Monsieur de Rauch by Madeleine de Rauch c1950

Monsieur de Rauch by Madeleine de Rauch: launched in 1950 or 1966 (per Dictionnaire des Parfums, 1972-1973 edition). Created by Raymond Chaillan and Jacques Bercia.

Parfums de Callot Soeurs

Callot Soeurs, a distinguished couture house founded in 1895, began its journey on the elegant Avenue Matignon in Paris. The house was established by the Callot sisters: Marie Callot Gerber, Marthe Callot Bertrand, and Regine Callot Chantrelle. Their early success was anchored in their exquisite use of antique laces, ribbons, and textiles, a hallmark of their sophisticated designs. This unique approach set them apart in the fashion world, capturing the essence of timeless elegance and meticulous craftsmanship.

Incanto by Simonetta c1955

Incanto by Simonetta: launched in 1955. Perfume created by Simonetta Visconti (Donna Simonetta Fabiani), an Italian fashion designer.

Tatiana by Diane von Furstenberg c1975

Tatiana by Diane von Fürstenberg: launched in 1974. The fragrance was named after her daughter and produced by the perfumers at Roure.

Verlayne & Verlaine Perfumes

Verlayne of Paris was established by Charles Jules Emile Charbaut in 1944, at 9 rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, a prestigious address in the heart of Paris. This location, renowned for its luxury boutiques and high-end fashion houses, provided an ideal setting for a perfume house aiming to make a mark in the world of haute parfumerie. Charbaut's venture into the perfume industry under the name Verlayne was closely associated with Verlaine et Verlayne, suggesting a deliberate nod to the famed poet Paul Verlaine, known for his evocative and romantic verse. This connection imbued the brand with an air of poetic elegance and cultural refinement.

The establishment of Verlayne during the tumultuous period of World War II was a bold move, reflecting Charbaut's vision and resilience. The choice of name and the literary association also hinted at a desire to bring beauty and artistic expression to a world overshadowed by conflict. The rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré address added to the brand's allure, positioning Verlayne among the elite of Parisian society and attracting a clientele that appreciated sophistication and exclusivity.

Verlayne's perfumes were likely characterized by rich and complex compositions, echoing the intricate and emotional layers of Verlaine's poetry. The brand's offerings would have aimed to capture the essence of Parisian chic and romance, providing an olfactory escape into a world of elegance and sensory pleasure. Through Verlayne, Charbaut sought to create a lasting legacy in the perfume industry, intertwining the artistry of scent with the cultural heritage of one of France's most beloved poets.

Antique Wigs and their Accoutrements

The word wig is short for Periwig and first appeared in the English language around 1675.

Wigs have been worn throughout history and not just as a fashion item. Looking through history we can see that wigs were worn to demonstrate wealth and importance as well as having a more practical purpose as protection against cold and rain. Wigs were even worn in wars to impress the enemy!

Paradoxe by Pierre Cardin c1983

Paradoxe by Pierre Cardin: launched in 1983 in Europe, then USA. Created by Roure Perfumers. Marketed in USA by Jacqueline Cochran, Inc.

City of Paris

City of Paris was a fanciful name of a a department store of Paris, San Francisco, Ca. that opened its doors in 1850. Their flagship store in San Francisco was built in 1896 and rebuilt in 1909, probably due to damage from the 1906 earthquake.

Alphonse Rallet

Alphonse Rallet (1819-1894) established his perfumery company Rallet in Moscow in 1843. Rallet's perfumes, soaps and cosmetics were so popular that by 1900, he was the most distinguished of all perfumeries in Russia. His excellence in quality made him the official supplier to the royal courts of Russia, Romania, Serbia, Persia and Montenegro.


After the death of Alphonse Rallet, the company was purchased by Chiris, a raw material supplier from Grasse, France. When the Russian Revolution took over and Rallet's Russian assets were nationalized in 1917, the company was reestablished in France. It was here in 1920, that the famous perfumer and technical director, Ernest Beaux , created several perfumes for Gabrielle Chanel, most notably Chanel No. 5, which remains a best seller almost 100 years after its creation in 1921.

"A. Ралле и Ко."

Lasso by Jean Patou c1956

Lasso by Jean Patou: launched 1956 , advertised as "your secret weapon." It was created by Guy Robert.