Galeries Lafayette Perfumes

Galeries Lafayette. This fabulous department store was founded in 1893 and boasts 7 floors of fashionable clothing, perfume, haberdashery, food, and all sorts of other designer and gourmet attractions.

The ground floor houses mostly cosmetics and perfumes, and is quite possibly the largest perfume store in the world!In the early part of the 20th century, many department stores started creating their own in-house perfumes and cosmetics, both in America and in Paris.

Around 1911, they introduced perfumes under their own label. The perfumes Royal Origan, Lafayette, Mai au Bois, La Fenaison and Moia were created for Galerie Lafayette by the famous Francois Coty.

The perfume bottle for  La Feuillaison was made by Rene Lalique.

 Finding these original vintage perfumes is tough, I have listed all that I could find. If you know of another, please let me know.

The perfumes of Galeries Lafayette:

• 1911 La Feuillaison
• 1919 Chypre
• 1920 Terre de Rez (face powder)
• 1920 Ambre-Lys
• 1922 Moia
• 1922 Mai au Bois
• 1922 Lafayette
• 1923 M
• 1923 Royal Origan
• 1924 M'lati

IPBA Annual Perfume Bottles Auction May 2, 2015

Just a heads up, if you want to get some great perfume bottles, then head on over to the Perfume Bottles Auction.

Perfume Bottles Auction 2015

100 Years of Glass Design - Auction 2015

NEW DAY - Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 5:00 pm

This year Ken Leach is is honored to represent a fine selection of bottles and objects by notable glass makers - most recently de-accessioned from an important East coast collection - comprising 300 lots of imaginative stylish glass design spanning 100 years.

A fine grouping of Lalique glass includes: the first complete bottle that Rene Lalique designed for a
 perfumer, the 1909 “Cyclamen” for Coty; the 1912 blue glass bee-stoppered “Au Couer des Calices” for Coty; the 1925 figural ashtray created exclusively for Jeanne Lanvin; and the1909 Egyptian inspired “Scarabee” powder box for L.T. Piver sealed with contents in it’s original box.

The collection offers two rarely seen Czech perfume bottles by Heinrich Hoffmann: one in opaque brown crystal and the other in opaque red-orange crystal, both with the highly desirable “hand chiseled” surface. Highlighting the art glass, and many 1800s Palais Royal selections is a green opaline glass and gilt bronze horse drawn carriage.

Presentations from fashion houses include items from Paul Poiret, Schiaparelli, Babani, Lucien Lelong, Hattie Carnegie, and Jean Patou. Standing tall among them is the exceedingly rare 16 inch Christian Dior silk doghouse with figural bottle, created in 1956 to mark 10 years of Dior in New York. Other commercial bottles from the collection include numerous examples in boxes representing a variety of glass makers and perfumers. 

Also offered are powder boxes, atomizers, and other unique vanity items.

Cleopatra by Kesma c1983

Cleopatra by Kesma: launched in 1983.


So what does it smell like? It is classified as an oriental fragrance for women.

• Top notes: galbanum, bergamot, clove, cinnamon, pepper
• Middle notes: orris, tuberose, orange blossom, rose, jasmine, narcissus, ylang ylang, carnation, herbs, honey, heliotrope, iris,
• Base notes: leather, incense, resins, tobacco, wormwood, oakmoss, sandalwood, amber, patchouli, labdanum, vetiver, musk

Discontinued, date unknown.

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Miss de Rauch by Madeleine de Rauch c1960

Miss de Rauch, launched in 1960 by Madeleine de Rauch, marked a significant entry in the world of perfumery, capturing the spirit of a transitional era for women. As a pioneering figure in the fragrance industry, de Rauch crafted this scent with the intention of embodying youthfulness, elegance, and femininity. The name Miss de Rauch evokes a sense of freshness and charm, appealing to the contemporary woman who embraced her independence and self-expression. Pronounced "Row-sh," the surname hints at an elegant European heritage, which further enhances the fragrance’s sophisticated allure.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, society was undergoing substantial changes, especially regarding women's roles. The post-war period saw a return to femininity, yet with an emerging sense of empowerment and individuality. Women were exploring new opportunities and stepping into the workforce, and a fragrance like Miss de Rauch would have resonated deeply with their evolving identity. The name suggests both youthful innocence and refined elegance, making it an ideal choice for a woman navigating these new frontiers.

The scent profile of Miss de Rauch is a delightful embodiment of its name. The aldehydic top notes present a sparkling brightness, reminiscent of fresh linens and open spaces, immediately capturing attention. As the fragrance unfolds, a heart of luxurious jasmine, lush roses, and delicate magnolia mingles with the bittersweet notes of reseda and the soft spiciness of black currant, crafting an inviting and complex floral bouquet. This elegant floral core is elegantly balanced by a base of warm, sensual woods and rich amber, enveloping the wearer in a comforting yet alluring embrace.

Fan Toi by Fannie London c1920

Fan Toi by Fannie London: launched in 1920. It was a toiletry line that included perfume, bath salts, incense cones, bath powder.

It may have been named after a character named Fan Toy, the Opium Queen.

Sprinkler Bottle Caps c1890s

In the late Victorian era, sprinkler caps (also known as shaker tops or crown tops when in the shape of crowns) were used on perfume, barber or powder bottles. Usually made up of pewter, lead, brass, these are often given a gilded or silvered finish. More expensive examples are made up of solid silver or gold.

Babani

Babani Perfumes & Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden was also the importer of the ultra exclusive French Babani perfumes.

It's You by Elizabeth Arden c1938

It's You by Elizabeth Arden: launched in 1938, it was created by perfumer Edmond Roudnitska.

Indian Summer by Houbigant c1972

Indian Summer by Houbigant: launched in 1972. The fragrance was available in cologne and dusting powder.

White Shoulders by Evyan c1940

In 1940, Evyan introduced the feminine perfume, White Shoulders. This classic ladies perfume remains a popular drugstore fragrance today.

c1948 ad