Elan by Coty c1968

In 1968, a pivotal year in the history of women’s empowerment, Coty introduced Élan, a fragrance that reflected the dynamic and progressive spirit of the time. After seven years of meticulous development, Élan emerged as a masterpiece of perfumery, designed to honor the evolving role of women in society. It was more than just a perfume—it was a celebration of confidence, vitality, and grace, mirroring the cultural and social revolutions of the late 1960s.

The name Élan is derived from French, where it signifies enthusiasm, energy, and a spirited confidence. Pronounced ay-lahn (with a soft "n"), the word evokes images of elegance, dynamism, and momentum. It captures the essence of vitality, a quality that Coty sought to embody in the fragrance. The choice of this name was deliberate, reflecting the empowered and forward-moving nature of women during this transformative era.

The late 1960s were a time of profound cultural change, often described as the height of the women’s liberation movement. Women were challenging societal norms, entering the workforce in greater numbers, and asserting their rights for equality and autonomy. This was also the era of the counterculture movement, marked by protests, artistic experimentation, and a questioning of traditional values.

Fashion and beauty trends of the time mirrored this spirit of liberation. Women embraced bold, expressive styles, from miniskirts and go-go boots to natural hairstyles and minimalist makeup. A perfume like Élan would have appealed to women who sought to express their individuality and confidence. It resonated as a statement of sophistication and empowerment, aligning with the aspirations of the modern woman.

As a floral chypre, Élan offered a complex and sophisticated scent profile. Chypre fragrances are known for their unique balance of citrus, floral, and woody or mossy notes, creating a harmonious yet bold character. The floral elements lent it a feminine allure, while the chypre base gave it a grounded, enduring quality—an olfactory metaphor for the strength and poise of the women it celebrated.

In the context of the 1960s fragrance market, Élan stood out for its nuanced sophistication. While many perfumes of the time leaned into either overt femininity or fresh simplicity, Élan struck a balance, offering a scent that was both refined and dynamic. This duality made it a fitting representation of the era’s evolving definition of femininity.

Élan by Coty transcended its role as a fragrance to become a cultural touchstone. It captured the essence of the late 1960s—an era of transformation, vitality, and empowerment—and translated it into an enduring symbol of style and confidence. For women of the time, Élan was more than just a scent; it was an affirmation of their place in a changing world. Today, it remains a reminder of a moment when elegance and progress came together in perfect harmony.

Fragrance Composition:

Notes at a glance:

So what did it smell like? It is described as a floral chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, green notes
• Middle notes: lily of the valley, carnation, jasmine, rose attar, orris, gardenia, violet
• Base notes: Madagascar vanilla, mahogany, oakmoss, cedar, Ethiopian civet, labdanum, patchouli, Venezuelan tonka bean, Ceylon sandalwood, ambergris, Indian musk

Scent Profile:

Upon first encountering Élan, the sparkling effervescence of aldehydes greets you like sunlight on a crisp morning. Their airy, slightly metallic quality creates a bright and radiant opening, immediately uplifting the senses. The zest of bergamot weaves through this effervescence, its citrusy sharpness tinged with a soft bitterness that invigorates. Green notes add a dewy freshness, evoking the scent of newly unfurled leaves, grounding the brightness with a natural, verdant touch.

As the initial sparkle fades, the heart of Élan blooms in an exquisite bouquet. Lily of the valley emerges first, delicate and watery, with a purity that feels almost angelic. The spicy warmth of carnation follows, its clove-like nuances lending a soft vibrancy. Jasmine unfurls its creamy petals next, rich and indolic, exuding an intoxicating, heady sweetness. The lush depth of rose attar provides a velvety richness, intertwining with the earthy, powdery elegance of orris root. Gardenia adds a creamy, slightly waxy floralcy, while violet offers a whisper of sweetness, reminiscent of sugared petals, completing this lush floral tapestry.

