Bill Blass by Bill Blass c1978

Bill Blass for Women was launched in 1978 as a collaborative creation between the renowned American fashion designer Bill Blass and the global cosmetics giant Revlon. Bill Blass, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, was celebrated for his sophisticated and elegant designs, which were characterized by their classic American style and understated luxury. His foray into the world of fragrance with this perfume reflected his deep understanding of elegance and refinement.

The fragrance was introduced during a period when Bill Blass was solidifying his reputation as a key player in American fashion. Known for his high-profile designs and glamorous approach, Blass's foray into perfume was a natural extension of his brand's commitment to luxury and sophistication. The collaboration with Revlon, a company with a strong legacy in beauty and personal care products, was a strategic move that allowed Blass to leverage Revlon's extensive distribution network and expertise in fragrance creation.

Bill Blass for Women was designed to embody the same qualities that defined Blass's fashion creations: elegance, sophistication, and a touch of modernity. The perfume was crafted to appeal to women who appreciated classic beauty with a contemporary edge, offering a scent profile that was both refined and timeless. The fragrance's composition was intended to evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication, much like Blass's fashion designs, and it quickly became a notable addition to the world of high-end women's fragrances.

The association with Revlon ensured that Bill Blass for Women was well-received in the market, benefiting from Revlon's strong marketing and distribution capabilities. The perfume's launch in 1978 marked a significant moment in both Blass's career and in the fragrance industry, highlighting the intersection of high fashion and high fragrance.

Colgate Perfumes

Colgate & Co. was located at 55 John Street New York. Established 1806. Richard M. Colgate, Gilbert Colgate, Sidney M. Colgate, Austen Colgate.

Key Dates:

• 1806: Company is founded by William Colgate in New York to make starch, soap, and candles.
• 1857: After founder's death, company becomes known as Colgate & Company.
• 1873: Toothpaste is first marketed.
• 1896: Collapsible tubes for toothpaste are introduced.
• 1898: B.J. Johnson Soap Company (later renamed Palmolive Company) introduces Palmolive soap.
• 1910: Colgate moves from original location to Jersey City, New Jersey.
• 1926: Palmolive merges with Peet Brothers, creating Palmolive-Peet Company.
• 1928: Colgate and Palmolive-Peet merge, forming Colgate-Palmolive-Peet Company.
• 1947: Fab detergent and Ajax cleanser are introduced.
• 1953: Company changes its name to Colgate-Palmolive Company.
• 1956: Corporate headquarters shifts back to New York.
• 1966: Palmolive dishwashing liquid is introduced.
• 1967: Sales top $1 billion.
• 1968: Colgate toothpaste is reformulated with fluoride; Ultra Brite is introduced.
• 1976: Hill's Pet Products is purchased.
• 1987: The Softsoap brand of liquid soap is acquired.
• 1992: The Mennen Company is acquired; Total toothpaste is introduced overseas.
• 1995: Latin American firm Kolynos Oral Care is acquired; Colgate-Palmolive undergoes major restructuring.
• 1997: Total toothpaste is launched in the United States; Colgate takes lead in domestic toothpaste market.
• 2004: Company acquires European oral care firm GABA Holding AG; major restructuring is launched.

Colgate Company of Jersey City, NJ from 1879 to 1959.

Colgate & Company had been a pioneer in establishing international operations, creating a Canadian subsidiary in 1913 and one in France in 1920. In the early 1920s the firm expanded into Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico. Colgate or its successor firm next created subsidiaries in the Philippines, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa in the late 1920s. In 1937 the company moved into India and by the end of the 1940s had operations in most of South America. By 1939 Colgate-Palmolive-Peet's sales hit $100 million.

Niki de Saint Phalle c1982

"dangerous but worth the risk..."

Niki de Saint Phalle was launched in 1982 in association with Jacqueline Cochran, Inc..

Depose and Deponiert: and other French and German marks

This guide with help you translate some of the most common words that are found or may be found on French or German antiques and vintage collectibles.

Occasionally in the world of antiques, you may come across a mark, DEP, which could mean either Depose or Deponiert. This mark is commonly found on German or French bisque dolls, celluloid,  porcelain, jewelry, glass or metal goods. Dep stands for the German word Deponiert which means registered, or copyright. Dep is also a shortened form of Depose which is French for registered.

Without knowing a manufacturer or country of origin, it is safe to say that if your item is marked DEP, it is most likely of French or German manufacture.

Here is a short list of other words related to patents or other markings found on German antiques:

• Angestrichen mit der Hand: handpainted
• Besteuern Sie Steuer: excise tax

Sometimes DEP is accompanied by GES to form the following mark DEP/GES, the GES is an abbreviated form of the word Geschutz, if you see this mark, your piece is of German origin. Sometimes people think that Geschutz is a manufacturer, in reality it only means "protected against copying" in German.

