In 1927, Marcel Weil of Les Fourrures Weil created Parfums Weil with their advertisements of “perfumes for furs”. These were based on a direct request from a regular client for a perfume suitable for wearing on furs. These were their first commercial perfumes that were advertised would guarantee not to harm the furs.
In 1928 the four perfumes inspired by fur themes were launched,. Chinchilla Royal, Hermine (ermine), Une Fleur pour Fourrure (A Flower for Furs) and Zibeline (Sable) were favorites from the start. All of these perfumes were created by Claude Fraysse.
ZIBELINE
Zibeline is described as a floral chypre intended to recall the steppes and massive oak forests of Imperial Russia, where the finest sable furs were imported. Top notes are aldehydes, coriander, tarragon, bergamot and lemon; middle notes are iris, gardenia, jasmine, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley and rose; base notes are honey, sandalwood, tonka bean, amber, musk, civet and vetiver.
Harper's Bazaar, 1936:
"Weil's Zibeline. As rich and husky as a torchsong. 100-proof for blondes who disdain to be pastel."
CHINCHILLA ROYAL
Chinchila Royal, described as rich with jasmine and roses to evoke the splendour of the Persian and Indian Empires. The short tailed chinchilla, also known as the Royal Chinchilla was endangered and a ban on hunting them was created in 1929, although not fully enforced until 1983. Many chinchillas were imported from South America, India, China and Persia. Chinchilla perfume was discontinued in 1963.
HERMINE
Hermine was intended to symbolize tenderness and virginity, it was heavy with the sweet flowers of the Pacific Isles. The winter ermine has been used in art as a symbol of purity or virginity. In the Renaissance era, legend had it that an ermine would die before allowing its pure white coat to be besmirched. When it was being chased by hunters, it would supposedly turn around and give itself up to the hunters rather than risk soiling itself. Henry Peacham's Emblem 75, which depicts an ermine being pursued by a hunter and two hounds, is entitled "Cui candor morte redemptus" or "Purity bought with his own death." Peacham goes on to preach that men and women should follow the example of the ermine and keep their minds and consciences as pure as the legendary ermine keeps its fur .In some areas of Japan, because of its adorable appearance and somewhat elusive nature it is still considered a symbol of good luck. Hermine was discontinued in 1940.
EAU DE TOILETTES
In 1930, the first Weil eau de toilettes debuted, Chinchilla and Zibeline.
COLOGNE
Stage, 1936:
"There's something pretty exhilarating about the new fizzing cologne of Parfums Weil called Carbo- nique. It comes in three odors: Cassandra, Bamboo, and Zibeline, and the seltzer-bottle container is returnable for credit on a new one."
SECRET DE VENUS
Zibeline went on to have a very successful future with the advent of the Secret de Venus Huile line of bath & body oils .
Glass Packer, 1949:
"HOUR-GLASS BOTTLE, bright green cap, and beige linen-like box, are used by Parfums Weil Paris, Inc. to package the new, half-ounce size of Secret of Venus, Zibeline fragrance, compounded of aromatic oils."
