Showing posts with label extrait. Show all posts
Showing posts with label extrait. Show all posts

Friday, June 5, 2015

Doux Jasmin by Ciro c1923

In 1923, Doux Jasmin was introduced as part of Ciro’s early collection, a testament to the timeless elegance of jasmine. The name itself, pronounced doo zhahs-MAH in French, translates to “Sweet Jasmine”, immediately conjuring images of soft, velvety white petals glistening with dew in the moonlight. The word doux (sweet) suggests a fragrance that is tender, smooth, and comforting—an olfactory whisper of delicacy and romance. Jasmine, revered for its intoxicating floral depth, had long been a staple in perfumery, symbolizing sensuality, opulence, and femininity. By naming the perfume Doux Jasmin, Ciro evoked an image of pure, radiant beauty, much like the jasmine flower itself—delicate yet powerful, soft yet intoxicating.

The early 1920s, often referred to as the Roaring Twenties, marked a period of radical transformation. The world was emerging from the shadows of World War I, and a newfound sense of liberation and modernity was taking hold. Women, having gained the right to vote in the U.S. in 1920, were redefining their roles in society. The era embraced flapper culture, with women cutting their hair into chic bobbed styles, shedding restrictive corsets for loose, beaded dresses, and reveling in jazz-filled nightlife. The Art Deco movement flourished, influencing design, fashion, and fragrance bottles alike, with its bold geometric patterns and a fascination with luxury.

Within this landscape, Doux Jasmin would have appealed to both traditionalists and modern women alike. For some, it was a reminder of classic Victorian and Edwardian-era floral perfumes, steeped in the refinement of French perfumery traditions. For others, it was a way to embrace sensuality in a sophisticated, wearable way—a single floral soliflore that was simple yet undeniably elegant. At a time when perfumes were shifting from heavier animalic and powdery compositions toward fresher, lighter florals, Doux Jasmin aligned with the trend yet maintained a sense of timeless romance.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Acclaim by Ciro c1950

Acclaim by Ciro was introduced in 1950, marking the brand’s first new fragrance release in nearly a decade. The choice of the name "Acclaim" was undoubtedly deliberate, evoking a sense of prestige, recognition, and admiration. The word itself originates from the Latin acclamare, meaning "to cry out in approval" or "to praise enthusiastically." In English, "acclaim" is associated with public applause and high regard, suggesting a fragrance meant to command attention and admiration. The name conjures images of triumph, elegance, and celebration, making it an alluring proposition for the sophisticated woman of the era.

The 1950s was a transformative period, often referred to as the beginning of the "Golden Age" following the hardships of World War II. The war had ended in 1945, and by 1950, many countries, particularly the United States, were experiencing economic growth, a baby boom, and a return to traditional values. Fashion was undergoing a dramatic shift—Christian Dior had introduced the "New Look" in 1947, characterized by nipped-in waists, full skirts, and an emphasis on femininity. Women were embracing glamour, elegance, and a renewed sense of luxury, leaving behind the utilitarian styles of the war years. Perfume, as an essential part of a woman’s toilette, reflected this change, with compositions becoming more opulent and sophisticated.

For a woman of the early 1950s, a fragrance named "Acclaim" would have embodied both personal allure and societal recognition. Women were expected to present themselves with grace and refinement, and a perfume with such a bold, aspirational name would have been an enticing addition to their beauty ritual. It would have suggested confidence, sophistication, and the promise of leaving a lasting impression.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Reflexions by Ciro c1933

Launched in 1933, Reflexions by Ciro carries a name that invites thought, introspection, and an engagement with both the external world and one’s inner self. The word "Reflexions" is derived from the Latin reflexio, meaning "bending back" or "turning back on itself." It is the French spelling of the English "Reflections," pronounced reh-FLEK-see-ohn in its native tongue. It evokes imagery of mirrored surfaces, dappled light on water, flickering thoughts, and the quiet introspection that comes with deep contemplation. There is a duality in the name—it suggests both the literal reflection of light and a more philosophical self-examination, making it a fitting title for a fragrance that is both natural and cerebral.

The year 1933 was a time of transition and contrast. The world was still reeling from the effects of the Great Depression, and while economic hardship had reshaped daily life, there was also a hunger for escapism, refinement, and quiet luxury. The early 1930s marked the tail end of Art Deco’s bold geometry and opulence, shifting toward softer, more streamlined silhouettes in fashion. Bias-cut gowns in silk and satin draped elegantly over the body, while feminine, nature-inspired prints and accessories replaced the rigid embellishments of the 1920s. Perfume, too, reflected this shift—moving away from the heady, extravagant florals of the Roaring Twenties and embracing more natural, atmospheric compositions.

For a woman in 1933, Reflexions would have felt modern yet timeless, a fragrance that spoke to both her desire for connection with nature and her innate sophistication. It was a time when women were increasingly asserting their independence—whether through careers, travel, or personal style—and Reflexions catered to this evolving identity. Its slightly aldehydic, aromatic fougère composition was bold, fresh, and outdoorsy, a departure from overly powdery or overtly sweet perfumes. The name itself suggested an elegance of the mind, appealing to the intellectual, artistic woman who sought a scent that mirrored her complexity and refinement.