As the florals fade, the base notes reveal Élan’s soulful depth. A creamy swirl of Madagascar vanilla sets a sensual tone, its warmth mingling with the sweet, nutty facets of Venezuelan tonka bean. Ceylon sandalwood contributes its soft, buttery richness, while mahogany and cedar lend a smooth, polished woodiness. Oakmoss wraps the composition in a velvety, green earthiness, balancing the sweetness with its slightly bitter, mossy aroma.

Exotic and rare elements heighten the intrigue of Élan’s dry-down. Ethiopian civet imparts a subtle animalic undertone, adding an alluring depth that lingers. Labdanum, with its resinous, leathery warmth, melds with the ethereal, oceanic essence of ambergris, creating a magnetic aura. Finally, Indian musk envelopes everything in its soft, velvety embrace, rounding out the scent with a whisper of sensuality.

The result is an olfactory masterpiece that evolves beautifully, from sparkling brightness to a lush, floral heart and a warm, sophisticated base. Each note plays its part, creating a fragrance that is as complex, dynamic, and timeless as the women it was designed to celebrate.

Ebony, 1971:

"COTY. It would take the average man a thousand days and nights to describe the woman he loves. Coty has done it in one fluid ounce. Elan perfume."

 

Bottle:

When introduced, Elan by Coty epitomized elegance with its exquisite packaging designed by the renowned Dominick Sariga. The perfume was housed in a striking combination of clear and frosted glass, encased in a sleek bottle with a plastic cap. The sophisticated simplicity of the design reflected the refined sensibilities of the era.

Adding to its allure, the packaging was accentuated with boxes and cartons adorned in a regal shade of blue, presenting a visual harmony that elevated the entire experience of owning and using Elan.

For those seeking an extra touch of glamour, in 1971, the line also featured a luxurious tortoise shell-style spray option, providing a lavish alternative for those who desired a statement piece to adorn their vanity.

With its attention to detail and commitment to elegance in both scent and presentation, Elan by Coty embodied the essence of sophistication, making it a timeless treasure for discerning women everywhere.

Product Line:

Back in 1974, when Elan by Coty was making waves in the fragrance world, its original prices were a testament to its accessibility and allure.

For those seeking a luxurious dusting experience, the 4 oz Dusting Powder was a steal at $3.50. This delicately scented powder promised a touch of elegance and refinement, perfect for the modern woman on the go.

The Parfum de Toilette, available in a sleek 1.5 oz bottle, also retailed at $3.50, offering a more concentrated fragrance experience without breaking the bank.

For those who wanted to indulge in the pure essence of Elan, the Perfume came in two sizes: 0.25 oz for $10.00 and 0.5 oz for $17.50. These tiny vials packed a punch, allowing wearers to envelop themselves in the intoxicating scent of Elan throughout the day.

The Spray Mist, offered in a convenient 1.4 oz bottle, was another budget-friendly option at $3.50, providing a refreshing burst of fragrance whenever and wherever it was needed.

And for a touch of luxury after a relaxing bath, the Talc, available in a generous 3.7 oz container, was priced at just $2.00, making it an affordable indulgence for anyone wanting to add a hint of Elan's scent to their daily routine.

With its range of products at such accessible prices, Elan by Coty ensured that women of all walks of life could embrace the essence of femininity, empowerment, and elegance that it represented.

Fate of the Fragrance:

While the exact date of its discontinuation remains a mystery, the legacy of Elan by Coty lives on through the vintage bottles that still grace online marketplaces. Though no longer readily available on store shelves, these relics of a bygone era continue to captivate fragrance enthusiasts and collectors alike, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the glamour and elegance of yesteryear.

For those fortunate enough to acquire a vintage bottle of Elan, it's not just a fragrance—it's a piece of history, a tangible reminder of an era defined by its spirit of liberation and empowerment. Each bottle tells a story, evoking memories of a time when feminism, hippies, and women's liberation were at the forefront of societal consciousness.

As these rare treasures find new homes in the hands of appreciative connoisseurs, they serve as a testament to the enduring allure and timeless appeal of Elan by Coty, ensuring that its legacy will continue to enchant and inspire for generations to come.