Vetyver by Lanvin c1964

Vétyver by Lanvin: launched in 1964. In USA by 1966. Also referred to as Vetyver de Lanvin.

Cross Country c1925

Launched in 1925, Lanvin's "Cross Country" emerged in a vibrant era for fragrances, where the market was burgeoning with diverse and innovative scents. During the 1920s, the perfume industry was rich with the influence of Art Deco aesthetics and a growing fascination with exotic and daring combinations. The period saw a trend towards bold, memorable fragrances that could encapsulate the zeitgeist of modernity and sophistication.

"Cross Country" by Lanvin, created by Madame Marie Zéde, was distinctive within this context. The name itself, "Cross Country," evoked a sense of adventure and exploration, reflecting the expanding horizons of the 1920s when travel and global experiences were becoming increasingly accessible. Unlike many fragrances of the time that were named with French elegance or sophistication in mind, Lanvin's choice to use an English name marked a deliberate nod to the growing American market and international audience. This choice not only broadened the perfume's appeal but also aligned with the era's increasing cultural exchange.

The phrase "Cross Country" suggests a journey or voyage across diverse landscapes, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the fragrance's ability to evoke different facets of a woman's personality or mood. This name might have resonated with women of the time as a symbol of freedom and the spirit of adventure, mirroring their own aspirations for new experiences and exploration. It also invoked images of scenic travels and the thrill of discovering new places, aligning with the modern, adventurous ethos of the 1920s.

In the realm of perfume, "Cross Country" would have been seen as a fragrance that encapsulated the dynamic spirit of the age—bold, versatile, and in tune with the expanding global influences of the time. It would have appealed to women seeking a scent that was both sophisticated and evocative of a broader world, resonating with the era's fascination with travel and cultural discovery.

Lanvin Perfume Tester Racks

Lanvin Perfumes Shown in a 1947 Ad

Ads for Arpege, My Sin and Scandal

Géranium D'Espagne by Lanvin c1925

In 1925, when Géranium D'Espagne was launched, the world of perfumery was flourishing with innovation and creativity. The Roaring Twenties, characterized by economic prosperity, cultural dynamism, and a break from traditional norms, provided fertile ground for the creation of new and daring fragrances. This era saw the emergence of perfumes that were bolder and more complex, reflecting the liberated spirit of the time. Houses like Chanel, with its groundbreaking No. 5, and Guerlain, with its opulent Shalimar, were setting trends with their sophisticated compositions.

Géranium D'Espagne entered this vibrant market with its fresh, spicy floral profile. It stood out with dominant notes of geranium and rose, offering a unique blend of floral freshness and spicy warmth. While many fragrances of the time were exploring the realms of aldehydes and exotic oriental notes, Géranium D'Espagne embraced a more botanical and naturalistic approach, celebrating the essence of its key floral ingredients.

The name Géranium D'Espagne is French, translating to "Geranium of Spain" in English. This name choice reflects a sense of exoticism and romanticism associated with Spain, a country known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful landscapes. By naming the perfume after Spanish geraniums, Parfums Lanvin likely aimed to evoke the warm, sunny climate of Spain, with its picturesque gardens and aromatic plants.

The use of "D'Espagne" (of Spain) imbues the fragrance with a sense of place and origin, suggesting a connection to the natural beauty and traditional floral scents of Spain. This choice would appeal to women seeking a touch of the exotic and the allure of far-off places, resonating with the wanderlust and adventurous spirit of the 1920s.

La Dogaresse by Lanvin c1923

La Dogaresse by Lanvin, launched in 1923, emerged during a vibrant and transitional period in perfumery. The early 1920s were marked by a fascination with both innovation and classicism in fragrance, reflecting the broader cultural shifts of the Roaring Twenties. During this time, perfumes were increasingly complex, with many houses exploring new scent combinations and materials. La Dogaresse, with its rich, evocative character, fit well within this context, blending the allure of historical romance with contemporary sophistication.

The name "La Dogaresse" was chosen by Parfums Lanvin to evoke the grandeur and opulence associated with Venice's historical aristocracy. The term "dogaresse" refers to the wife or female counterpart of a "doge," the chief magistrate and leader of the Venetian Republic. In French, "La Dogaresse" translates directly to "The Dogaresse." This name suggests a connection to the regal and historic ambiance of Venice, embodying the elegance and prestige of its palazzos.

