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, March 23, 2015

Replique by Raphael c1944

Réplique (pronounced RAY-PLEEK') by Raphael: launched in 1944 in France, and in the USA in 1946 in large cities, reintroduced in 1952 in the USA to a much wider distribution and ad campaign.


Tuxedo by Ralph Lauren c1979

Tuxedo by Ralph Lauren: launched in 1979. Tuxedo was created for women, but the name sometimes seems to throw people into thinking that it is a men's fragrance.



ON EBAY!! Desir Princier by Lentheric c1912 Julien Viard Flacon


Désir Princier by Lentheric:(Princely Desire) launched in 1912. Presented in a bottle designed Julien Viard and made by Verreries Viard; on opposite facets were with two striking pictures of Touraine, a region of France with historical royal associations.

ON EBAY!! Chance de Cherigan c1920s Red Glass Perfume Bottle

ON EBAY!! Les Vases Parfums Florina Raibaut c1920s Perfume Bottle

Les Vases Parfums Florina Raibaut c1920s, bottle by Maurice Depinoix.



Also referred to as 'Les Parfums Vases'. Established by EL Raibaut of Florina Products in Paris in 1923 - associated with Neos-Nice.


Click here to see the auction

ON EBAY!! Watteau by Richard Hudnut c1920 Perfume Bottle

ON EBAY!! Pair of Volnay Pearlized Perfume Bottles c1920s

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Mme. A. Girard et Cie


Mme A. Girard et Cie of London, small prestigious company established in the late 19th century.
Established at 182 Regent Street, London and Paris; active in late 1800's and early 1900's; launched fragrances; also referred to as Madame (Mme) Girard et Cie Ltd.

The perfumes of Mme. A. Girard et Cie:

  • 1870 White Heliotrope
  • 1870 Essence Bouquet
  • 1890 Opoponax
  • 1890 Violette de Parme
  • 1898 Violet
  • 1898 Oeillet
  • 1900 Carnation
  • 1900 Columbian Poppy
  • 1900 Nirvana
  • 1900 Wallflower
  • 1900 Trefle
  • 1908 Heliotrope
  • 1908 Lilac
  • 1908 Stephanotis
  • 1908 White Rose
  • 1910 Extrait Nirvana
  • 1910 Grekis
  • 1910 Jockey Club
  • 1910 Lavender Water
  • 1910 Sweet Pea
  • 1914 Parfum Surfin
  • 1914 Mandragore
  • 1920 Kalys
  • 1920 Lily of the Valley
  • 1920 Lils
  • 1920 Muguet
  • 1920 Oeillet
  • 1920 Rose
  • 1920 Violet
  • 1920 Pour Être Belle
  • 2008 Lysval
  • 2008 Bouquet d'Orient
  • 2008 Bali Sunrise
  • 2008 New York Nights
  • 2008 Provence Spring
  • Extrait Concentre
  • June Day
  • May Day
  • Violettes Blanches



Violette de Parme and Opoponax were presented in a set of Richardson Crystal square cut bottles.

Parfum Surfin was presented in a bottle designed by Henri Hamm.





In 2008, Boots Pharmacy resurrected the old house of A. Girard.

They released several perfumes:

Bouquet d'Orient and Lysval are reinterpretations of original formulas.

Bouquet d'Orient evokes "the hustle and bustle of pre-war Shanghai, with a rich and spicy amber oriental fragrance. Bouquet D'Orient opens with top notes of Neroli, Bergamot and Lemon, which give way to a floral heart of Bulgarian Rose, Ylang Ylang, Mimosa, Orris, Cassie, and French Violet Leaves. All this rests on a warm resinous melange of Madagascan Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Benzoin and Myrhh, with just a hint of Patchouli.


