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.

1925 ad

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.

Lotus D'Or by Lentheric c1924

Launched in 1924, Lotus D'Or by Lentheric stands as a symbol of refined luxury and floral opulence, reflecting the aesthetic and cultural sensibilities of the early 20th century. The name "Lotus D'Or" is derived from the French language, with "Lotus" referring to the lotus flower, a symbol of purity and beauty, and "D'Or" meaning "of gold." Pronounced "lo tis door," the name evokes an image of a golden lotus, shimmering with elegance and grace. This imagery suggests a fragrance that is both precious and rare, offering a luxurious experience akin to the beauty of a lotus flower gilded in gold.

The word "Lotus D'Or" conjures emotions of serenity, sophistication, and timeless beauty. The lotus, revered in many cultures for its purity and resilience, growing pristine out of muddy waters, is paired with the idea of gold, a symbol of wealth and prestige. Together, these elements suggest a fragrance that embodies both natural beauty and luxurious refinement. It evokes visions of serene, golden-hued gardens, where the air is filled with the delicate scent of blooming flowers. This would be a scent that feels both uplifting and grounding, capturing the essence of a radiant, golden blossom in full bloom.

In terms of scent, "Lotus D'Or" would likely be interpreted as a fragrance that blends the freshness and purity of floral notes with a warm, rich undertone. The fragrance was described as "sweet and blossomy," with a "delicate, natural bouquet" that was both "gay and sophisticated." The combination of these descriptors suggests a perfume that was light and airy, yet deeply floral, with a complexity that hinted at the luxurious and golden quality implied by its name. The claim that the perfume was "composed of 112 floral fragrances" further emphasizes the richness and depth of this composition, making it a true celebration of nature's floral diversity.

Women of the 1920s, a time of significant cultural change and liberation, would have related to a perfume called "Lotus D'Or" as a statement of elegance and modernity. The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, was an era of newfound freedom, where women embraced more daring fashions and lifestyles. A perfume with a name that evoked both natural beauty and golden luxury would have appealed to the sophisticated, modern woman of the time, who sought to express her individuality and refined taste through her choice of fragrance.

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.