Essence Rare by Houbigant c1976

The relaunch of Essence Rare in 1976 amidst the disco era was a fascinating juxtaposition of sensuality, earthiness, and sophistication. Disco culture was marked by its glamorous nightlife, pulsating music, and a liberated sense of self-expression. It was an era where people embraced their sensuality and individuality, often through fashion, music, and fragrances.

The reformulation of Essence Rare by Jean Claude Ellena during this period captured the essence of the times. The fragrance embodied the allure and magnetism of the disco scene, while also paying homage to the earthy, sensual vibes of the 1970s. Chypres, with their mossy, woody, and earthy notes, were particularly popular during this time, exemplified by iconic scents like YSL's Rive Gauche and Paco Rabanne's Calandre.

The relaunch of Essence Rare under the Houbigant name, in collaboration with Mem, was a testament to the brand's commitment to timeless elegance and sophistication. By infusing modern ingredients into the fragrance, it retained its classic appeal while also appealing to contemporary tastes.

Overall, the period when Essence Rare was relaunched in 1976 was a blend of disco glamour, sensual earthiness, and the enduring allure of classic chypres. It was a time of self-expression, liberation, and the celebration of individuality, perfectly encapsulated in the essence of this iconic fragrance.

Fragrance Composition: 

So what does it smell like? It is a woody floral aldehyde laced fragrance for women. It starts off with a cool, green, aldehydic top, followed by a radiant floral heart, resting on a sensual, woody base.

• Top notes: hyacinth, aldehydes, Hungarian chamomile, bergamot oil, green note, orange 
• Middle notes: ylang ylang, jasmine, Bulgarian rose, geranium, lily, lily of the valley, orris, rose de mai
• Base notes: Javanese patchouli, fig leaf, sandalwood, amber, East Indian vetiver, civet, musk, oakmoss, tonka bean

Cue, 1976:

"Also at Altman's is Houbigant's spectacular new fragrance, Essence Rare — a heady treat for both eye and nose in its exquisite flacon sculpted like a rippled waterfall, undulating with dancing lights and twinkly reflections"

Soap, Cosmetics, Chemical Specialties - Volume 52 - Page 55, 1976:

"Essence Rare" is Houbigant, Inc., New York's first major introduction since "Chantilly" in the 40's."

Vogue, 1977:

"WE SEARCHED UNTIL WE FOUND THE ESSENCE RARE We searched. Until we found a fragrance that starts softly, develops beautifully and never seems to end. And then we made it in perfume. In cologne spray. And in powdering. Essence Rare by Houbigant."

Product Line:

The availability of Essence Rare in various forms during its relaunch in 1976 offered consumers a range of options to experience its captivating fragrance. Here's a breakdown of the product line:

• Parfum: The concentrated form of Essence Rare, offering a potent and long-lasting scent experience.

• Fragrance Spray: A convenient option for applying the fragrance, providing a fine mist of scent for a subtle yet noticeable presence.

• Body Fragrance Spray (Lotion-like): Combining the benefits of a moisturizing lotion with the allure of fragrance, this body spray provided both hydration and a delicate scent to the skin.

• Dusting Powder: A luxurious way to add a hint of fragrance while also providing a silky smooth feel to the skin, ideal for pampering moments.

• Perfumed Soap: Infused with the signature scent of Essence Rare, this soap offered a luxurious cleansing experience while leaving a lingering fragrance on the skin.

• Bath Oil: Adding a few drops of Essence Rare bath oil to the bathwater created a relaxing and indulgent bathing experience, enveloping the senses in its alluring aroma.

With this diverse product line, consumers could incorporate Essence Rare into their daily grooming rituals, from bathing to moisturizing to fragrance application, ensuring they could enjoy its captivating scent in various ways throughout the day.

Bottle:

The redesigned bottle for the relaunched Essence Rare in 1976 was a stunning testament to both elegance and nature-inspired design. Crafted by Pochet et du Courval, renowned for their exquisite glasswork, the heavy crystal bottle resembled tree bark, evoking a sense of organic beauty and natural luxury.

The bottle's design featured intricate details that mimicked the texture and appearance of tree bark, adding depth and character to its aesthetic. Complemented by a chunky crystal stopper, the overall presentation exuded sophistication and craftsmanship.

To ensure authenticity and quality, the base of the bottle bore the inscription "Houbigant Made in France," indicating its origin and association with the prestigious perfume house. Additionally, the HP mark for Pochet served as a hallmark of excellence, affirming the bottle's fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Overall, the bottle design for Essence Rare not only served as a vessel for the exquisite fragrance within but also as a work of art in its own right, reflecting the timeless allure and sophistication of the perfume itself.

