Launched in 1918, Jasmin Floral by Houbigant was a celebration of one of the most beloved and evocative floral notes in perfumery: jasmine. The name "Jasmin Floral," derived from the French language, directly translates to "Jasmine Floral," elegantly hinting at the perfume’s primary inspiration. This name would have evoked visions of lush, blooming jasmine fields and soft summer evenings, conjuring an image of feminine grace and timeless beauty. The term Jasmin Floral suggests a scent that is both delicate and rich, embodying the timeless allure of jasmine—one that radiates warmth and opulence.
Jasmine has long been associated with romance and elegance. Known for its exotic, sweet, and almost animalic quality, the scent of jasmine has been a staple in perfumery since ancient times. By the early 20th century, it held an especially prominent place within the realm of feminine fragrances. For Houbigant, choosing the name "Jasmin Floral" would have immediately signaled to women of the period a sense of familiarity and sophistication, while also aligning with the trend of floral perfumes that dominated the fragrance landscape.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, jasmine was cultivated extensively in French colonies, particularly in North Africa, where the climate was ideal for this fragrant flower. By the time Jasmin Floral was launched, it was not uncommon for formulas in perfumery manuals and pharmacopeias to emphasize jasmine blends, reflecting the public’s enduring love for the flower. Houbigant’s rendition, however, would have distinguished itself by layering jasmine with other floral elements and perhaps a hint of animalics, as was fashionable at the time. This bouquet approach would lend Jasmin Floral a more nuanced, multi-dimensional character, setting it apart from simpler single-note florals.
The year 1918 was marked by a period of transition and recovery following World War I, and the desire for escapism was palpable. Fragrances like Jasmin Floral offered a sensory retreat into a world of beauty and elegance, aligning with contemporary trends while also providing a touch of exoticism through jasmine’s rich scent profile. As synthetic ingredients became increasingly popular in perfumery, they may have subtly enhanced the natural jasmine notes in Jasmin Floral, deepening its impact and longevity.
Overall, Jasmin Floral was both a reflection of its time and a nod to classic elegance. It represented a blend of modernity with timeless floral charm, appealing to women seeking to recapture a sense of normalcy and indulgence during a period of renewal.
"Houbigant brings to you the perfumed moonlight in his Jasmin."
"wonderful flower of the moonlight Jasmin."
"Jasmin Floral, From the flowers of an old garden silvered by moonlight"
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a jasmine based fragrance for women.
- Top notes: neroli, cassie, hydroxycitronellal, benzyl acetate, terpineol
- Middle notes: orange blossom, jasmine, orris
- Base notes: civet, ambrette, benzoin, ambergris
Scent Profile:
Jasmin Floral by Houbigant opens with a bright and delicate bouquet that is at once invigorating and softly enveloping. The top notes greet the senses with the crisp, green freshness of neroli, which lends a bright and subtly bitter citrus quality that cuts through the air like morning sunlight. Alongside it, cassie blossoms unfurl with their powdery, sweet, and subtly spicy aroma, introducing a hint of warmth and nostalgia. The presence of hydroxycitronellal—a molecule often associated with a soft, lily-like sweetness—creates an impression of delicate greenery, lending a lighthearted, almost spring-like nuance. Benzyl acetate, a synthetic jasmine note, ties it all together with a floral sweetness that hints at the richness to come. Finally, terpineol offers a subtle balsamic undertone, bringing a woody aspect that lends grounding to the ethereal top layer.
As the fragrance develops, the heart blooms with a rich tapestry of florals, where orange blossom and jasmine take center stage. The orange blossom is at once creamy and luminous, evoking the sensation of walking through an orchard in full bloom. It’s a sunny, intoxicating sweetness that perfectly complements the heady, almost narcotic quality of the jasmine. The jasmine is lush and seductive, possessing an indolic depth that feels both regal and wild, capturing the flower’s famed allure. The addition of orris root introduces a velvety softness, tempering the floral exuberance with a buttery, powdery texture that feels almost tactile, like brushing one’s fingers against velvet petals.
As the fragrance settles into its base, it reveals an animalic and sensual depth that is both intriguing and irresistibly alluring. Civet, with its warm, musky scent, brings an animalic edge that feels raw and intimate, adding an element of mystery to the floral heart. Ambrette seed introduces a sweet muskiness, with a slightly fruity and nutty quality that complements the other base notes and enhances the natural warmth of the skin. The rich, resinous notes of benzoin infuse the base with a sweet, balsamic glow, echoing hints of vanilla and caramelized amber. Finally, ambergris, with its salty, oceanic undertone, adds a final layer of refinement, giving the fragrance a delicate, lingering complexity that lingers with a whisper of warmth and depth long after the initial application.
Together, these notes create a luxurious and immersive olfactory journey. Jasmin Floral unfurls in stages, each layer a perfect prelude to the next. The scent captures the essence of jasmine within a frame of textures and nuances that invite one to explore the elegance and complexity of floral and animalic accords, bringing to life a fragrance that feels both timeless and intimately familiar.
Bottles:
Fate of the Fragrance:
Discontinued, date unknown.
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