La Jacee by Coty c1925

 La Jacée, launched by François Coty in 1925, evokes an era of elegance and innovation in perfumery. The name "La Jacée" stems from the French word for the plant Centaurée jacée (knapweed or brownray knapweed), a wildflower native to Europe. Pronounced as lah zha-SAY (with a soft "zh" as in "measure"), the name carries a lyrical and delicate charm, perfectly aligning with the fragrance's character. The choice of this name reflects Coty’s affinity for nature and poetic expression, as well as his ability to craft scents that resonated with contemporary sensibilities.

The word "La Jacée" conjures visions of meadows bathed in sunlight, adorned with wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. Its connection to a natural and unassuming bloom evokes emotions of purity, innocence, and youthful vitality. The floral name aligns with the ideals of beauty and simplicity embraced by women in the 1920s, offering an escape into a romanticized pastoral setting.

The perfume emerged during the Roaring Twenties, a period of dramatic social and cultural change. Post-World War I optimism fueled an explosion of creativity in fashion, art, and design, often referred to as the Art Deco era. Women were embracing newfound freedoms—shorter hemlines, bobbed hair, and an overall rejection of the restrictive fashions of previous generations. This was also a time when perfumery was evolving, with fresh and modern compositions gaining popularity. La Jacée, described as "unobtrusive and subtle," reflected these trends, appealing to young women with its air of innocence and sophistication.

To women of the 1920s, La Jacée would have been a symbol of youth and a fresh start, mirroring the spirit of independence and reinvention that defined the decade. The Coty advertisement from 1927 underscores this allure, portraying the fragrance as embodying the enchanting mystery of youth and its awakening desires. Descriptors like "the perfume of innocence" and "piquant and pert as a daffodil" suggest a playful yet refined scent, one that harmonized with the era's preference for understated elegance.

La Jacée was classified as a fresh semi-oriental floral fragrance, a composition that balanced the airy sweetness of spring flowers with subtle exotic undertones. Its description as "delicate, alluring, and haunting" positions it as a lighter, more youthful counterpart to heavier perfumes of earlier decades. It was said to be directly inspired by Guerlain's Après L'Ondée (1906), a legendary fragrance celebrated for its wistful floral accord. However, La Jacée’s focus on freshness and innocence set it apart, making it unique yet aligned with the emerging trend of lighter, more accessible perfumes for women.

During the 1920s, perfumes often drew on romanticized notions of nature or exoticism, and La Jacée fit well within this narrative. Yet its emphasis on the "mystery of youth" and its understated elegance gave it a distinct identity. It captured the zeitgeist of a generation seeking beauty in simplicity, embodying a spirit of gentle rebellion against the ornate and overly complex perfumes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

La Jacée was more than a fragrance; it was an olfactory reflection of a transformative era. It celebrated the innocence and dreams of youth, resonating with women who sought a perfume that was as fresh, vibrant, and multifaceted as they were. François Coty’s vision of "La Jacée" remains a testament to his artistry and his ability to encapsulate an era's aspirations within a single, evocative name.

Fragrance Composition:

Notes at a glance:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as a fresh semi oriental floral fragrance for women. La Jacee was described as "unobtrusive and subtle, a fresh spring fragrance for young girls." It was directly inspired by Guerlain's Apres L'Ondee from 1906.

• Top notes: lavender, wisteria, thyme, hawthorn, aldehydes, heliotrope, neroli, bergamot
• Heart notes: rosemary, lilac, cassie, rose, jasmine, lily, orange blossom, violet, bouvardia
• Base notes: almond, incense, vetiver, Indian musk, orris, violet, Siamese benzoin, ambergris, Mexican vanilla

Scent Profile:

Close your eyes and imagine standing in a fragrant garden as the morning sun gently warms the air around you. As you take a deep breath, the first thing you notice is the sparkling freshness that dances in the breeze. Aldehydes mingle with the bright citrus of bergamot, creating a zesty, invigorating opening that immediately captures your attention.

