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.
The word "Tailspin" itself conjures images of dizzying motion, a whirl of emotions that sweep one off their feet. It evokes feelings of exhilaration, vulnerability, and the thrill of losing oneself in the throes of passion. The scent of "Tailspin," created by Jean Carles, would have embodied these sensations through its composition, enticing wearers and admirers alike with its seductive charm.
In France, the perfume was marketed as "Passionnement," aligning perfectly with its theme of passionate love. This alternate name reinforced the fragrance's promise to evoke deep emotions and resonate with those seeking an intense romantic experience, even amidst the uncertainties of wartime Europe. Thus, "Tailspin" by Lucien Lelong stood as a beacon of allure and escape, offering a fragrant sanctuary in a tumultuous world.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It was described as a floral oriental fragrance for women. Sweet, fresh fragrance with chypre background and spicy note. Sandalwood and jasmine.
It features a fern-like facet; combined with a marriage of sweet sandalwood and narcotic jasmine, layered over a pungent aromatic resin background suggestive of a medicinal (piney) chypre odor, then punctuated with fruits, fresh citrus and warm spices.
- Top notes: aldehydes, lemon, bergamot, cyclamen, bitter herbs, fruity notes, green notes, cinnamon, cloves,
- Middle notes: gardenia, hyacinth, carnation, lily of the valley, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, orange blossom, narcissus
- Base notes: oakmoss, pine, civet, galbanum, okoume wood, Mysore sandalwood, tobacco, cedar, ambergris, patchouli, musk, resins, wormwood
Le Petit Parisien : journal quotidien du soir, 1941:
"'Passionnément', by Lucien Lelong, is quite a confession. It whispers what the lips barely dare to spell.. 'Passionnément'. Each syllable flies away like an fragrant dream, in a complicit and silent echo. More precious is 'Impromptu', more tenacious too, evoking this XVII century with mannered splendors. 'Indiscret', on the other hand, as its name admits, has a more disturbing charm. As for 'N', mysterious as well as audacious, it suits the spiritual woman, while 'Whisper', all of sweetness and confidence, is a harmonious melody which seems like a distant song. Finally, 'Orage', a young girl's fragrance, fresh and light like a burst of youthful laughter."
"Passionnement (perfumed cologne) by Lucien Lelong: on a very chypre base, enhanced by a touch of civet, cedar, okoumé, sandalwood and jasmine develop, in this scent of extreme opulence, whose it is possible for the woman, by using the eau de cologne, to impregnate her whole body. Her dully passionate violence is then tempered by the blossoming of the cyclamen and the narcissus, which are fruited by the citrus fruits."
Gargoyle Magazine, 1945:
"Dizzying as falling in love . . . Tailspin Perfume will make her heart go spinning toward you. ... A head-over heels fragrance that she'll always enjoy. $5.00, $7.50, $12.00."
Bottles:
In 1940, The New Yorker reviewed Lucien Lelong's new perfume creation, Tailspin, describing it as a fresh and feminine floral blend that matched the vibrancy of its packaging. The fragrance was praised for its buoyant character, evoking a sense of lightness and vitality. The reviewer likened the packaging to a stack of red, white, and blue poker chips, suggesting a playful and colorful presentation that mirrored the lively spirit of the perfume inside. This description highlighted Tailspin's appeal not only as a scent but also as a visually striking addition to Lucien Lelong's line of perfumes, capturing the essence of contemporary elegance and sophistication during that era.
Fate of the Fragrance:
The perfume, known for its captivating blend of floral and spicy notes, was quietly discontinued at an unspecified date, leaving its exact end date shrouded in mystery. Despite this, its allure endured well beyond its discontinuation, with reports of it still being available for purchase as late as 1975. This longevity spoke volumes about its enduring popularity and the lasting impression it left on those who experienced its fragrance. For aficionados and collectors of vintage perfumes, encountering a bottle of this discontinued scent was akin to discovering a piece of aromatic history, cherished for its unique composition and the memories it evoked. Its continued presence on the market into the mid-1970s underscored its timeless appeal and the nostalgic allure it held for its devoted admirers.
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