Lanvin ad 1943

Scandal by Lanvin c1931

Scandal by Lanvin, launched in 1931, emerged during a dynamic period in the perfume industry. This era saw the rise of bold, complex fragrances that reflected the changing social and cultural landscapes. The 1920s and early 1930s were marked by the aftermath of World War I, the rise of the Art Deco movement, and a burgeoning sense of modernity and freedom. Perfumes of this time, such as Chanel No. 5 (1921) and Guerlain's Shalimar (1925), often pushed the boundaries of traditional perfumery with innovative compositions and daring names.

Scandal, classified as a spicy, leather chypre fragrance, distinguished itself with its rich, mossy sandalwood base. While many fragrances of the time embraced floral and aldehydic notes, Scandal's bold combination of spice, leather, and chypre elements set it apart. The fragrance was both luxurious and provocative, capturing the spirit of an era that celebrated both opulence and rebellion. The inclusion of leather notes, in particular, added a daring, sensual edge that resonated with the increasingly liberated and adventurous women of the early 1930s.

The choice of the name "Scandal" by Parfums Lanvin was a masterstroke in marketing and branding. The word "scandal" itself, derived from the Latin "scandalum," meaning a cause of offense or stumbling block, immediately evokes notions of controversy, intrigue, and allure. In the context of a perfume, "Scandal" suggested a fragrance that was unapologetically bold and captivating, designed to turn heads and provoke strong reactions. The name implied a break from convention, an invitation to embrace one's inner audacity and charm.

Women in the 1930s, navigating a world that was increasingly modern and dynamic, would likely have been drawn to the daring promise of a perfume named Scandal. This was a time when women were becoming more independent, exploring new social freedoms, and challenging traditional norms. Scandal, with its rich, spicy, and leather notes, would have been perceived as a symbol of empowerment and sophistication. It offered an olfactory expression of confidence and allure, perfect for the modern woman who was unafraid to make a statement.

Pretexte by Lanvin c1937

Pretexte by Lanvin was launched in 1937, a time when the perfume industry was experiencing significant innovation and change. The 1930s were marked by economic recovery following the Great Depression, leading to a resurgence in luxury goods, including fragrances. Perfume houses were experimenting with more complex and sophisticated compositions, often combining floral and chypre notes to create multifaceted scents.

Pretexte was unique in its classification as an ambery floral chypre fragrance for women, blending the timeless bouquet of jasmine and roses with a chypre base that included fresh greens and warm, precious woody notes. This composition offered a harmonious balance between the floral and earthy elements, appealing to women seeking both elegance and a touch of opulence in their perfumes.

Parfums Lanvin chose the name "Pretexte" for its evocative and intriguing nature. "Pretexte" is a French word meaning "pretext" or "excuse." This name suggests a fragrance that provides an excuse or a reason for indulgence, inviting women to embrace moments of luxury and sophistication.

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.

Rumeur by Lanvin c1934

Rumeur by Lanvin: launched in 1934. Created by André Fraysse. Intended primarily for furs.

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.

Le Sillon by Lanvin c1925

Launched in 1925, Le Sillon by Lanvin was introduced during a period marked by the flourishing of the Art Deco movement and an increasing fascination with modern sophistication in fashion and fragrance. The 1920s was a decade characterized by dramatic changes in style, with a distinct shift towards sleek, elegant designs and innovative approaches in the arts and consumer products. Perfumes from this era began to reflect these changes, often embodying a blend of opulence and modernity. The fragrance, created by Madame Marie Zede, would likely have appealed to those who appreciated nuanced and well-crafted scents, reflecting the fashionable and luxurious qualities that defined the period.  

Le Sillon, with its nuanced and elegant composition, fit well within the fragrance trends of the time. The name "Le Sillon" translates from French as "The Furrow," referring to a furrow in the soil or, more fittingly in the context of perfume, the wake of a ship moving through water. This name choice aligns with the period’s interest in both the natural world and the innovative technologies of the time, symbolizing the scent’s ability to leave a lasting impression, much like the visible furrow left by a ship in its wake.

The term "Le Sillon" metaphorically connects with "sillage," the trail of scent left behind by a perfume wearer. This name suggests a fragrance that is designed to be both memorable and evocative, creating an enduring presence akin to the lingering wake of a ship. For women of the 1920s, this would have resonated with the desire for a scent that was both distinctive and elegant, reflecting their modern, sophisticated lifestyle.

