Parfum Mae West by Gabilla of Paris, created in 1933. It was publicized by the Grey Advertising Service, Inc.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Kobako by Bourjois c1936
Kobako was launched by Bourjois in 1936. Kobako is a chypre floral fragrance for women. The nose behind this fragrance is Ernest Beaux. Kobako, refers to a lacquer or porcelain box containing incense, Kobako means "perfume-box" in Japanese.
It is classified as a modern leather chypre fragrance for women.
The bottle for Kobako is a replica of antique Chinese snuff bottle, and was manufactured by Verreries Brosse in France. This bottle was not designed or manufactured by Lalique, as I sometimes see this erroneously attributed. The red and black Bakelite presentation case was meant to imitate aged and carved cinnabar, I believe that Eduard Fornells made the case.
In 1937, Harper's Bazaar reported that:
"So, for longer than two decades, KOBAKO perfume was the secret of only two people — its creator, and the beauty who used it. It is said that she had an almost superstitious belief in its power to stir the emotions. Today, Kobako Perfume, so subtle, so seemingly remote, yet so persuasive to the senses, is the exquisite, the thrilling gift for a charming American lady. In a bottle of Chinese design. KOBAKO BOURJOIS INSPIRED BY ANCIENT CHINA ."
Fragrance Composition:
It is classified as a modern leather chypre fragrance for women.
- Top notes: aldehydes, citrus notes, lily, galbanum,
- Middle notes: rose, magnolia, jasmine, cloves, cinnamon, carnation
- Base notes: vanilla, tonka bean, orris, civet, benzoin, frankincense, amber, oakmoss, musk and leather
Bottles:
The bottle for Kobako is a replica of antique Chinese snuff bottle, and was manufactured by Verreries Brosse in France. This bottle was not designed or manufactured by Lalique, as I sometimes see this erroneously attributed. The red and black Bakelite presentation case was meant to imitate aged and carved cinnabar, I believe that Eduard Fornells made the case.
A 1936 newspaper advertisement reads:
"Kobako - Chinese for perfume container. Kobako - new and exciting perfume of Oriental allure - a modern version of the glory of 12th century China. Mysterious, fascinating and whispering to her of thrilling adventure. Matching the artistry of France with the subtle of an exotic Chinese vase. Kobako is entrancing."
Drug and Cosmetic Industry, 1936:
"With the Chinese influence strong in makeup and fashions, Bourjois is introducing a new Oriental fragrance in a typically Chinese container. Kobako," is the name of the new perfume, which we are told is translated to mean "beautiful perfume container" in Chinese. The bottle is of frosted glass, and said to be a copy of an ancient Chinese perfume bottle . It is encased in Oriental red embossed plastic box, which is a copy of a Chinese lacquered cabinet with a black base."
Arts and Decoration, 1937:
"Bourjois' newest perfume, "Kobako," in a jewel- like flacon copied from an ancient Chinese perfume bottle. Even the container is inspired by an old lacquered cabinet, also Chinese. The base is deep black and the cover is a dramatic glowing red."
A miniature version was also produced, this can be very hard to find. This bottle is rectangular in shape with curved shoulders, the bottle is molded with the floral design that matches the one on the luxury size bottle. A red screw cap tops the bottle. The mini bottle's presentation box is red cardboard and embossed with floral designs hearkening the Bakelite box's design.
photo by anicka
The purse size flacon, clear glass and molded with the floral motif. The bottle is topped off with a red plastic screw cap which ends with a tassel. The bottle has a small, round golden label. This is super rare to find.
The last advertisement for Kobako I have found is dated 1951, so I assume the fragrance was discontinued around that time. It was discontinued for many years before being relaunched sometime in the 1980s.
photo by ebay seller xniide.
Fate of the Fragrance:
The last advertisement for Kobako I have found is dated 1951, so I assume the fragrance was discontinued around that time. It was discontinued for many years before being relaunched sometime in the 1980s.
Parfumerie Silka
Parfumerie Silka, also known as Parfums Silka, was established by Maurice Roussel at 16 quai de la Megisserie, Paris in 1909. He was related to Parfumerie Roussel family which was established in 1852, producer of the very successful Eau Gorlier in the 19th century.
Parfums Bryenne
Bryenne of Paris France, established in 1911 by Jacques Brach. The perfumes were imported into the USA by sole agents the Lionel Trading Co.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Beecham's Laboratory Perfumes
Emma Beecham established Beecham's of Oscawana on Hudson, NY around 1920. The company was later renamed as Beecham's Laboratory and launched a range of fragrances. The company is now part of Smith Kline Beecham, an international phamaceutical conglomerate.
The perfumes of Beecham's Laboratory of Oscawana on Hudson,NY:
- 1919 La Rie
- 1922 Ambrosia
- 1922 Fleur D’Été
- 1922 Royal English Rose
- 1923 Oriental
- 1925 Lady Teasel
- 1925 Ambrosia
- 1930 Allendale Rose
- 1930 Garden Rose
- 1930 La-Ca Meran Bouquet
- 1930 Lathyrus
- 1930 Royal Rose
- 1930 Summer Flowers
- 1930 Veritable
- 1930 Wood Violet
Coty Parfum SANS NOM
An unusual perfume bottle was spotted on ebay France...the gorgeous and familiar bottle from Coty was presented with a most intriguing label...it merely says "Coty Parfum Sans Nom". ...so I thought this was strange...I looked all over and could not find this name anywhere in my books or on the internet...so what do we really have here...is it a one off perfume that didn't do so well so Coty sacked it? or...was it a prototype?