As you continue to inhale, delicate floral whispers begin to emerge. The soft, powdery scent of heliotrope blends seamlessly with the sweet, citrusy notes of neroli, creating a sensation of pure elegance. Then, the enchanting aroma of lilac and rose fills your senses, followed by the intoxicating sweetness of jasmine and orange blossom. Each flower adds its own unique hue to the bouquet, creating a symphony of beauty that surrounds you.

But there's more to this fragrance than just flowers. As you explore further, you detect a subtle hint of incense, weaving its way through the floral tapestry. It adds a touch of mystery and depth, like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Vetiver lends its earthy warmth, grounding the composition and adding a subtle complexity.

And just when you think you've experienced it all, the base notes reveal themselves, like the final act of a captivating performance. Indian musk and amber wrap you in a cozy embrace, while the creamy richness of Mexican vanilla adds a touch of indulgence. Orris and violet add a powdery softness, like a delicate veil settling over your skin. And Siamese benzoin brings a subtle sweetness that lingers on the breeze, leaving you feeling utterly enchanted.

La Jacee by Coty is more than just a fragrance—it's a journey through a garden of dreams, where every scent tells a story and every note unfolds like a delicate flower in bloom.

La Jacee Cristal Parfum Bottles:

Imagine unwrapping a beautifully adorned box, the anticipation building as you lift the lid and catch the first glimpse of La Jacée. Picture holding in your hand a testament to timeless beauty and refined craftsmanship—the square-shaped crystal bottle of Jacee. Its frosted glass stopper, adorned with a delicate pattern of bramble branches and raised berries, reminiscent of Lalique's intricate designs, captivates the eye with its exquisite detailing. However, despite popular belief, this masterpiece was not crafted by Lalique, but rather by Coty's own skilled artisans.

Measuring at a modest 2 inches square and standing elegantly at 2.25 inches tall, supported by four gracefully raised feet, this box-shaped bottle exudes an air of sophistication from every angle. Its base, intricately cut in a radiant pattern, reflects light in a mesmerizing dance, adding a touch of brilliance to its already enchanting design.

Since its debut in 1926, these bottles have been meticulously crafted at Coty's esteemed glassworks in Pantin, a testament to the brand's dedication to excellence and tradition. To authenticate its pedigree, each bottle bears the distinctive acid-etched inscription on its base: "CRISTAL - COTY," alongside Coty's revered maker's mark—a symbol of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship that ensures its place among the most coveted fragrances in the world. Trademarked in Canada in 1926 was "Cristal Coty and La Jacee perfumes and perfumery in general, face powder, Francois Coty, Suresnes - Paris (Seine), France."

Contained within this elegant flacon lies 2.50 ounces of parfum, encapsulating the essence of La Jacee's enduring fragrance. Nestled within, it's more than just a fragrance; it's a journey into the enchanting realm of youth and innocence. With each application, you're transported to a world where dreams are limitless and longings are just beginning to awaken. La Jacée embodies the mystery and magic of youth, with each delicate note weaving a tale of unexplored depths and unconquered surrender.

As you wear La Jacée, you embrace a sweet and brave defiance, boldly throwing off the shackles of sophistication to revel in the purity of innocence. It's a scent that speaks to the heart of youth, capturing the essence of carefree joy and boundless possibility.

And housed within its lovely "Indienne" styled presentation box, adorned with touches of gold and black, La Jacée becomes more than just a fragrance—it's a precious treasure, a symbol of the beauty and innocence that resides within us all. At just $15, it was an affordable indulgence that promises to enchant and delight, making every moment feel as precious as gold.

The 1927 ad above, translated from French reads: "Jacée, you have a very pretty name: who are you?...A very humble little flower, says the dictionary, a little flower of gardens or fields, and which resembles all kinds of other flowers...Jacée , dictionaries are liars. When we adorn ourselves with such a tender name, when we abandon ourselves to the embrace of this crystal box, and when we envelop ourselves in a sheath such as the one that I turn between my fingers, we are a very aristocratic little person, and, if you are perfume. Jacée, you owe yourself to Beauty alone. - Theophrastus."

