Parfum J by Lucien Lelong c1928

Parfum J by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1928.

Parfum C by Lucien Lelong c1928

Parfum C by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1928. Part of an alphabetical trio of perfumes released at the same time. Naming perfumes after numbers or letters was a common practice in the 1920s.

Lucien Lelong claimed that he named his first three perfumes after there fragrance. Parfum A was for amber, Parfum B was for a bouquet, and Parfum C was for chypre.

Parfum B by Lucien Lelong c1928

Parfum B by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1928. Lucien Lelong claimed that he named his first three perfumes after there fragrance. Parfum A was for amber, Parfum B was for a bouquet, and Parfum C was for chypre.

Keep Perfume in Dark

A March 26, 1928 article in the Reading Eagle newspaper:

"KEEP PERFUME IN DARK, PARISIAN ADVISES. Air and sunlight may change finest odors, according to French expert. Have you ever wondered why the perfume on your dressing table seems to change odor week from week? Perhaps you have been puzzled by a fragrance which smelled agreeable at the time  you bought it, becomes commonplace or even unpleasant after you have used it a few weeks, writes a Paris correspondent of the Kansas City Star. 

Such thoughts may be considered a confession - an admission that you have not learned how to care for your perfume. These delicate scents for which fashion orders for modern  use particularly when they are of high quality, deteriorate and lose all traces of their original fragrance if they are handled remissly. 

"Always keep perfume in a dark place, advises Lucien Lelong, the Paris dressmaker whose study of perfume has resulted in valuable suggestions for its use. "Daylight will affect every odor differently according to its formula, and in extreme cases, the perfume turns bright red as soon as its exposed to the sun. 

Jasmine becomes black in the light, other flower extracts darken less noticeably, but as soon as they change color, even slightly, the perfume changes scent. According to Monsieur Lelong, certain chemicals suffer similarly as a result of exposure to light. If a product such as indol has been used in the perfume, it will form ether and emit a foul odor soon after it is allowed to stand in the sun. 

So carefully must the elements that compose a perfume be guarded that many of the more fragile extracts are bought in a discolored state by the perfumer to prevent darkening after they have been mixed. Discolored floral elements cost a great deal more than flowers in a natural state and they are reserved for expensive perfumes.  

The need is evident for keeping perfume flacons tightly stoppered. Air, sunlight will harm the scent and carelessness in keeping the odor airtight results in a noticeable loss strength and quality."

Parfum L c1931

Parfum L by Lucien Lelong: launched in 1931.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as an aldehydic chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: neroli, bergamot, lemon, aldehydes
• Middle notes: rose, jasmine, carnation, cinnamon, cloves, orris
• Base notes: sandalwood, oakmoss, vetiver, ambergris, labdanum, benzoin, musk, civet

The New Yorker - Volume 8, 1932:

"Parfum L is a gay adventure in perfume... sophisticated, smart and disarmingly persuasive. $3 and up."

Bottle:

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.

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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