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.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was a sparkling aldehydic floral oriental fragrance for women with a chypre base. Described as "light and lilting, fresh, young".

• Top notes: aldehydes, mandarin, bergamot, neroli,
• Middle notes: violet, sage, freesia, iris, Grasse jasmine, hydrangea, Bugarian rose, lily of the valley, ylang ylang
• Base notes: iis, musk, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, oakmoss, amber, vanilla

Good Housekeeping - Volume 125, 1947:

"Presenting a new Lucien Lelong Perfume . . . electric as a Paris Salon opening ... a combination of confidence and pure French excitement. You'll wear Tempest as you'd wear a Paris original . . . assured of its fashion importance, and inspirited by the stir.."

Bottles:

Tempest's Parfum was presented in an unusual bottle which represented the twisting motion of a twirling skirt during dancing. The bottle was a squat, fluted conical shape with radiating facets resting on a pedestal base The stopper repeated the design of radiated facets.

The bottle was available in the four sizes:

• Ref. No. 1 - 0.25 oz bottle stands 1.75" tall.
• Ref. No. 2 - 0.5 oz bottle stands 2.5" tall.
• Ref. No. 3 - 1 oz Parfum - bottle stands 3.25" tall.
• stands 3.75" tall.
• 3 oz bottle stands 4' tall.

The factice (dummy) bottle stands 4"tall and is filled with colored water to simulate perfume.

Product Line:

The product line for Tempest by Lucien Lelong, introduced in 1947, was a comprehensive collection that catered to every aspect of personal grooming and beauty, reflecting the luxurious trends of post-war Europe. At its heart was the iconic Tempest Parfum, a concentrated essence that epitomized sophistication and allure. Housed in an elegant bottle, the Parfum offered a rich and long-lasting fragrance experience, capturing the essence of Tempest's aromatic complexity with top notes that were fresh and vibrant, heart notes that unfolded into a harmonious bouquet, and base notes that lingered sensually throughout the day or night.

Complementing the Parfum were various formulations of Cologne, available in three sizes, providing versatility from travel-friendly options to larger bottles for everyday use. The Cologne offered a lighter interpretation of Tempest's scent, perfect for refreshing the skin with a subtle hint of its distinctive fragrance. Additionally, the line included Toilet Water, a lighter formulation than Cologne, ideal for a refreshing splash throughout the day.

For those seeking portability and concentrated fragrance application, Tempest offered Solid Cologne, a convenient option for discreet touch-ups on the go. To infuse personal spaces with the enchanting scent of Tempest, the collection featured a Sachet, perfect for drawers, closets, or linens.

Incorporating luxury into daily grooming rituals, Tempest provided Soap enriched with its signature fragrance, offering a lavish cleansing experience. The line also included Dusting Powder and Talcum Powder, both providing a silky-smooth texture and a delicate fragrance, leaving the skin feeling pampered and refreshed after bathing.

For cosmetics enthusiasts, Tempest extended its allure with Rouge and Cream Rouge, adding a touch of color and radiance to the cheeks, complementing the fragrance's sophisticated charm with a hint of glamour. The "Quick Change" Makeup Base facilitated a flawless canvas for makeup application, ensuring a smooth and radiant complexion that enhanced the overall allure of Tempest.

Completing the ensemble, Tempest offered Face Powder and Lipstick, both imbued with the elegance and allure synonymous with the fragrance line. The Face Powder provided a matte finish while subtly enhancing the skin with Tempest's delicate fragrance, while the Lipstick offered shades that reflected the sophistication and timeless appeal of Tempest, completing the luxurious grooming experience.

Together, the Tempest product line by Lucien Lelong exemplified a harmonious blend of fragrance and beauty, offering a comprehensive array of products that catered to the refined tastes and desires of post-war consumers seeking luxury and elegance in every aspect of their grooming regimen.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.