Fifi Perfume Presentation c1951

 "Fifi" and "Fluff" were presentations created for the holiday season in 1951. 

Joli Bouquet by Lucien Lelong c1952

Joli Bouquet by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1952.

The Royal Box Presentation from 1953

 The "Royal Box" presentation from 1953 held packages of Indiscret, Orgueil, Tailspin, Sirocco perfumes.

Parfum A by Lucien Lelong c1928

Parfum A by Lucien Lelong, launched in 1928, stands as an elegant and deliberate choice in nomenclature. The name "Parfum A" reflects Lelong's innovative approach to fragrance, aligning the letters with the fragrance family: "A" for ambergris, "B" for bouquet, and "C" for chypre. By choosing this naming convention, Lelong established a direct and intuitive connection between the perfume's identity and its essence.

The word "Parfum" is French, pronounced "par-FOOM", meaning "perfume" or "fragrance." The addition of the letter "A" evokes a sense of primacy, exclusivity, and simplicity, implying a fragrance of distinction and elegance. It conjures images of opulence and sophistication, resonating with the desires of women seeking to embody an air of refinement. The name, with its minimalist clarity, exudes an aura of modernity and timeless appeal.

In 1928, Parfum A emerged during the interwar period, a time characterized by both social and artistic transformation. This era, often referred to as the Jazz Age or the Roaring Twenties, was marked by dynamic cultural shifts, technological advancements, and bold fashion statements. Women’s fashion celebrated liberation with shorter hemlines, looser silhouettes, and an embrace of art deco influences. Trends in beauty and fragrance leaned toward dramatic, heady compositions that complemented the confident, modern woman.

Jabot by Lucien Lelong c1939

Jabot by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1939.

Balaiza by Lucien Lelong c1947

Balaiza by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1947. It was actually a type of skin softening cologne, available in several Lelong fragrances: Whisper, Indiscret, Balalaika.

Parfum J by Lucien Lelong c1928

Parfum J by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1928.

Parfum C by Lucien Lelong c1928

Launched in 1928, Parfum C was part of Lucien Lelong’s innovative trio of alphabetical perfumes, each designed to embody a distinct personality and purpose. Naming fragrances after numbers or letters was a popular trend in the 1920s, reflecting a streamlined, modern approach to branding. For Lelong, the choice of "C" had a clear intention: it stood for chypre, a fragrance family named after the French word for Cyprus, pronounced "sheep-ruh" in layman’s terms. Chypre perfumes are characterized by their intricate interplay of citrus top notes, floral heart notes, and earthy, mossy bases, conjuring the sun-drenched landscapes and Mediterranean warmth of Cyprus.

Parfum C, described as the "lightest scent" for the ingenue—a youthful, fresh-faced woman—was a delicate, airy floral chypre intended for daytime wear during sports or outdoor activities. It was a fragrance that harmonized with the sunlight, embodying the carefree, radiant energy of youth. In Lelong’s vision, Parfum C was associated with the color yellow, evoking sunshine, vitality, and optimism.

The 1920s, known as the Jazz Age or the Roaring Twenties, was a period of exuberance, innovation, and cultural shifts. Women were embracing newfound freedoms, both socially and sartorially. Shorter hemlines, bobbed haircuts, and bold geometric patterns became the hallmarks of flapper fashion, while the advent of modern sportswear introduced practical yet stylish garments for active lifestyles. Against this backdrop, Parfum C emerged as an accessory perfectly suited to the era’s progressive spirit.

For women of the time, a perfume called "Parfum C" would have been interpreted as fresh, modern, and versatile—qualities that resonated with the active, forward-thinking woman. Its lightness was in line with the trend toward subtler daytime fragrances, which complemented rather than overwhelmed. This was a marked departure from the heavy, ornate perfumes of the preceding Edwardian era, aligning instead with the pared-down elegance and functional chic of the Art Deco period.

Parfum B by Lucien Lelong c1928

Launched in 1928, Parfum B by Lucien Lelong was an emblem of thoughtful design and creative vision. The name itself reflects Lelong's innovative approach to fragrance, as he claimed to name his first three perfumes after their aromatic character. Parfum A, inspired by the warmth of ambergris, Parfum B, symbolizing the beauty of a bouquet, and Parfum C, embodying the freshness of chypre, formed a trio designed to resonate with women of different styles and moments.

In French, "Parfum B" (pronounced “par-fahm bay”) captures the essence of sophistication and femininity. The term evokes imagery of elegance and refinement, conjuring visions of soft florals, graceful gardens, and the serene charm of a fashionable afternoon. For women of the late 1920s, "Parfum B" spoke to a spirit of lightness and poise, an olfactory metaphor for modernity and grace.

The 1920s, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age, was a time of significant cultural transformation. Women were embracing newfound freedoms, reflected in shorter hemlines, boyish silhouettes, and a bold departure from traditional societal norms. The era was marked by art deco, flapper culture, and the rise of Hollywood glamour. Perfume, like fashion, was an integral part of a woman's identity, completing the ensemble and expressing individuality.