In essence, Le Sillon's name and concept would evoke imagery of grace and lasting impact, highlighting the perfume's ability to make a subtle yet significant statement. The name would have appealed to women seeking a fragrance that not only complemented their style but also made a meaningful, lingering impression on those around them. This interpretation reinforces the idea of Le Sillon as a refined and evocative choice in the perfume market of the 1920s, mirroring the elegance and sophistication of the era.

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.

Kara Djenoun by Lanvin c1924

Kara Djenoun by Lanvin, launched in 1924, arrived at a time when the fragrance industry was deeply engaged in exploring exotic themes and incorporating them into their offerings. The early 1920s were marked by a fascination with the Orient and the mystical allure of distant lands, reflecting a broader cultural trend of the period. This era was characterized by an increasing interest in the exotic and the fantastical, driven by both artistic movements and the public's desire for new experiences and sensations. Fragrances inspired by far-off places, such as those from the Middle East, were particularly popular, adding an element of intrigue and sophistication to the market.

Lanvin's choice of the name "Kara Djenoun" was directly influenced by Jeanne Lanvin's trip to Egypt. The name encapsulates the era’s fascination with Egyptian culture and the broader trend of exoticism in luxury goods. The term "Kara," borrowed from Arabic into Turkish, translates to "earth" or "land," suggesting a connection to the physical and cultural terrain of Egypt. Meanwhile, "Djenoun" is a French phonetic adaptation of "djinn" or "jinn," which in Moroccan Arabic denotes spirits of the desert, night, or water—supernatural beings that can have both benevolent and hostile qualities. This name evokes a sense of mysticism and magic, aligning with the perfume’s intention to capture the enigmatic essence of its Egyptian inspiration.

Women of the 1920s would have responded to Kara Djenoun with a sense of curiosity and excitement. The name conjures images of the mystical desert landscapes, ancient spirits, and the exotic allure of Egypt. This would appeal to women looking to connect with the latest trends and embrace the captivating narratives associated with luxury fragrances. The idea of wearing a perfume named after mythical desert spirits would have been particularly enchanting, offering an escape into a world of fantasy and sophistication.

Lanvin's Arpege and Cadillac

In 1957, Lanvin's Arpege perfume was included in the new Cadillac Brougham.

The atomizer was especially designed by STEP for the House of Lanvin, it is only operational when inverted, is completely leak proof and spill proof. It will hold $25 worth of Arpege, and along with all of the other appurtenances will be standard, not optional  equipment. It was placed inside of the rear seat armrest.

"Thought you would like to know that for the first time in automotive history the exciting and elegant Cadillac Brougham (which sells for $12,000) will come equipped with Lanvin's one ounce perfume in the atomizer bottle." This is fitted in the armrest of the car and is standard equipment - so here again is another first for Lanvin. Sincerely, Peter Fink.”

The Arpège gift set by Lanvin of Paris never was exclusive to the Eldorado Brougham. Lanvin also offered identical atomizer sets for their Scandal and My Sin perfume extracts (only the labels differ).

The info below was taken from The New Cadillac Database

For more info:

http://www.cadillacdatabase.org/Dbas_txt/brg08.htm

The Arpège Perfume Atomizer

(gift set)

