Launched in 1928, "Duo" by Parfums D'Orsay was introduced during a transformative period in fragrance and fashion. The 1920s, often termed the Roaring Twenties, was characterized by its liberating spirit, social dynamism, and breaking of traditional norms. It was a decade where both men and women began to embrace more fluid identities, with the avant-garde influences of the Jazz Age challenging long-standing conventions in fashion and personal expression.
The name "Duo" reflects this period’s growing trend towards androgyny and the blurring of gender lines. The word "Duo" itself means "pair" or "two" in Latin, signifying a harmonious combination or partnership. For Parfums D'Orsay to choose this name for their unisex fragrance speaks to the zeitgeist of the time—where dualities and intersections of gender roles were increasingly explored and celebrated.
The 1920s were a time when both men and women were moving away from rigid societal roles. The notion of a unisex fragrance aligns well with this era’s ethos of freedom and self-expression. "Duo" as a fragrance name effectively communicates that the scent is designed to be equally suitable for both genders, embodying the spirit of collaboration and unity. The term suggests a balance and mutual suitability, evoking images of partners or companions sharing a common experience.
Men and women who were drawn to "Duo" in the late 1920s would have likely been individuals who embraced modernity and sought to express themselves beyond traditional gender norms. This audience would appreciate the scent's versatility and its alignment with the burgeoning movement towards gender fluidity in fashion and personal style. The response to "Duo" would have been one of sophistication and alignment with the contemporary zeitgeist—an appeal to those who saw themselves as part of a progressive, forward-thinking society.
