In 1934, the world was amidst the throes of the Great Depression, a time of economic hardship and cultural shifts. It was an era marked by both resilience and escapism, where the arts flourished as a form of solace and expression against the backdrop of global uncertainty. It was in this context that Parfums Lucien Lelong chose to launch "Sirocco," a fragrance that sought to evoke warmth, allure, and a sense of exoticism.
The name "Sirocco" originates from the warm, dry wind that blows from the Sahara Desert across the Mediterranean Sea into southern Europe. Derived from Arabic (ṣarūq), the term "Sirocco" embodies the essence of a wind that carries with it heat, sand, and a mystical quality.
Choosing "Sirocco" as the name for a perfume was not merely about geographical reference but also about evoking a specific sensory experience. The scent aimed to transport wearers to a place of warmth and sensuality, reminiscent of Mediterranean landscapes kissed by the desert wind. It was a name that promised intrigue, adventure, and a touch of the exotic, appealing to those seeking to escape the mundanity of everyday life during a challenging period.
For consumers in the 1930s, the name "Sirocco" would have conjured images of sun-drenched landscapes, bustling markets filled with spices and incense, and the promise of an indulgent escape. It would have resonated with individuals looking to add a touch of allure and mystery to their lives, embracing a fragrance that promised to envelop them in warmth and sophistication.
The word "Sirocco" evokes sensations of heat, dryness, and a hint of something unfamiliar yet inviting. It carries with it a sense of adventure and romance, appealing to those who long for a perfume that not only enhances their personal allure but also transports them to distant lands and timeless experiences.
In essence, "Sirocco" by Lucien Lelong was more than just a perfume; it was a sensory journey and a promise of escape, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of its time and offering wearers a fragrant passport to exotic destinations and dreams.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a "dry, woody, leafy mossy" floral oriental fragrance with "a lemon verbena tang."
- Top notes: cardamom, Russian coriander, Sicilian lemon verbena, Calabrian bergamot, mandarin, Sicilian lemon, violet leaf
- Middle notes: Tunisian orange blossom, Provencal lavender, Ethiopian frankincense, Grasse rose, Grasse jasmine, Florentine orris
- Base notes: Atlas cedar, Omani frankincense, Arabian myrrh, Yugoslavian oakmoss, Madagascar vanilla, Java vetiver, Singapore patchouli, Mysore sandalwood, Siamese benzoin, Venezuelan tonka bean, South Seas ambergris, Maltese labdanum, Abyssinian civet, Persian galbanum, Tibetan musk
Scent Story:
In 1934, amidst the opulence of I. Magnin, Lucien Lelong, the visionary behind Parfums Lucien Lelong, strode through the department store's adorned perfumery section, dedicated entirely to the grand unveiling of their latest olfactory masterpiece, "Sirocco." The air was thick with the heady scents of fresh carnations, orange blossoms, jasmines, and roses, meticulously arranged to envelop guests in a floral embrace as they entered the enchanting realm of the fragrance.
Veiled models, reminiscent of harem beauties from tales of the Arabian Nights, gracefully weaved through the crowd, offering delicate vials of "Sirocco" to intrigued guests. Each small hors d'oeuvre, presented on engraved brass plates, carried flavors that mirrored the fragrance's exotic allure—hints of cardamom, Russian coriander, Sicilian lemon verbena, Calabrian bergamot, mandarin, and Sicilian lemon tantalized the palate, echoing the citrusy tang that characterized "Sirocco."
Amidst the rhythmic melodies of native Moroccan musicians, bellydancers swayed gracefully, their movements synchronized to the hypnotic beat, weaving a spell of allure and mystique. Amidst this vibrant ambiance stood a statuesque model, draped in sumptuous, jewel-adorned attire, bearing aloft a large factice bottle of "Sirocco." With reverence, she placed it upon a meticulously carved wood stand at the room's heart, where a single spotlight cast a luminous halo upon the bottle, illuminating its golden depths and intricate design.
Lucien Lelong, a figure of elegance and refinement, addressed his esteemed guests, his voice resonating with passion and pride as he spoke of "Sirocco." He detailed its creation, emphasizing the rarity and costliness of its raw materials sourced from across the globe—the Tunisian orange blossom, Provencal lavender, Ethiopian frankincense, Grasse rose, Grasse jasmine, and Florentine orris that composed its luxurious heart. He described the essence of "Sirocco" as a "dry, woody, leafy mossy" floral oriental fragrance, punctuated by the distinctive "lemon verbena tang" that made it unique among its peers.
"With 'Sirocco'," Lucien Lelong proclaimed, his words carrying the weight of craftsmanship and artistry, "we invite you to adorn yourselves in the finest evening gowns and glittering cocktail frocks. Apply a few drops when you wish to feel most bewitching, enveloped in a scent that embodies the allure of distant lands and timeless elegance."