Left: original Lanvin Paris packing, cardboard box and label Right: lid of gift set with Lanvin Parfums name and logo       Left: underside of base of gift set box Right: base with indentations for the bottle (right) and bottle top or atomizer (left)          Left and center: instruction leaflet for assembling and using the atomizer Right: certificate of  guarantee for Lanvin perfumes; here are the Directions for Use: Unscrew the glass stopper from the bottle and unscrew the atomizer which is  next to the bottle. Screw the atomizer on the bottle. Hold the bottle with the  bottom of the bottle up and press the piston with thumb for spray. It is  necessary to press the piston several times in order to start the spray action  Presumably because it would be normally discarded after use, the perfume atomizer containing one ounce of Arpège perfume extract by Lanvin (Paris) is among the rarest of the Brougham personal accessories today. Unlike the vanity case, pad and pencil, mirror and cigarette box, the atomizer was not included in the Eldorado Brougham Parts List. The perfume and atomizer came in a small box. An accompanying leaflet showed the user how to assemble the atomizer top on the glass perfume bottle. Firstly, the stopper had to be removed from the bottle; next, the atomizer top had to be screwed firmly in place (the latter had an inner plastic screw-thread); finally, the complete atomizer had to be turned upside down before pumping the piston and spraying out the perfume. Reproduced in extenso, below, is an article by Cy Strickler, published in the BOA Newsletter, Vol. 2, No 1, in which he explains the research he did to try to secure some of these rare atomizers.  In the early seventies, Cy was in contact with Alain L. Cosnier who, at that time, was Lanvin's Assistant export Manager. Cy had got from him Alain, earlier, six complete atomizer sets but these  were ...LOST IN THE MAIL! [yeeeeegaddds !!!!] The correct perfume for the Brougham is a one ounce bottle of Arpège, extrait de Lanvin, with a gilded atomizer top. After more than a year of searching for these bottles, I would like to relate a few of the facts about the possibility of locating one. Arpège is one of several extracts produced by Lanvin Parfums of Paris, France, and during the late 1950's, Lanvin marketed Arpège in a special package including the atomizer top. These special sets were not only put in the Brougham, but were sold over the counter along with other Lanvin perfumes. Their distribution was not as widespread in the United States as it seems to have been in Europe, but they were definitely available in this country. These atomizer sets are now extremely rare and there are three major reasons for this. First, the simple fact that they were normally discarded when empty. Second, the delicate nature of fine perfume limits the amount of time it will last before starting to spoil and discolor, thus old stock was always sent back to the distributor after so much shelf time. Third, Lanvin company policy dictated that when there was a change in a product line or introduction of a new line, all of the old items were immediately returned to the factory. A network of Lanvin area representatives traveled around and checked on all outlets to be sure that their stock was being kept up to date, and as a result there are virtually no collections of old bottles just sitting around unnoticed. But there is still a chance, and there are several alternatives to the real thing. Shown in the picture (...) [see Other Arpège Bottles and Tops, below] are various one ounce Arpège bottles that you might run across in a careful search. To be 100% authentic, the Brougham requires the bottle and atomizer on the far left. [photo No ...] The next best would be the bottle with the less elaborate atomizer (second from left ...). This atomizer was also offered by Lanvin at some time during the sixties, but it has also been discontinued and become very rare. Since it is a more recent style, there is a better chance of finding this type. The third bottle is called a dummy [Fr.: factice] because it does not contain perfume but a liquid that looks like perfume, yet will not discolor with age. These bottles were once quite common in display cases, but have now become rather scarce because the Arpège label was changed to a new style several years ago. The bottle on the far right is the Arpège of today [seventies] with the new label, available at almost any quality pharmacy or department store for $40 per ounce. Notice that the size and shape of the bottles has not changed at all through the years, so that any of the bottles pictured will fit perfectly into the slot in the Brougham rear compartment. But the problem remains, finding the correct old style label and atomizer top. During my one year search, I have been able to turn up four bottles with old style labels and four new style atomizers. These will be made available to members who are interested in order to cover the cost of this and future research. The atomizers were found by a Lanvin representative in an old pharmacy, and the labels are