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


The goal of this website is to show the present owners of the Houbigant 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, May 22, 2013

Transparence by Houbigant c1939

Transparence by Houbigant launched in 1939, although its trademark record shows it was first used in 1931. The name is pronounced "trahnz-pahr-ahnce".





Fragrance Composition:


So what does it smell like? It is classified as a aldehydic light floral fragrance for women, however, I have no other published notes on this perfume. It was described as "bright" and youthful and sporty.
  • Top notes: aldehydes, citrus
  • Middle notes: jasmine
  • Base notes: sandalwood


An ad from 1940 reads:
"TRANSPARENCE by HOUBIGANT. The essence of femininity in a tender haunting fragrance so new and so lovely you'll love wearing it on every momentous occasion."

Drug & Cosmetic Industry, 1940:
"Houbigant introduces its newest perfume, Transparence — a perfume that evidences unusual character and interest for even the most sophisticated. The beautifully shaped crystal flacon reposes in a white pique-effect coffret."

The New Yorker, 1940:
"Houbigant has a brand new perfume, Transparence, which is supposed to reflect your personality, whatever. My own being in a harried state at the moment, I can't say for sure whether it works."
L'Amour de l'art, 1950:
"Transparence by Houbigant: A jasmine, dewy atmosphere with tawny scents that rise slowly. A heady, bold, young, turbulent ensemble. sporty but whose resonance remains pure like the sound of crystal."

Women's Guide to Europe, 1954:
"Houbigant, 19 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. ... young women; "Demi-jour"— tea-for-two sort of perfume; "Fougere Royale"— for men; "Presence"— velvety, lasting; "Quelques fleurs"— fresh, flowery; "Transparence"— young, for sports."

Harper's Bazaar, 1956:
""Transparence" — a bright, clear, singing kind of scent, created by Houbigant. One and half ounces, $25."



Bottles:



The deluxe crystal bottles came in three sizes and were designed by Pierre D'Avesn. It was housed in a white gift box with silver colored trim and plastic fastener.

Bottle came in three sizes:
  • 2.75" tall 
  • 2/3 oz stood 3.25" tall (retailed for $12.50 in 1940)
  • 1 1/3 oz stood 3.5" tall (retailed for $25 in 1940)


  




Hartford Courant,1940:
"In less than a year, this fragrance has made a decided impression upon the most discriminating and fashionable women in America. It is a perfume bred in elegance and of a beauty utterly indescribable. The beautiful crystal bottle, also gives you the impression f a precious jewel. Transparence perfume comes in two sizes: $12.50 and $25.00"









1950s mini flacon, photo by monalisa


Fate of the Fragrance:




This perfume was only around for a few years before being stopped by WWII, it was then brought back in 1947 and discontinued around 1958.


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