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.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Houbigant Display: Exposition des Arts Décoratifs Paris 1925

Houbigant Display: Exposition des Arts Décoratifs Paris 1925




Houbigant Price List c1950

Houbigant Price List c1950


Houbigant Compacts



c1928

c1928

c1928

c1931

c1931

Houbigant Perfume Duo in Coffret

Houbigant Perfume Duo in Coffret, circa 1930.

A rich presentation of two Baccarat crystal bottles with silvered metal stoppers in an immaculate fabric covered case patterned with dogs. One bottle has its early Baccarat paper label.
Height 3 3/4 in. photo by Mastro Auctions




A rich presentation of two Baccarat crystal bottles (model #129) with gilded flat disk glass stoppers in an ornate silk brocade fabric covered coffret.

Coffret rectangulaire en bois gainé de tissus à motifs de feuillages et d'animaux dans le style médiéval, 2 flacons en cristal incolore pressé moulé de Baccarat de section et forme cylindriques, panse facettée, col bagué de laiton, leur bouchon ovale plat laqué or, avec leur étiquette, scellés avec PdO.
Parfums : « Un peu d'Ambre » et « Quelques Fleurs ».
H : 10 cm.



Looks similar to the one in the advertisement below


Houbigant Perfume Prices c1941

From Drug Topics Redbook, 1941
Festival
  • Modele Reduit 6.00-40.00 
  • Modele Original 16.00-10.00 
Fleur Bienaimee 
  • Purse Size 1.00-8.00 
  • Petit Modele 2.75-22.00 
  • Modele Reduit 6.00-40.00 
  • Modele Standard 8.26-66.00 

Floraison w/Atomizer
  • Floraison w/Atomizer $7.50-$60.00 
  • Modele Reduit $10.00- -$80.00
  • Modele Original, ea 18.50-12.34

Wistaria 
  • Eau de Toilette 1.00-8.00 
  • Rouge Compact 1.00-8.00 
  • Powder Compact 1.10-8.80

Au Matin
  • Au Matin Purse Size $1.00 - $8.00 
  • Modele Reduit $5.00- $40.00 
  • Modele Original $10.00- $80.00
Essence Rare
  • Modele Reduit $10.00-$80.00
  • Modele Original $27.50
Le Parfum Ideal 
  • Purse Size 1.00-8.00 
  • Little Original 1.60-12.00 
  • Petit Modele 2.75-22.00 
  • Modele Reduit 6.00-40.00 
  • Modele Original 8.26-66.00 
  • Modele Moyen 16.60-11.00 
  • Modele Moyen w/Atomizer 6.50
Country Club 
  • Little Original 2.00-16.00 
  • Petit Modele 8.76-30.00 
  • Modele Reduit 7.50-60.00 
  • Modele Original
Bois Dormant 
  • Purse Size 1.00-8.00 
  • Petit Modele 2.76-22.00 
  • Modele Reduit 5.00-40.00 
  • Modele Standard 8.26-66.00
Quelques Fleurs 
  • Purse Size 1.00-8.00 
  • Little
Gardenia 
  • Sm 1.60 12.00 
  • Modele Reduit 2.76-22.00 
  • Modele Original 6.00-40.00
Premier Mai
  • Purse Size 1.00-8.00 
  • Petit Modele 2.75-22.00 
  • Modele Reduit 6.00-40.00 
  • Modele Standard 8.26-66.00
Fougere Royale
  • After Shaving Lotion 1.00-8.00 
  • After Shaving Talcum 4.40 
  • Brushless Shave  6.20 
  • Brilliantine, Tube 4.40 
  • Brilliantine, Liquid 1.10-8.80
La Rose France 
  • Purse Size 1.00-8.00 
  • Petit Modele 2.76-22.00
  • Modele Reduit 5.00, 8.26-40.00 
  • Modele Standard 8.26-66.00
Jasmin Floral 
  • Purse Size 1.50-12.00 
  • Petit Modele 3.00-24.00, 6.00-48.00 
  • Modele Standard 10.00-80.00
Eau Florale
  • 1.75-14.00

Purse Flacons c1931



1931 ad



Harper's Bazaar, 1932:
"Purse size parfum fitted into a gold-finished case. Odeurs: Quelques Fleurs, Le Parfum Ideal, Au Matin, Bois Dormant, Fleur Bienaimee and other Houbigant fragrances."


Moskari by Houbigant c1887

The fragrance "Moskari" by Houbigant, launched around 1887, holds a significant place in the history of perfumery. This era marked the peak of Houbigant's influence, renowned for creating elegant and sophisticated scents that captivated the senses. "Moskari," with its alluring name, evokes a sense of exoticism and refinement that was characteristic of late 19th and early 20th-century perfumes. This period was a golden age for Houbigant, whose creations were synonymous with luxury and taste.

The name "Moskari" most likely refers to the grape hyacinth, known as muscari. The muscari flower, with its delicate, fragrant blooms, embodies the same elegance and charm that Houbigant sought to capture in their fragrances. The name suggests a connection to nature's beauty and the subtle, intricate scents that were highly prized in perfumery. Interestingly, a closer examination reveals a potential cultural mistranslation that adds another layer of depth to the fragrance's story.

In Hindi, "muscari" (मुस्कारि) translates to "smile," a meaning that resonates deeply with the romantic and emotive nature often associated with perfumes of this era. This interpretation suggests that "Moskari" was designed not just to evoke sensory delight but also to capture the essence of joy and allure. The notion of a smile aligns beautifully with the fragrance's purpose, aiming to bring happiness and a touch of enchantment to those who wear it. This blend of linguistic nuances and cultural interpretations enriches the narrative of "Moskari," highlighting its timeless appeal.

As the fragrance transitioned to be sold under the Houbigant-owned Cheramy label post-1923, it adapted to changing tastes while maintaining its legacy. This evolution underscores Houbigant's ability to blend tradition with innovation, ensuring that "Moskari," whether under its original name or as part of the Cheramy line, continued to enchant perfume aficionados for generations to come. The fragrance's enduring popularity is a testament to its captivating essence and the masterful craftsmanship of Houbigant, who succeeded in creating a scent that transcends time and cultural boundaries.
photo by Bennett