from old dummy bottles that I located in Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles and Shreveport. In all my travels and searches, I have yet to talk to anyone who has seen the correct atomizer within the last ten years [1965-1975]. From this point, I would suggest that you check the pharmacies, etc. in your area, and see if they can help. From my experience, anyone who finds the correct Brougham bottle and atomizer can consider themselves extremely fortunate, so good luck and good hunting. I have corresponded with both the New York office and the main offices in Paris, and they say their stock is absolutely depleted. I even visited the offices of Lanvin on a trip to Paris last spring, and although they were interested and co-operative, they were unable to find any more atomizers, so all the obvious sources have been checked to no avail. Other Arpège bottles and tops The correct 1 oz. bottle of Arpège has a screw-top with decorative gold (brass) ring (above image, second from left).  However, an acceptable compromise is the earlier type with glass stopper (image below) with gold thread around the neck; unfortunately, the atomizer top won't fit on it ...if you ever find one, hee-hee! If you are searching for that elusive Arpège atomizer may find the images below to be very useful.  The B&W images immediately below show the different bottles, labels and atomizers that might be found in the rear arm-rest of a 1957-58 Eldorado Brougham;  the latter pics were first published by Cy Strickler in the Newsletter of the BOA, in the mid-seventies.  Below these are close-ups of the authentic Lanvin bottle top and the Arpège label:      Various Arpège bottles and atomizer tops [Photos: © 1975, Cy Strickler]              Far left, the Lanvin Mother & Child intaglio, embossed (hollow) on the screw top.  Next, side view of the  screw-top. Next: the interior of the screw-top is plastic/vinyl (?) and was available in black or white.  Far right, the gold-foil label with black lettering used on the authentic, 1 oz. bottle of Arpège perfume This one currently resides in the rear seat arm rest of Brougham #230; I got it from Lanvin, in Paris, in the mid-seventies.  No, there are NO MORE       Here are two close-up views of the atomizer top Dimensions of bottle: 13/8x1x  3/8 x1¾" [excluding bottle neck and stopper] Dimensions of atomizer top: 7/8" (top), ¾" (bottom), height  13/8"      Markings on base of Arpège bottles These four types have been encountered in Broughams with the "original" vanities Type 1:                    "LANVIN - FRANCE - BR2" Type 2:                    "LANVIN - FRANCE - NET CONTENTS - 1 FL OZ -                                  LANVIN PARFUMS - 1 NY BR1 - IMPORTERS Type 3:                    As above, but replace  "1 NY BR1" with "1 NY BR2" Type 4:                    As above, but replace  "1 NY BR1" with "2 NY BR" The French Connection In 1975, I too corresponded with the Paris headquarters of the Lanvin organization and was able to get from them the "last" atomizer bottle. I also contacted STEP, the manufacturer of the atomizer top to inquire if it would be possible to re-manufacture the old style top in small numbers. The price for a limited run (we have to assume that there may be no more than 100 potential buyers out there) was so prohibitive as to curb my interest in having them re-made. Of note too is that STEP, the French manufacturer, stipulated that the new atomizer tops, if ordered, would not be authentic: - the screw-thread insert would not be plastic but turned metal - the original die to stamp the Lanvin motif on top of the piston had been discarded, - the small metal nut located in the center of the screw-thread would be replaced by   a translucent plastic one. The local Lanvin representative in Geneva, Switzerland, was most courteous and most helpful when I inquired about the possibility of finding additional perfume bottles and atomizers. Unfortunately, his wife was killed in a traffic accident shortly after the initial contact was made and I felt that it would be in bad taste to pursue with him the matter of finding some of these old atomizers. I contacted an organization in England, in 1976, called The Search and Find Agency. The latter sought these atomizers during a period of two or three months but uncovered none in the United Kingdom. In 1997, Volker Meerkamp, a Brougham owner/admirer from Germany [volker@classiccars.de] found no fewer than THREE of the perfume bottles at a perfume-bottle fair in Germany.  One of them looks like the original;  it has the original Arpège label and is full of the old, dark-colored perfume ...but there is no thread for the atomizer!  Instead, it has a plain, plastic stopper.  The other two appear to be Lanvin advertising samples and are so marked [VAPORISATEUR PUBLICITE = advertising atomizer]; the base of these two bottles is markedLANVIN FRANCE.  One of them carries a  Mon Pêché label [ = My Sin], which is another Lanvin product.  The atomizer top looks almost identical to the Arpège unit except that the top of the plunger is embossed with the letters MP [for Mon Pêché] in lieu of the usual embossed Lanvin intaglio.  