La Dogaresse’s association with Venice is deeply intertwined with its historical and cultural significance. Venice, with its palatial architecture and storied past, provides a luxurious backdrop that aligns well with the sophisticated nature of the fragrance. The name evokes images of grand, opulent interiors and the timeless elegance of Venetian nobility.

For women of the time, La Dogaresse would likely have been seen as a symbol of sophistication and grace, capturing the romantic and exotic allure of Venice. The fragrance would have appealed to those who sought to embody the glamour and refinement associated with the city's aristocratic heritage. The name "La Dogaresse" thus evokes emotions of luxury and nostalgia, with the perfume itself potentially conjuring the sophisticated scent profiles of an elaborate Venetian ballroom.

In the context of perfume, "La Dogaresse" implies a fragrance with depth and complexity, reflecting the high status and refined taste of its namesake. The perfume would have been interpreted as both a tribute to historical elegance and a modern expression of luxury, catering to a clientele that appreciated the intersection of history, culture, and sophistication.

Petales Froisses by Lanvin c1926

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.

Comme-Çi, Comme-Ça by Lanvin c1924

Comme-Çi, Comme-Ça by Lanvin, launched in 1924, was crafted by Madame Marie Zede during a time when the fragrance market was embracing modernity and sophistication. The 1920s were characterized by a flourishing of new ideas and expressions in fashion and fragrance, reflecting a cultural shift towards a more dynamic and stylish way of living.

The name "Comme-Çi, Comme-Ça," which translates from French to "So-So" or "This and That," captures a sense of effortless charm and balanced elegance. It suggests a fragrance that strikes a harmonious middle ground—neither too bold nor too subtle. This playful and somewhat ambivalent name would have appealed to women seeking a perfume that could seamlessly fit into various aspects of their daily lives while still offering a touch of sophistication.

The choice of this name aligns with the 1920s trend of using whimsical and evocative language in fragrance branding. It reflects the era's fascination with modern, stylish lifestyles, suggesting a scent that is both refined and adaptable. Women responding to Comme-Çi, Comme-Ça might have been drawn to its versatile nature, seeing it as a fragrance that complements a variety of occasions with ease and grace.

Overall, Comme-Çi, Comme-Ça represents a blend of elegance and practicality, embodying the spirit of the time with a name that evokes a sense of casual sophistication and effortless style.

L'Ame Perdue by Lanvin c1928

Launched in 1928, L’Ame Perdue by Lanvin arrived during a period of intense experimentation and change in the fragrance industry. The late 1920s was a time when perfume houses were actively exploring new scent profiles and marketing strategies, reflecting broader cultural shifts and the growing influence of international trends. Fragrances during this era often drew on themes of mystery and exoticism, aligning with the decade's fascination with the enigmatic and the opulent.  

L’Ame Perdue, which translates from French to "The Lost Soul," fits within these trends by offering a name imbued with emotional and philosophical depth. The name evokes a sense of melancholy and introspection, suggesting a fragrance that is both haunting and profound. This choice aligns with the period's penchant for names that conveyed a narrative or emotional resonance, distinguishing the perfume from more straightforward or commercial names.

In the context of its market, L’Ame Perdue would have resonated with women seeking a scent that reflected the deeper, more introspective qualities of the time. The name suggests an allure of lost or forgotten beauty, which would have appealed to those who appreciated the romance and drama associated with early 20th-century luxury. Women might have been drawn to this fragrance for its evocative and slightly mysterious connotations, which fit well with the broader trends of embracing complexity and emotional depth in personal scents.

The interpretation of "L’Ame Perdue" in relation to perfume would have likely emphasized the emotional journey and evocative qualities of the scent. It suggests a fragrance that is not merely a cosmetic product but a vessel for a deeper, more personal experience. The name, with its connotations of lost beauty and introspection, would enhance the perfume's appeal as a sophisticated and emotionally resonant choice, appealing to those who sought more than just a pleasant scent but an expression of their inner world.