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!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Rose by Dralle c1928

Rose by Dralle c1928. Crystal egg shaped bottle with gilded brass hinged lid and collar. Inner stopper. Original box. Measurements: length 7 cm x breadth 4 cm. This bottle was used for other Dralle perfumes in teh 1920s.




Photos by ebay seller vintage_treasure_shop






Thursday, September 5, 2013

Venetian Ceruse

Today women are scrambling for products that promote skin whitening, to remove blemishes, scars and unevenness of the skin tone. Much of the skin flaws are caused by acne, accidental scars, and too much sun exposure. Few know that this cosmetic was in use for centuries by many types of people, especially the wealthy.



Sunday, August 25, 2013

Pavots D'Argent by Roger et Gallet c1926

The perfume "Pavots d'Argent" by Roger et Gallet was launched in 1926, a period characterized by significant social and cultural transformations. The Roaring Twenties was an era marked by economic prosperity, the flourishing of the arts, and a shift in societal norms, particularly concerning women's roles and freedoms. This was a time when women were increasingly embracing new fashions, working outside the home, and asserting their independence.

In this context, gardening, including the cultivation of flowers such as poppies, became a popular pastime for many women. The opium poppy, known for its vibrant and delicate flowers, was particularly admired for its beauty and symbolism. Although the growing of opium poppies at home was not widespread due to their association with opium production, ornamental varieties of poppies were common in home gardens, appreciated for their aesthetic appeal rather than their narcotic properties.



"Pavots d'Argent" translates to "Silver Poppies" in English. Roger et Gallet likely chose this name for its evocative imagery and luxurious connotations. The term "pavots" (poppies) evokes a sense of natural beauty and delicate elegance, while "d'argent" (of silver) adds an element of opulence and sophistication. Together, the name suggests a blend of nature's beauty with a touch of preciousness, making it a fitting choice for a high-end perfume.

Muguet de Bois by Coty c1913

The launch of Muguet des Bois by Coty in 1913 occurred during a period of significant cultural and social shifts, particularly in the realm of women's rights and expression. François Coty, the visionary behind the fragrance, introduced it into a world where femininity was often associated with delicate, floral scents. The timing of the launch coincided with the burgeoning popularity of perfumes as an essential accessory for the modern woman, symbolizing elegance, refinement, and sensuality.

Lily of the valley, the focal note of Muguet des Bois, holds deep symbolism, especially in the context of femininity. Often associated with purity, innocence, and renewal, this delicate flower represented the idealized feminine virtues of the time. Its subtle yet enchanting fragrance became synonymous with grace and allure, making it a fitting choice for a perfume designed to accentuate the wearer's femininity.

Muguet des Bois by Coty embodied the essence of the era's feminine ideal, offering women a way to express themselves through scent. With its fresh, floral bouquet, the perfume captured the essence of springtime, evoking images of blooming gardens and romantic rendezvous. Its launch marked a pivotal moment in perfume history, cementing Coty's reputation as a master perfumer and setting the stage for the enduring legacy of Muguet des Bois as a timeless classic.

Pronounced "MEWGAY - DAY - BWAH"



Friday, August 16, 2013

The Guerlain Boutique in Bermuda c1970s

Going on vacation to Bermuda? Then stop by the Guerlain shop at Peniston Brown, LTD.


PENISTON BROWN LTD .- THE PERFUME SHOP

In addition to being the exclusive Bermuda agent for Guerlain's complete line of cosmetics and skin care products, Peniston Brown's boutique stocks perfume, soap, lotions, and bubble bath. It's also the Island's exclusive seller of Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Vera Wang and Versace, plus exquisite favourites from Hermes, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Calvin Klein, Aqua di Parma, Boucheron, Lacoste & Kenzo, plus many more. There's a branch in the Clocktower Mall, Dockyard. All at duty free prices!


CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: Gibbons Co. Perfume Department, 21 Reid St., Hamilton,HM11
Phone: 441/295-5535
Website: www.gibbons.bm
Location: Bermuda

Other location:
6 Water St., St. George's, GE05, 441/405-0005


Original 1970s photos of the Guerlain shop exterior and interior at Peniston-Brown.


















Saturday, August 3, 2013

Backstage with the Ballerinas

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Thursday 29 December 1938, page 17

BACKSTAGE with the ballerinas I watched Irina Baronova putting the finishing touches to her make-up in her dressing-room, and asked her if she had any preference in perfumes.

"Many of us use perfumes on the stage »,well as off," she told me. "For roles such as 'Swan Lake,' 'Les Sylphides,' and the truly classical ballets a heavy fragrance does not seem fitting. In these ballets I use only a light eau de Cologne, and then, In the more dramatic roles, I favor a more exotic fragrance. My favorite scents are Guerlain's Mitsouko and Jicky."

Tatiania Riabouchinska prefers the fresh woody scents-Guerlain's Quand Vient l'Eté is one of her particular favorites.

Tamara Gregorieva also favors Guerlain's Mitsouko. Crepe de Chine is another scent used by this artist, while L'Aimant de Coty is the perfume of her choice for the stage.

It is perhaps a superstition that Mlle. Gregorieva used L'Aimant de Coty always on the stage. On her first appearance she used the perfume, and since then she has never gone on stage without first spraying this fragrance on her costume.

Sono Asota does not use perfume on the stage. "When I am dancing I do not like to use perfume, but off stage Chypre de Coty and Patou's Amour Amour are very lovely scents."

And do the male members of the ballet like the ballerinas to use perfume? A unanimous"yes" greeted my question.

"Personally, mind you, I like soap," said Anton Doun, "but for lovely women most decidedly they should add perfume. Lelong's N is, I think, my favorite. Beatrice Lillie, famous English stage star, who is a great friend of mine, always uses this perfume."

Dimitri Rostoff also thinks perfume adds to a woman's charm, "If, of course, that is possible," he added with a twinkle in his eye.

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