Launched in France in 1949 and introduced to the U.S. market by 1951, Meteor by Coty arrived during a transformative yet turbulent period in global history. The late 1940s and early 1950s were defined by the aftermath of World War II, the emergence of the Cold War, and groundbreaking advancements in science and technology. Against this backdrop of rapid progress and geopolitical tension, Coty’s Meteor offered a symbol of the era’s intrigue and innovation, reflecting the cultural fascination with space and the unknown.
A meteor is the visible streak of light that occurs when a meteoroid—a small fragment of rock or metal from space—enters Earth’s atmosphere at high speed and burns up due to friction with the air. This phenomenon is often referred to as a "shooting star" or "falling star," although it is not a star at all. The word "meteor" comes from the Greek meteoros, meaning "high in the air." Pronounced as MEE-tee-or, it conjures vivid imagery of celestial bodies streaking across the night sky—a fleeting moment of brilliance and awe. The name resonated deeply with the zeitgeist, evoking excitement, wonder, and the allure of the unknown. During a time when space exploration was beginning to capture the collective imagination, a perfume named Meteor seemed daring, modern, and forward-looking. Its celestial reference aligned perfectly with the atomic age’s dual themes of immense power and vast possibility.
The launch of Meteor occurred during a pivotal historical period. The world was still grappling with the aftermath of WWII, rebuilding societies while simultaneously navigating the escalating tensions of the Cold War. The Soviet Union’s successful atomic bomb test in 1949 sparked fears of nuclear annihilation while also igniting a scientific race that included early aspirations for space exploration. It was a time of contrasts: apprehension and hope, destruction and creation.
In fashion, the post-war era saw a return to elegance and femininity, epitomized by Christian Dior’s revolutionary "New Look," introduced in 1947. Women embraced full skirts, nipped waists, and structured silhouettes as they sought glamour and escapism in their everyday lives. Beauty trends leaned toward sophistication, with perfumes playing a significant role in completing the idealized image of the modern woman. Meteor, with its evocative name and luxurious profile, offered women a piece of this optimism and aspiration.
Classified as an aldehydic floral, Meteor encapsulated the era’s fascination with modernity and refinement. The aldehydes provided a bright, airy opening, reminiscent of the dazzling light of a meteor’s trail across the sky. Jasmine, tuberose, and rose formed the heart of the fragrance, creating a lush, opulent bouquet that evoked the elegance and femininity of the 1950s. These classic floral notes were deepened with musk and civet, adding an animalic warmth and sensuality that reflected the complexity of the times. The result was a fragrance that felt timeless yet entirely contemporary, offering a blend of lightness and depth that resonated with women seeking both sophistication and allure.
Meteor’s introduction to the U.S. market in 1951 was nothing short of visionary. Coty, under the leadership of Philip Cortney, hosted the launch at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City on September 26. The choice of venue was as innovative as the fragrance itself—what better place to unveil a perfume inspired by celestial phenomena than beneath the stars? This clever marketing strategy not only reinforced the connection to space and modernity but also captured the imagination of an audience eager for escapism and wonder.
In the context of other fragrances of the time, Meteor stood out while remaining consistent with certain trends. Aldehydic florals were immensely popular, following the trail blazed by Chanel No. 5 in the 1920s. However, Meteor’s name, marketing, and presentation positioned it as a product of the atomic age—a modern creation that reflected contemporary themes of science and exploration. While other aldehydic florals celebrated timeless elegance, Meteor added an element of futurism, making it both unique and of its time.
For the women of the 1950s, Meteor offered more than a fragrance; it was a symbol of possibility. In an era where the skies—and even the stars—seemed within reach, wearing a perfume named Meteor allowed women to embody the excitement and ambition of the age. The celestial imagery it evoked provided an aspirational escape, while the luxurious floral scent resonated with their desire for beauty and sophistication.