From the bottle, it is the old Lalique design that has the "briar" stopper...Do you have any information to share?
From the bottle, it is the old Lalique design that has the "briar" stopper...Do you have any information to share?
photos from ebay seller claudemanouk
Sunday, March 31, 2013
L'Arome Fragrances
L'Arome started in 1981 in the United Kingdom and sold fragrances mimicking those of world famous manufacturers.
In 1989 Jim Moore was one of four partners who ran L'Arome, a Deesside based perfume firm which sold products through multi-level (sometimes called network or pyramid) marketing.
L'Arome's brands were called "Echoes" because they were reminiscent of major perfume brands. In 1991, Chanel, one of the world's biggest perfume companies, sued L'Arome under the Trade Marks Act 1938.
Chanel claimed L'Arome's 180,000 distributors asked potential customers what their favourite perfume was and then sold them the Echoes version.
Mr Justice Millett found in favour of Chanel. L'Arome went bust, owing £6.5m. Days later, L'Arome was purchased from the receivers and turned into L'Arome International. This failed in 1993.
The bottles with 500 series numbers correspond with well-known women's fragrances, and the 600 series numbers correspond with well-known men's fragrances.
Please remember, none of the world famous maker's created any of these perfumes for L'Arome. These are L'Arome's own "versions" of the famous perfumes.
Numbers often changed as new perfumes were launched.
Women's Fragrances:
Men's Fragrances:
In 1989 Jim Moore was one of four partners who ran L'Arome, a Deesside based perfume firm which sold products through multi-level (sometimes called network or pyramid) marketing.
L'Arome's brands were called "Echoes" because they were reminiscent of major perfume brands. In 1991, Chanel, one of the world's biggest perfume companies, sued L'Arome under the Trade Marks Act 1938.
Chanel claimed L'Arome's 180,000 distributors asked potential customers what their favourite perfume was and then sold them the Echoes version.
Mr Justice Millett found in favour of Chanel. L'Arome went bust, owing £6.5m. Days later, L'Arome was purchased from the receivers and turned into L'Arome International. This failed in 1993.
The bottles with 500 series numbers correspond with well-known women's fragrances, and the 600 series numbers correspond with well-known men's fragrances.
Please remember, none of the world famous maker's created any of these perfumes for L'Arome. These are L'Arome's own "versions" of the famous perfumes.
Numbers often changed as new perfumes were launched.
Women's Fragrances:
- L'Arome #501 corresponds to Opium
- L'Arome #502 corresponds to Poison
- L'Arome #503 corresponds to Chanel No. 5
- L'Arome #504 corresponds to Coco
- L'Arome #505 corresponds to White Linen
- L'Arome #506 corresponds to Anais Anais
- L'Arome #507 corresponds to Chanel No.19
- L'Arome #508 corresponds to Giorgio
- L'Arome #509 corresponds to Chloe/Rive Gauche
- L'Arome #510 corresponds to Chloe/L'air du Temps
- L'Arome #511 corresponds to Fidji/Beautiful
- L'Arome #512 corresponds to L'air du Temps
- L'Arome #513 corresponds to Youth Dew/Oscar de la Renta
- L'Arome #514 corresponds to Miss Dior/Beautiful/Obsession
- L'Arome #515 corresponds to Paris/Obsession
- L'Arome #516 corresponds to Lou Lou/Oscar de la Renta
- L'Arome #517 corresponds to Ysatis/Gloria Vanderbilt
- L'Arome #518 corresponds to Arpege/Miss Dior
- L'Arome #519 corresponds to Private Collection/Cinnabar
- L'Arome #520 corresponds to Paris
- L'Arome #521 corresponds to Lou Lou
- L'Arome #522 corresponds to Passion
- L'Arome #523 corresponds to Ysatis
- L'Arome #527 corresponds to Lauren
- L'Arome #528 corresponds to Red by Beverly Hills
- L'Arome #529 corresponds to
Men's Fragrances:
- L'Arome #601 corresponds to Kouros
- L'Arome #602 corresponds to Paco Rabanne
- L'Arome #603 corresponds to Polo
- L'Arome #604 corresponds to Aramis
- L'Arome #605 corresponds to Azzaro
- L'Arome #606 corresponds to Eau Sauvage
- L'Arome #607 corresponds to Drakkar Noir
- L'Arome #608 corresponds to Obsession for Men
- L'Arome #610 corresponds to Giorgio for Men
- L'Arome #611 corresponds to
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Collecting Vintage Black Glass Perfume Bottles
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Chanel perfume lookalikes
This week on ebay I came across two unique perfume sample vials. They were labeled "No.6 Saxe Paris" and "No.4 Saxe Paris". The font on these labels looks nearly identical to Chanel's avant garde font.
Apparently, this "Saxe Paris" company was looking to cash in on the fact that their labels were similar to Chanel's.
Apparently, this "Saxe Paris" company was looking to cash in on the fact that their labels were similar to Chanel's.
photos by ebay seller mauri22
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Bosquet d’Apollon by Rosine c1922
Bosquet d’Apollon by Rosine: launched in 1922. The name means "The Grove of Apollo" and represents Versailles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Featured Post
Faking Perfume Bottles to Increase Their Value
The issue of adding "after market" accents to rather plain perfume bottles to increase their value is not new to the world o...
