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!

Monday, December 7, 2015

Cabriole by Elizabeth Arden c1977

Cabriole by Elizabeth Arden: launched in 1977. The name stems from a ballet movement consisting of a leap and a turn.

Les Parfums de Marie Magdeleine

Les Parfums de Marie Magdeleine of Paris, France; another name that E.J. Fay traded under during the 1920s-1940s.

Zadig by Emilio Pucci c1970

Zadig by Emilio Pucci: launched in 1970.

New Horizons by Ciro c1941

New Horizons by Ciro: launched in 1941. Created to uplift the spirits of American women during World War II, to remind them that "New Horizons" were just around the corner.

Dilys by Laura Ashley c1991

Dilys by Laura Ashley: launched in 1991. Created by Jean Claude Ellena of Haarman & Reimer.

Senchal by Charles of the Ritz c1981

Senchal by Charles of the Ritz: launched in 1981. The name is derived from a lake in India.

Undiscouraged by Revlon's 1980 lack of success with its Scoundrel, Charles of the Ritz went after the same younger market in 1981 with Senchal, using heavy advertising. Charles of the Ritz, spent $250,000 and took two and a half years to develop Senchal. Charles of the Ritz spent almost $5 million on network television in the fall of 1981 to launch its second mass market women's fragrance, Senchal.

Forever Krystle by Carrington c1984

Forever Krystle by Carrington; launched in 1984. The fragrance was named after the character Krystle Carrington, played by actress Linda Evans in the 1980's soap opera Dynasty.

Made by Charles of the Ritz and sold under the Carrington name. The pinnacle of success was the addition of a men's fragrance simply named Carrington, appeared in 1985.

Marathon Compacts & Vanities c1932 Advertisement

Great looking Marathon compacts shown in an advertisement from a 1932 L&C Mayers, New York catalog. Beautiful enameled compacts, handled dance compacts, vanity cases, combination compacts and lipsticks.

Suspiro de Granada by Myrurgia c1922

In 1922, the year "Suspiro de Granada" was launched by Myrurgia, Spain was immersed in a fascinating period of cultural revival known as the "Silver Age," characterized by a resurgence of arts and literature. Granada, a city steeped in rich history, was at the heart of this romantic era. Known for its magnificent Alhambra palace, Granada symbolized the pinnacle of Moorish architecture in Spain. The city's gardens, such as those in the Generalife, were famous for their lush flora, including jasmine and roses, which infused the air with delicate fragrances.

During this time, the allure of Granada inspired numerous artists, writers, and filmmakers. Works like Washington Irving's "Tales of the Alhambra" (1832) had already established Granada as a mythical, romantic destination in the Western imagination. Films and literature of the early 20th century continued to portray Granada as a place of passion, beauty, and nostalgia, echoing the essence captured in the name "Suspiro de Granada."

"Suspiro de Granada" translates to "Sigh of Granada" in English. The name evokes a sense of longing and yearning, encapsulating the melancholic yet enchanting atmosphere of Granada's landscapes and historical legacy. Myrurgia, in choosing this name for their perfume, aimed to evoke the emotions and imagery associated with Granada - a place where the past whispers through the scent of flowers and the echoes of history.

American Brilliant Cut Glass Perfume Bottles & Boxes c1917 Advertisement

Ads of American Brilliant Cut Glass perfume bottles/cologne bottles, vanity accessories (trays, bud vases) and boxes (puff, hair receivers, powder, jewel, glove) taken from a 1917 RC Simmons publication.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Womenswear by Alexander Julian c1992

Alexander Julian, known for his innovative designs and vibrant use of color, launched a women's wear line in 1992 in collaboration with Paul Sebastian, the noted fashion designer and perfumer. The line was anticipated to bring Julian's signature style and flair to women's fashion, much like his successful menswear collections.

Collage by Adele Simpson c1967

Collage by Adele Simpson: launched in 1967.

Sea Jade by Yardley c1960

Sea Jade by Yardley: launched in 1960.

Yardley's line, called Sea Jade, was comprised of sixteen items, six of which were imported from England. Some of the colognes were housed in figural bottles such as a seahorse or mermaid. Sea Jade's packaging was a turquoise blue emblazoned with a silvery seahorse motif.