Meteor by Coty was a bold reflection of its era, capturing the spirit of innovation, exploration, and elegance. Its launch amid the scientific breakthroughs and geopolitical tensions of the time ensured it would be remembered not only as a fragrance but as a cultural statement, blazing across the perfumery landscape like the celestial phenomenon it was named after.
Fragrance Composition:
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.
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:
Launched in 1950, Coty's Météor was a masterful creation that bridged tradition and modernity, embodying both elegance and innovation. Advertised as “direct from Paris” and inspired by the fleeting brilliance of a shooting star, this sparkling fragrance was marketed as a luxurious and sophisticated option for the modern woman. Its composition, blending bright florals with a sensual, lasting base, offered an olfactory experience that was both timeless and contemporary.
In a 1950 review by Femme, Météor was described as “light” and “sparkling,” its floral bouquet likened to “a big spray of jasmine” intertwined with the richness of “three roses and two tuberoses.” These vibrant top notes were delicately anchored by musk, amber, civet, and vanilla, providing a foundation that fixed the fragrance without overpowering its fresh and luminous character. The review emphasized the luxurious nature of Météor, noting that it was one of the most expensive perfumes in Coty’s collection, created to reflect “feminine refinement.”
A 1951 advertisement captured the celestial theme of the fragrance, proclaiming, “Out of the heavens to you—Météor, a spectacular new scent.” Another review in Cue described it as “sparkling and new,” inspired by the “flashing beauty of a shooting star.” It highlighted the fragrance’s transformative quality, beginning with a bright floral opening and settling into a more subtle, layered tone.
Motion Picture magazine emphasized its suitability for gifting during the holidays, calling Météor a “spectacular and subtle blend of florals.” This sentiment of duality—spectacle and subtlety, brightness and depth—became a recurring theme in the perfume’s descriptions, perfectly aligning with the cultural mood of the early 1950s.
In 1952, Combat provided a deeper analysis, situating Météor within the broader context of “neo-romanticism,” a reflection of the post-war era’s mix of nostalgia and forward-looking optimism. The fragrance, with its blend of jasmine, rose, and tuberose, balanced by amber, musk, civet, and vanilla, was noted for its tender, heady character with an intriguing acidity that added a layer of mystery. This complexity resonated with the times, described as a "mixture of violence and meditation."
By 1953, Combat had drawn a poetic parallel between Météor and Debussy’s “Fêtes,” likening the fragrance to the music’s elusive, haunting themes. Just as the composition of Météor revealed itself in waves—sometimes vivid, other times understated—it seemed to echo the fleeting brilliance of a meteor across the night sky.
Subsequent advertisements from the mid-1950s highlighted Météor’s reputation for longevity and sophistication. A 1954 ad emphasized its affordability as an eau de toilette, while a 1956 campaign reiterated its “very long-lasting, modern blend,” packaged and sealed in France to maintain its quality.
A Perfume for Its Time The name Météor, derived from the Greek word meteōros (meaning “high in the air”), symbolized the excitement of the post-war era, with its fascination for space exploration and technological progress. The fragrance’s radiant florals and sensual base captured the emotional duality of the time—hopeful yet reflective. In an era when aldehydic florals were a dominant trend, Météor stood out with its depth and complexity, offering an experience that was both glamorous and intimately personal.
For women of the 1950s, Météor represented more than a perfume; it was a statement of elegance, modernity, and aspiration. From the glimmering promise of its celestial name to the artistry of its multi-faceted composition, Météor became a fragrance that resonated deeply with its audience, embodying the dazzling and fleeting beauty of a shooting star.
The fleeting brilliance of a meteor evokes feelings of wonder, awe, and mystery. They are often linked to celestial beauty, fleeting opportunities, or transformative moments. In cultural contexts, seeing a meteor is sometimes thought to bring good luck or symbolize a wish. This celestial phenomenon is why the name "Meteor" for Coty’s fragrance might have resonated so strongly—it captures the sense of brilliance, rarity, and ephemeral beauty that a meteor represents.
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.
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