Launched in 1926, Pétales Froissés by Lanvin emerged during a fascinating period in the fragrance industry. The mid-1920s were marked by an exploration of both opulence and sophistication in perfumery. As the Jazz Age flourished, fragrances began to reflect the vibrant and luxurious spirit of the time. This era saw an increased interest in both floral and exotic notes, often blending them with intricate compositions to appeal to the tastes of a dynamic society.
Pétales Froissés, which translates from French to "Crushed Petals," fits into this context with its evocative and poetic name. The term "pétales froissés" conjures the image of delicate flower petals gently crushed, suggesting a soft, nuanced floral experience. The choice of name reflects a romantic and somewhat wistful aesthetic, aligning with the era’s penchant for poetic and evocative imagery in perfume branding.
The name Pétales Froissés would have appealed to women of the 1920s by evoking imagery of a garden in bloom, where the subtle scent of crushed flowers creates a sense of gentle nostalgia and natural beauty. The name suggests a fragrance that is tender and sophisticated, embodying a sense of refined elegance that aligns with the luxurious and sometimes avant-garde trends of the period.
In the broader context of the time, Pétales Froissés was not unique but rather a part of a growing trend towards intricate and layered floral fragrances. It was a response to the era’s fascination with creating scents that conveyed both elegance and emotional depth. The perfume’s name and its implied fragrance would have appealed to women seeking a scent that reflected both their personal sophistication and the romantic spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
Created by André Fraysse, Pétales Froissés aligns with Lanvin’s tradition of crafting fragrances that are both evocative and artistically inspired, contributing to the brand's rich legacy in the perfume industry.
Fragrance Composition:
Launched in 1926, Pétales Froissés by Lanvin was classified as a woody floral fragrance for women, aligning with the sophisticated olfactory preferences of the era. The 1920s were characterized by a burgeoning interest in complex and multi-layered fragrances that combined floral elegance with deeper, more resonant base notes. This period saw an appreciation for perfumes that could convey both freshness and richness, reflecting the dynamic and opulent spirit of the Jazz Age.
At the top, Pétales Froissés would likely have featured bright and fresh notes to captivate the senses from the very first encounter. Ingredients such as bergamot and neroli, with their crisp citrus and floral qualities, would have provided an invigorating start. These notes not only set a lively tone but also offered a hint of the perfume's underlying sophistication.
Moving into the heart of the fragrance, the emphasis on floral notes would have been paramount. The middle notes would typically include a rich bouquet of blooms. For a perfume of this era, one might expect a blend of rose, jasmine, and iris. These flowers would contribute to a lush, romantic scent profile, evoking the essence of a blooming garden. The use of these specific flowers would impart a timeless elegance and a touch of vintage charm, aligning perfectly with the aesthetics of the 1920s.
The base notes of Pétales Froissés would anchor the fragrance with a warm and enduring foundation. Mysore sandalwood, renowned for its creamy, woody, and slightly sweet characteristics, would be a key ingredient. This base note provided a depth and sensuality to the fragrance, grounding the more ephemeral floral elements with a lasting, sophisticated aroma. The choice of Mysore sandalwood also reflected a broader trend of incorporating exotic and luxurious materials into perfumes during the era.
Overall, Pétales Froissés would have offered a harmonious blend of vibrant floral notes with a deep, woody base, capturing the elegance and complexity of 1920s perfumery. Its composition would have been designed to appeal to women seeking a scent that was both refined and evocative, embodying the grace and glamour of the time.
The perfume was being sold at 75 cents a dram in 1931.
Capital Times, 1931:
"Jeanne Lanvin sends her newest perfumes L'Ame Perdue (Lost Soul), Comme ci Comme ca (Like this like that) and her Petales Froisses (Crushed Petals)."
The Straits Times, 20 June 1931:
"The charm of perfumes by Lanvin is impossible to describe. Arpege, Lajea, My Sin, Petales Froisses, in a variety of exquisitely designed bottles have a distinctly exclusive appeal which to me is irresistible."
Bottles:
Fate of the Fragrance:
Pétales Froissés by Lanvin, launched in 1926, was classified as a woody floral fragrance that captured the elegance and sophistication of the era. Despite its debut in the mid-1920s, the perfume continued to resonate with consumers well into the late 1930s, suggesting that it maintained its popularity and relevance throughout the decade.
The fragrance was still being sold as of 1938, reflecting its enduring appeal and the high regard in which it was held by its users. Its continued presence on the market during this period indicates that Pétales Froissés successfully bridged the gap between the opulence of the Roaring Twenties and the evolving tastes of the 1930s. This period saw a shift towards more complex and nuanced fragrances, which would have only enhanced the charm of a perfume like Pétales Froissés, with its sophisticated blend of floral and woody notes.
Unfortunately, the exact date of discontinuation remains unknown. However, the fact that it was still available in 1938 implies that it was gradually phased out over time. As trends shifted and new fragrances emerged, Pétales Froissés would have eventually made way for newer offerings, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the perfume industry. Its legacy, however, would have been marked by its contribution to the rich tapestry of 1920s and 1930s perfumery, embodying the elegance and innovation of its time.
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