Milord by D'Orsay c1911

Milord by D'Orsay: launched in 1911.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a zesty fruity floral chypre oriental fragrance for women. But, according to a 1937 ad, it was "made especially for men in odors that suggest crisp masculinity." I think it was a unisex fragrance that could appeal to both men and women.

• Top notes: aldehydes, lemon, orange, basil, lavender, bergamot, fruit note, citrus
• Middle notes: nutmeg, mint, black pepper, cinnamon , jasmine, rose
• Base notes: vetiver, ambergris, woods, oakmoss, patchouli, vanilla, musk, tonka bean, sandalwood

Revue des Marques, 1939:

"Oh! How beautiful this one is! said a young woman captivated by the distinction of Milord d'Orsay: a diamond in its case. Light plays in this bottle whose simplicity of line enchants. For this perfume, it is a beautiful spring toiletry. The caress of the eyes predicts the love that we will have for him, that we will always keep for him."

L'Amour de l'art, 1950:

"Milord by D'Orsay: Milord is for you Milady. Aristocratic and refined, it is the scent of cant and gentry. Precious and fruity like a fragrant bouquet from a greenhouse, Milord is ecstatic on contact with the flesh."

Combat, 1955:

"Fresh, fruity, light, Milord by d'Orsay is for the young girl. It halos without imposing itself."

Harper's Bazaar, Volume 71, Part 2, 1937:

"D'Orsay calls this perfume "Milord." not that it was designed for a man. but because it's his choice for his lady — one that proves the elegance of his taste and his excellent opinion of you!"

Bottles:

Milord was presented in various bottles over the years. It was first presented in a flaçon by Baccarat, design #793.

The best known example of the Milord bottle is the squatty, curved, rectangular inkwell style flacon, with a curved edge, flattened stopper molded with a portrait of the Chevalier d'Orsay. The bottle came in two sizes: the smaller bottle stands approx 1.75" tall x 2.5" wide and the larger bottle stands just over 2.75" tall. It was also used for the D'Orsay perfume, Duo.

The pillow shaped bottle below has a round ball stopper. This bottle stands approx 3" tall.

The diamond shaped bottle made by Baccarat was designed by Louis Sue originally to hold the parfum for Le Dandy, but over the years it was used for other fragrances such as Milord. The one ounce bottle below measures 2" long x 3" tall x 1.25" wide.

Milord was originally launched as a parfum, soon to be followed by Eau de Cologne.

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

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued in 1952, but old stock was still being sold in 1954.