Meteor by Coty c1949

The launch of Meteor by Coty in 1949, followed by its introduction in the USA by 1951, occurred during a time of significant global tension and scientific advancement.

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the world was still reeling from the aftermath of World War II, which had ended just a few years prior. During this period, the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union intensified, leading to a race for supremacy in various fields, including space exploration and nuclear technology.

Space exploration was gaining traction as both the United States and the Soviet Union competed to achieve milestones in this frontier. In 1949, the Soviet Union successfully tested its first atomic bomb, escalating fears of nuclear warfare and prompting the United States to accelerate its own nuclear program. This period marked the beginning of the arms race, with both superpowers developing increasingly powerful and sophisticated nuclear weapons.

Against this backdrop of scientific progress and geopolitical tension, Meteor by Coty emerged as a fragrance embodying the spirit of the era. Its name, "Meteor," evokes images of celestial bodies hurtling through space, reflecting the fascination with space exploration prevalent at the time. The fragrance likely captured the imagination of consumers, offering them a scent that symbolized the excitement and uncertainty of the atomic age.

Moreover, the launch of Meteor by Coty in both France and the USA during this period underscores the international reach and influence of the fragrance industry, even amidst the political and technological upheavals of the time. Despite the tensions of the Cold War, cultural exchanges continued to occur, with products like Meteor crossing national boundaries and contributing to the global dissemination of trends and ideas.

Fragrance Composition:

Notes at a glance:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as an aldehydic floral fragrance for women. Jasmine, tuberose and rose are deepened with musk and civet for this perfume.  

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, daffodil
• Middle notes: Grasse jasmine, tuberose, Grasse rose, gardenia
• Base notes: castoreum, Mexican vanilla, Tibetan civet, Indian musk, oakmoss, ambergris, labdanum

Scent Profile:

As you inhale the scent of Meteor by Coty, imagine yourself transported to the exhilarating era of space exploration in the 1940s and 1950s, where every whiff encapsulates the essence of discovery and innovation.

The top notes of aldehydes, bergamot, and daffodil greet your senses like the sparkling stars in the vast expanse of space. Aldehydes, reminiscent of the clean, crisp air of high altitudes, evoke the feeling of weightlessness, mirroring the astronauts' experiences as they ventured beyond Earth's atmosphere. Bergamot adds a touch of citrusy brightness, akin to the brilliant sun that illuminates the cosmos, while daffodil infuses a floral freshness that hints at the delicate beauty of celestial bodies.

As you delve deeper into the fragrance, the middle notes of jasmine, tuberose, rose, and gardenia unfurl like exotic blooms flourishing amidst the darkness of outer space. Grasse jasmine, with its heady aroma, evokes the intoxicating allure of distant galaxies, while narcotic tuberose and Grasse rose exude a velvety richness reminiscent of the mysterious allure of undiscovered planets. Gardenia adds a creamy sweetness, akin to the cosmic dust that swirls in the universe, carrying with it the secrets of celestial origins.

Finally, the base notes anchor the fragrance with a sense of earthly grounding, yet with an otherworldly twist. Castoreum and Tibetan civet lend an animalic depth, reminiscent of the primal instincts driving humanity's quest for exploration and conquest. Indian musk adds a sensual warmth, like the lingering embrace of a distant star, while Mexican vanilla infuses a comforting sweetness that whispers of the comforts of home amidst the vast unknown. Oakmoss, ambergris, and labdanum provide an earthy richness, reminiscent of the rugged terrain of uncharted planets, where adventure and danger intertwine.

In each inhale, Meteor by Coty transports you on a cosmic journey through the heavens, where the scents of distant worlds mingle with the familiar comforts of home, capturing the spirit of exploration and discovery that defined the space age of the 1940s and 1950s.

What Others Had To Say:

Femme, 1950:

"If you are a fan of Coty perfumes, you will find their quintessence, with something new, in Météor, a light, sparkling fragrance that sounds like a fanfare. When you smell it, you might lift up a big spray of jasmine or you might have plucked three roses and two tuberoses. This fresh floral note is supported and fixed by musk, amber, civet, vanilla which firmly bind the composition without ever altering it or even imposing itself. Météor is a real luxury perfume, one of the most expensive offered to feminine refinement."

A 1951 ad reads:

"Meteor, the new Coty scent direct from Paris"

A 1951 ad reads:

"Out of the heavens to you. Meteor, the new fragrance by Coty. imported from France. Meteor - a spectacular new scent."

Cue, 1951:

"Coty's Meteor, sparkling and new, was inspired by the flashing beauty of a shooting star. After you've worn it for a while, notice how this spectacular blend changes to a subtle floral tone. From $3.85."

Motion Picture, 1951:

"Exciting news— especially for holiday giving— is a brand-new perfume from Coty. Meteor, its name: its scent, a spectacular and subtle blend of florals."

Combat, 1952:

"Being of the times is not just a quality that we demand of men or...women. It also applies to everything that is essential to our lives, and even more so to things of elegance. By creating its new perfume "Météor", Coty wanted to adapt to what he calls the "neo-romanticism" of our time, a climate made up of a mixture of violence and meditation, of regrets for a deceased past. and appetite for the future. “Météor,” very stylized, is a synthesis of jasmine, rose and tuberose stimulated by the presence of amber, musk, civet and vanilla. This is exactly today's fragrance, tender, heady, with a little hint of disturbing acidity which gives it all its mystery."

