Confetti by Lentheric c1940

In 1940, Lentheric introduced a fragrance that carried a playful and celebratory name: "Confetti." The choice of this name was both evocative and strategic, capturing a sense of festivity and joy. "Confetti," derived from the Italian word for "confectionery" and commonly associated with small pieces of paper thrown during celebrations, suggests a sense of lightheartedness and whimsy. In the context of fragrance, the name "Confetti" conjures images of lively celebrations and joyous moments, a fitting reflection of the era's yearning for escapism and merriment during the tumultuous times of World War II.

The fragrance itself was characterized as a light, somewhat dry oriental chypre, which was a notable trend of the time. The chypre structure, known for its rich, complex base of moss, oak, and patchouli, was softened in "Confetti" with a more delicate touch. The perfume opens with a subtle freshness, leading to a dry, woody-mossy-leafy balsamic base that evokes a sophisticated, yet approachable, warmth. This blend creates an impression of understated elegance, aligning with the era's preference for fragrances that were both refined and evocative.

Women of the 1940s, navigating a world still shadowed by war, would have found "Confetti" to be a light and uplifting choice amidst more intense and heavy scents. Its resemblance to Helena Rubinstein’s "Heaven Sent," though weaker and less lasting, made it a suitable option for those seeking a hint of exotic allure without overwhelming their senses. The lighter, airy quality of "Confetti" offered a refreshing contrast to the richer, more opulent perfumes of the time, reflecting a shift towards more accessible and versatile fragrances that could lift the spirit during challenging times.

Overall, "Confetti" fit within the broader trends of the 1940s by offering a chic, yet light alternative to the dominant fragrances of the period. Its name and scent together crafted an image of celebratory elegance, making it a unique, yet fitting addition to the perfume market of its era.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as a light, but somewhat dry oriental chypre perfume with a woody-mossy-leafy balsamic base. Similar to Heaven Sent by Helena Rubinstein but weaker, lighter, and less lasting.

• Top notes: neroli, citrus, orange, bergamot, orange blossom, aldehydes, lavender
• Middle notes: carnation, orris, geranium, patchouli, frankincense, labdanum, heliotrope, rose, jasmine
• Base notes: benzoin, oakmoss, sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla, tonka, tolu, musk, vetiver and civet

Scent Profile:

Confetti unfolds with an intriguing interplay of freshness and depth, beginning with its top notes that introduce a delicate, sparkling brilliance. The fragrance opens with neroli, which envelopes you in a sweet, honeyed floral aroma that is both uplifting and soothing. This is accompanied by the zesty vibrancy of citrus and orange, which inject a bright, tangy burst that invigorates the senses. 

The bergamot adds a touch of sophistication with its crisp, slightly bitter edge, while orange blossom introduces a soft, creamy floral sweetness, creating a seamless blend of freshness and warmth. Aldehydes contribute a distinctive sparkling quality, lending an airy, effervescent character to the fragrance. Lavender offers a clean, herbaceous note that balances the sweetness of the citrus and floral elements, providing a hint of aromatic green.

As Confetti evolves, the heart notes reveal a rich, complex bouquet. Carnation brings a spicy, clove-like warmth that adds depth and intrigue. Orris root contributes a velvety, powdery softness, enhancing the fragrance's luxurious texture. The green, slightly rosy note of geranium complements the floral richness, while patchouli introduces an earthy, woody nuance that begins to foreshadow the base.

Frankincense adds a smoky, resinous edge, mingling with the labdanum to offer a rich, balsamic sweetness. Heliotrope introduces a subtle, almond-like creaminess that rounds out the floral heart, while rose and jasmine blend their opulent floral notes, infusing the fragrance with an elegant, intoxicating bouquet.

In the base, Confetti settles into a warm, resonant finish. Benzoin imparts a rich, balsamic sweetness that melds beautifully with the earthy, mossy aroma of oakmoss. Sandalwood contributes a creamy, woody depth that anchors the fragrance, while ambergris adds a hint of marine warmth and complexity.

Vanilla and tonka bean provide a touch of sweet, comforting richness, balancing the fragrance with their smooth, creamy tones. Tolu resin adds a smoky, slightly spicy nuance, complementing the musk that contributes a sensual, animalic depth. Vetiver offers a green, earthy quality, enhancing the overall complexity, while civet adds a subtle, warm, animalic facet, rounding out the fragrance with an intriguing, sophisticated finish.