Reflexions by Ciro c1933

Reflexions by Ciro: launched in 1933.

Parfums de Cherigan

Cherigan, established by Ota Polacek at 120 avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris in 1927, also had an outlet in Havana, Cuba. The best known Cherigan fragrance was Fleurs de Tabac, released in 1927.

Empreinte by Courreges c1970

Empreinte by Courreges: launched in 1970 in association with cosmetic giant L'Oreal. It was created by Robert Gonnon.

"Many make printing fragrances year, one leaves an imprint. Footprint. It evokes your loveliness Even When you're gone."

. "By Andre Courreges Empreinte. A soft whisper of fragrance as a flower-petal Provocative Lingering we have a glance ... to create an imprint so lasting -..... It's really an imprint. Empriente. Named for what it does... "

Byzance by Rochas c1987

Byzance by Rochas was launched in 1987, a decade marked by bold fashion statements, opulence, and a nostalgic resurgence of historical and cultural motifs in design and art. This period saw the world recovering from the economic upheavals of the 1970s, with a renewed interest in luxury and excess that characterized the 1980s. In this context, Parfums Rochas chose the name "Byzance" for its perfume, a name that evokes the grandeur and mystique of the Byzantine Empire, known for its rich cultural heritage and luxurious artistry.

The French word "Byzance" translates to "Byzantium" in English, referring to the ancient city that later became Constantinople and is now Istanbul. By choosing this name, Rochas intended to evoke the opulence, sophistication, and exotic allure of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna, renowned for their intricate beauty and shimmering golden hues, served as a direct inspiration for the fragrance. These mosaics, with their depth and complexity, symbolize a world of luxury and grandeur, qualities that the perfume sought to encapsulate.

Byzantium and perfumery share a commonality in their dedication to craftsmanship, luxury, and sensory indulgence. Just as the Byzantine Empire was known for its detailed and lavish art, so too is the world of perfumery dedicated to the creation of intricate and sumptuous scents. The name "Byzance" is therefore appropriate for a perfume as it suggests an experience that is both rich and complex, inviting the wearer to indulge in a sensory journey reminiscent of the empire's splendor.

A woman who would have related to a fragrance called "Byzance" in 1987 is one who appreciates history, luxury, and artistry. She is likely sophisticated, confident, and drawn to the exotic and the opulent. This woman might see herself as a modern-day empress, commanding attention and admiration through her elegance and poise. The fragrance would resonate with her as a symbol of her own inner strength and beauty, much like the empresses of Byzantium.

Etourdissant by Jean Desprez c1939

In 1939, the year Etourdissant by Jean Desprez was launched, the world was on the brink of profound change. Europe was descending into the chaos of World War II, marking a tumultuous period of uncertainty and shifting societal norms. Despite the looming conflict, the world of fashion and fragrance continued to thrive as an escape and expression of luxury and elegance.

Jean Desprez's choice of the name "Etourdissant" for his perfume carries significant meaning. "Etourdissant" is a French word that translates to "dazzling" or "bewildering" in English. It derives from the verb "étourdir," which means "to dazzle" or "to stun." This choice of name reflects a desire to capture attention and evoke a sense of awe and wonder, qualities highly sought after in a perfume during this glamorous era.

In the context of 1939, "Etourdissant" would have been a bold and evocative name for a perfume. It speaks directly to the desire for opulence and allure amidst the uncertainty of the times. Those who related to a perfume called "Etourdissant" would likely be individuals seeking escape from the harsh realities of war, drawn to the promise of luxury and the transformative power of fragrance.

C'est la Vie by Christian Lacroix c1990

C'est la Vie by Christian Lacroix: launched in 1990 and released by Dior Parfums. Created by Edouard Flechier.

On Dit by Elizabeth Arden c1937

On Dit by Elizabeth Arden: launched in 1937 and created by Edmond Roudnitska. It was apparently put on hold from production during the war and was re-launched as soon as it was over in 1945.

Nilang de Lalique c1995

Nilang by Lalique: launched in 1995. Created by Gerard Anthony. The name refers to Nilang Lake in India.

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.