Christian Dior - Art de la Table - Perfume Bottles - 1988

It's fascinating how Christian Dior expanded into the realm of home furnishings with the Art De La Table Collection in 1988, which included crystal perfume bottles reminiscent of the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s. These bottles, crafted from 24% lead crystal by the talented glass company Sasaki in Japan, were designed to evoke the elegance and sophistication of that bygone era.

The decision to offer these bottles empty, allowing customers to fill them with their preferred perfume, adds a personal touch to the collection and makes them unique non-commercial items. The inclusion of frosted glass stoppers further enhances their aesthetic appeal, resembling the exquisite designs often associated with Lalique or Czechoslovakian glass.

The interchangeability of some bottles and stoppers adds an interesting dimension to the collection, allowing for customization and creative expression. It also reflects the versatility and craftsmanship of Sasaki in producing these elegant pieces that pay homage to the Art Deco era while incorporating modern elements. Overall, the Christian Dior Art De La Table Collection stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to luxury and style, offering customers the opportunity to bring a touch of timeless elegance into their homes.

• AC6617 Dior Bow Perfume Bottle.
• AC6618 Dior Rose
• AA6619 Elan
• Spring Violets
• Spring Rose
• AA6622 Spring Lilacs

Gallery of bottles produced by Sasaki for Christian Dior:

The gallery of bottles below were made and retailed by Sasaki, some of these bases and stoppers were used on the Christian Dior bottles too.

The bottle with the floral center was named Printemps (AA6608). The one with the bird was named Wings (A6991). The Wings bottle was also available in pink frosted crystal.

La Fuite des Heures/Fleeting Moment by Balenciaga c1947

"La Fuite des Heures" or "Fleeting Moment" by Balenciaga is a classic fragrance that was launched in 1947. It's renowned for its elegant and timeless scent, capturing the essence of fleeting moments with its sophisticated blend of notes. Germaine Cellier, a prominent perfumer known for her bold and innovative creations, was the mastermind behind this iconic fragrance. By 1949, it had made its way to the USA, further solidifying its status as a beloved scent worldwide.

Grand Dame by Jean Desprez c1939

"Grand Dame" by Jean Desprez, launched in 1939, is a perfume that exudes elegance and sophistication. The name "Grand Dame," translating to "great lady" in French, suggests a fragrance crafted for a woman of poise, grace, and refinement. Jean Desprez, known for creating luxurious and distinctive perfumes, likely designed this scent to embody the timeless allure and grandeur associated with such a woman. The year 1939 places this perfume in a pre-World War II era, a time when opulence and classic beauty were highly celebrated in the world of fashion and fragrance.

Vintage Counterfeit Perfumes and Fantasy Fakes

During the 20th century, the perfume industry was rife with counterfeiting at every turn. There was some trickery going on in the 1930s-1950s regarding designer named perfumes. I can find famous names on bogus labels for perfumes in bottles that you would never see used by that brand. Various con men had boxes and labels printed up, then decanted or adulterated, refilling cheaper bottles with even cheaper perfume, then slapping the newly printed labels on them, and passing them off as genuine.

I have created a comprehensive guide for fake vintage perfumes going back to the 1920s and into the 1970s. Much of the crucial information I have gathered has been revealed nowhere else and it can answer a lot of questions regarding so called "rare" editions or bottles of designer perfumes. 

Discussed in this guide are rebottlers, fake pricing schemes, and outright counterfeits. A significant portion of the guide is devoted to what I call "fantasy fakes." Fantasy fakes are, in my own parlance and definition, is the usage of bottles and labels that a genuine perfumery brand would have never used. This also includes names of perfumes that were never part of their catalog such as "Ce Soir Ou Jamais" by Christian Dior. I have done extensive research on these in order to determine whether they are genuine or fake. You might be surprised, delighted or even disappointed at the information I uncovered.

Before you shell out hundreds for a rare "Poiret" perfume bottle, please see my guide first!

Asphodele by Lentheric c1926

Asphodele by Lentheric: launched in 1926, pronounced "As Fo Del". Asphodele refers to the species of daffodil (narcissus) that grow around the Mediterranean and a species growing on both the coasts of Brittany and Galicia. In the ancient times, the daffodils were often used to bloom the grave of the dead, where the legend of Asphodel Meadow , instead of Hades in Greek mythology . I have read that the actual asphodele plant has no scent.

Miracle by Lentheric c1924

In 1924, when Lentheric launched the perfume "Miracle - Miracle," the world was amidst a transformative era marked by artistic and cultural revolutions. This period, known as the Roaring Twenties, epitomized a newfound sense of liberation and decadence following the First World War. The name "Miracle - Miracle" was carefully chosen to resonate with the zeitgeist of the time, capturing the spirit of optimism, innovation, and fascination with the extraordinary.

Against this backdrop, Max Reinhardt's play "Miracle" became a sensation, starring the enchanting actress Diana Manners, celebrated for her beauty and charm. The play itself symbolized the allure of theatrical magic and the ability to transport audiences to realms of wonder and fantasy. Lentheric's decision to name their perfume after this play was strategic, aiming to evoke a sense of enchantment and allure that resonated with the desires of the era's cosmopolitan and sophisticated clientele.

