Diorama by Christian Dior c1949

"Diorama" was launched in 1948, a pivotal period for Christian Dior and the haute couture fashion world. This was just a year after Dior introduced his iconic "New Look" in 1947, which revolutionized fashion with its emphasis on luxury, femininity, and elegance. Post-World War II, there was a collective desire to return to opulence and beauty, and Dior's designs embodied this shift. The world was ready to embrace extravagance once more, and Dior's creations symbolized this resurgence of glamour.

The name "Diorama" is particularly fitting for a perfume for several reasons. Firstly, it cleverly incorporates Dior’s name, maintaining brand recognition and reinforcing the association with luxury and sophistication. Secondly, the word "Diorama" evokes images of a miniature, meticulously crafted scene, aligning perfectly with the idea of a perfume as a carefully composed sensory experience. It suggests a world of its own, rich in detail and atmosphere, which is an appealing concept for a fragrance. Thirdly, "Diorama" appeals to the imagination, transporting the wearer to a different realm or story, much like how a diorama offers a glimpse into a detailed, self-contained world.

Women of the late 1940s and early 1950s would have related to "Diorama" on multiple levels. After years of wartime austerity, there was a strong desire for luxury and sophistication. Dior’s perfumes, associated with his high fashion, symbolized an aspirational lifestyle and a return to elegance. The name "Diorama," being unique and evocative, would attract women seeking something special and refined. Christian Dior was a highly respected name in fashion, and women trusted his taste and vision, which extended to his perfumes.

The word "Diorama" conjures images of intricacy and detail, much like a diorama itself. It suggests luxury and exclusivity, aligning with the high-end nature of Dior’s brand. Additionally, it evokes a sense of fantasy and escape, paralleling how perfume can transform one’s mood and presence. This blend of sophisticated imagery and emotions made "Diorama" a distinctive and appealing name for a perfume.

Desert Flower by Shulton c1947

Desert Flower by Shulton: launched in 1947. Desert Flower was also sold under the name Leigh.

Salvador Dali created three paintings commissioned by the Shulton Company to market the perfume Desert Flower in 1947.

Lumiere by Rochas c1984

Lumière by Parfums Rochas, introduced in 1984, emerged during a period marked by a resurgence of interest in elegance and sophistication in fragrance. This era was characterized by a blend of nostalgia for classic perfumery and a modern approach to scent composition, reflecting a desire for refined femininity.

The choice of the name "Lumière" for this perfume is deeply symbolic. In French, "Lumière" translates to "light" in English. Parfums Rochas likely selected this name to evoke imagery of radiant luminosity and the uplifting quality of light. It suggests an aura of brightness and warmth, aligning perfectly with the fragrance's intention to capture the essence of light through its composition.

Alexandria, Egypt, holds a significant association with perfumery due to its historical role as a center of trade and culture in the ancient world. It was renowned for its botanical gardens and the cultivation of aromatic plants, which were used in perfumery and herbal medicine. The perfumer's recollection of flowers in his home in Alexandria thus draws on this rich tradition, infusing Lumière with a sense of exoticism and sophistication inspired by the city's botanical wealth.

Parfumerie Fouillat

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Parfumerie Fouillat of Grenoble, France, launched a range of perfumes in the 1920s. Most likely a short-lived company. In addition to perfumes, the company also produced lotions, powders, creams and soaps.

The perfumes of Fouillat:

• 1920 Bouquet d'Orient
• 1924 Grenoble
• 1920 Pecheresse/Pecherose
• 1922 Son Peche
• 1927 Les Fleurs

Zut by Schiaparelli c1948

In 1948, the time period when Schiaparelli launched her perfume "Zut," Europe was emerging from the aftermath of World War II, entering a period of recovery and renewal marked by a blend of nostalgia for pre-war elegance and a burgeoning interest in modernity. This was reflected in fashion trends moving towards more streamlined silhouettes and a mix of optimism and reflection in art and culture.

Elsa Schiaparelli, known for her avant-garde approach to fashion, was also a trailblazer in the world of perfumes. Her connection to perfumes stemmed from her belief that fragrance was an essential part of one's personal style, akin to wearing a piece of clothing. Schiaparelli collaborated with renowned perfumers like Jean Carles and worked with the fragrance house Roure to create scents that embodied her bold and innovative spirit.

The name "Zut," meaning "damn" in French, was characteristic of Schiaparelli's irreverent and daring style. For her, choosing "Zut" as a name for a perfume was likely a playful defiance of convention, injecting a touch of her trademark wit and sass into the fragrance. This name would have resonated with individuals who appreciated Schiaparelli's unconventional approach to fashion and beauty, appealing to those seeking something distinctive and daring in their perfume choices.

Ellipse by Jacques Fath c1972

Ellipse by Jacques Fath: launched in 1972.

LH Herpin - Bottle Manufacturer

LH Herpin, a perfume bottle manufacturer from 6, rue Dulac, Paris. 

c1927

c1927

c1927

c1927

c1929

Catalogue verrerie pour parfumeur 1929 : L. H. Herpin publié par Flamel56

Les Parfums de Vega

Les Parfums de Vega, established by J Piot at 18 rue de Genas, Lyons in 1910, still active in the late 1920s.

Here are the only known fragrances that I could find from Vega:

• 1927 Coeur Ardent
• 1927 Flambeau d'Amour

Chenier Perfumes, Inc.

Viviny Perfumers Inc. of West Haven, Connecticut, doing business as "André Chenier", the name of the famous late French poet, had launched a line of toilet preparations including perfumes and cosmetics in the 1920s.  Some of the products were: face powder, talcum powders, face creams, bath salts, lipsticks and rouges.

ON EBAY!! LES BOURGEONS by YBRY

Clear crystal "wine glass" shaped flacon used for Les Bourgeons (The Buds) launched in 1928. Unsure of manufacturer.

Click here to see the auction