Shanghai by Lentheric, launched in 1936, carries an intriguing history and cultural resonance. The fragrance originally debuted as Cœur de Paris in 1911, but its renaming to Shanghai in 1936 was a significant shift. The choice of "Shanghai" as the new name was likely inspired by the city's status as a vibrant and exotic metropolis, brimming with mystery, allure, and a cosmopolitan flair. The word "Shanghai" itself is derived from Chinese, meaning "upon the sea," and it evokes images of bustling ports, rich trade, and a gateway to the East. During the early 20th century, Shanghai was seen as a symbol of modernity, glamour, and exoticism, a city where East met West in a fusion of cultures, styles, and sensibilities.
The name "Shanghai" would have conjured up a sense of adventure, luxury, and the allure of the unknown. It would have appealed to women seeking a fragrance that embodied sophistication and a touch of the exotic. For a woman in the 1930s, wearing a perfume named Shanghai could have been a way to express her cosmopolitan tastes, her yearning for travel, or her desire to capture some of the mysterious elegance associated with the Far East.
In terms of scent, the word "Shanghai" might evoke a complex blend of rich, warm notes with an exotic twist—perhaps an oriental floral composition with hints of spices, woods, and opulent florals like jasmine or rose. Such a fragrance would capture the essence of the city: a mix of the traditional and the modern, the familiar and the foreign, creating an intoxicating experience that transports the wearer to a far-off land.
The time period in which Shanghai was launched, the mid-1930s, was a significant era for perfumery. This was a time when many women were looking for bold, distinctive scents that mirrored the changing social landscape. The world was in the midst of the Art Deco movement, characterized by luxury, glamour, and a fascination with the exotic. Fragrances of the time often reflected these trends, with oriental and floral notes becoming increasingly popular. Shanghai's blend of oriental and floral elements was in line with this trend, yet it still stood out for its evocative name and the cultural imagery it inspired.
In summary, Shanghai by Lentheric was more than just a fragrance; it was a statement. It resonated with the adventurous spirit of the era, offering women a scent that was as intriguing and multifaceted as the city it was named after. It captured the essence of a time when the world was rapidly changing, and women were beginning to explore new identities, dreams, and desires.
