Marguerite Carre by Bourjois c1910

Marguerite Carré by Bourjois was introduced in 1910, a time when France was experiencing a flourishing artistic and cultural renaissance known as the Belle Époque. The name Marguerite Carré was likely chosen as a tribute to the celebrated French soprano of the same name, who was known for her grace, talent, and refined presence on the operatic stage. A leading performer at the Opéra-Comique in Paris, Marguerite Carré embodied the elegance, sophistication, and romanticism that would have been desirable qualities in a fragrance. By associating the perfume with her name, Bourjois evoked an air of high culture and artistic refinement, appealing to women who admired the world of opera and the enchanting allure of its stars.

The name Marguerite Carré is French, pronounced as "mar-guh-REET kah-RAY". Marguerite translates to "daisy," a delicate and cheerful flower, while Carré means "square" or "balanced," suggesting a harmonious composition. Together, the name evokes images of beauty, structure, and poise—qualities that would have been highly regarded during this period. The fragrance likely captured the essence of both the lighthearted freshness of a daisy and the cultivated sophistication of the opera world, offering wearers a scent that balanced vivacity with depth.

Spice n' Ice by Bourjois c1956

 Spice 'N Ice by Bourjois, launched in 1956, carried a name as intriguing and vibrant as the era it entered. The name itself—Spice 'N Ice—suggests a compelling contrast: the warmth of spice against the coolness of ice, conjuring a sense of invigorating surprise. It evokes imagery of shimmering heat softened by refreshing coolness, much like a chilled, spiced drink on a sweltering summer day. Bourjois’ choice of this name was both strategic and evocative, appealing to women who craved a fragrance that was lively yet sophisticated, combining the excitement of spice with the crisp freshness implied by ice.

The word Spice 'N Ice stirs up emotions of playful elegance, energy, and contrast. It paints a picture of summer afternoons where sunlight plays off sparkling water and cool breezes bring temporary relief to sultry heat. This juxtaposition might also symbolize the modern woman of the mid-1950s: graceful and refined, yet with a spark of boldness, a woman who embraced tradition but flirted with emerging modernity. Spice 'N Ice offered her a fragrance that could suit this duality, presenting a “shimmering” quality that felt as effervescent as it did sensual.

Launched at the height of the postwar economic boom, Spice 'N Ice emerged during a transformative period. The 1950s are often characterized as a time of optimism, consumerism, and the reinvention of feminine ideals. Fashions were polished and structured: cinched waists, voluminous skirts, and pearls reigned supreme. Yet, there was also a growing sense of freedom and confidence. Women were beginning to embrace perfumes that reflected this evolving lifestyle—ones that were sophisticated but not heavy, playful but not frivolous. Spice 'N Ice, with its spicy shimmer, would have appealed to women as a fragrance that exuded confidence and flair while remaining refreshingly light for the summer months.