Lysval is  a deliciously layered fragrance updating a classic vintage recipe, Lysval incorporates some of the richest floral essences in the world to instantly evoke the richness and tranquillity of the perfect English garden. Perfume description:  A cascade of flowers, including Ylang Ylang, Indian Jasmine, Rose Petals and Orange Blossom are supported by a beautifully powdery French Orris, Benzoin Siam and warm rich Sandalwood. A particularly French base combining Jacinthe Fleurs and Muguet contributes to a fresh Spring floralcy of Hyacinths, Lily-Of-The-Valley and Freesias.


Bali Sunrise, New York Nights and Provence Spring are new additions and follow a travel theme that already existed in the early days of the house.

Vallee des Rois by Mira Takla c1988

In 1988, the fragrance "Vallee des Rois" by Mira Takla was launched at a time when the fragrance industry was experiencing a significant shift towards luxury and opulence. The 1980s were characterized by extravagant tastes and a fascination with historical and exotic themes, influenced by the era's broader cultural trends. During this period, there was a growing interest in reviving and romanticizing the past, particularly ancient civilizations. This fascination was reflected in various facets of fashion and design, including perfumery. The choice of a name like "Vallee des Rois" fit perfectly within this context, offering an air of exclusivity and historical grandeur that appealed to a market seeking sophistication and elegance.

The name "Vallee des Rois," which translates to "Valley of the Kings" in English, draws directly from the historical and mystical allure of ancient Egypt. The Valley of the Kings is renowned for its royal tombs and the treasures of the pharaohs, making it a symbol of majestic heritage and timeless beauty. By naming her fragrance "Vallee des Rois," Mira Takla tapped into the grandeur of ancient Egyptian royalty, suggesting a perfume that embodies the splendor and sacredness associated with that era. The choice of this name underscores the fragrance’s aim to evoke a sense of regal elegance and timeless allure.

"Vallee des Rois" would be an appropriate name for the perfume because it connotes luxury, mystery, and a connection to ancient royalty. The name suggests a fragrance that is not only sophisticated but also imbued with a sense of history and reverence. For the target audience, which likely included women who appreciated high-end, culturally rich products, the name would resonate deeply. These women would be drawn to the idea of a fragrance that symbolizes both ancient grandeur and personal elegance, and they would respond to it as an accessory that enhances their own sense of sophistication and allure.

Bakir by Germaine Monteil c1975

Bakir by Germaine Monteil, launched in 1975, carries a name that evokes both mystery and richness. The word Bakir is Turkish for "copper," a metal known for its warmth, luster, and earthiness. The choice of this name is both exotic and meaningful, setting the tone for the fragrance's character. The imagery of copper—deep, burnished, and glowing—immediately conjures warmth and depth, mirroring the qualities of an oriental fragrance. The packaging, with its striking combination of copper and deep blue, complements the name, evoking a sense of elegance and sophistication. The contrast of these two colors suggests a balance between the grounded, earthy elements of copper and the expansive, mysterious qualities of the deep blue, possibly representing the sky or sea.

Bakir is a name that naturally evokes emotions of strength, sensuality, and exotic allure. Copper, with its ability to conduct heat, can be seen as a metaphor for the way this fragrance lingers warmly on the skin, radiating with subtle intensity. The name also suggests a connection to ancient traditions and craftsmanship, tying the fragrance to a sense of heritage and timelessness. In scent, Bakir would likely be interpreted as rich, warm, and slightly metallic, with layers of earthy and spicy notes that glow softly, like polished copper in candlelight.

The scent itself, classified as an oriental fragrance, opens with a spicy, fruity top. The initial burst of spice and fruit is likely to be both invigorating and inviting, drawing in the wearer with its lively and slightly exotic energy. As the fragrance develops, the heart reveals a spicy floral bouquet, where the warmth of spices blends seamlessly with the softness of floral notes, creating a complex, feminine, yet bold experience. Finally, the base settles into a sensual, balsamic oriental composition, where deep resins and woods combine with warmth to leave a lasting, hauntingly exotic impression. The overall effect is earthy, sensual, and comforting, but with an undercurrent of mystery that lingers long after the initial spritz.

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