Fabulous 40s Fragrance!

Today on the blog it is my great pleasure to introduce Emily Maben – Head of Marketing for Penhaligon’s and a Vintage Fragrance Geek – as a guest blogger.

Coinciding with the release of Penhaligon’s latest fragrance release – Juniper Sling, a playful, chilled and mysterious homage to the Bright Young Things of London’s roaring twenties – Emily delves into the fragrant past of the fabulous 40s.

Penhaligon's Juniper Sling

“The Frugal and Frivolous Forties”

“This week my perfume history lesson (pay attention there at the back) focuses on the 1940s; a decade of contrasts if ever there was one.  From the austerity of the war years to the frivolity and decadence in the latter half of the decade (the resulting Baby Boom being exhibit A, it was also a very important decade for perfumery; giving rise to what are considered to be some of the greatest fragrance launches of the last century. If you are fan of the 40s then seek out some of these scents for the complete vintage experience…

“Miss Dior; created in 1947 – the first fragrance launch from the famous French fashion house, it was packed with expensive ingredients that had been scarce during the war years and was just what women craved after years of making do and mending. You’ll either love it or hate it; powerful (some might say pungent), powdery (some might say a bit ‘old lady’) and in my book one of the most elegant scents ever to be created. Take inspiration from Dior’s ‘New Look’ and pair this scent with a structured dress; tiny waist, full hips, sloping shoulders and a pronounced bust. Splash out and buy the Parfum if you can; it will set you back about £100 for a tiny 15ml bottle but you only need the tiniest of dabs to last all day and night.

“Nina Ricci’s L’Air de Temps was created in 1948 and is another classic of the era. Today (after being reformulated countless times, as most modern versions of old fragrances have been) it’s still a very wearable spicy floral. The bottle is topped with a stopper in the shape of two doves; as it always has been: a symbol of peace after a decade of war. Wear with a softer silhouette (perhaps in yellow and white in homage to the elegant packaging) and embrace that warm fuzzy feeling that this comforting scent imparts.

“About as far from peaceful as you can get is the wondrous Fracas by Robert Piguet. Also created in 1948, it’s a glorious celebration of femininity with a dominant note of tuberose. An unashamedly glamorous scent, Fracas should be worn with a daring evening gown, long gloves and most importantly, abandon!

“If you’re a dashing gentleman in need of a 40s fragrance, I would always recommend Penhaligon’s Eau de Verveine, a dry aromatic scent which was originally created in 1949 and never fails to evoke images of handsome men in well-cut suits. Sigh.”

Emily Maben, Head of Marketing for Penhaligon’s and Vintage Fragrance Geek!

To check out more of Penhaligon’s fragrances – included the new – and gorgeous – Juniper Sling, head over to http://www.penhaligons.com

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Comments

1. Nostalgic Vicky says:

   October 13, 2011 at 9:17 am

   Loved this piece. Have always had a love affair with vintage fragrance( I like the powdery old lady smell. Will be checking out shop now. Exciting discover thanks. Vicky

   Reply