A Bientot by Lentheric c1938

Launched in 1938, A Bientôt by Lentheric was a fragrance that carried a name both evocative and memorable. The phrase "A Bientôt," which translates from French to "See you soon," suggests a sentiment of farewell and anticipation, a promise of a future encounter. This choice of name subtly hints at a fragrance that is designed to leave a lingering impression, a scent that one would eagerly anticipate revisiting.

The name "A Bientôt" evokes images of elegance and sophistication, as well as a sense of temporary parting and the excitement of future reunions. It captures the essence of an encounter that is both memorable and fleeting, suggesting that the fragrance itself is something to be cherished and looked forward to. The emotions tied to this name are those of nostalgia and longing, wrapped in the allure of a fragrance that promises to leave a lasting mark.

In terms of scent, A Bientôt translates this evocative name into a complex olfactory experience. The perfume opens with a strong, cool lemony eau de cologne top note that is both refreshing and invigorating, providing a burst of citrus that is immediately striking. This vibrant opening transitions into a rich, heady floral heart, where the interplay of tobacco leaves with floral notes creates a distinctive and sophisticated character. The fragrance then settles into a dry, animalic base of tobacco leaf, which imparts a sense of depth and warmth, grounding the scent in a robust, sensual finish.

The late 1930s were a period of transition in the fragrance world, as the industry began to experiment with more diverse and innovative compositions. A Bientôt’s classification as a dry, floral tobacco fragrance for women was somewhat unconventional for its time, standing out with its bold blend of floral and tobacco elements. This scent reflects a trend towards more complex and daring fragrances, diverging from the more traditional and sweeter profiles that were common earlier in the decade. For women of the time, A Bientôt would have represented a sophisticated and modern choice, capturing the spirit of an era on the cusp of dramatic change in both fashion and fragrance.

Coeur de Paris by Lentheric c1911

Launched in 1911, Cœur de Paris by Lentheric stands as a fragrant homage to the city often called the heart of the world—Paris. The name, meaning "Heart of Paris" in French, was undoubtedly chosen to evoke the romance, sophistication, and timeless beauty that the city embodies. Paris, known for its rich culture, iconic landmarks, and the very essence of elegance, has long been the muse for artists, writers, and perfumers alike. Naming a fragrance Cœur de Paris was a deliberate choice to connect with the emotional and cultural resonance that Paris holds, particularly for women who dreamed of the city’s charm and allure.

The phrase "Cœur de Paris" conjures images of Parisian boulevards lined with chic boutiques, the Seine River flowing gently under historic bridges, and the grandeur of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. It suggests a deep emotional connection to the city, embodying the spirit of Paris as the epicenter of art, fashion, and romance. For women of the time, Cœur de Paris would have represented more than just a fragrance; it was an invitation to experience the very soul of Paris, even if they had never set foot there.

In scent, Cœur de Paris would be interpreted as a delicate and sophisticated floral bouquet—a reflection of Parisian gardens, vibrant with blossoms and the gentle breeze of the Seine. The fragrance likely captured the essence of freshly picked flowers, evoking the elegance of Parisian women and the refined tastes of the era. Women wearing Cœur de Paris would have felt a connection to the cosmopolitan life of the city, enveloping themselves in a scent that mirrored the grace and poise they admired.

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Miracle by Lentheric c1924

In 1924, Lentheric introduced a perfume that captured the imagination of its time: Miracle. The choice of the name "Miracle" was not random; it was deeply connected to a cultural event of the era. The perfume was named after The Miracle, a play produced by the renowned director Max Reinhardt, which starred the actress Diana Manners. 

Lentheric strategically launched the fragrance to coincide with the U.S. premiere of this elaborate pantomime at the Century Theatre in New York City on January 15, 1924. The back of the program for the play featured a full-page advertisement for the perfume, showcasing the strong link between the scent and the theatrical experience. The play itself was a collaborative masterpiece, with a program by Karl Vollmoeller, a score by Engelbert Humperdinck, and striking designs by Norman Bel Geddes, including two full-page illustrations of costumes rendered in ink and watercolor.

The word "Miracle," derived from the Latin "miraculum," meaning "wonder" or "marvel," evokes images of awe, the supernatural, and the extraordinary. It brings to mind feelings of reverence and amazement, as if something divine has touched the mundane world. In the context of scent, "Miracle" would suggest a fragrance that transcends the ordinary, a composition that feels almost otherworldly in its beauty and complexity. For the women of the 1920s, a perfume named "Miracle" would have resonated deeply, offering them a sense of enchantment and escape from everyday life. The allure of such a name would be powerful, promising not just a fragrance but an experience that could transform and uplift.

Parfum Ambre Mousse by Lentheric c1911

Parfum Ambre Mousse by Lentheric, launched in 1911 and introduced to the U.S. market by 1916, represents a fascinating blend of natural elements and refined elegance, emblematic of the period. The name "Ambre Mousse" is derived from French, with "Ambre" meaning amber and "Mousse" translating to moss. Pronounced "Ahmbr Mooss," the name evokes a sense of rich, earthy luxury, suggesting a fragrance rooted in nature yet elevated by the mystique of ambergris, a highly valued perfume ingredient of the time.

The term "Ambre Mousse" conjures images of deep forests, where the ground is carpeted with soft, green moss, and the air is infused with the warm, resinous scent of amber. This combination of ambergris and oakmoss would have been interpreted as a sophisticated and slightly mysterious scent, blending the warmth and depth of amber with the earthy, grounding notes of moss. The word itself, "Ambre Mousse," suggests a fragrance that is both natural and luxurious, appealing to a woman's desire for something unique yet timeless.

During the early 20th century, women were increasingly seeking fragrances that reflected their individuality and modernity. The era was marked by a fascination with exoticism and a growing interest in nature-inspired scents. Parfum Ambre Mousse was unique for its time, as it combined the rare and precious ambergris with the evocative scent of oakmoss, offering a departure from the more floral and powdery perfumes that were common in the market. It would have been perceived as a bold choice, appealing to women who were confident, adventurous, and in tune with the natural world.