Narcisse Blanc by Caron c1913

Narcisse Blanc by Caron: launched in 1913.  Created by Ernest Daltroff.

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.

Parfum Radiant c1913

Parfum Radiant: created in 1913.

Caron Perfume Tester Racks

Nice looking vintage tester racks for Caron perfumes, the first example is in ivory Bakelite, the second example is made up of black and clear lucite. the perfumes shown are La Nuit de Noel, Le Narcisse Noir, Fleurs de Rocaille, Bellodgia, 

This is a store perfume tester set for Caron. There are 6 bottles in a black lucite holder with CARON in gold on both sides. To remove the bottles from the display you unscrew the gold knobs on each side and the piece lifts up, otherwise the bottles are locked down so they won't tip over or fall out. The perfumes are Le Narcisse Noir, Le Tabac Blond, Nuit de Noel, Muguet de Bonheur, Fleurs de Rocaile and Bellodgia.Photo from worthopedia.

Vintage Caron mini perfume bottle display. I believe this was a store counter display because the only way to access the bottles is to unscrew the gold knobs at each end and lift off the piece that reads "Caron." None of the 4 bottles have labels or marks of any kind. Each contains a glass dauber for testing the perfume. The bottles measure 2 1/4" tall. The base of the display measures 7" by 2 1/2". Photo from worthopedia

Parfum Sacre c1989

Parfum Sacre by Caron: launched in 1989, in USA in 1991. Created by Jean-Pierre Bethouart of Firmenich.

Caron Perfumes 1942 Advertisement

French Can-Can by Caron c1936

In 1936, Parfums Caron launched "French Can-Can," a fragrance that captures the lively spirit of the famed Parisian dance. The 1930s were a time of both turmoil and innovation, with the lingering effects of the Great Depression influencing global economies and cultures. In France, the era was marked by a mix of political instability and artistic flourishing, where the allure of Paris as a center of culture and fashion remained undiminished.

The "French Can-Can" refers to a high-energy and risqué dance that originated in the 1830s in Parisian dance halls, particularly at the Moulin Rouge. It is characterized by its high kicks, splits, and cartwheels, performed to fast-paced music. The dance was both scandalous and thrilling, symbolizing the liberation and joie de vivre of Parisian nightlife. For Parfums Caron, choosing the name "French Can-Can" for their perfume was a strategic decision to evoke the vivacious and glamorous spirit of Paris. This name was designed to appeal particularly to American women, who were enchanted by the romantic and stylish image of Paris.

"French Can-Can" makes an excellent name for a perfume because it instantly conjures images of excitement, elegance, and bold femininity. The name suggests a fragrance that is lively, sensual, and unapologetically confident—qualities that resonate with the energetic and adventurous spirit of the dance. For women in the 1930s, especially American women, this name would evoke a sense of escapism and fantasy, transporting them to the vibrant dance halls of Paris where glamour and allure reigned supreme.

The perfume "French Can-Can" would have particularly appealed to women who sought to embody or experience the charm and sophistication associated with Parisian culture. These women would likely respond to the perfume with a sense of nostalgia and aspiration, desiring to capture some of the magic and allure of Paris in their everyday lives. The images evoked by the term "French Can-Can" include the bright lights of the Moulin Rouge, dancers in frilly skirts performing daring moves, and a general atmosphere of celebration and effervescence. The emotions tied to these images include excitement, joy, and a touch of rebellion.

As a name for a perfume, "French Can-Can" was unique and well-suited to the time period. It was not out of touch; rather, it tapped into the prevailing fascination with Parisian culture and the timeless allure of its nightlife. The fragrance, created by Ernest Daltroff, aimed to capture this essence and provide American women with a sensory link to the glamour and romance of Paris, offering them a piece of the city's spirit to wear and cherish.

Farnesiana by Caron c1947

Farnesiana by Caron: launched in 1947. The man who created Farnesiana was Michel Morsetti who started recreating the perfume in 1941, based on Ernest Daltroff's notes.

Miss Rocaille by Caron c2004

Miss Rocaille by Caron: launched in 2004. Created by Richard Fraysse.

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a Floral Green fragrance for women with dominant notes of lush orange flower and aromatic basil.

• Top notes:African orange flower, basil and tangerine
• Middle notes: water lily, sea water and lily-of-the-valley
• Base notes: musk and pistachio

This fragrance is currently discontinued.

