Shanghai by Lentheric c1936

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.

Dark Brilliance by Lentheric c1946

Dark Brilliance, introduced by Lentheric in 1946, is a fragrance that encapsulates a sense of enigmatic allure and understated elegance. The name, which translates directly from English as "Dark Brilliance," conjures images of a luminous yet shadowy opulence. This evocative title suggests a perfume that embodies both mystery and sophistication, merging the concepts of darkness and light to create a scent that is both compelling and complex.

The term "Dark Brilliance" evokes a rich tapestry of imagery—perhaps a midnight sky strewn with stars or the soft glow of candlelight in an intimate, velvety setting. The juxtaposition of "dark" and "brilliance" suggests a fragrance that is both deep and radiant, offering a sensuous, multi-faceted experience. This contrast speaks to an allure that is as much about subtlety and depth as it is about boldness and impact.

In terms of scent, Dark Brilliance can be interpreted as a complex, enveloping fragrance with a warm, animalic base. Its composition features a heavy, sweet floral presence, with acacia prominently leading the bouquet. This sweetness is underpinned by a rich, ambery base that adds depth and warmth. The perfume's spicy and animalic undertones enhance its opulent character, creating a scent that feels both luxurious and intense.

Released shortly after World War II, Dark Brilliance emerged in a time when society was embracing a sense of renewal and sophistication. The late 1940s were marked by a fascination with glamour and elegance, and the fragrance market was ripe with creations that reflected this post-war exuberance. Dark Brilliance stood out with its bold, distinctive character, differentiating itself from the more restrained or purely floral fragrances of the era. Its heavy, sweet floral notes combined with a warm, spicy base made it a unique choice for women seeking a fragrance that was both exotic and deeply resonant. The perfume's opulent nature aligned with the era's burgeoning interest in luxurious and expressive scents, making it a memorable part of the fragrance landscape of the time.

Risqué Tout by Lentheric c1935

Risqué Tout by Lentheric: launched in 1935. The name means "Risk Everything!" in French. The perfume was marketed as "Tweed" in the USA. Risque Tout was the name used in Europe, Central and South America.

Lentheric Boursette Evening Bag c1936

Pampa Daily News, 1936:

"Lentheric's Evening Bag elegance. LENTHERIC has created "Boursette"—a dainty wisp of a bag to accompany you on festive occasions. Metallic threads weave a leafy tracery over a background of either white or black brocade. Fitted with double streamline vanity, matching lipstick, and petit flacon of perfume. Also comb and mirror. Complete — $10."

Harper's Bazaar - Volume 71, 1937:

 "Boursette". Envelope evening bag, in White or Black Lame, fitted with parfum Tweed, single Streamline Vanity and matching Lipstick $12.50."

Gay Gift Perfume Presentation c1944

Gay Gift was a perfume presentation from 1944. These were packaged in a tiny pale blue shadow-box, displaying a boutonniere that can be detached and worn on lapel is the Christmas gift item Lentheric featured for three miniature bottles of its leading perfumes, "Tweed," "A Beintot" and "Confetti."

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.

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.