Azuree by Estee Lauder c1969

Azuree by Estee Lauder: launched in 1969. Created by Bernard Chant.

Gamin by Carmel Myers c1958

The perfume "Gamin" was launched in 1958, a period marked by the post-World War II economic boom and the height of Hollywood's Golden Age. The late 1950s was an era of elegance, glamour, and sophistication, which was reflected in the fashion, beauty products, and cultural trends of the time. The perfume industry was flourishing, with new scents often embodying the zeitgeist of sophistication and glamour.

Carmel Myers, a prominent Hollywood actress, was deeply involved in the creation and promotion of "Gamin." Myers was known for her roles in silent films and early talkies, often portraying seductive vamp characters. Her collaboration with Fragonard, a prestigious French perfume house, was a testament to her status and influence in the entertainment industry.

The name "Gamin," meaning "mischievous" in French, likely drew inspiration from Myers' own on-screen persona and charm. It evoked a playful yet sophisticated image, aligning with the actress's legacy and the fashionable elegance of the 1950s. This collaboration highlighted the intersection of Hollywood glamour and luxury perfumery, encapsulating the allure and mystique that Myers represented.

Myers' career began at a young age, with her first film role at just 14. She quickly became a star, working with iconic actors like Lionel Barrymore, Douglas Fairbanks, and Rudolph Valentino. Her beauty and talent secured her roles as a seductive vamp, a character type that defined much of her career. Reflecting on her work, Myers noted the evolution of the "vamp" character from the overt portrayals by actresses like Theda Bara to the more nuanced performances by Greta Garbo. She later reminisced about the old days, "I suppose Theda Bara was the first 'vamp'. At first we were very obvious in our portrayals. Garbo was a new kind of vamp, because she acted in 'half-tones'."

The release of "Gamin" in 1958 not only celebrated Myers' illustrious career but also captured the essence of the glamorous and playful spirit of the time. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Carmel Myers, an actress who left an indelible mark on Hollywood and contributed to the cultural fabric of the 1950s.

Parfumerie Wald'Ys

 Les Parfums de Produits de Beaute et Parfums de Luxe Waldys, known as Parfumerie Wald'Ys established around 1919 and located at 28 rue de Madrid. the Wald'ys general depositary was located at 64 Chausse d'Antin.

The company did not last to the 1930s. Any item with the Wald'Ys name should be considered very rare.

Le Sien by Jean Patou c1928

Sporty types of perfume and colognes are very popular today, especially among the younger set and it seems as if they have always been around, however that is not the case. Sporty or clean fragrances are named for their freshness, a quality that roughly akin to the smell of a warm shower or a good soap. These fragrances are found most often in eau de colognes. Given their refreshing nature, women and men who are active or athletic may find sporty fragrances appealing. Some classic sporty fragrances are Estee Lauder Alliage, Lily Chic by Escada, Cashmere Mist by Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren Polo for Women and Tommy Girl.

Pretexte by Lanvin c1937

Pretexte by Lanvin: launched in 1937, created by Andre Fraysse.

Grand Dame by Jean Desprez c1939

In 1939, the world was on the cusp of great change and turmoil. The looming shadow of World War II began to envelop Europe, and many nations were grappling with the aftershocks of the Great Depression. Despite the economic challenges and the imminent global conflict, the late 1930s also retained a glimmer of the glamour and sophistication of the previous decade. High society still cherished its soirées, elegant gowns, and luxurious lifestyles, even as uncertainty brewed in the background. It was within this context that Jean Desprez launched "Grand Dame," a perfume that seemed to embody the very essence of elegance and grace amidst a world teetering on the edge of chaos.

The term "Grand Dame" originates from the French language, meaning "great lady." In French, "grand" translates to "great" or "large," and "dame" means "lady." The phrase is often used to refer to a woman of dignified bearing, one who is respected and distinguished in society. Choosing this name for a perfume was a deliberate move by Desprez, aiming to evoke an aura of sophistication and timeless elegance. The name "Grand Dame" conveys not only a sense of grandeur but also a nod to the resilience and poise of women, particularly those who navigate the upper echelons of society with grace and strength.

"Grand Dame" is an apt name for a perfume as it suggests a scent that is both commanding and refined. A perfume with such a name would likely be rich and complex, designed to leave a lasting impression, much like the grand ladies who inspired it. It would be a fragrance that exudes confidence and sophistication, appealing to women who see themselves as cultured, influential, and stylish. These women would relate to "Grand Dame" as a reflection of their own identity and aspirations. The perfume would resonate with them, offering a sensory embodiment of their elegance and stature.

Flambeau by Faberge c1955

Flambeau is a fragrance by Fabergé, launched in 1955. Fabergé, a company renowned for its luxury goods, ventured into the world of perfumery with several distinctive scents, and Flambeau was one of them. The perfume was likely designed to embody the elegance and sophistication associated with the Fabergé name, capturing the essence of luxury in a bottle.

"Flambeau" is a French word that translates to "torch" in English. A flambeau is typically a long stick with material at one end that can be set on fire and used as a source of light. The term evokes images of brightness, warmth, and illumination.

Naming the perfume "Flambeau" by Fabergé ties the fragrance to themes of brightness, warmth, elegance, and vibrancy. It suggests a scent that is both striking and comforting, luxurious and inviting, aligning perfectly with the brand's reputation for creating high-quality, sophisticated products.

This fragrance would be part of the mid-20th century era of perfumery, a time when many classic and iconic scents were created. Given its launch in 1955, Flambeau would have been crafted with the olfactory trends of that period, potentially featuring rich, opulent notes that were popular in that era.

The House of Fragrance

The House of Fragrance of St. Georges, established by Charles Richard Rutherford, began as a humble venture rooted in Rutherford's deep-seated passion for the art of perfume making. By 1931, Rutherford was already engrossed in the craft, experimenting with fragrances as a hobby. His fascination with perfume creation, paired with the unique allure of Bermuda's natural bounty, sparked an ambitious idea: to craft perfumes that celebrated both local ingredients and global aromatic treasures.

Set against the backdrop of Bermuda's lush landscapes and vibrant botanical diversity, Rutherford envisioned a perfume house that would capture the essence of the island. The House of Fragrance sought to blend Bermuda's native flora—such as the fragrant cedarwood and the tropical blooms like hibiscus—with exotic ingredients sourced from around the world. This innovative approach aimed to create a distinct olfactory identity that highlighted Bermuda's natural beauty while embracing the richness of international fragrance traditions.

Knowing by Estee Lauder c1988

Knowing by Estee Lauder: launched in 1988. Created by Jean Kerléo in collaboration with Elie Roger (Firmenich) and Estee Lauder's perfumer, Karyn Khoury..

The name of the fragrance is meant to suggest the attitude of a sophisticated woman who has developed into a self-assured, confident, uncompromising individual. “When a woman wears it, she feels like she knows it all,” said Estee Lauder who described Knowing as “a fragrance for the 21st century.”

The marketing campaign used for the fragrance was meant to change the entire Lauder image. The ads pictured gorgeous model Paulina Porizkova, who left Revlon in order to become the spokesperson for Estee Lauder. The ad below illustrates the exact image of a sexy, confident woman that Lauder wished to portray.

Le Baiser by Lalique c1999

Le Baiser by Lalique: launched in 1999. Created by Laurent Bruyere.