Glamour by Bourjois c1953

Launched in 1953, Glamour by Bourjois arrived at the height of post-war optimism and a burgeoning cultural fascination with sophistication and style. The early 1950s were marked by a return to elegance after the austerity of World War II. Christian Dior had revolutionized fashion with his "New Look" in 1947, emphasizing femininity with cinched waists, full skirts, and luxurious fabrics. Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe became global symbols of beauty, charm, and poise. Against this backdrop, Bourjois chose the name "Glamour" to evoke a sense of enchantment and allure that perfectly complemented the era’s cultural ideals.

The word "Glamour" originates from Old Scots, where it referred to a magical or spellbinding quality. By the mid-20th century, it had evolved to signify a captivating charm, elegance, or beauty, often associated with celebrities and the allure of high society. Pronounced “GLAM-er", the word conjures visions of shimmering gowns, glittering jewels, and the magnetic confidence of a woman who commands attention without effort. Women in the 1950s would have been drawn to a perfume named Glamour, imagining it as the invisible accessory that could elevate their presence, much like a favorite lipstick or a well-tailored dress.

In scent, Glamour captures this sense of sophistication and allure through its meticulous composition. The aldehydic opening offers a sparkling freshness, akin to sunlight dancing on crystal. Green and fruity top notes introduce a lively vibrancy, while the green floral heart provides a natural elegance, evoking images of lush gardens and fresh bouquets. These elements flow seamlessly into a mossy, balsamic, and woody chypre base, which grounds the fragrance with depth and warmth. This final accord evokes the sun-soaked hills of Provence, a place of understated beauty and timeless charm.

Flamme by Bourjois c1932

Flamme by Bourjois, launched in 1932, carries a name that captures the essence of its allure and vibrancy. The word "Flamme," pronounced "flahm", is French for "flame." This evocative name conjures imagery of glowing embers, passionate intensity, and radiant warmth. Symbolically, it represents light, life, and the enduring spark of elegance and desire. In the context of perfumery, "Flamme" suggests a fragrance that ignites the senses, smoldering with captivating allure while maintaining a flickering freshness.

Bourjois, a brand celebrated for its accessibility and flair, likely chose the name "Flamme" to resonate with women embracing the bold optimism and modernity of the early 1930s. The name embodies sophistication and confidence, aligning with a woman who is both a trendsetter and a romantic. It evokes emotions of passion, vitality, and intrigue, qualities that resonated deeply during a time of social transformation and glamour.

A fragrance called "Flamme" naturally invites an olfactory journey reflecting its fiery name. The dominant geranium note provides a fresh, rosy sharpness with subtle minty undertones, evoking the brightness and intensity of a flame. As a fresh floral oriental, the composition would have paired crisp florals like jasmine and rose with spicy, resinous, and warm base notes such as amber, vanilla, and patchouli. This juxtaposition of freshness and warmth mirrors the dynamic nature of a flame—ever-changing yet mesmerizing.

Clin d'Oeil by Bourjois c1984

 Launched in 1984, Clin d’Oeil by Bourjois emerged as a lively and engaging fragrance, created by renowned perfumers François Demachy and Jacques Polge. The name "Clin d’Oeil," which is French for "wink," captures a sense of flirtation, mischief, and charm. Pronounced as “klahn duh-yuh,” this phrase evokes an image of someone making a quick, playful gesture—a subtle yet deliberate act of acknowledgment or allure.

For women in the mid-1980s, the name "Clin d’Oeil" resonated with the playful confidence and bold individuality that defined the era. It suggested an effortless way to express one's personality, perhaps with a hint of mystery or cheeky fun. The phrase "wink" is universally understood as both an action and a metaphor, symbolizing charm, spontaneity, and sometimes, a secret shared between two people. As a name for a perfume, it conjures images of a woman exuding effortless charisma and leaving an indelible impression, much like the fleeting nature of a wink itself.

Interpreted as a scent, "Clin d’Oeil" could be imagined as light, sparkling, and bright—a burst of energy that doesn't overwhelm but leaves a memorable trail. The fragrance, classified as fresh, green, fruity, and floral, would embody this playful elegance. The green and fruity notes hint at vitality and youthful exuberance, while the floral heart provides an air of femininity and sophistication. Together, they evoke the spirit of a woman who can balance playful allure with refined grace.

Evening in Paris by Bourjois c1929

Evening in Paris, originally launched as Soir de Paris in 1928 in France, was a fragrance that instantly captured the essence of the French capital's romantic allure and timeless elegance. The name Soir de Paris translates from French to "Evening of Paris" or "Paris Evening." Pronounced as "Swahr duh Pah-ree," the name conjures vivid imagery of the city at twilight—when the streets are bathed in the soft glow of lamplights, the air is filled with the scent of fresh blooms, and the atmosphere is alive with possibility. It evokes feelings of romance, sophistication, and the captivating magic of Paris after dark. The name speaks to the heart of the Roaring Twenties in Paris, a time when the city was at the forefront of cultural and artistic innovation. It reflects the exuberance and charm of the era, when Paris was the symbol of freedom, fashion, and glamour, and the scent captured this exuberant spirit.

In 1929, the perfume was rebranded as Evening in Paris for the U.S. market, likely to appeal to American sensibilities while still retaining the Parisian glamour at its core. The choice of the name for the American release was strategic, leaning into the allure of Paris as a destination synonymous with romance and sophistication. For women of the time, particularly in the late 1920s, Soir de Paris would have seemed like an invitation to a world of opulence, mystery, and elegance—just as the city of Paris itself was considered the epicenter of high society, fashion, and culture. The fragrance's name would have resonated deeply with women who sought to capture that same Parisian allure in their daily lives.

The time period during which Soir de Paris was introduced was one of immense cultural change. The Roaring Twenties—or Les Années Folles as they were known in France—was a period marked by liberation, social upheaval, and a flourishing of art and culture. Women were embracing newfound freedoms, including the right to vote and a shift toward more relaxed, modern styles. Fashion was dominated by shorter hemlines, bobbed haircuts, and a more practical, yet glamorous, aesthetic. The rise of jazz and the avant-garde in the arts mirrored a shift in social norms and attitudes. The fragrance itself, created by Ernest Beaux with assistance from Constantin Mikhailovich “Kot” Weriguine, mirrored the lively, sparkling energy of the time while providing a touch of sophistication and softness that was very much in tune with the tastes of the Flapper generation.