Note: Please understand that this website is not affiliated with the D'Orsay company in any way, it is only a reference page for collectors and those who have enjoyed the D'Orsay fragrances.


The goal of this website is to show the present owners of the D'Orsay company how much we miss the discontinued classics and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back the perfume!


Please leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the perfume, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or what occasion, any specific memories), who knows, perhaps someone from the company might see it.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Duo by D'Orsay c1928

Duo by D'Orsay: launched in 1928. Duo was presented as a "younger" version of the unisex Le Dandy fragrance, meant to be worn by both men and women. In fact, as you can see from the 1930 ad below, it mentions, that the new fragrance is "Worthy of him, worthy of you, Madame, Le Dandy, presents to you, his cadet, Duo D'Orsay."





Fragrance Composition:



So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral chypre fragrance for men and women. It begins with a fresh, zesty citrus top note, followed by a spicy floral heart redolent of dewy violets, resting on a powdery, musk base. It was described in a 1938 newspaper ad as having a "Spanish" type fragrance.
  • Top notes: bergamot, lemon, neroli, honeysuckle
  • Middle notes: iris, clove, jasmine, violet, rose, orange blossom, ylang ylang, carnation
  • Base notes: amber, musk, sandalwood, patchouli, oakmoss, tonka, vanilla

L'Amour de l'art, 1950:
"Duo by D'Orsay: the ineffable joy of this silent dialogue where the flowers seem to catch up the hearts under the perfume of the blossoming trees. The shy violet smells to exalt this duo which charms you with so many shades and enchantment."

Combat, 1955:
"Duo by D'Orsay - reminiscent of oriental splendor; warm and penetrating, nuanced with iris and jasmine, it proceeds from that magic of ancient civilizations."


American Druggist, 1929:
"Duo D'Orsay - Duo D'Orsay is an entirely new odor of Parfums D'Orsay, Fifth Ave., New York City. It is a blend of floral odors which is said to be a new combination. The package is of clear crystal with the D'Orsay crest on the stopper. "

Motion Picture, 1947:
"Available once again, two coveted French perfumes— Duo D'Orsay and Corday's Toujours Moi"

Bottle:


The parfum was contained in a squatty, ovoid shaped bottle topped with a crystal stopped featuring an sunken relief of the D'Orsay crest. Originally, it was presented in an elegant suede like covered box, however, during WWII and after, it was housed in a newly designed white box emblazoned with the D'Orsay crest. The bottle came in two sizes, the smallest stands 1 7/8" tall x 2.5" long x 1.75" wide, the larger size measures 2.25" tall x 3" long x 2" wide.

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Chemist and Druggist:
"PARFUMS D'ORSAY, 54 George Street, Baker Street. London, W.i, have sent for our inspection four striking examples of their range of perfumes. Le Dandy is packed in a black diamond shaped bottle and enclosed in a neat cellophane covered box. Of attractive appearance is Duo, the elegant container being shown to good advantage in a suede case. Le Jardin is presented in a cut crystal bottle enclosed in a cork box."


Druggist Circular, 1937:
"Duo, half size $6.60, small $11.00, medium $20.38, large $33.00."


Glass Packer - Volume 26, 1947:
"ANOTHER RETURNEE is the D'Orsay fragrance Duo D'Orsay. Bottled in the diamond-cut D'Orsay flacon, it is encased in lovely box of new design, white with the D'Orsay crest. Both perfume and eau de toilette are available in this fragrance."


Duo was originally launched as a parfum, by 1938, it was offered in a light toilet water form called Bouquet D'Orsay, a cooling, refreshing way to wear the fragrance during daytime. Bouquet D'Orsay, came in a four ounce bottle and available in these fragrances: Milord, Le Dandy, Duo, Trophée, Comtesse, Gardenia and Chypre.




Fate of the Fragrance:


The perfume's export was halted during WWII but resumed again in 1947. It was finally discontinued in 1954 to make room for newer D'Orsay fragrances to come on the market.





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