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."

Cachet by Lucien Lelong c1948

Cachet by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1948. Cachet was available in parfum, cologne, dusting powder and lipstick.

Mon Image by Lucien Lelong c1933

Mon Image by Lucien Lelong was launched in 1933, during a time of significant cultural and social change. The early 1930s were marked by the aftermath of the Great Depression, a period of economic hardship and uncertainty. Despite the financial struggles, there was a strong desire for escapism and luxury. The fashion and fragrance industries responded by creating products that offered a sense of elegance and glamour. Paris, the epicenter of fashion and fragrance, remained a beacon of sophistication and style, attracting those who sought to capture and project an image of refined beauty and poise.

The name "Mon Image," pronounced MOHN-EEMAJH, meaning "my image" in French, was a deliberate and evocative choice by Parfums Lucien Lelong. In the context of the 1930s, personal image and identity were becoming increasingly important. People were acutely aware of how they were perceived by others, and fashion and fragrance played a crucial role in shaping one's public persona. The name "Mon Image" suggests a deep connection to personal identity and self-expression, aligning perfectly with the aspirations of individuals striving to present themselves with elegance and distinction.

"Mon Image" is an appropriate name for a perfume because it encapsulates the essence of how a fragrance can enhance and reflect one's personal style and identity. Perfume is not merely a scent; it is an extension of oneself, a silent yet powerful statement of who one is or aspires to be. By choosing a name that translates to "my image," Parfums Lucien Lelong tapped into the intimate and transformative nature of fragrance, emphasizing how it becomes a part of one's self-presentation and allure.

Gardenia by Lucien Lelong c1936

Gardenia by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1936.

Edition Limitée by Lucien Lelong c1951

In 1951, the Lucien Lelong perfume company released a special presentation in a new bottle. It was called "Edition Limitée" and only 200 bottles were produced.  

Arpes by Lelong c1940s

Arpes by  Lelong: launched in the 1940s-1950s. I doubt this was a real perfume by Lucien Lelong. I think it is a clever fake from the period.

So what does it smell like?

Discontinued, date unknown.

Embrace Bath Oil by Lucien Lelong c1950s

Harper's Bazaar, 1956:

"Bath oils do more than scent the water deliciously, they also soften water and soften you.  Lucien Lelong's Embrace is a highly concentrated flower distillation in oil form."

Eugene Register-Guard - Oct 20, 1959

"Lucien Lelong "EMBRACE" BATH OIL . Thrifty Special .89 . Just a few drops in the tun for bath-time beauty. Smooths dry, chapped skin . leaves an allover, delicate fragrance."

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Fifi Perfumed Sachet c1939

Fifi is the name for a presentation with Jabot perfumed sachet in the form of an elegant high buttoned Victorian boot, all housed inside of a fancy gift box. This was a holiday limited edition piece and retailed for $10, quite pricey for the day.

Taglio by Lucien Lelong c1945

Taglio by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1928 as "Parfum N" and renamed Taglio for the US market in 1945.

Elle, Elle by Lucien Lelong c1941

The launch of "Elle, Elle" by Parfums Lucien Lelong in 1941 and its subsequent relaunch in the USA in 1946 occurred during a transformative period in global history, particularly shaped by World War II and its aftermath. In France, the early 1940s marked a time of uncertainty and cultural redefinition amidst German occupation. Despite the challenging circumstances, Paris retained its reputation as a center of fashion and elegance, albeit under altered conditions.

Parfums Lucien Lelong's choice of the name "Elle, Elle" was not only a nod to the initials "LL" of Lucien Lelong but also a clever play on words that resonated deeply in both French and American contexts. In French, "Elle" means "she" or "her," emphasizing femininity and elegance—qualities closely associated with Parisian haute couture. This name would have appealed to Lucien Lelong's vision of celebrating women's sophistication and resilience during wartime.

"Elle, Elle" was particularly appropriate for a perfume during this era because it encapsulated the spirit of feminine empowerment and style amidst adversity. Women who related to this perfume would have been those seeking a sense of glamour and identity during a tumultuous period. They would have responded to "Elle, Elle" with a mix of admiration and aspiration, viewing it as more than just a fragrance but a symbol of French resilience and fashion savoir-faire.

Parfum N by Lucien Lelong c1928

In 1928, Parfums Lucien Lelong introduced "Parfum N," a fragrance that embodied the elegance and sophistication of its era. The name "Parfum N" carried a mystique and allure that resonated with the romanticism and artistic freedom of the Roaring Twenties. This period, characterized by newfound social freedoms and cultural vibrancy, saw the rise of luxury and avant-garde in fashion and fragrance. The choice of "N" for the perfume was not just arbitrary; it held personal significance for Lucien Lelong, as it was named after his second wife, Princesse Nathalie Paley, whom he married in 1927. The fragrance itself was described as light and dry, reflecting the minimalist yet refined tastes of the time.

"Parfum N" would have appealed to the sophisticated elite of the 1920s and 1930s, those who frequented Parisian salons, mingled in high society, and embraced the modernist spirit. Its name hinted at exclusivity and understated glamour, inviting wearers into a world of subtle luxury. For those who wore "Parfum N," it represented more than just a scent; it was a statement of style and taste, embodying the essence of Parisian chic and avant-garde sensibilities.

