Mimosa by Caron c1910

In 1910, when Parfums Caron launched "Mimosa," Europe was still under the enchanting spell of the Belle Epoque, a period characterized by optimism, artistic flourish, and a celebration of beauty and luxury. This era saw a blossoming of cultural movements, from Art Nouveau to the emergence of modernism in art, music, and fashion. Against this backdrop, the choice of naming a perfume "Mimosa" holds significant poetic and sensory appeal.

The name "Mimosa" itself evokes images of delicate yellow blooms, known for their fragility and sweet, powdery scent. Mimosa flowers symbolize sensitivity, femininity, and the ephemeral nature of beauty, fitting seamlessly into the Belle Epoque aesthetic which revered these qualities. The perfume likely aimed to capture the essence of these flowers, offering wearers a glimpse into a world of elegance and refinement.

Mimosa as a scent for a perfume is particularly intriguing due to its unique olfactory profile. The flower's fragrance is often described as powdery, with hints of green freshness and a subtle sweetness. Such a composition would have appealed to those seeking a fragrance that conveyed sophistication without overwhelming, aligning perfectly with the tastes of the time.

The audience for a perfume named "Mimosa" would have been predominantly women of the upper classes, who indulged in luxury and appreciated fine fragrances as part of their daily adornment. They would have responded to Mimosa positively, seeing it not only as a scent but as an accessory that complemented their fashionable attire and reflected their refined tastes.

Emotionally, the word "Mimosa" conjures feelings of delicacy, grace, and nostalgia for a bygone era of elegance and beauty. It suggests a connection to nature and a desire to capture its fleeting essence in a bottle, making it a poetic choice for a perfume name during the Belle Epoque.

Choosing "Mimosa" as a perfume name was likely a strategic move by Parfums Caron. It aligned with the artistic and cultural sensibilities of the time, resonating with both the imagery associated with the flower and the desires of its affluent clientele. Far from being out of touch, "Mimosa" would have been seen as a fitting and evocative name, capturing the spirit of an era where art, nature, and beauty intertwined harmoniously.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as a floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: neroli, geranium, cassie
• Middle notes: clove, jonquil, tuberose, rose
• Base notes: guaiac wood, ambrette

Scent Story:

 

In the heart of the Belle Epoque, amidst the opulent salons of Paris, there existed a perfume that captivated the senses like no other. It was known simply as Mimosa, a fragrance crafted to embody the delicate beauty and refined elegance of its namesake flower. Imagine stepping into a sunlit conservatory adorned with trailing vines and clusters of vibrant yellow blooms. This is where the journey with Mimosa begins.

As you approach, the air is infused with the sweet, honeyed scent of neroli. The neroli blossoms hang heavy on the branches, their citrusy aroma mingling with the powdery sweetness of cassie flowers nearby. Each breath feels like a delicate caress, awakening the senses with a burst of floral freshness.

Moving deeper into the garden, your attention is drawn to the geraniums in full bloom. Their green, slightly herbal fragrance adds a touch of crispness to the air, reminiscent of freshly cut leaves underfoot. The geraniums harmonize beautifully with the velvety richness of jonquil, its heady aroma carrying hints of spicy clove that linger in the warm breeze.

As you continue your sensory journey, the tuberose announces its presence with an intoxicating allure. Its creamy, narcotic scent envelops you like a silk shawl, blending seamlessly with the ethereal sweetness of rose petals scattered at your feet. The rose petals, soft and velvety to the touch, release a subtle, romantic fragrance that evokes images of elegant bouquets adorning Parisian soirées.

Beneath it all lies the grounding presence of guaiac wood, its resinous warmth adding depth and complexity to Mimosa's floral bouquet. The ambrette seeds, with their musky, slightly animalic undertones, provide a gentle, lingering caress that ties the fragrance together like a silken ribbon.

In this sun-dappled garden of mimosas, every sense is awakened. The sight of yellow blooms swaying in the breeze, the delicate touch of petals against your skin, the sweet taste of honeyed nectar lingering on your lips—all come together to create a symphony of sensory delight. This is the essence of Mimosa by Caron, a fragrance that transports you to a time of effortless beauty and timeless elegance, where every moment is a celebration of life's exquisite pleasures.

Bottles:

The crystal decanter of Mimosa by Caron is a masterpiece of both elegance and craftsmanship, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Belle Epoque luxury. Crafted by the renowned Pantin crystal factory in France and designed by Henri Hamm, its design is a testament to meticulous artistry.

