Parfum Sacre c1989

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

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, carries with it a name rich in botanical and historical significance. The word “Farnesiana” is derived from Acacia Farnesiana, the Latin name for cassie, a flower known for its sweet, intoxicating scent. The name also pays homage to the Farnese Gardens, located within the Roman Farnese Palace, which served as the inspiration for the fragrance. Pronounced as "far-neh-see-ah-nah", Farnesiana evokes images of lush, sun-drenched gardens, with their vibrant floral displays, delicate greenery, and an air of quiet opulence. It conjures emotions of luxury and timeless beauty, offering a sense of escape to an idyllic, classical landscape, where nature and elegance intertwine.

The perfume was introduced in a period marked by the end of World War II and the dawn of a new era, full of hope and rebuilding. The late 1940s were a time of transition, as Europe emerged from the devastation of the war and entered the post-war era. Fashion had shifted from the austerity of wartime to the glamour and femininity of haute couture, with Christian Dior’s "New Look" leading the charge. In this context, a perfume like Farnesiana would have been a luxurious escape, a celebration of rebirth and femininity, offering women a chance to indulge in an olfactory experience that reflected the lavish beauty of the world they were now entering. Women of the time, particularly those who were embracing the world of fashion and sophistication, would have connected with Farnesiana as a fragrance that represented elegance, rejuvenation, and a return to the finer things in life.

The creation of Farnesiana was a long and thoughtful process, with its origins tracing back to 1941 when Michel Morsetti began recreating the perfume from notes left by Ernest Daltroff, the founder of Parfums Caron. It wasn’t until 1947 that the fragrance was finally completed and released to the public. Classified as a floral fragrance, Farnesiana is a harmonious blend of sweet floral notes with a rich, honeyed undertone. The fragrance opens with the fresh, fruity sweetness of blackcurrant, followed by the golden warmth of mimosa and almond, evoking the delicate nature of cassie flowers. As it settles, Farnesiana reveals a creamy base of vanilla and sandalwood, which adds depth and sensuality to the composition.

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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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, launched by Parfums Caron in 1922, evokes a sense of mystery, romance, and nostalgia, and the name itself is rich with evocative imagery. Translated from French, "Nuit de Noël" means "Christmas Night" (pronounced nwee duh no-el). The phrase conjures images of a magical winter evening, a silent, snow-dusted night illuminated by soft candlelight, perhaps in a grand home where families and friends gather to celebrate. The reference to Christmas night adds an air of festivity and intimacy, invoking feelings of warmth, indulgence, and celebration. It’s a name that suggests a special, sacred moment, one filled with opulence and comfort, but also a subtle, deeper mystery—a reflection of the perfume’s own complexities.

The perfume was launched during a time when society was emerging from the devastation of World War I, entering what would come to be known as the Roaring Twenties, a period defined by luxury, excess, and an air of liberation. In fashion, women were moving away from the restrictive garments of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, embracing the more boyish, sleek styles introduced by designers like Coco Chanel. The flapper look, with its short skirts and bobbed hair, epitomized a new sense of freedom and modernity. Yet, even as society advanced, the lingering influence of earlier aristocratic traditions, particularly around Christmas celebrations, still held sway. Nuit de Noël was not just a fragrance—it was an elegant escape, a way to channel both modernity and timeless, classic luxury. Women of the era would have been drawn to its sophistication and exoticism, choosing it to evoke the glamorous image of the chic, cosmopolitan woman who effortlessly balanced modernity and grace.

The scent of Nuit de Noël is as rich and complex as its name. As a floral-woody-amber oriental fragrance, it presents a full-bodied composition that combines the warmth of ambergris, the earthy richness of sandalwood, and the sensual musk of civet. The perfume opens with a sophisticated blend of floral notes, which is then anchored by deeper, woody undertones. The high percentage of sandalwood in the base gives it an unmistakably creamy and smooth texture, while the presence of 6-isobutyl quinoline adds a leathery, almost smoky edge. This particular molecule introduces an intriguing contrast to the perfume's otherwise soft and feminine aura. In the heart of the fragrance, the Mousse de Saxe accord plays a pivotal role. This accord is an innovative creation that blends geranium with the warmth of licorice (constructed using anise) and the deep, velvety feel of vanillin. Together, these notes create an intoxicating, exotic atmosphere, where the warmth of the base is contrasted with the green, earthy floral heart, giving the perfume an enduring, sensual presence.

Pour Un Femme de Caron c1949

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

Bellodgia c1927

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.

Aimez Moi c1996

Aimez-Moi: launched in 1996, in USA in 1998. The nose behind this fragrance is Dominique Ropion. It was directly inspired by the 1916 Caron fragrance N’Aimez Que Moi.