The second atomizer has an embossed  P [for Publicité]; it had no label so Volker added an after-market Arpège label he got from MASTERMIND in California.  Volker hopes to have photos of these bottles on-line soon. Repro atomizers available In December 1998 I received from that same collector [Michael P. Rizzuto of Mastermind Inc.] an offer to purchase a repro atomizer for $650 (actually, the introductory offer, valid for 60 days, was 10% off, i.e. $585).  That is more than three times the selling price of my original - complete with bottle - in 1989; that bottle is the one used as the background image to this section - the same one I refused to sacrifice to Michael to make these reproduction copies in the early eighties.  It seems that Michael is working also on a repro copy of the bottle too; at the end of his advertising flyer he says it "is half done now". From the descriptive flyer, it would appear that the repro atomizer top is better than the original:  Michael says, "...the only way to distinguish our copy from the original is that ours are superior in very way!"   Michael says he knows only seven people on the whole planet who possess one of the originals.  My records indicate the following nine cars have the authentic and rare atomizer:  #170, 210, 212, 230, 250, 351, 436, 466, 590,  and 692.  Cars #272 and #666 may also have one.  Car #280 is known to have a repro atomizer top; the owner recently offered to buy from me one of the authentic bottles shown below.   Car #211 has an atomizer but I do not know it it is an original or the Rizutto repro. Three more authentic atomizers were sold recently on e-Bay [see below]; two of these probably will soon mate up with a Brougham, so that would make 12 or 13 cars so equipped ...out of 704! The other one has gone to the Edith Piafmuseum in France; Edith was a popular French singer of the forties and fifties; Arpège was her favorite perfume; to my knowledge, however, she never owned an Eldorado Brougham. I estimate that more than half of all 1957-58 Eldorado Brougham models have survived and are restored or restorable.  Of these, I am guessing that fewer than one third (i.e. 100 or so units) are or will be restored to "absolute perfection",  which includes having all the original vanity items and the original owner's manual.  About a dozen of these already have the originalArpège atomizer and a couple that I know have a Mastermind repro item.  Of the remaining potential candidates for an atomizer, how many would be willing (or could afford?) to pay around $700 for the repro item (a trinket in Mike Rizutto's own words)? Twenty percent?  I doubt it.  Ten percent?  Well, yes, at a push.  But I think 1% is a more realistic figure.  Will a dozen potential buyers - call it an income of  $7000 or $8000  -  suffice to cover Mike's massive investments in the Arpège atomizers over the last 7-8 years!  He may well have to find another market for them, perhaps among collectors of vanity items and perfumes, to take up all the slack.  Finally, I wonder how many candidates will hold out for an original, now (apparently) worth from $2000 to $3000? Arpège bottles are popping up My own unending search for a Lanvin/Arpège atomizer has turned up NINE authentic bottles of Arpège perfume from the late fifties and early sixties, as well as eight equally authentic labels (in addition to those on the bottles themselves).  These bottles and six of the labels are the same as those that were included with the 1957-58 Eldorado Brougham.  Three had the NY Importers inscription; five carried the French inscription.  Three bottles have already been sold.  Three of the remaining ones are almost full, another is about half full, one has only a quarter of the perfume left  and the last one about one-eighth [in any case you can still buy Arpège Extrait de Lanvin in any reputable perfume store].  Three of the labels are bright gold, two are slightly more yellow, one has a coppery hue [the one on the far left] and the last two  look more silvery than gold [lower right]; they may have faded in bright sunlight.  All these items are for sale (you may make me an offer via the Guest Book)         These original 1-ounce bottles of Arpège - Extrait de Lanvin  are for sale as are the original labels, below [contact me via the Guest Book] [Photos: © 1999, Yann Saunders] Here is an ad for the regular 1-ounce bottle of Arpège [ without atomizer top ]      Recent, rare atomizer finds (2001-2002) My continued quest for the holy grail  [i.e. an authentic bottle, complete with the authentic atomizer top!] turned up no fewer than three of them for sale on e-Bay  [Internet auction site], in 2001.  Two of them turned up in the space of two weeks, in April 2001; the third was advertised in June 2001.  Two more units appeared in 2003. However, having observed their selling price, I have taken these items off my list of priorities! I now realize that there are collectors out there prepared to spend a lot MORE than me to acquire this interesting little piece of Eldorado Brougham memorabilia. More on the "Arpège" perfume atomizers, and Some record-setting prices from 2004-2009 $581... $840... $1,325... $1,790...  $2,100... $3,400... $5,151... $5,500... $10,000 The Arpège atomizers are becoming more costly than gold! This "find" on eBay, in January 2004, turned out to be a VERY GOOD deal for the fortunate high bidder.  He paid just $581 for this collection of six perfume bottles and miniatures ...that INCLUDED the rare Lanvin item. The posting probably escaped the sagacity of other potential buyers because there was no mention of "Arpège" in the item description:      $581 for this collection of perfumery items... including an atomizer of Lanvin's "Arpège" ! [ Photos:  Internet ] The owner of 1957 Eldorado Brougham #117 informed my in October 2010 that he had been able to aquire a few complete sets (some of them unopened) as well as some of the 1 oz perfume bottles, sansatomizer top. He wrote:  I understand you might be retiring from the Database but have not heard of someone to replace you (which probably isn't possible fully!). So I thought I would send this to you and you can forward it to the correct person if needed. I was able to find still another original #829 perfume and atomizer set with instructions. This one is also in new condition and the perfume is full. This brings my "collection" to four of the atomizer and perfume sets, two of which are unopened and still in the original wrapper. I have also eight of the #828 refills, four of which are unopened.                        A complete set of original vanities; these sets belongs to 1957 Eldorado Brougham #117; at far right, the owner's latest find (2010) [ All photos: © and courtesy of the owner ] This other stand-alone atomizer sold on eBay, in August 2004, for $840  [ Photo:  Internet ]      This atomizer set of Lanvin "Scandal" perfume extract sold on eBay for $1325, in February 2005; it is the correct atomizer but the wrong perfume for the Eldorado Brougham [ Photos: Internet, 2/2005 ]       The set on the left sold for almost $1,790 in April 2001 The one on right went for over $2,100, the same month. Both had empty bottles; the set on the right was missing the bottle-top [ Photos: Internet, 2/2005 ] It was Jerry Jansson (Car #284) who told me that the preceding two price records had been broken in June 2001, when another Arpège atomizer set (below) was sold (also on e-Bay) for ...$2,578.88.  I just can't believe to what lengths some people will go to satisfy their collector cravings! I contacted the vendors, subsequently, to explain why the bidding on these items had gone "over the moon".  None of them had any idea that these "ordinary" perfume items were directly related to one of America's premier collectible automobiles. These vendors were able to multiply their investment by 100! This identical atomizer containing "My Sin", by Lanvin,  sold in October, 2003 for over $2,300 - where will it end ?      [ Photos: Internet, 2003 ] Atomizer alone (no bottle) sold on e-Bay, in February 2002, for $2,550 This atomizer, with no box or other trimmings fetched $2,550  on e-Bay in February, 2002 [ Photo:  Internet ] The gift set below sold on e-Bay, in June 2001,  for a record $2,578.88 Arpège atomizer gift set, complete with original box,  wrapper, packaging and all documentation;      Left: the atomizer set (front).  Right  the atomizer set (rear),  showing intact, round seal on bottle)      Left:  bird's eye view of the Lanvin intaglio on the bottle stopper  (the atomizer top - or bottle top - screws onto a special, threaded Bakelite holder) [Photos:  Internet, June 2001] The buyer of these two Lanvin perfume items (eBay, August 2004) briefly held the world record! He had to fork out $3,400 to get his hands on them.   It would take a close examination of the atomizer to determine if it is an original or a Mike Rizutto reproduction item... The bottle on the right, above, is an older version of the correct one for the Brougham, on the left [ Photo:  Internet, 2004 ] This one (apparently) sold   on eBay in April, 2006 [item 9509219738], for the listed "Buy-it-Now" price of $5,500 ...minus a penny [ the set was mint in the box - never opened ] This one came up on eBay in March, 2006, and (simultaneously) on the Website of the Chicago Car Exchange where it was listed for ... $7,000.00 !!! [ so far as I know, there was NO SALE ] It was listed again on eBay in April, 2006, [item 4630734116] with a revised "Buy-it-Now" price of $5,995 [$1,000 reduction!] And now... $10,000 !!!      This is something else.  Still in the original wrapper, Lanvin's gift set #829, believed to contain the rare Arpege atomizer set. When the vendor asked what price  he might ask for it, I mentioned the "record" prices, above, but told him he probably would have difficulty finding a buyer for four figures.  I was proved wrong:  He got $10,000 for it ! The same vendor put a second unit up for sale on eBay in June, 2006, with the same image [above, left].  Here's what he said about it: this auction is for one of the rarest things you will ever see.  This is the holy grail of car accessories.  