Sometimes the labels are missing on your bottles, so here is a handy guide to help you determine the size of your bottle:

• Micro Mini perfume 1.25" tall
• 0.25 oz (7.5 ml) The Perfume Splash (parfum) stands 1.75" tall.
• 0.50 oz (14 ml) The Perfume Splash (parfum) stands 2.25" tall
• 1 oz (28 ml) The Perfume Splash (parfum) stands 2.75" tall
• 0.25 oz The Perfume Spray (parfum) stands 3.75" tall
• 21 ml Eau de Toilette bottle stands 4.5" tall
• 0.75 oz The Body Fragrance Spray
• 1.7 oz The Body Fragrance Spray
• 2.5 oz The Body Fragrance Spray
• 3.5 oz The Body Fragrance Spray
• 1.7 oz Body Fragrance Spray (lotion like)
• 3.5 oz The Body Fragrance Spray (lotion like)

The continuation of the bark-inspired theme onto the packaging of other products within the Essence Rare line further reinforced the cohesive and luxurious branding of the fragrance collection. Here's how the theme extended to different packaging elements:

• Glamorous Powder Jar: The powder jar, designed to hold the dusting powder, likely featured a similar bark-like texture or motif on its exterior. This design choice would create a harmonious visual connection with the perfume bottle, ensuring that each product in the line contributed to a cohesive and elegant aesthetic.

• Body Fragrance (Lotion Type) Bottle: Just like the perfume bottle, the body fragrance bottle for Essence Rare would have echoed the bark-inspired design motif. The lotion bottle's packaging might have featured textured elements or patterns reminiscent of tree bark, maintaining consistency across the product line and enhancing the overall luxury appeal.

By extending the bark-type theme to the packaging of other products within the Essence Rare line, Houbigant created a unified brand identity that exuded sophistication and attention to detail. This cohesive design approach not only enhanced the visual appeal of individual products but also reinforced the brand's commitment to quality and elegance throughout the entire fragrance collection.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The discontinuation of Essence Rare by 1990 marked the end of an era for this iconic fragrance. Despite its popularity and timeless appeal, various factors may have contributed to its discontinuation.

Shifts in consumer preferences, evolving fragrance trends, and changes in the competitive landscape within the perfume industry could have influenced the decision to discontinue Essence Rare. Additionally, economic factors, market saturation, and strategic decisions by Houbigant may have played a role in the discontinuation process.

While Essence Rare may no longer be in production, its legacy lives on through memories of its captivating scent and its impact on the perfume industry during its time in the spotlight. For enthusiasts and collectors, discontinued fragrances like Essence Rare often hold a special place in their hearts, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era of elegance and sophistication.

2018 Reformulation & Relaunch:

Jean-Claude Ellena's recreation of a new fragrance named Essence Rare in 2018 marked an exciting chapter in the legacy of Houbigant. This reinvention represented a departure from the previous incarnations of Essence Rare, offering a fresh interpretation that reflected contemporary sensibilities and Ellena's unique olfactory vision.

As part of the Houbigant Collection Privée, this new Essence Rare joined a lineup of exclusive fragrances crafted with meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising quality. The Collection Privée aimed to showcase Houbigant's heritage while embracing innovation and creativity in fragrance composition.

While the original Essence Rare was known for its earthy chypre notes and the 1976 reformulation captured the spirit of the disco era, Ellena's reinterpretation of Essence Rare in 2018 likely introduced a completely different olfactory profile. With his renowned expertise and artistic sensibility, Ellena likely crafted a fragrance that reflected contemporary tastes and trends, while still embodying the essence of luxury and sophistication synonymous with the Houbigant brand.

The introduction of this new Essence Rare in 2018 demonstrated Houbigant's commitment to evolving with the times while staying true to its heritage of excellence in perfumery. It offered fragrance enthusiasts an opportunity to experience a modern interpretation of a classic name, adding a new chapter to the storied history of Essence Rare.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: mandarin orange, aldehydes 
• Middle notes: jasmine, lily of the valley, iris, rose 
• Base notes: sandalwood, amber, oakmoss, vanilla

Close your eyes and envision a journey through a blooming garden under the gentle warmth of the sun. At first sniff, the vibrant essence of mandarin orange dances around you, accompanied by the effervescent sparkle of aldehydes, akin to the joyous pop of champagne.

As you stroll deeper into the garden, the air becomes saturated with the intoxicating scent of jasmine, its heady sweetness intermingling with the delicate freshness of lily of the valley. Iris adds a touch of powdery elegance, while the classic fragrance of roses infuses the atmosphere with romance and femininity.

As the day transitions into evening, the fragrance settles into a warm embrace of sandalwood and amber, with oakmoss lending an earthy depth and vanilla leaving a lingering trail of sweet comfort.

This floral masterpiece, with its intricate blend of notes, captures the essence of timeless elegance and feminine allure, inviting you to immerse yourself in its captivating embrace.

 Bottle:

The new Essence Rare is presented in a bottle reminiscent of the one used for the remake of Quelques Fleurs. This packaging choice likely evokes a sense of continuity and heritage within the Houbigant brand, paying homage to its iconic fragrances while offering a fresh interpretation for contemporary audiences.

The bottle design may feature similar characteristics to the Quelques Fleurs bottle, such as elegant lines, refined curves, and luxurious details, reflecting the timeless sophistication and classic allure of both fragrances. This cohesive visual aesthetic not only enhances the brand's identity but also reinforces the sense of exclusivity and prestige associated with the Houbigant Collection Privée.

By aligning the packaging of Essence Rare with that of the Quelques Fleurs remake, Houbigant creates a sense of unity and coherence within its fragrance portfolio, while also signaling to consumers the exceptional quality and craftsmanship inherent in each scent.