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, February 14, 2015

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Eve Reve by Rigaud c1957

Eve Reve by Rigaud: launched in 1957. Created by Mario Rigaud.

Eve Reve was lauded by French writer Louise de Vilmorin as “the Fragrance of Paradise”. It was named by Vilmorin because it is as female and as alluring as Eve.




Monday, February 9, 2015

Calandre by Paco Rabanne c1968

Calandre by Paco Rabanne was launched in 1969, a period marked by significant cultural and social changes. The late 1960s and early 1970s were times of rebellion, experimentation, and breaking away from tradition. In the world of perfumery, this era saw the rise of more daring and unconventional fragrances, as perfumers began to explore new olfactory territories and challenge established norms.

During this time, the market was populated by fragrances that often featured bold, complex compositions. Popular scents included Chanel No. 5, known for its heavy use of aldehydes and floral notes, and Yves Saint Laurent's Rive Gauche, which also embraced aldehydic floral elements. These fragrances were characterized by their sophistication, elegance, and a touch of avant-garde.

In this context, Calandre stood out for its unique blend of a soft, crisp aldehydic floral chypre composition. While it shared some characteristics with its contemporaries, such as the use of aldehydes and floral notes, Calandre distinguished itself with a metallic and modern twist, reflecting Paco Rabanne's innovative approach to both fashion and fragrance. The inclusion of Evernyl, a synthetic oakmoss, added a fresh, green, and slightly metallic edge that set it apart from the more traditional floral chypres of the time.

Paco Rabanne chose the name "Calandre" for its evocative and multifaceted connotations. In French, "calandre" refers to a car’s radiator grille, and the name was inspired by the grille of a Rolls Royce. This choice was deeply connected to Rabanne's fascination with modernity, technology, and the sleek, industrial aesthetic that characterized his fashion designs during this period.

The word "Calandre" evokes images of luxury automobiles, symbolizing elegance, power, and precision. It conjures the gleaming chrome and polished surfaces of high-end cars, reflecting a sense of sophistication and forward-thinking design. In the context of the fragrance, "Calandre" suggests a blend of luxury and modernity, aligning perfectly with the metallic theme that Paco Rabanne often employed in his couture creations.




Sunday, February 8, 2015

Parfumerie E. Coudray

Coudray of Paris France, originally established in 1810 by M. Maugenet and Dr. Edmond Coudray., a doctor-chemist, who traveled all over the world bringing back exotic raw materials.


J'ai Ose by Guy Laroche c1977

J'ai Ose by Guy Laroche: launched in 1977.  Created by Max Gavarry of IFF.

J'ai Ose, name means "I Dare" in French, was created by the designer Guy Laroche, promoted and marketed by the cosmetic company, Lancome, and backed by its parent, the giant French hair product and cosmetic multi-national, L'Oreal.

Parfumerie T. Jones

Parfumerie Thomas Jones, usually just T. Jones, was an English perfume and cosmetic company established in 1850. The company soon expanded into a department store in Paris. A 1921 advertisement reads: "Department Stores of "Jones" - The Most Important Department of Perfumery in Paris: Visit its departments of: silks, optics, watches, leather goods, travel items, photography, porcelain, crystals, household items, wedding gifts, etc. New departments opening soon."




Saturday, February 7, 2015

Maromay, Inc.

Maromay, Inc.  The line consists of perfumes and colognes.

(Div. of International Cosmetics, Inc.) 900 Hyde Park Blvd., Inglewood, Calif.
  • 1954 Bal de Tete (brisk, lighthearted, sandalwood)

Harper's Bazaar, 1956:
" "Bal de Tete" bath oil by Maromay makes your tub a flower-scented bower."



 


Princess Pat Cosmetics & Perfumes

Princess Pat LTD, established in 1921 by Patricia FB Gordon,who was the president of the company,  later traded under the names "Gordon & Gordon" and finally  "House of Gordon'".


Gerly Parfumeur of Hollywood

The House of Gerly Parfumeur, Ltd. (product of Howe Company, California) was headquartered at 6705 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, California; also mistakenly reported as Ferly. 

The Gerly Perfumes were at first only distributed on the west coast, and handled by Marvel Products Company, Studio MA12, 1023 North Sycamore, Hollywood, California.

In 1935, their products were no longer confined to the west coast, their products were now distributed in the territory east of the Rocky Mountains by Merz-Mihm Company, located at 38 West 32nd Street, New York City.

In a 1932 publication Gerly's address was listed as 210 Central Bldg., 108 W. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA.



Friday, February 6, 2015

Parfums de Hennessy

Parfums de Hennessy was founded in 1932 by Frank Reilly, marking the brand's entry into the world of luxury fragrances. Located at 1457 Broadway in the heart of New York City, the company quickly became a notable name in the perfume industry. To further enhance its prestige and global reach, Parfums de Hennessy also established a branch in Paris, the epicenter of high fashion and fine fragrance. This dual presence in both New York and Paris allowed the brand to tap into the sophisticated markets on both sides of the Atlantic, cementing its reputation as a purveyor of elegant and refined scents.

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