Together, these ingredients create a perfume that is light yet layered, combining bright, fresh top notes with a rich, dry chypre base. The result is a fragrance that captures both the elegance and complexity of the oriental chypre genre, offering a sophisticated and captivating olfactory experience.

 

Bottles:

Confetti was presented in several different bottles thru the years, here are some of the most common.

Clear crystal bottle molded with ribbing down the edges and has prominent shoulders, glass overcap with very short attached dauber. Gold foil labels. Stands 4" tall. The bottle reminds me of ram's horns.

 Confetti Petticoat Parfum Flacon:

A columnar bottle made up of clear crystal, with a row of ruffled glass winding around the bottle and fitted with a cute bow shaped stopper. Silver foil label wrapped around bottle, following the shape of the glass ruffle.  The bottle was housed in a feminine presentation box covered with white and shades of gray paper featuring three bright lacquered 3 dimensional bows and gold and silver sequins. The box itself is a unique three lobed clover shape. I believe the bottle may have been made by Verreries Brosse.

The bottle held parfum in four sizes. 

• 2 oz bottle stands approx 4 7/8" tall.
• 1 oz bottle stands approx 5" tall.
• 1/2 oz bottle stands 3.25" tall. 
• The mini has a round ball screw cap and stands just 1 3/4" tall and I believe it holds just 1/8 oz. 

Druggists Circular, Volume 84, 1940:

"CONFETTI Perfume a new product of Lentheric, Inc., of New York, N. Y. It is presented in a cylindrical flacon with petticoat ruffles of glass."

Drug and Cosmetic Industry, 1940:

"CONFETTI: Harbinger of Spring perfumes is Lentheric's "Confetti," a gala fragrance — festive, frivolous, light, carefree! This is a feminine presentation with three bright lacquered bows on the box which is clover shaped in shaded gray tones, with gold and silver sequins spangling the box. The flacon is tall and cylindrical with a glass bow on top  and a petticoat ruffle fashioned of glass that flirts along the curve of the flacon. Confetti is presented in the same size and price range as Shanghai and A Bientot."

Dance, 1940:

"Patricia Bowman, prima ballerina, selects Lentheric's Confetti as her new spring perfume — a scent of carnival mood — as gay as the bright little dots of color that inspired it."

 Drug and Cosmetic Catalog, 1941:

"Lentheric's Confetti perfume is a feminine presentation with three bright lacquered bows on the box which is clover shaped."

Frosted Stopper Parfum Flacon:

Art Deco square bottle, molded with three thick vertical ribs, with frosted three step stopper. Holds parfum and stands 2.5" tall. This bottle held other Lentheric perfumes.

Bouquet Lentheric:


Bouquet Lentheric aux parfum Confetti was presented in a clear glass, long necked cylindrical bottle molded with indented hobnails and ruffles winding around its belly. The glass stopper is molded in the shape of a bow. It came in various sizes from 4 oz to 8 oz. The 4 oz flacon stood 6 3/4" tall and the 8 oz flacon stood 7 1/2" tall. The bases will be molded with "Lentheric" and the ounce size.

This is the standard Bouquet Lentheric bottle with the fluted sides and screw cap. Older bottles will be marked Bouquet Lentheric aux parfum Confetti, the later bottles just say Bouquet Lentheric Confetti.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Confetti by Lentheric, an evocative fragrance of the 1940s, eventually faced discontinuation, though the exact date remains elusive. The perfume, celebrated for its light yet complex composition, captured the imagination of its era with its sophisticated blend of fresh citrus and warm, woody notes. Its graceful presence in the market extended well into the late 1970s, demonstrating its enduring appeal and the timeless quality of its formulation.

Despite its eventual withdrawal from the fragrance scene, Confetti's popularity during its run highlights its significance within the perfume landscape. The perfume's delicate balance of bright top notes, rich floral heart, and deep, resonant base created a scent that was both elegantly understated and intriguingly complex. Its continued availability in 1978 reflects its lasting charm and the affection it held among enthusiasts, even as the fragrance world evolved with new trends and innovations.

The discontinuation of Confetti marks the end of an era for a fragrance that had once been a subtle beacon of sophistication and refinement. Its legacy endures in the memories of those who cherished its distinctive character and in the collectors who seek out its elusive bottles, preserving a piece of perfume history that captured the essence of its time.