Parfum D'Antan by D'Orsay: launched in 1913

Parfum D'Antan by D'Orsay: launched in 1913.

Ganika by D'Orsay c1923

Ganika by D'Orsay: launched in 1923. The name ganika means "courtesan" often associated with the Indian royal court.

 The fragrance was subtitled as " recommended to be worn by brunettes.

Toujours Fidele by D'Orsay c1912

Toujours Fidele by D'Orsay: launched in 1912.  Line included perfume, toilet water, face powder, sachet powder, and talcum powder.

 

Mystere by D'Orsay c1915

Mystere by D'Orsay: launched in 1915.

Duo by D'Orsay c1928

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.

Milord by D'Orsay c1911

Milord by D'Orsay: launched in 1911.

Meggy by D'Orsay c1911

Meggy by D'Orsay: launched in 1911. Meggy was available in parfum, lotion (a type of fortified cologne), and powder.

Divine by D'Orsay c1947

Launched in 1947, "Divine" by Parfums D'Orsay emerged into a world grappling with the aftermath of World War II. This era, marked by a thirst for renewal and hope, saw society embracing elegance and luxury as symbols of recovery and optimism. The post-war period was a time when fragrances were not just scents but symbols of a new beginning and a yearning for something exquisite amidst the rebuilding of everyday life.

Parfums D'Orsay chose the name "Divine" for their perfume as a deliberate nod to the divine qualities of love, beauty, and transcendent grace. The term "divine" implies something heavenly, perfect, and supremely beautiful—attributes that align perfectly with the fragrance's aspirations. In the context of love, "divine" conveys an idealized, almost otherworldly form of affection that is profound and ethereal. This name suggests that the wearer of "Divine" is enveloped in an almost celestial allure, evoking feelings of enchantment and admiration.

The name "Divine" is particularly appropriate for a perfume as it encapsulates the essence of what fragrances often seek to achieve: a sense of enchantment and an elevation of the everyday. Perfume, in its essence, aims to offer a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary, making the wearer feel exceptional and unique. By naming their fragrance "Divine," D'Orsay positioned it as more than just a scent—it's a portal to a heightened state of being.

In the realm of divination, perfumes often hold symbolic meanings and are used to evoke specific moods or presages. Just as divination seeks to offer insights into the unknown or to reveal hidden truths, a fragrance like "Divine" aims to unlock the wearer’s inner essence, projecting a persona that is both captivating and mystical. The act of wearing a perfume can be seen as a form of personal divination, where one’s scent becomes a reflection of their innermost desires and traits.

Le Dandy by D'Orsay c1925

Le Dandy by D'Orsay: launched in 1925. Created by Henri Robert. The perfume's tagline was originally "the first blossoms of early summer" as found in a 1927 newspaper ad.

Intoxication by D'Orsay c1938

In 1938, the world was on the brink of World War II, with the lingering effects of the Great Depression still palpable. This was a period marked by a desire for escapism and glamour amidst uncertainties and hardships. The fashion and beauty industries often responded to such times by offering products that promised a temporary reprieve from reality, allowing people to indulge in fantasies and pleasures. "Intoxication" by Parfums D'Orsay was launched during this era, embodying this very spirit of escapism and allure. Notably, this was also a few years after the end of Prohibition in the United States, a time when society was embracing newfound freedoms and celebrating the return of legal alcohol consumption, which added to the zeitgeist of indulgence and revelry.

Parfums D'Orsay choosing the name "Intoxication" for their perfume speaks volumes about the emotional and sensory experience they aimed to evoke. The word "intoxication" suggests a state of being overwhelmed by powerful feelings or sensations, often associated with love and passion. In connection with love, "intoxication" conveys the idea of being so deeply enamored and consumed by another person that one feels a heady, almost dizzying sense of euphoria. This is an apt metaphor for a fragrance, which has the power to evoke strong emotional responses and create lasting impressions. In the context of the post-Prohibition era, the name also hints at a liberated, joyous embrace of pleasure and indulgence.

"Intoxication" is an appropriate name for a perfume because it encapsulates the transformative and alluring nature of fragrances. Perfume can create an almost magical effect, enhancing one's presence and evoking deep-seated emotions and memories. A scent that claims to intoxicate suggests that it can captivate and enthrall, much like the feeling of falling in love or being swept away by a powerful emotion. The end of Prohibition had seen a resurgence in nightlife and social gatherings, where people sought to enjoy themselves freely, and a perfume named "Intoxication" would perfectly complement this atmosphere of revelry.

In the context of perfumery, "Intoxication" relates to the concept of creating a compelling and irresistible fragrance. Perfumers aim to craft scents that can evoke strong, almost addictive responses. The name implies that the perfume has a potent and unforgettable quality, designed to leave a lasting impression on those who encounter it.

"Intoxication, the champagne fragrance that whispers 'Someone lovely has just passed by' wearing Intoxication".