• DRGM, a German patent mark that stands for Deutsches Reich Geschmacksmuste
• DRP is German for Deutsches Reich Patent
• Fabrikmarke: factory mark
• Frankreich: France
• Gegr. : an abbreviated form of the word gegrundet which means established/founded
• Gebruder: brothers
• Ges. Gesch. : abbreviated form of Gesetzlich Geschutzt: legally protected, patented, copyrighted
• Ges. Mbh: company or corporation
• Glashuttenwerk: glassworks factory
• Glassmanufaktur: glassworks factory
• Hochfeine: fine quality/high quality
• Juwelier: jeweler
• Kristall: crystal
• Kunststoff: plastic
• Kupfer: copper
• Musterschutz: copyright
• Papierstoff: papier mache
• Porzellanfabrik: porcelain factory, this mark is sometimes on the back of dinnerware.
• Abteilung: department
• Schutzmarke: trade mark
• Silber: silver
• Steingurfabrik: stoneware factory
• Tschechoslowake: Czechoslovakia
• Verboten: prohibited
• Waschbar: washable
• Werkstatte: workshop/studio
• West Germany: used from 1948-1991 (useful in dating vintage costume jewelry)
• Zelluloid: celluloid
• Zettel: label
• Zinn: tin/pewter
• Zoll Abteilung: customs department

Here is a short list of other words related to patents found on French antiques:

• Alliage: alloy
• Antiquité: antique
• Argent: silver
• Atelier: studio
• Brevete: this word is commonly found on French items and some people mistake it fo a manufacturers marking, but it simply means patented.
• Bté. SGDG: means "patented." It is shortened from the phrase Breveté Sans Garantie du Gouvernement  which means "Patented without State Guarantee."
• Cie./Compagnie: company
• Cristallerie: glass factory
• Cuivre: copper
• Cuivre jaune: brass
• Decore a la main: hand decorated
• Decore par: decorated by
• Département de douanes: customs department
• Depose: registered
• Drapier: clothier
• Email: enamel/paint
• Etain: tin
• Et Fils: and Son
• Etats Unis: United States
• Exciser l'impôt: excise tax
• Exportation: export
• Fabrique Par: manufactured by
• Grand Magasin: department store
• Impôt: tax
• Joaillier: jeweler
• le Celluloïd: celluloid
• le Plastique: plastic
• Marque déposée: trademark
• Marque de Fabrique: this word means trade mark.
• Millésime: vintage
• Métal: metal
• Modele Depose: Registered Design
• Or: gold
• Orfevre: silversmith
• Peint à la Main: hand painted
• Porcelaine Fabrique: porcelain factory, sometimes found on the back of dinnerware.
• Ste. : an abbreviation for Societe
• Tcheqoslovaquie: Czechslovakia
• Vendeur: seller
• Verrier: glassworker
• Verrerie: glass works factory

Uninhibited by Cher c1988

"Uninhibited. Bottled, but not contained."

In 1988 Cher decided to introduce her own line of perfume. Called “Uninhibited,” a name that seemed quite appropriate for Cher, the line debuted with much fanfare that year. Distributed by Parfums Stern in association with Avon.

Audace by Rochas c1936

In 1936, the year Audace by Rochas was launched, Europe was amidst a period of social and artistic upheaval. The interwar period, marked by both economic recovery and lingering post-war tensions, saw a flourishing of avant-garde movements in art, fashion, and culture. Marcel Rochas, a prominent couturier known for his innovative designs that embraced both classic elegance and modernity, captured the spirit of this era with Audace, his new perfume creation.

Marcel Rochas deliberately chose the name "Audace" for his perfume. In French, "audace," pronounced "oh-doss," translates to "audacity" or "boldness" in English. The name suggests a perfume that embodies daring and courage, qualities highly valued in the context of the 1930s when women were increasingly asserting their independence and breaking societal norms.

For Rochas, "Audace" was not just a name but a statement. He believed that a woman's scent should precede her, making a lasting impression long before she was seen. This philosophy reflected his belief in the power of fragrance to convey confidence and allure, qualities he sought to celebrate through his creations.

To those who related to a perfume named "Audace," it would evoke images of assertive femininity and evoke feelings of empowerment. Women of the time, particularly those embracing the changing roles and freedoms offered in the modern era, would have been drawn to a scent that promised to enhance their presence and leave a memorable impression.

Mai by Shiseido c1968

Mai by Shiseido: launched in 1968.

Alex Ross & Sons

Alex Ross, Perfumers in London.

The London Directory notes an A. Ross, perfumer & ornamental hair manufacturer located at 119 Bishopsgate Within in 1802; an Alex Ross & Co, perfumers at 119 Bishopsgate Within in 1809; in 1827 an Alex Ross & Sons, perfumers & peruke makers at same address, and in 1839 Alex Ross & Sons, patent peruke makers at same address.

Parce Que by Roberto Capucci c1963

Parce Que! by Roberto Capucci: launched in 1963. The fragrance was composed by the perfumers at Roure.

Madame by Philippe Venet c1968

Madame by Philippe Venet: launched in 1968.