I frankly love this scent. I was initially attracted by its history and minimal, classic packaging. In 1916 a small factory in Parma started producing a single recipe – Colonia – a light refreshment for scenting hankerchiefs. The beautiful crest is the coat of arms of the Duchess of Parma, Marie-Louise 1816-1847, Austrian arch-duchess and […]
Arpège by Lanvin
Another classical elderly French lady, created in 1927. The origin story makes me feel a bit mushy and moist eyed, as a mother of a daughter. Jeanne Lanvin commissioned it as a thirtieth birthday gift for her musician daughter, Marie Blanche. The name refers to musical arpeggios: that individual notes would be clearly distinguished in […]
Orange Juice
I am a huge fan of refreshing orange colognes. So far I’ve tried: Orange Sanguine and Grand Neroli by Atelier Cologne, Eau d’Orange Verte and also the Concentré version by Hermès, Arancia di Capri by Acqua di Parma, and an old brand 4711 cologne.
Dodgy gender politics in vintage perfume ads
Let’s get the worst out of the way. Two 1970s adverts for Love’s Baby Soft, going hard for the Lolita market.If you are strong enough, watch this 1975 advert (subtitles available) which features the woman on the left basically fellating the lollipop. Profoundly wrong and horrible. I am so glad I did not grow up […]