Monday, August 18, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Joli Bouquet Perfume Presentation c1930s
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."
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
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.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Gardenia by Lucien Lelong c1936
Gardenia by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1936.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
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."
Sunday, February 23, 2014
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.
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