Parfum B, described as a "lighter scent for the sophisticated woman of fashion" and ideal for sporting occasions, fit seamlessly into the trends of the time. The concept of a fragrance tailored to an occasion or mood was gaining popularity, and Lelong’s trio of perfumes aligned perfectly with this philosophy.

Keep Perfume in Dark

A March 26, 1928 article in the Reading Eagle newspaper:

"KEEP PERFUME IN DARK, PARISIAN ADVISES. Air and sunlight may change finest odors, according to French expert. Have you ever wondered why the perfume on your dressing table seems to change odor week from week? Perhaps you have been puzzled by a fragrance which smelled agreeable at the time  you bought it, becomes commonplace or even unpleasant after you have used it a few weeks, writes a Paris correspondent of the Kansas City Star. 

Such thoughts may be considered a confession - an admission that you have not learned how to care for your perfume. These delicate scents for which fashion orders for modern  use particularly when they are of high quality, deteriorate and lose all traces of their original fragrance if they are handled remissly. 

"Always keep perfume in a dark place, advises Lucien Lelong, the Paris dressmaker whose study of perfume has resulted in valuable suggestions for its use. "Daylight will affect every odor differently according to its formula, and in extreme cases, the perfume turns bright red as soon as its exposed to the sun. 

Jasmine becomes black in the light, other flower extracts darken less noticeably, but as soon as they change color, even slightly, the perfume changes scent. According to Monsieur Lelong, certain chemicals suffer similarly as a result of exposure to light. If a product such as indol has been used in the perfume, it will form ether and emit a foul odor soon after it is allowed to stand in the sun. 

So carefully must the elements that compose a perfume be guarded that many of the more fragile extracts are bought in a discolored state by the perfumer to prevent darkening after they have been mixed. Discolored floral elements cost a great deal more than flowers in a natural state and they are reserved for expensive perfumes.  

The need is evident for keeping perfume flacons tightly stoppered. Air, sunlight will harm the scent and carelessness in keeping the odor airtight results in a noticeable loss strength and quality."

Parfum L c1931

Parfum L by Lucien Lelong was launched in 1931.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as an aldehydic chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: neroli, bergamot, lemon, aldehydes
• Middle notes: rose, jasmine, carnation, cinnamon, cloves, orris
• Base notes: patchouli, sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver, ambergris, labdanum, benzoin, musk, civet

The New Yorker - Volume 8, 1932:

"Parfum L is a gay adventure in perfume... sophisticated, smart and disarmingly persuasive. $3 and up."

Bottle:

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.

Tempest by Lucien Lelong c1947

In 1947, the launch of Tempest by Lucien Lelong, known as 'Orage' in French, occurred amidst a pivotal period of history. Post-World War II Europe was in a state of recovery and transformation, with a blend of optimism for the future and a poignant reflection on the turmoil of recent years. This era saw a resurgence in fashion and luxury goods, as societies sought to rebuild and redefine themselves in the aftermath of conflict.

Parfums Lucien Lelong chose the name "Tempest" for the English version of the fragrance, derived from the French word "Orage," which translates to "storm" in English. The name "Tempest" was likely chosen to evoke a sense of drama, intensity, and emotional depth. It signifies a powerful force of nature, suggestive of both tumultuous passion and the exhilarating beauty that can arise from chaos.

"Tempest" is an appropriate name for a perfume as it suggests a fragrance that is bold, captivating, and capable of stirring deep emotions. It appeals to individuals who appreciate complexity and depth in their scent choices, seeking a perfume that mirrors their own dynamic and spirited nature. Those drawn to "Tempest" would likely respond to its evocative blend with enthusiasm, seeing it as a statement of personal strength and allure.

The word "Tempest" evokes images of swirling winds, crashing waves, and dramatic skies—scenes of nature at its most intense and captivating. It conjures feelings of passion, vitality, and the untamed beauty of the natural world, reflecting a perfume that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. For those who wear "Tempest," it embodies a sense of adventure and the thrill of embracing life's exhilarating moments.

Impromptu by Lucien Lelong c1937

Impromptu by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1937. Created by Jean Carles.

Opening Night by Lucien Lelong c1935

Opening Night by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1935.

This is the fragrance 'Orage'. Re-branded for the English market; branded in France as 'La Première'.

Joli Bouquet Perfume Presentation c1930s

Lucien Lelong's "Joli Bouquet" Perfume Presentation was launched during the early 1930s. It originally held the perfumes B, C and L. Other versions held Mon Image, Indiscret and Melodie.

The New Yorker - Volume 8, 1932:

"Joli Bouquet . . . three bottles of Lucien Lelong Perfumes — B, C, and L — in a jaunty hat box. $5. The smallest size $2"

Later used in 1952 as a name of a perfume. 

So what does it smell like? It was a refreshing springlike floral perfume.

Home Journal - Volume 106, 1952:

"Lucien Lelong's new Joli Bouquet. $2 in solid cologne."

Harper's Bazaar - Volume 87, 1953:

"Paris Bouquet. Lucien Lelong in his "Joli Bouquet" lias created a fragrance alive with the air of Paris in spring ... a hundred flower carts, the soft breezes off the quais, the blossoming green parks, the flavor of tiny streets, the city's lighthearted colors. Perfume $7.50 for one ounce. Cologne $3 for four ounces."