A 1927 ad reads

"...a renaissance of unsophistication Parfum La Jacee irresistibly it creates as atmosphere of alluring pureness and naive simplicity. A lovely box in black of East Indian design.."

Another 1927 ad reads:

"Before even the earliest of Spring flowers show green tips, Coty introduces a charming odeur that is entirely new. It is called La Jacee. As pleasing a friendship or birthday gift as a man can bestow. Let us look now at Coty's bottle, ' La Jacee.' It sits squat and low."

 In 1927, the allure of La Jacee was celebrated in captivating advertisements that painted a vivid picture of its enchanting essence.

One advertisement describes La Jacee as heralding a "renaissance of unsophistication," inviting you to immerse yourself in its irresistible aura of alluring purity and naive simplicity. It promises to transport you to a realm of innocence and charm, where every note evokes a sense of timeless beauty. Housed within a lovely black box adorned with East Indian design, La Jacee becomes more than just a fragrance—it's a captivating experience that captivates the senses.

In another ad, Coty introduces La Jacee as a delightful odeur that heralds the arrival of spring long before the earliest flowers begin to bloom. It's described as a charming and entirely new fragrance, perfect for gifting on occasions of friendship or birthdays. The advertisement invites you to admire Coty's unique bottle design for La Jacee—a squat and low silhouette that exudes an understated elegance, symbolizing the essence of this enchanting fragrance.

Together, these advertisements capture the essence of La Jacee—a fragrance that transcends time and trends, inviting you to embrace the beauty of simplicity and the allure of innocence with every application.

Another bottle similar in design, but in a taller shape held cream. It stands 2 7/8" tall and 1 3/8" wide. These were also made at Coty's glassworks. 1-1/2" Square ~ 2-1/2" Tall

Briar Stopper Flacon:

1920s Eau de Toilette, bottle made by Coty's own glassworks, based on a Lalique design from 1911. 

 Photo by ebay seller woudstra2004.

Eau de Toilette Simple Flacon:

The bottle below is known as the "flacon simple," it held various Coty Eau de Toilettes. the bottle below stands 4 2/3" tall. 

 Photo by ebay seller tidewaterfinds

Louvre Flacon:

Product Line:

 La Jacee by Coty was not just a fragrance; it was a complete olfactory experience, available in various forms to suit every preference and occasion. Whether you preferred the concentrated richness of parfum or the lighter, refreshing touch of toilet water, La Jacee had something for everyone.

For those who enjoyed layering their fragrance for a more immersive experience, La Jacee was also offered as cream, powder, talc, and brilliantine—each product adding its own unique dimension to the scent, ensuring that you could envelop yourself in its alluring aroma from head to toe.

In 1928, a 2 oz bottle of La Jacee parfum could be yours for $15.00—a testament to its quality and craftsmanship, as well as its accessibility to those who sought a touch of luxury in their lives. Whether as a personal indulgence or a thoughtful gift, La Jacee allowed people to experience the essence of elegance and sophistication in a variety of delightful forms.

Fate of the Fragrance:

The discontinuation of La Jacee by Coty in 1945 likely reflects the challenging circumstances of the wartime era. During World War II, many luxury goods, including perfumes, faced supply shortages and restrictions due to the prioritization of resources for the war effort. Importation difficulties, scarcity of essential raw materials, and manufacturing limitations would have contributed to the decision to discontinue the fragrance.

In such times of hardship and austerity, luxury items like perfumes often took a backseat to more essential needs. As a result, Coty, like many other companies, may have found it impractical or unsustainable to continue producing La Jacee amidst the challenges of wartime logistics and economic constraints.

While La Jacee may have been discontinued, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who cherished its enchanting aroma—a reminder of a bygone era of elegance and sophistication, despite the challenges of wartime adversity.