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.

Asphodele by Lentheric c1926

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.