Muguet des Bois by Coty: launched in 1913 and originally created by Francois Coty and probably later reformulated by Henri Robert around 1939 or so. I did find reference to Muguet des Bois by Coty in a 1919 price list in the Druggist's Circular and again in 1925 and 1934.
Pronounced "MEWGAY - DAY - BWAH"
The original was available in parfum (extrait/extract), talcum powder, bath powder, brilliantine, sachet, bath salts, face powder, eau de toilette and cologne.
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a green floral fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh green flowery top, followed by a lily of the valley heart, layered over a floral base.
The original was available in parfum (extrait/extract), talcum powder, bath powder, brilliantine, sachet, bath salts, face powder, eau de toilette and cologne.
c1949 ad
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a green floral fragrance for women. It begins with a fresh green flowery top, followed by a lily of the valley heart, layered over a floral base.
- Top notes: aldehydes, orange, leafy green note and bergamot
- Middle notes: cyclamen, lilac, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley and rose
- Base notes: Mysore sandalwood and Indian musk
Bottles:
The perfume extrait was presented in a bottle made by Coty's own glassworks. Also presented in a flacon by Cristalleries de Baccarat design #307.
Original perfume bottle from c1913-1930s. Photo by ebay seller vintage_treasure_shop
c1940s-1950s bottle design. Photo by etsy seller CrazyCollectorOnline
c1940s-1950s bottle and gift box design. Photo by etsy seller VintageImageBox
c1940s-1950s bottle and gift box design. Photo by etsy seller VintageImageBox
c1960s-1970s bottle, photo by me.
c1960s-1970s rubber coated glass bottle. Photo by etsy seller BlackRockAccessories
c1960s-1980s bottle. Photo by etsy seller BeBeAntiques
c1980s bottle, photo by me.
Fate of the Fragrance:
It was reformulated by Henri Robert in 1936 and given a huge campaign and relaunch in 1941.
A fabulous "picnic" was given by Coty on New York's 5th Avenue in 1942 to relaunch Muguet des Bois. Guests were sprayed from tip to toe with the spring like perfume of lilies of the valley. The "garden" was hung with greenery and fresh lilies. Lucky guests received wicker hampers, filled with lunch and adorned with lily sprays and blue ribbons and each was given a corsage of fresh picked lilies to wear at the shoulder. The arrangement was the brainchild chairman of Coty's board, Grover Whalen, who busied his time at the "picnic" greeting guests.
In 1945, Coty's lovely lily of the valley perfume was featured at the May Day party given at the Coty salon on Fifth Ave., New York, the first of May.
The New Yorker, 1947:
"Coty's muguet des bois not only has a fine spring-ish fragrance, it has the added advantage of neither leering nor panting. In fact so many people like it that, for all of us, you might buy it, wear it, and grab off a man right quick."
Cue, 1950:
"Coty's unforgettable "Muguet des Bois," the traditional valley lily perfume for May, is another perfect fragrance for the occasion. Purse flacon $1. Other sizes $1.25 to $5."Muguet des Bois was finally discontinued in 1995.
No comments:
Post a Comment