Launched in 1926, Lentheric's "Asphodele" is a fragrance that carries deep cultural and mythological significance, carefully chosen to evoke a sense of timeless elegance and memory. The name "Asphodele" refers to the asphodel, a species of daffodil (narcissus) that thrives around the Mediterranean, as well as on the coasts of Brittany and Galicia. In ancient times, these flowers were often associated with the afterlife, believed to bloom in the meadows of Hades where souls rested. The word "Asphodele" itself is of Greek origin, pronounced "As Fo Del," and it conjures images of serene landscapes filled with soft, ethereal blooms, gently swaying in the breeze.
The choice of the name "Asphodele" for this perfume was likely influenced by its connection to both beauty and the eternal, invoking a sense of delicate melancholy. The asphodel was traditionally used to adorn the graves of the deceased, symbolizing the remembrance of those who had passed. This association would have resonated deeply with the women of the 1920s, a time when the world was still recovering from the scars of World War I. The imagery of the asphodel, coupled with its mythological roots, would evoke a sense of introspective beauty, mingled with the sweetness of life and the inevitability of death.
In terms of scent, "Asphodele" would have been interpreted as a fragrance that balances lightness with depth. Its composition, a light, sweet gardenia-based fruity floral perfume with subtle green notes on a musky base, would mirror the delicate yet enduring nature of the asphodel flower. The floral and fruity elements would evoke the freshness and purity of the blooms, while the musky undertones would hint at something more profound and lasting, much like the asphodel’s connection to the afterlife.
Women of the 1920s, a period marked by both modernity and reflection, would likely have seen "Asphodele" as a fragrance of quiet sophistication. It would appeal to those who sought a perfume that was not just a scent, but a statement—a reflection of the times, when the world was grappling with the aftermath of war and the rapid changes in society. "Asphodele" would stand out in an era where many fragrances leaned towards the bold and the opulent. Its light, gardenia-centered profile would offer a softer, more introspective alternative, appealing to women who appreciated subtlety and depth in their personal expression.
