious, was the creation of Rosalie Leforestier. Initially known for her perfume company Parfumerie de L’Étoile, established in Paris, Leforestier rebranded her endeavor to La Gourde du Poète. This evolution in branding emphasized elegance and exclusivity, traits that were integral to its success. By 1921, the perfumes were imported to the United States by Rochambeau, ensuring their reach extended beyond France.
At the heart of La Gourde du Poète’s allure was its signature miniature perfume bottle, designed explicitly for “Milady’s purse.” The innovation lay in the bottle’s engineering, which incorporated a vacuum system that prevented spillage or evaporation, a common problem with other portable fragrances of the time. This design allowed users to dispense the perfume drop by drop, either via a dropper attached to the cork or by gently shaking the inverted bottle. The attention to practicality made La Gourde du Poète a standout product on vanity tables and in handbags alike.
