Cleopatra's Boudoir

Welcome!

Welcome to my unique perfume blog! Here, you'll find detailed, encyclopedic entries about perfumes and companies, complete with facts and photos for easy research. This site is not affiliated with any perfume companies; it's a reference source for collectors and enthusiasts who cherish classic fragrances. My goal is to highlight beloved, discontinued classics and show current brand owners the demand for their revival. Your input is invaluable! Please share why you liked a fragrance, describe its scent, the time period you wore it, any memorable occasions, or what it reminded you of. Did a relative wear it, or did you like the bottle design? Your stories might catch the attention of brand representatives. I regularly update posts with new information and corrections. Your contributions help keep my entries accurate and comprehensive. Please comment and share any additional information you have. Together, we can keep the legacy of classic perfumes alive!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Highest Prices Paid for Vintage and Discontinued Fragrances #2

Here is a new list of the Highest Prices Paid for Vintage and Discontinued Fragrances sold on ebay. This list does not include niche or higher end fragrances, nor have I included pure parfums/extraits in this list. I will create a separate list for those when I can. These are general distribution/mainstream type fragrances, men's and women's are included, this is a work in progress and periodically I will create new numbered lists.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Nuits Indiennes by Jean-Louis Scherrer c1993

Nuits Indiennes by Jean-Louis Scherrer: launched in 1993. Created by perfumer Nathalie Feisthauer.

Art Nouveau shades of Gustav Klimt are seen in the advertising for the perfume.

Norell by Norell c1968

Norell by Norell, launched in 1968 in collaboration with Revlon, was not merely a fragrance; it embodied the iconic designer Norman Norell's vision of American elegance and sophistication. Norman Norell, a titan in American fashion, was known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to timeless, refined styles. The choice to name the perfume "Norell" was a strategic one, reinforcing his brand's identity with simplicity and boldness. Pronounced "Nor-ELL," the name resonates with elegance and sophistication, evoking images of chic, well-dressed women in luxurious surroundings. For women in the late 1960s, a perfume labeled "Norell" carried the allure of wearing an American couture designer's creation, suggesting a lifestyle of polished glamour that mirrored Norell's fashion aesthetic.

The scent of Norell captures that same essence, crafted by renowned perfumer Josephine Catapano. This fragrance was a departure from the heavy, heady scents of previous decades, introducing a fresh, green floral profile that felt bold and modern. The fragrance opens with a burst of green, leafy notes—clean, crisp, and invigorating—an immediate breath of fresh air. In the heart, a bouquet of Bulgarian rose, jasmine absolute, and hyacinth adds a layered floral complexity, with touches of carnation spice lending depth and character. The scent settles into a warm, woody base where notes of sandalwood, oakmoss, amber, and musk create a lasting and sophisticated finish. The fragrance, as described by Norell, was designed to have a "kick," echoing the fresh, dynamic spirit of the era.

Calvin Klein by Calvin Klein c1978

Calvin Klein by Calvin Klein: launched in 1978 along with a complete makeup and skincare collection developed with Stanley Kohlenberg, the man who masterminded Norell fragrances at Revlon.

Due to the packaging, this is also known as Calvin Klein (red) by collectors.

Perfumes Isabell

In 1996, Robert Isabell, renowned for his impeccable taste as a society party planner and floral designer extraordinaire, sought to diversify his business and ensure its long-term stability. Known for his ability to create unforgettable events with breathtaking floral arrangements, Isabell recognized the potential to expand his creative vision into the realm of fragrances. Drawing upon his expertise in design and his deep appreciation for the art of scent, he launched a series of fragrances under the Parfums Isabell brand.

Isabell’s transition from event planning and floral design to fragrance creation was a natural evolution of his artistic talents. His background in crafting visually stunning and sensorially rich experiences provided a solid foundation for developing perfumes that were both luxurious and memorable. The launch of his fragrance line in 1996 was marked by a commitment to capturing the essence of elegance and sophistication, attributes that defined his previous work in floral design.

The fragrances crafted by Robert Isabell were designed to embody the same exquisite quality and attention to detail that characterized his event planning. Each scent was meticulously created to reflect a blend of opulence and refinement, capturing the nuanced beauty of the world through perfume. His ability to curate and design with a heightened sense of aesthetic and sensory pleasure translated seamlessly into his perfume creations, resulting in a collection that offered a sophisticated and enduring appeal.

This foray into the fragrance industry allowed Isabell to extend his creative influence beyond the realms of event planning and floral design, creating a stable and enduring presence in the world of perfumery. By leveraging his established reputation for elegance and his understanding of sensory experiences, Robert Isabell ensured that his fragrance line would stand out in a competitive market, appealing to those who sought both beauty and lasting quality in their olfactory indulgences.

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.

Mystere by D'Orsay c1915

Mystere by D'Orsay: launched in 1915.

May & Malone Compacts c1931 Advertisement

Compacts shown in an advertisement in a 1931 May & Malone catalog page. One of them is by La Mode, the others are not named by manufacturer. You can see some lipstick compact sets, ance compacts with swinging handles, vanities, double compacts, etc. Also a "Cig-Vannette" by Mondaine. Some are engine turned, enameled, etc. Nice Eastern Star enameled compact also shown below.

original image by ebay seller gdawg

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Ecco by Princess Marcella Borghese c1960

Ecco by Princess Marcella Borghese: launched in 1960. The word means "Look" in Italian.

Rumeur by Lanvin c1934

Rumeur by Lanvin: launched in 1934. Created by André Fraysse. Intended primarily for furs.

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. "