Violette Houbigant by Houbigant c1907

Violette Houbigant by Houbigant: launched in the early 1800s. But was launched again in 1907.

Jasmin Floral by Houbigant c1918

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.

L’Oeillet Du Roy by Houbigant c1906

L’Oeillet Du Roy by Houbigant: launched in 1906. Created by Paul Parquet.

Un Peu d'Ambre by Houbigant c1919

Un Peu d'Ambre by Houbigant: launched in 1919, created by Robert Bineaime.

Coeur de Jeannette by Houbigant c1899

Coeur de Jeannette by Houbigant: created by Paul Parquet in 1899. At the 1900 Paris Exhibition, Houbigant launched a special perfume, Coeur de Jeannette, in honor of the exhibition.

Bois Dormant by Houbigant c1925

Bois Dormant by Houbigant: created by Raymond Kling and Arturo Jordi-Pey, and launched in 1925. The name means "Sleeping Forest" but in some advertisements it is referred to as "Enchanted Woods".

Au Matin by Houbigant c1923

Au Matin by Houbigant: launched in 1923, in USA in 1929. Created by Paul Schving and Raymond Kling.

Le Parfum Ideal by Houbigant c1896

In 1896, Houbigant's in-house perfumer, Paul Parquet, crafted Le Parfum Idéal, a fragrance that quietly entered the perfumery scene with its exquisite blend of notes. At the time, newspaper advertisements subtly introduced this olfactory creation to discerning consumers, hinting at its allure and sophistication. However, it wasn't until the grand stage of the 1900 World's Fair in Paris that Le Parfum Idéal truly made its debut amidst a wave of anticipation and acclaim.

The 1900 World's Fair marked a pivotal moment for Houbigant, where they unveiled not only Le Parfum Idéal but also another captivating fragrance, Coeur de Jeanette. Amidst the splendor of the fairgrounds, these perfumes captivated the public with their luxurious aromas and elegant presentations. Le Parfum Idéal, with its carefully balanced composition and timeless appeal, stood out as a testament to Houbigant's dedication to perfumery artistry.

Newspaper accounts from the period vividly recount the atmosphere of excitement surrounding these fragrances, describing how they captured the essence of Parisian elegance and became synonymous with the refined tastes of the Belle Époque. Le Parfum Idéal, in particular, garnered praise for its harmonious blend of floral, citrus, and woody notes, evoking a sense of sophistication and allure that resonated with the fashionable elite of the era.

As the fair drew to a close, Le Parfum Idéal had firmly established itself as a hallmark of Houbigant's commitment to excellence in perfumery, setting a standard that would endure throughout the decades, continuing to charm and inspire fragrance connoisseurs worldwide.

The iconic label adorning Le Parfum Idéal depicts a Gibson Girl delicately inhaling the fragrance of a flower, embodying the epitome of late 19th-century elegance and sophistication. Crafted from gilded foil and intricately embossed, the label exudes a sense of luxury and attention to detail, reflecting the perfume's status as a pinnacle of Houbigant's artistry. This ornate design not only enhances the visual appeal of the bottle but also serves as a visual testament to the perfume's allure, capturing the essence of its floral and aromatic notes in a captivating and timeless manner. As a symbol of refined taste and aesthetic refinement, the label of Le Parfum Idéal continues to evoke the elegance and charm of its era, resonating with collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of both fragrance and design.

Etude by Houbigant c1931

Etude by Houbigant: launched in 1931, created by Marcel Billot, was the classic Thirties perfume. The perfume was probably originally named "Douce Quietude" as I saw a reference to this name that Houbigant trademarked in 1920. I believe that the resulting name of "Etude" is a shortened form of Douce Quietude, but I could be wrong.

Ciao by Houbigant c1980

Ciao by Houbigant: launched in 1980. Created by Givaudan Perfumers. Pronounced "chow."

Parfum Inconnu by Houbigant c1910

Parfum Inconnu was launched in 1910 by Houbigant. The perfume was created by Paul Parquet.

Essence Rare by Houbigant c1928

The launch of Essence Rare in 1928 marked an intriguing era in the world of perfumery. This period, known as the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age, was a time of significant cultural shifts, artistic experimentation, and social liberation.

In the aftermath of World War I, there was a palpable sense of euphoria and newfound freedom. This atmosphere of liberation influenced various aspects of society, including fashion, music, and, of course, fragrance.

Perfume became more than just a pleasant scent; it became a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and individual expression. Chanel No. 5, introduced by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in 1921, had already revolutionized the fragrance industry with its bold use of aldehydes and modern, abstract composition.

Houbigant's decision to launch Essence Rare as a competitor to Chanel No. 5 reflects the intense competition and innovation within the perfume market during this time. Aldehydic fragrances, characterized by their effervescent, sparkling quality, were particularly popular, embodying the spirit of the era with their glamorous and extravagant allure.

Paul Schving, the Roure-Bertrand chemist credited with creating Essence Rare, likely drew inspiration from the zeitgeist of the 1920s, blending traditional floral notes with the cutting-edge use of aldehydes to craft a fragrance that captured the essence of the era.

Overall, the launch of Essence Rare in 1928 occurred within a vibrant and dynamic period in history, characterized by rapid societal change, artistic innovation, and fierce competition in the world of perfumery.