Bellodgia, launched by Parfums Caron in 1927, carries with it an aura of romance and allure, evoking images of the picturesque Italian town of Bellagio, situated on the shores of Lake Como. The name "Bellodgia" itself is derived from "Bellagio," a town renowned for its stunning landscapes, serene waters, and elegant villas. Pronounced bel-loh-jee-ah, the word conjures feelings of tranquility and beauty, transporting the mind to the idyllic shores of the lake. It resonates with a sense of luxury and timeless allure, encapsulating the delicate yet passionate nature of the perfume it represents. For women of the 1920s, a period characterized by the exuberance of the Jazz Age and the shift from the rigid Victorian ideals to the modern, liberated flapper culture, a fragrance named Bellodgia would have been seen as both a nod to European sophistication and an embrace of sensuality and freedom.
The year 1927 marked a time of great change and creativity in the world of fragrance and fashion. The Roaring Twenties were in full swing, a time when women began to redefine their roles in society. The bold, spirited flapper style dominated, with bobbed hair, shorter hemlines, and a sense of fun and rebellion. Perfumes during this era often reflected these shifts, with heavier, more complex compositions designed to make a statement. Bellodgia, with its spicy, floral, and slightly powdery character, would have appealed to women seeking a fragrance that was both elegant and evocative, sophisticated yet full of personality. The rich, spicy notes of carnations, combined with the warm, powdery base, would have been a perfect match for the opulent and yet playful spirit of the time.
Created by Ernest Daltroff, Bellodgia is classified as a spicy oriental fragrance with a dominant carnation note. The perfume opens with a spicy and slightly peppery top, creating an immediate sense of intrigue. The heart of the fragrance is anchored in the soft, clove-like warmth of carnation, a flower known for its deep, spicy sweetness and historical association with passion and sensuality. As the fragrance settles, it rests on a powdery base that adds a sense of elegance and refinement. In comparison to other perfumes on the market at the time, Bellodgia stood out with its sophisticated blend of spicy and floral elements. While floral fragrances were not uncommon in the 1920s, the emphasis on carnation—a flower with a rich, complex scent—set Bellodgia apart, making it both modern and daring in its approach.
In the context of the broader fragrance landscape of the 1920s, Bellodgia aligned with the growing trend of more intense, multi-layered perfumes, reflecting the era’s desire for complexity and depth in both style and scent. While it shared some similarities with other oriental florals of the time, its distinctive use of carnation and the way it combined spice with powdery softness gave it a uniqueness that would have resonated with women looking for a fragrance that captured both strength and femininity. Bellodgia was not just a scent—it was a statement, a reflection of the changing roles of women in society, and an invitation to indulge in a world of luxury and sensual pleasure.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a spicy oriental fragrance for women. It begins with a spicy top, followed by a carnation heart, resting on a powdery base. It is a luxurious, well rounded perfume with notes of carnations, rose, jasmine, violet, lily of the valley, sandalwood, vanilla and musk.
- Top notes: bergamot, lemon, nutmeg, pimento berries
- Middle notes: carnation, rose, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, orris, ylang ylang
- Base notes: vetiver, nitromusks, clove, sandalwood and vanilla
Scent Profile:
As you inhale the first burst of Bellodgia, you're immediately greeted by the sharp, zesty brightness of bergamot and lemon. The citrus is radiant, almost effervescent, and lifts the senses with its clean, sparkling edge. It’s as if the perfume opens like a breeze of fresh air—vivid, crisp, and momentarily invigorating. But just as quickly, a warm nutmeg note begins to emerge, grounding the citrus with a gentle spiciness that feels cozy and comforting. The pimento berries introduce a subtle, almost peppery bite, adding complexity and depth, but without overpowering the freshness of the opening. Together, these top notes create a balanced interplay of freshness and spice, setting the stage for the rich layers to follow.
As the fragrance settles into its heart, the true soul of Bellodgia begins to unfold. Carnation, the centerpiece of the composition, reveals its warm, spicy, and slightly clove-like fragrance, enveloping you in its soft, powdery embrace. It's a scent that speaks of both elegance and passion, with an underlying warmth that never feels too heavy. Alongside the carnation, the delicate, sweet softness of rose emerges, adding a romantic, almost dewy quality to the mix.