It the LANVIN arpege ATOMIZER set for the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brouham.  This set has never been opened, and the wrapper, box, and obviously the contents, are in MINT condition. This is the ultimate!  I have pictured the sealed set you are bidding on, and one that I sold in the past (opened) which you are not bidding on, but just so you see what the set inside looks like. they both came from the same source and I guarantee authenticity with my life. This bottle is the type "3" bottle [from my descriptions, above], which is one of the 4 original bottles, and I guarantee that!   This is the LAST time you will have a chance to own this item. He wants ...$60,000 for it ! If there no limit (and so it seems) to the number of Brougham owners willing [and able!] to pay FIVE to TEN GRAND for a perfume artifact that sold new, in 1957, for $50, surely someone out there is daft enough to pay those 60 grand!  And here is the "record" LOW price [2005]: One very lucky eBay surfer picked up these  THREE items for just ...$9.99 ! This set could have beaten all previous records !      Left: this is the full set of "vanities" from 1957 Brougham #314 Right: in March 2006, the "Arpège" perfume bottle and atomizer top alone (right) were listed for $7,000 !!!Late extra: bidding topped out at $5,151 ...but that wasn't enough for the vendor ! The incomplete set, above (purported to have come from car #438?)  appeared on eBay in April, 2006 with a starting bid of $99.   Missing were the magnetized goblets and plastic tube container,  the notepad was a repro item, the cigarette case was cracked  and the lady's vanity by Evans was the wrong model.  Nevertheless,  the final selling price was an "astronomical" $6,400! Note: the same (?) set appeared for sale, again, later the same month; the vendor (from Norway)  vendor bought the $5,500 atomizer off eBay  in April, 2006; did he acquire that one merely to complete one of these two sets? Some Arpège Trivia: For the 1957-58 Eldorado Brougham owners interested in the elusive Arpège atomizer, here is a fun excerpt from a 50's TV show aired in the USA, called You Bet Your Life, hosted by an aging Groucho Marx who, despite a wrinkle or two, definitely hadn't lost any of his dry wit. Believe it or not, the topic of the sketch is Lanvin's Arpège perfume. Announcer: Groucho, Miss Broadwick and Mr. Edouard Cornand are willing to talk to you. So folks, if you would come in please and meet ...Groucho Marx. Groucho: Say the secret word and you'll divide 101 dollars. It's a common word, something you see every day. Uh, Mister Cornand, I suppose that's you. What's your first name ? Edouard; I'll just call you Eddy, huh? Where are you from, Eddy, Kokomo or Kalamazoo? "Eddy" Cornand: I'm from Paris. Groucho: Paris, Illinois? Mr. Cornand: No, Paris, in France. Groucho: Oh, oui oui. When did you first arrive in this country, Eddy, last week? (referring to Mr. Cornand's heavy French accent) Mr. Cornand: No, in 1923. (laughter) Groucho: 1923? You got here before the Pilgrims did! (laughter). Now, Mr. Cornand, what brought you to Los Angeles; and don't say "a train". Because that's an old joke and we've had enough old jokes on the show tonight. (...) Mr. Cornand: I'm in the perfume business; I'm the president of Lanvin. Groucho: President of the what? Mr. Cornand: Lanvin perfumes (now uses the French pronunciation). (...) Groucho: I don't use perfume myself, I just rub my body with Ham's Beer (laughter). Whaddaya call your perfume, maybe I can get some clue from that. Mr. Cornand: The best known are Arpège and My Sin. (...) Groucho: Uh, (...) Do you know any jokes about the perfume business? (...) Mr. Cornand: [I like this one] I was leaving Paris and a friend of mine told me a little story about himself, just when I was going to take the plane back to New York; he said: "... J'ai demandé à ma fiancée si elle couchait avec une chemise de nuit ou avec un pyjama, [I asked my girlfriend if she slept with a nightdress or PJs] et elle m'a dit: 'Pas du tout', qu'elle dormait avec Arpège; c'est tout ce qu'elle portait" [and she said: "neither, in fact; when I go to bed, all I wear is Arpège..."] (laughter, Groucho starts laughing also) Groucho: Well, that’s a good one, alright. That's a knee slapper if I ever heard one. Boy, I'm gonna tell that to the boys at the club tomorrow, that'll kill 'em. Or vice versa. (...) Is your perfume expensive, Eddy; if it is, that's why I haven't heard of it. How much do you charge for a gallon of this stuff? Or can you buy it on draft? Mr. Cornand: (...) The price runs from 3 dollars for (? personal size Arpège?) up to 500 $ for 32 ounces (this is a quart, right?) ...and this excludes 10% taxes! (...) Groucho: Are there really any husbands who are willing to shell out $500 for a bottle of perfume for their wife? Mr. Cornand: (nods) Not for their wife ! (laughter) Groucho: Well, you don't have to explain, monsieur, I've been around. I'll bet you certainly look forward to Mother's Day, huh? [Above transcript submitted kindly by Davy Borghys a Brougham aficionado from Belgium