As guests lingered, enraptured by the sensory spectacle unfolding around them, they experienced not just a fragrance but an immersive journey—an intoxicating blend of sights, scents, tastes, sounds, and textures that transported them to the exotic world of "Sirocco," where luxury and mystique intertwined in every drop.
Bottle:
Torsade Bottle:
Presented in a glass bottle resembling a piece of twisted rope, the "torsade" design of "Sirocco" perfume by Lucien Lelong was a testament to both artistry and innovation. Crafted by the renowned designer John Buckingham, the bottle itself was a work of art that sought to capture the essence of the fragrance within.
The choice of a twisted rope design was deliberate, evoking imagery of sailing ships, exotic ports of call, and the intricate craftsmanship associated with maritime pursuits. The glass, delicately molded into sinuous curves that mimicked the twist of natural fibers, conveyed a sense of fluidity and motion, suggesting the journey and adventure that the perfume promised to its wearers.
John Buckingham's design not only served as a vessel for the fragrance but also as a visual metaphor for the exotic allure of "Sirocco." The twisted glass bottle was not merely a container but a piece of decor that added an element of sophistication to any dressing table or vanity. Its tactile appeal invited touch, further enhancing the sensory experience associated with the perfume.
The choice of such a distinctive bottle design spoke to the luxury and attention to detail that Lucien Lelong sought to embody in "Sirocco." It was a statement of style and refinement, appealing to individuals who valued both the aesthetic and olfactory pleasures that a fine perfume could offer.
In summary, the torsade bottle designed by John Buckingham for "Sirocco" was more than a mere packaging choice; it was a harmonious fusion of form and function, craftsmanship and creativity. It encapsulated the essence of the fragrance it contained, while also standing as a testament to the artistry and elegance of the era in which it was introduced.
- Ref. No. 1 - 1/4 oz bottle stands 2.75" tall
- Ref. No. 2 - 1/2 oz bottle stands 3.25" tall.
- Ref. No. 3 - 1 oz bottle stands 4.5" tall.
- stands 6" tall.
- Ref. No. 8 - 8 oz bottle stands 8" tall.
Omnibus Bottle:
"Sirocco" by Lucien Lelong was also available in an "omnibus" bottle, a design utilized for several Lelong fragrances during the 1950s. This particular presentation was aimed at providing a more affordable option for consumers without compromising on the essence and quality of the perfume. The omnibus bottle, characterized by its utilitarian yet elegant design, offered a practical alternative to the more elaborate and expensive packaging options of its time. Despite its lesser price point, the omnibus bottle maintained the integrity of the fragrance inside, ensuring that wearers could still experience the distinctive allure and sensory journey that "Sirocco" promised. This approach not only widened the accessibility of Lucien Lelong's perfumes but also catered to a broader audience who sought both affordability and luxury in their choice of scent.
- No. 520 - 1/2 oz bottle stands 2 5/8" tall.
Gold Plated Orgueil Bottle:
"Sirocco" by Lucien Lelong was also offered in a gold-plated bottle originally created for the perfume Orgueil. This bottle design exuded opulence and sophistication, reflecting the luxurious essence of the fragrance it housed. The gold-plated finish added a touch of glamour and prestige, making it a coveted choice among connoisseurs of fine perfumery. The design, originally crafted for Orgueil, seamlessly complemented the allure and exoticism that "Sirocco" aimed to evoke. It served not only as a vessel for the fragrance but also as a statement of style and refinement, appealing to those who appreciated both the aesthetic beauty and the olfactory experience of a high-quality perfume. This presentation in the gold-plated bottle underscored Lucien Lelong's commitment to luxury and elegance, ensuring that "Sirocco" remained a timeless classic in the world of perfumery.
Harper's Bazaar, 1955:
“Sirocco.” by Lucien Lelong, belongs to the woody, leafy, mossy group of perfumes— camouflaged here in a gold-plated flacon. 1 ounce, $20."
Fate of the Fragrance:
"Sirocco" by Lucien Lelong, a fragrance that once captivated with its warm allure and exotic charm, eventually faced the fate of discontinuation, though the exact date of its discontinuation remains shrouded in mystery. Despite its eventual removal from production, "Sirocco" continued to linger in the market, still available for purchase as late as 1975. This longevity speaks to the enduring appeal and lingering demand for a perfume that promised to transport wearers to sun-drenched landscapes and distant horizons. Its presence in the market until the mid-1970s attests to its lasting impact and the fond memories it left with those who embraced its evocative scent. While no longer actively produced, "Sirocco" remains a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era of elegance and escapism in the world of fragrance.
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