Combat, 1953:

"Meteor de Coty - Amber and castoreum develop the aromas of a heady bouquet where you can recognize jasmine, rose, tuberose, daffodil and gardenia. If I had to find a musical match for this fragrance, I would choose Debussy's second nocturne, the one called "Fêtes". The theme comes and goes, sometimes undecided, sometimes sneakily present, sometimes fleeing on the wing of the wind, sometimes close and haunting. Thus this elusive perfume, but which makes its nest in the subconscious."

A 1954 ad reads:

"Coty's Meteor eau de toilette. $2.50 regularly $6.75, famous long lasting Meteor eau de toilette, subtle, feminine, sophisticated."

A 1956 ad reads:

"Famous Meteor made packaged and sealed in France. Very long lasting, modern blend."

In the early 1950s, Coty introduced a fragrance that captivated the senses and epitomized elegance: Meteor. Described as the quintessence of Coty perfumes, Meteor was hailed for its light, sparkling allure, reminiscent of a fanfare of jasmine and roses delicately interwoven with tuberoses. This fresh floral composition was anchored by musk, amber, civet, and vanilla, creating a luxurious scent that never imposed itself but rather enveloped the wearer in a subtle yet captivating aura of femininity. Indeed, Meteor was celebrated as one of the most opulent and expensive perfumes, a true indulgence for those seeking refinement and sophistication.

Advertisements from the period touted Meteor as a spectacular new fragrance imported directly from Paris, drawing parallels to the flashing beauty of a shooting star and highlighting its transformation from an initial burst of excitement to a more subtle floral tone. Coty's creation of Meteor was not just about crafting a scent but about capturing the essence of the times — a blend of neo-romanticism characterized by a mixture of intensity and contemplation, a longing for the past, and a hunger for the future. This synthesis of jasmine, rose, and tuberose, enriched by amber, musk, civet, and vanilla, embodied the tender yet heady fragrance of the era, imbued with a mysterious acidity that lent it an air of intrigue.

As the years passed, Meteor continued to enchant consumers with its enduring appeal. Advertisements in subsequent years emphasized its longevity, sophistication, and modernity, positioning it as a timeless classic that remained relevant in an ever-evolving world. With each spritz of Meteor, wearers were transported to a realm of elegance and refinement, where the allure of the cosmos merged seamlessly with the timeless beauty of floral fragrances, leaving an indelible mark on the olfactory landscape of the era.

 

Product Lines:

Meteor by Coty was not merely a fragrance but a multi-faceted experience, available in various forms to suit the preferences of discerning consumers. Beyond its traditional parfum and eau de toilette formulations, Meteor extended its allure through innovative offerings such as sachets and the "Disque D'Or Vanity" Compact.

For those seeking the purest expression of its opulent scent, Meteor was available in parfum form, delivering a concentrated burst of fragrance that lingered luxuriously on the skin. The eau de toilette version provided a lighter, more refreshing option, perfect for everyday wear or casual occasions.

To infuse personal spaces with its enchanting aroma, Meteor was also offered in sachets, allowing users to adorn their closets, drawers, or linens with the delicate essence of jasmine, rose, and tuberose, enriched by musk, amber, civet, and vanilla.

For the epitome of sophistication and convenience, the Disque D'Or Vanity Compact presented Meteor in a glamorous and portable format, ideal for on-the-go touch-ups or as a statement accessory for any dressing table. This compact not only housed the fragrance but also elevated it to a coveted objet d'art, reflecting the elegance and refinement synonymous with the Meteor experience.

In offering Meteor in such diverse and innovative formats, Coty ensured that this iconic fragrance could accompany discerning individuals throughout their daily lives, whether as a personal indulgence, a luxurious addition to their living spaces, or a stylish accessory that spoke to their refined taste.

Bottles:

When Meteor by Coty made its debut, it arrived in packaging as unique and captivating as the fragrance itself. The bottle, with its distinctive tapered design, featured abstract nautilus shell motifs along the base, adding an air of elegance and mystery. The deluxe parfum version boasted a ground glass stopper, further enhancing its luxurious appeal, while the smaller bottles sported practical plastic caps.

The packaging mirrored the sophistication of the fragrance, with embossed paper adorned in gold swirls and dotted motifs against a soft peach backdrop, evoking a sense of opulence and refinement. The deluxe parfum bottle was presented in a special arrangement, nestled within a recess on a colorless lucite base covered in pleated satin of a serene blue hue. This delicate ensemble was then shielded by a corrugated lucite cover, designed to preserve the satin from dust and maintain its pristine allure.

However, like all things in fashion and design, this distinctive packaging style eventually gave way to new trends and preferences. By 1956, Coty discontinued this particular packaging approach, marking the end of an era for Meteor's iconic presentation. Yet, the fragrance itself continued to captivate and enchant, leaving an indelible imprint on the olfactory landscape of its time.

Fate of the Fragrance:

While Meteor by Coty left an indelible mark on the fragrance world during its time, its availability waned over the years, ultimately leading to its discontinuation around 1964. Despite its once-prominent presence, Meteor has become increasingly elusive in the modern era, with its distinctive scent and packaging now cherished by collectors and aficionados alike.

Today, finding Meteor is indeed a challenge, as it has become a rare and sought-after treasure for those who appreciate its unique blend of floral elegance and timeless sophistication. While it may not be readily found on store shelves or online retailers, dedicated enthusiasts may occasionally stumble upon vintage bottles or remnants of this legendary fragrance through specialized channels such as auctions, estate sales, or niche perfume forums.

Though its production may have ceased decades ago, the legacy of Meteor endures as a testament to Coty's legacy of innovation and artistry in the world of perfumery. Its evocative scent and distinctive packaging continue to inspire admiration and nostalgia among those fortunate enough to experience its enchanting allure.