Crescendo by Lanvin c1958

Crescendo by Lanvin: launched in 1958, but the name was trademarked in 1939 as the perfume reportedly took 20 years to be perfected by Andre Fraysse.

Ottawa Citizen, 1961:

“A new perfume launched by the French perfume and couture house of Lanvin took more than 20 years to perfect. It is called Crescendo and is described as a subtle and appealing magnolia essence. It follows five well known predecessors: My Sin, Arpege, Scandal, Pretexte and Rumeur. 

The firm of Lanvin purchases one-third of the world’s entire industrial production of jasmine and rose petals. Andre Fraysse, Lanvin’s head chemist and the man who created Crescendo as well as its predecessors, has been with the firm for 35 years. The secret formula of each perfume is known only to Fraysse and the perfume company’s president.  

Copies of the formulas are deposited in a sealed envelope in a bank vault. Each individual perfume contains a mixture of at least 50 different ingredients. When Fraysse dies, instructions for making the perfumes will be handed to his successor. 

Fraysse, a tall , distinguished, grey haired man, immaculate as a surgeon in his white smock, is known professionally as “The Nose.” 

He claims the ability to analyze and discern odors is usually a family characteristic. His father was a perfume expert in the House of Yardley, and his brother is also a perfume expert. Fraysse’s 15 year old son hopes to follow in the family’s footsteps.

In 1925, the late madame Jeanne Lanvin, founder of the couture firm, engaged Fraysse, then an unknown, to create the first Lanvin perfume. The result was My Sin, followed by Arege two years later. Crescendo is the first new perfume to be launched by Lanvin since Pretexte in 1937. 

Fraysse goes to the source to buy his essential oils somewhat as a French wine taster attends the grape harvests each fall. Sandalwood comes from India, vanilla from Madagascar, certain rose essences from Bulgaria and other floral absolutes from Grasse in the south of France.”

Crescendo was available in the following products:

• Parfum
• Eau de Lanvin
• Natural Spray Cologne
• Dusting Powder
• Soap

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral oriental fragrance for women, consisting of a blend of linden blossoms, magnolia, rose, ylang ylang, jasmine and marigolds layered over a mossy, woody base of sensuous Tibetan musk and ambergris.

"Crescendo evokes the powerful and voluptuous magnolia. A woody tone with modern scents adds a new fragrance to the range of Lanvin perfumes. A precious companion of fur, with it winter will pass in a warm and cozy atmosphere."

• Top notes: aldehydes, hyacinth, jonquil, linden blossom (tilleul) and dianthus
• Middle notes: rose de France, magnolia, jasmine, ylang ylang, marigold, honey, tuberose, carnation, iris, heliotrope
• Base notes: rosewood, leather, tobacco, ambergris, incense, spices, oakmoss, Mysore sandalwood, vanilla, Tibetan musk, patchouli

 

Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office, 1939:

" Ser. No. 421,309. LANVIN PARFUMS, INC., Wilmington, Del., and New York, N. Y. Filed July 6, 1939. CRESCENDO For Perfumes. Claims use since June 29, 1939."

Fielding's Travel Guide to Europe, 1958:

"Smash hits among the newest entries are Rochas' Madame Rochas, Lanvin's Crescendo, Nina Ricci's Capricci, and.."

Fodor's France, 1958:

"Lanvin. "Arpege", "Rumeur", and the newest success "Crescendo". "Pretexte," "Scandale," "My Sin." 

Town & Country - Volume 116, 1962:

"Crescendo, Lanvin's latest spectacular, is armed with ilang-ilang, cooled with a woodsy note. Two ounces, $45. "

Soap, 1962:

"Crescendo-This for bath soap and toilet soap. Filed Nov. 22, 1961 by Lanvin-Parfums, Inc., New York. Claims use since Sept 20, 1961."

Harper's Bazaar, 1963:

"CRESCENDO the new fragrance by Lanvin."

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued in 1969.

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