The jasmine adds an opulent floral depth—heady and intoxicating, it brings an undeniable femininity to the composition. Lily of the valley, with its fresh, green, and slightly sweet scent, brings a bright, airy contrast to the richer, more velvety florals, making the bouquet feel more dynamic and full of life. The slightly powdery, floral sweetness of violet adds a soft, nostalgic elegance, while the exotic ylang-ylang weaves in a hint of tropical warmth and a whisper of sensuality, pulling everything together into a lush, harmonious floral heart.
As the fragrance evolves and dries down, the base notes come forward with a grounding, woodsy depth. Sandalwood, smooth and creamy, imparts a warm, almost velvety finish to the fragrance, adding a sense of calm and serenity. The underlying sweetness of vanilla wraps everything in a soft, cozy hug, balancing the more intense spices and florals with its comforting, sweet warmth.
The earthy, slightly smoky vetiver provides an intriguing contrast, offering a cool, green edge that prevents the base from becoming too sweet or cloying. The nitromusks lend a slightly powdery, synthetic texture, enhancing the longevity and silage of the fragrance without overwhelming it. Finally, the dry, slightly spicy warmth of clove peeks through at the edges, reinforcing the spicy oriental character of the fragrance and adding an intriguing final layer of depth.
Overall, Bellodgia is a rich and multi-faceted fragrance, beginning with a lively and spicy top, evolving into a lush floral heart, and resting on a comforting, warm base of wood, vanilla, and musk. The interplay of spices, florals, and smooth woods creates a luxurious, well-rounded scent that feels both timeless and inviting—a perfect balance of strength and softness, just as the name Bellodgia promises.
In 1996, Bellodgia's eau de parfum was reformulated with modern ingredients and relaunched with green tea notes.
Theatre Magazine, 1930:
"Lovers of carnations will vibrate to Caron's spicy "Bellodgia." A drop or two on fur will continue to cast its spell for weeks, even months, on end. There is a new small size bottle at $16."
Bottles:
The 1/2 oz size was introduced in 1930, the 5/8 oz (0.63 oz) size was introduced in 1938.
The original Parfum was available in the following:
- 1/4 oz
- 1/2 oz
- Taille 18 = 0.63 oz
- Taille 35 = 1 oz (1.16 oz)
- Taille 60 = 2 oz (1.866 oz)
- Taille 100 = 3.4 oz
- 4 oz
- 1/8 oz Atomizer
The original Eau de Toilette was available in the following:
- 2 oz
- 4 oz
- 8 oz
The fragrance was also available in
- Dusting Powder
If your bottle is missing it's label or box and you want to know what size it is, use this handy guide, please remember that the bottle size changed over the years:
- Factice/Dummy bottle stands 5" tall.
- 7.746 oz bottle stands 5.5" tall
- 4.75" tall
- 3.274 oz bottle stands 3.5" tall
- 3 oz bottle stands 3.75" tall
- 2 oz bottle stands 2.5" tall.
- 1.86 oz bottle stands 3" tall.
- 1.16 oz bottle stands stands 2.5" tall
- 1 oz bottle stands 2.5" tall.
- 0.63 oz bottle stands 2" tall.
- 1/2 oz bottle stands 2" tall.
- 1/4 oz bottle stands 1.5" tall.
The original box was silver striped. This seems to have changed to a white box around 1941.
Photos from worthopedia.
The Sketch, 1929:
"Of these, the latest creation, which has just made a very successful debut in Paris, is the perfume Caron Bellodgia. It combines freshness and sophistication. The bottle too, has an artistic value of its own. As the illustration shows, the perfume is contained in a most attractive flacon in the genre of the decorative cut- glass styles of flacons."
The parfum was also presented in the ovoid crystal purse bottle molded with the hobnails in 1954.
The New Yorker, 1954:
"Caron, fills quarter-ounce bubble-glass bottles with such old favorites as Bellodgia, Nuit de Noel, Fleurs de Rocaille and Muguet du Bonheur, $13.75."
Also, the fragrance is available in eau de toilette and eau de parfum sprays. Sometimes, you can find vintage eau de cologne splashes on ebay.
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