The name "Parfum N" evokes images of Parisian soirées, where intellectuals and artists gathered to discuss art, literature, and philosophy. It conjures feelings of intrigue and allure, reminiscent of a time when elegance and sophistication were paramount. The fragrance itself would have been perceived as delicate yet alluring, capturing the essence of femininity and refinement that defined the era.

Orgueil by Lucien Lelong c1946

Orgueil by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1946. The name means "Pride" in French. Created by Jean Carles after the liberation of France from German occupation and expresses her pride for the French victory.

Jeweled Sachet Perfume Presentation c1950s

Lucien Lelong Perfume Factice Bottles

Les Fleurs de Lucien Lelong c1938

Drug and Cosmetic Industry - Volume 43, 1938:

"Lucien Lelong has cleverly taken advantage of this fashion and is introducing Les Fleurs de Lucien Lelong, five lovely floral odors, to promote during the summer season. The lovely flasks of Lilac, Sweet Pea, Mimosa, Magnolia and Honeysuckle perfumes are anchored on ivory bases and encased in transparent boxes decorated with flowers and ferns. The prices range from $1 for the purse flacon up to $25. To stimulate further interest in these floral odors both by the store and the customer, Lucien Lelong furnishes without charge, a large bulk bar in plaster., beautifully decorated with a profusion of the flowers which the perfumes represent, to any Lucien Lelong agency placing an order for one each of the perfumes."

 The Sandusky Register, 1940:

"$1.00 Les Fleurs de LUCIEN LELONG Single-flower fragrances that make you feel you are walking among blossoms: golden hearted Mimosa— • Magnolia steeped in moonlight—serene, lingering Honeysuckle—youthful Sweet Pea—sun-filled Lilac—and ever-famed Gardenia. Each possesses the unfading loveliness of the flower itself. In a garden package."

Sirocco by Lucien Lelong c1934

Sirôcco by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1934.

Passionnement by Lucien Lelong c1940

In 1940, the world was in the throes of the Second World War, a time marked by intense emotions and profound societal changes. Parfums Lucien Lelong, amidst this backdrop, launched "Passionnement," a fragrance created by the renowned perfumer Jean Carles. The choice of the name "Passionnement" reflects a deliberate invocation of strong, fervent emotions. In French, "Passionnement" translates to "Passionately" in English, suggesting a deeply intense and emotional connection.

The name "Passionnement" is particularly fitting for a perfume launched during wartime. It speaks to the yearning for passion, love, and intensity amid the uncertainty and chaos of the era. In such times, where everyday life was disrupted and emotions ran high, a fragrance promising passion and intensity would have resonated deeply with those seeking moments of escape and heightened sensuality.

Those who related to a perfume named "Passionnement" would likely have been individuals seeking to embrace or reminisce about passionate emotions amidst the challenges of wartime. The fragrance would have promised a sensory journey evoking images of romance, desire, and intense emotional connection. Its wearers would have responded to its allure by indulging in its rich and complex scent, perhaps finding solace or empowerment through its evocation of passion.

The word "Passionnement" evokes images of fiery romance, longing gazes, and intimate moments shared in secret. It conjures feelings of desire, warmth, and the intoxicating allure of love. In the context of 1940, it would have symbolized a defiance against the bleakness of war, offering wearers a way to immerse themselves in emotions that transcended the harsh realities of the time.

Interestingly, in the United States, "Passionnement" was sold under the name 'Tailspin.' This adaptation likely aimed to resonate with American consumers while maintaining the essence of passion and allure that the original name conveyed. Thus, whether called "Passionnement" or 'Tailspin,' the perfume would have continued to embody its core promise of passionate intensity, appealing to those seeking a touch of romance and escape during a tumultuous period in history.

Tailspin by Lucien Lelong c1940

In 1940, the world was engulfed in the turmoil of World War II. Across Europe, tensions ran high as countries grappled with the realities of conflict. It was a time marked by uncertainty, upheaval, and a profound sense of longing and desire amidst the chaos. Against this backdrop, Parfums Lucien Lelong introduced "Tailspin," a fragrance crafted by the renowned perfumer Jean Carles.

The name "Tailspin" was likely chosen to evoke the dizzying sensation of falling uncontrollably, akin to the tumultuous emotions of love. In the context of romance, "Tailspin" symbolizes a state of passionate abandon, where emotions spiral out of control, much like being caught in a whirlwind of intense feelings and desire.

For Parfums Lucien Lelong, "Tailspin" was more than just a name; it encapsulated the essence of love in its most tumultuous form. In the midst of wartime uncertainty, where lives were upended and futures uncertain, a perfume named "Tailspin" would have resonated deeply with those seeking an escape into passion and romance. It offered a glimpse of fantasy and indulgence amidst the harsh realities of the time.

Those who related to a perfume called "Tailspin" would likely have been individuals yearning for an emotional release, seeking to experience love and desire in its most fervent and consuming state. The fragrance promised an olfactory journey that mirrored the intensity and allure of falling headlong into love, capturing hearts with its provocative allure.

Balalaïka by Lucien Lelong c1939

Balalaïka by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1939.