Parfumerie Vivaudou

 In this guide I have listed the various perfumes produced by the V. Vivaudou Inc. of New York City.

Established in 1915 by Victor Vivaudou, a French-American. Affiliated with Delettrez, the initial creator of the Vivaudou products. Vivaudou produced low to medium priced range presentations, while Delettrez produced luxury presentations.

Rodin & Merle Norman Perfumes

Rodin Paris was established in 1946 by Merle Norman (S.A.R.L.), with its flagship location at 9 rue Auber in Paris. This luxury perfume house was founded by J.B. Nethercutt and his aunt, Merle Nethercutt Norman, who were also the visionaries behind Merle Norman Cosmetics. Together, they set out to capture the elegance and allure of French perfumery through the Rodin Paris brand, blending their family’s commitment to quality with the sophistication associated with Parisian fragrance culture.

Merle Norman, a renowned figure in the beauty industry, brought her extensive experience and dedication to beauty products to the forefront of the brand. J.B. Nethercutt, equally passionate about the world of beauty and luxury, contributed his business acumen and creative vision, helping to shape Rodin Paris into a refined fragrance house. Located in the heart of Paris, the brand’s base at rue Auber was ideally situated amidst the bustling perfume and fashion districts, making it a fitting home for Rodin Paris as it catered to an international clientele drawn to the sophistication of French perfumes. Through this collaboration, Merle Norman and J.B. Nethercutt not only expanded their family business into the realm of fine fragrances but also left an indelible mark on the post-war fragrance industry by embracing the artistry and tradition of French perfumery.

Nicole Altair Perfume Mfg . Co.

Nicole Altair, Inc. of Paris was a perfume house that launched a distinctive range of fragrances around 1947, each inspired by one of the four seasons of the year. Founded by Nicole Altair, the company focused on addressing a common dilemma among perfume buyers—whether to wear a particular fragrance depending on the time of year. Understanding that women were often unsure about which scent was appropriate for which season, Nicole Altair created four distinct perfumes—one for each season—to help customers feel more confident in their choices. This innovation reflected both the practicality and creativity of the brand, offering a direct solution to a widespread concern in fragrance purchasing.

Morny Perfumes

Morny was established in 1905 by chemist-perfumer Sidney F. Goss at 110 New Bond Street, London. The company was named after a horse called Mornington ridden by Victorian jockey Tom Cannon.

Gelle Freres

Gelle Freres of Paris France, established in 1826 at 35 rue d'Argout (currently 6 avenue de l'Opera, Paris).by the brothers Augustin & Jean-Baptiste Gelle after purchase (or inheritance) of formulas and shop which previously belonged to Fargeon Jeune, descendant of perfumer Fargeon to Louis XV and Marie Antoinette. Augustin's father in law, Emile Lecaron succeeded him. The company became a major exporter and produced luxurious presentations. They were awarded many prizes and the gold medal in 1878 and 1925.

Antique Victorian Porcelain Backed Vanity Sets

These pretty vanity items were produced during the 1890s and continued for a few more years up until around 1920 or so. The hand mirror and brush were sold along with a comb in most cases. Sets were available to adults as well as children, the children's set being a bit smaller than the adults of course. Masculine sets were offered to men as well.

Esprit de Noel by Houbigant c1968

Esprit de Noel by Houbigant: launched in 1968. “Esprit de Noel” means “spirit of Christmas.” It was available as eau de cologne and as a room essence. You would add a few drops to a light bulb to fragrance your room with a holiday air.


So what does it smell like? Sweet, incensy with a hint of muted florals.

• Top notes: bergamot, orange, cloves, spices
• Heart notes: frankincense, myrrh, pine
• Base notes: resins, balsams, tonka, cedar, amber, musk

Discontinued, date unknown.

photo by ruby lane seller  River Queen

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Kypre by Lancôme c1935

Kypre by Lancôme: launched in 1935. Created by Armand Petitjean. Lancôme launched its first five fragrances in 1935 at the World's Fair in Brussels - Tendre Nuit, Bocages, Conquete, Kypre and Tropiques.

Sharelle by House of Hampton c1956

 In 1956, the Connecticut-based perfumery, House of Hampton, introduced a fragrance called Sharelle, described as the "perfume of enchantment." The name "Sharelle" likely reflects the brand's desire to evoke a sense of mystery, elegance, and femininity. The name itself appears to derive from French origins, possibly inspired by words such as "chérie" (meaning "dear" or "beloved") or "belle" (meaning "beautiful"). Pronounced as "shuh-RELL" in layman’s terms, the name conveys sophistication and allure, making it well-suited to a perfume designed to captivate. The word "Sharelle" conjures images of timeless elegance, romantic evenings, and an enchanting, almost magical quality. It evokes emotions of love, desire, and feminine mystique, appealing to women seeking to express their personal charm and individuality.

The 1950s were a time of transformation and optimism, often referred to as the post-war era or the Golden Age of Consumerism. This period was marked by economic growth, suburban expansion, and a renewed emphasis on glamour and femininity. In fashion, Christian Dior's "New Look" silhouette of cinched waists and full skirts dominated, reflecting a return to luxurious, ultra-feminine styles. Women were influenced by movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn, who embodied glamour and sophistication. Perfumes during this time became essential accessories, complementing the overall polished and elegant aesthetic of the era.

A perfume like Sharelle, with its sweet, floral, powdery oriental composition and herbal nuance, would have resonated deeply with women of the period. The scent’s romantic and mysterious qualities aligned perfectly with the ideals of grace and allure that women aspired to. The herbal note added a touch of uniqueness, hinting at complexity and intrigue. Women would have viewed Sharelle as a luxurious indulgence, a way to embody the enchanting femininity that was so celebrated at the time. The name itself would have heightened the allure, making the perfume feel like a secret spell bottled for the modern enchantress.

Kay Francis and Perfumes c1933

In this vintage movie still photo from the 1933 film The Keyhole, you can see many beautiful perfume bottles on actress Kay Francis' vanity table.

A large Ruba Rhombic perfume bottle made by Consolidated Lamp and Glass Company can be seen to the right. To the immediate right, I can also see one of the Hoffmann Czech perfume bottles with the nude dauber. Other Czech bottles and possibly some commercial flacons are also present on the vanity.
































Another perfume bottle filled vanity appears in another Kay Francis film, 1932's Cynara. You can spot some atomizers (probably DeVilbiss) and some other bottles.