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My Ylang by Caron c2013

My Ylang by Caron: launched in 2013.

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

• Top notes: white flowers, jasmine, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley and green rose
• Middle notes: black currant buds (cassis) and mandarin orange
• Base notes: green Madagascan vanilla

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Piu Bellodgia by Caron c2013

Piu Bellodgia by Caron: launched in 2013. Created by Richard Fraysse. When I first saw this perfume's name, I thought why in the world would they call a perfume phew "pee you" Bellodgia, as in it "stinks", but then I did a little research and found that piu means "more" in Italian. Well that makes more sense as the original Bellodgia perfume was made to remind Felicie Vanpouille of her beloved Bellagio, a romantic Italian village near Lake Como flooded with carnations.

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral oriental fragrance for women

• Top notes: carnation, rose, jasmine and lily-of-the-valley
• Middle notes: cinnamon and cloves 
• Base notes: cedar, sandalwood and musk

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Montaigne by Caron c2007

Montaigne by Caron: created in 1982. Relaunched in 2007 and created by Richard Fraysse.

L'Anarchiste c2000

L'Anarchiste by Caron: launched in 2000, created by Richard Fraysse.

Isadora c1910

Isadora by Caron: created in 1910. Named after Isadora Duncan.

Infini c1970

Infini by Caron: launched in 1970. It was created by Gerard Lefortis and as a tribute to space travel. The Sege Mansau book lists Max Gavarry, master perfumer from IFF as the fragrance's composer.

 The name is directly inspired by the 1912 Caron perfume L'Infini by Ernest Daltroff.

The original L'Infini was discontinued, date unknown. Still being sold in 1957. In 1943, the perfume was changed to Infini.

Delire de Roses c2011

Delire de Roses by Caron: launched in 2011. Created by Richard Fraysse.

Nuit de Noel by Caron c1922

Nuit de Noël by Caron: launched in 1922, created by Ernest Daltroff. Pronounced "NUWEE-DUH-NO-EL", the name means "Christmas Night" in French.

Voeu de Noel by Caron c1939

Launched in 1939, Voeu de Noel by Caron is a captivating floral oriental fragrance for women, crafted by the renowned perfumer Ernest Daltroff. This perfume emerged during a period rich with innovation and elegance in the fragrance world. The late 1930s were a time when the art of perfumery was deeply intertwined with the evolving trends in fashion and luxury. The era was characterized by a preference for opulent and complex fragrances, often blending floral and oriental notes to create sophisticated and multi-layered scent profiles. Voeu de Noel, with its floral oriental composition, aligns with this trend while offering a distinctive touch through its rose-centric formulation.

The name Voeu de Noel translates to "Christmas Wish" in English. This choice of name reflects a sentiment of hope and celebration, which was particularly poignant in the context of the late 1930s. The period was marked by a sense of anticipation and renewal as the world emerged from the uncertainties of the pre-war years. By naming the fragrance Voeu de Noel, Caron evoked images of festive cheer, romance, and the warmth of the holiday season. The name suggests a fragrance that embodies the spirit of giving and the joy of celebration, aligning with the emotional resonance associated with Christmas.

The choice of this name was quite unique for its time, as it directly connected the perfume to a specific holiday theme, which was less common in the industry. This thematic naming would have been evocative, appealing to consumers' desires for luxury and festive spirit. Voeu de Noel thus stood out as a distinct offering among its contemporaries, which often had names focused on abstract or exotic concepts rather than seasonal or emotionally charged themes.

In terms of cultural context, the late 1930s saw a variety of artistic and cinematic themes that resonated with notions of elegance and celebration. Films of the era, such as those showcasing glamorous holiday settings or romantic narratives, would have mirrored the kind of festive allure embodied by Voeu de Noel. The perfume's name and its association with a joyful occasion like Christmas would have been interpreted as a symbol of refined taste and seasonal luxury, making it a memorable and distinctive choice in the perfume market of the time.

Pois de Senteur by Caron c1950

Rare amphora bottle, convex curved belly, fully coated with gold (wear) with bell shaped stopper curved, titled. Model designed by Felicie Bergaud. h: 17cm

photo by Pierre Berge

photo by ebay seller milagritos25

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Pour Un Femme de Caron c1949

Pour Un Femme de Caron: launched in 1949, created by Michel Morsetti.