Moreover, the name "Miracle - Miracle" suggests not only the miraculous allure of the fragrance itself but also the transformative power it promises to its wearer. Just as Diana Manners captured hearts on stage, the perfume sought to captivate with its elegant blend of scents, promising wearers a touch of theatrical glamour and sophistication. In essence, the choice of name was a nod to the cultural currents of the time, where art, theater, and beauty converged to create moments of pure enchantment and allure, mirroring the essence of Lentheric's exquisite fragrance.

Dark Brilliance by Lentheric c1946

Dark Brilliance by Lentheric: launched in 1946.

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.

Monsieur de Rauch by Madeleine de Rauch c1950

Monsieur de Rauch by Madeleine de Rauch: launched in 1950 or 1966 (per Dictionnaire des Parfums, 1972-1973 edition). Created by Raymond Chaillan and Jacques Bercia.

Incanto by Simonetta c1955

Incanto by Simonetta: launched in 1955. Perfume created by Simonetta Visconti (Donna Simonetta Fabiani), an Italian fashion designer.

Marie Earle Perfumes

Established in 5th Avenue New York in 1910.

Bill Blass by Bill Blass c1978

Bill Blass for Women by Bill Blass: launched in 1978 in association with Revlon.

Colgate Perfumes

Colgate & Co. was located at 55 John Street New York. Established 1806. Richard M. Colgate, Gilbert Colgate, Sidney M. Colgate, Austen Colgate.

Key Dates:

• 1806: Company is founded by William Colgate in New York to make starch, soap, and candles.
• 1857: After founder's death, company becomes known as Colgate & Company.
• 1873: Toothpaste is first marketed.
• 1896: Collapsible tubes for toothpaste are introduced.
• 1898: B.J. Johnson Soap Company (later renamed Palmolive Company) introduces Palmolive soap.
• 1910: Colgate moves from original location to Jersey City, New Jersey.
• 1926: Palmolive merges with Peet Brothers, creating Palmolive-Peet Company.
• 1928: Colgate and Palmolive-Peet merge, forming Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company.
• 1947: Fab detergent and Ajax cleanser are introduced.
• 1953: Company changes its name to Colgate-Palmolive Company.
• 1956: Corporate headquarters shifts back to New York.
• 1966: Palmolive dishwashing liquid is introduced.
• 1967: Sales top $1 billion.
• 1968: Colgate toothpaste is reformulated with fluoride; Ultra Brite is introduced.
• 1976: Hill's Pet Products is purchased.
• 1987: The Softsoap brand of liquid soap is acquired.
• 1992: The Mennen Company is acquired; Total toothpaste is introduced overseas.
• 1995: Latin American firm Kolynos Oral Care is acquired; Colgate-Palmolive undergoes major restructuring.
• 1997: Total toothpaste is launched in the United States; Colgate takes lead in domestic toothpaste market.
• 2004: Company acquires European oral care firm GABA Holding AG; major restructuring is launched.

Colgate Company of Jersey City, NJ from 1879 to 1959.

Colgate & Company had been a pioneer in establishing international operations, creating a Canadian subsidiary in 1913 and one in France in 1920. In the early 1920s the firm expanded into Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico. Colgate or its successor firm next created subsidiaries in the Philippines, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa in the late 1920s. In 1937 the company moved into India and by the end of the 1940s had operations in most of South America. By 1939 Colgate-Palmolive-Peet's sales hit $100 million.

Mai by Shiseido c1968

Mai by Shiseido: launched in 1968.

Help! My Perfume Has Sediment and has Darkened

I get a lot of questions from readers who cannot understand why their vintage perfume has little things floating in them. I have definitely had my share of bottles that had the floaties in some of my old perfumes too. This is mainly due to the natural decomposition process of the perfume. 

According to some of the questions I get from readers, they are afraid they may have unknowingly bought a counterfeit. While it is true that many modern counterfeits may have nasty bits floating in the suspicious fluid, there are perfectly reasonable explanations why you could find sediment in your genuine vintage bottle. 

If you collect vintage perfume you will notice some of the resins tend to collect in the bottom of the bottle. The sediment is actually the natural oils and essences coagulating as they start to break down. The alcohol and water inside will probably start to evaporate slowly over time and you will be left with a thick, syrupy concentrated perfume residue inside.

Electric Youth by Debbie Gibson c1989

Electric Youth by Debbie Gibson: Launched in 1989 in association with Revlon. Named after the best selling pop album and song.

Vers Toi by Worth c1934

Vers Toi by Worth: launched in 1934. Originally created by Maurice Blanchet.  The name means "Towards You" in French.

Asja by Fendi c1991

Asja by Fendi: launched in 1991, in association with Parma. It was created by Jean Guichard.

Dolce Vita by Christian Dior c1994

Dolce Vita by Christian Dior: created by Pierre Bourdon and Maurice Roger and launched in 1994.

Je Reviens by Worth c1932

Je Reviens by Worth: launched in 1932. Created by Maurice Blanchet.