At first glance, the decanter stands as a beacon of sophistication. Its slender form, delicately cut and polished at the base, reflects light like a prism, casting shimmering reflections across any room it graces. The crystal stopper, meticulously faceted, glistens with every movement, resembling a precious gemstone atop the bottle.

Centered on the front of the decanter, a bronze plaque commands attention with its intricate detailing. Set against a backdrop of yellow guilloche enamel, the plaque serves as the bottle's label, bearing the inscription "Le Mimosa" elegantly arched at the top and "Caron" in graceful script at the bottom. This medallion not only adds a touch of regal opulence but also serves as a nod to the perfume's prestigious origins and heritage.

Turn the bottle over, and on its base, you'll find carefully hand-inscribed numbers—a mark of precision and quality assurance. These numbers, matching those on the end of the stopper plug, were meticulously applied at the factory to ensure each bottle and its stopper were perfectly paired after the perfume was filled and sealed, guaranteeing impeccable craftsmanship down to the smallest detail.

The Parfum flacons of Mimosa by Caron were available in two sizes, each reflecting the era's luxury pricing. The petite modele, standing at 4.75 inches tall and holding 1.5 ounces of perfume, was priced at $5.50 in 1923, a sum that spoke to its exclusivity and quality. For those seeking even greater indulgence, the deluxe modele, towering at 6.5 inches and containing 3.5 ounces of precious fragrance, commanded a price of $11.75 in its early years, rising to $15.50 by 1930—a testament to its coveted status among connoisseurs of fine perfumery.

In every aspect, from its exquisite design by Henri Hamm to its meticulous production at the Pantin crystal factory, the decanter of Mimosa by Caron epitomizes the allure of Belle Epoque luxury and remains a timeless symbol of elegance and refinement.

In contrast to the opulent Parfum flacons adorned with guilloche enamel medallions, the Eau de Toilette version of Mimosa by Caron exudes its own charm with a more understated yet equally refined design. The crystal decanter, crafted with the same attention to detail by the Pantin crystal factory and attributed to Henri Hamm's design, maintains a sense of elegance while catering to different preferences and occasions.

Instead of the bronze plaque and enamel medallion, this version features an embossed gold paper label. This label, delicately applied to the front of the bottle, imparts a subtle shimmer against the crystal backdrop, adding a touch of sophistication without overshadowing the bottle's inherent beauty.

The decanter itself retains its slender, polished form, capturing and reflecting light in a manner that suggests both luxury and practicality. Its crystal stopper, similarly faceted and gleaming, remains a testament to the fine craftsmanship synonymous with Caron's creations.

This Eau de Toilette bottle, designed to hold 8 ounces of the fragrant liquid, signifies a departure from the smaller, more concentrated Parfum sizes. It caters to those who prefer a lighter, refreshing application of the beloved Mimosa fragrance, ideal for daily use or as a refreshing pick-me-up throughout the day.

Priced at $8.50 in 1923, the Eau de Toilette version of Mimosa by Caron offers a balance of affordability and luxury, appealing to a broader audience while maintaining the essence of its esteemed Parfum counterpart. It stands as a testament to Caron's commitment to quality and elegance, offering a choice that suits various tastes and occasions during the height of the Belle Epoque era.

 Fate of the Fragrance:

The allure of Mimosa by Caron, a fragrance of timeless elegance and refined sophistication, persists through its journey from creation to discontinuation. While the exact date of its discontinuation remains shrouded in mystery, records indicate its availability as late as 1927, hinting at its enduring popularity and lasting impact within the world of perfumery.

During its active years, Mimosa by Caron captivated the senses with its delicate floral composition, evoking visions of sunlit gardens and the gentle breezes of spring. Its blend of neroli, geranium, cassie, clove, jonquil, tuberose, rose, guaiac wood, and ambrette created a harmonious symphony that enchanted those fortunate enough to experience its aromatic embrace.

The decanters that housed Mimosa were masterpieces in their own right, crafted with precision and adorned with either a luxurious guilloche enamel medallion or an embossed gold paper label, depending on whether it contained the Parfum or the Eau de Toilette. These bottles, produced by the esteemed Pantin crystal factory and designed by Henri Hamm, exemplified Belle Epoque luxury and sophistication, reflecting the perfume's esteemed status among connoisseurs.

Despite its eventual discontinuation, Mimosa by Caron remains a cherished memory for those who reveled in its floral allure. Its legacy lives on through vintage collectors and perfume enthusiasts who seek to preserve its essence and appreciate its contribution to the rich tapestry of perfumery history. As an emblem of a bygone era, Mimosa by Caron continues to evoke nostalgia and admiration, a testament to its enduring appeal and timeless beauty.