L'Origan Gift Sets 1941

 Coty perfume gifts from a 1941 catalog:

La Violette Pourpre by Coty c1906

La Violette Pourpre by Coty, launched in 1906, epitomizes the essence of its time period in several ways. Firstly, the early 20th century was characterized by a flourishing of art, culture, and fashion, especially in Europe. This period saw the emergence of Art Nouveau, a style characterized by flowing lines, organic shapes, and motifs inspired by nature. Perfume, being intimately linked with luxury and fashion, reflected these artistic trends.

François Coty, the creator of La Violette Pourpre, was a pivotal figure in the perfume industry during this era. His innovative approach to fragrance production, which emphasized the use of synthetic materials to create new scents, revolutionized the perfume industry and paved the way for modern perfumery techniques.

The choice of purple violet as the central theme of La Violette Pourpre is significant. In the Language of Flowers, a Victorian-era code used to convey sentiments through floral arrangements, the violet symbolizes faithfulness and loyalty, making it an apt choice for a perfume associated with the sentiment "I'll always be true." This symbolism resonated deeply with the values and ideals of the time, particularly in the context of romantic relationships and courtship rituals.

 

Coty Perfumes in "Carnival" Presentations 1941 Ad

 

Including the Ferris Wheel, Sleigh and Weathervane Presentations

The Ferris Wheel: has five Louvre flacons of Coty perfumes in presentation. Fragrances as exhilarating and adventuresome as one's first ride in a Ferris Wheel. Revolving wheel mounted on graceful supports of heavy gold stamped plastic. featuring: Chypre, L'Origan, L'Aimant, Paris and Emeraude perfumes.

Weathervane: A spin of the arrow chooses one of the four world famous Coty Perfumes. A charming selection of fragrances for moods as variable as the four winds. Mounted on revolving "rose des vents" base. Plastic capped tapered flacons containing L'Aimant, L'Origan, Paris and Emeraude perfumes.

Sleigh: Miniature of a continental cutter in colored plastic with gold stamping. Adorned with tiny sleighbells. Contains glass stoppered Louvre flacons of L'Aimant and L'Origan perfume.

Coty Counter at Selfridges c1920s

 This antique photograph documents a Coty beauty counter in Selfridge's department store. I have added color to make it more interesting. We see two of the beauty advisors accompanied by a Coty representative wearing a very unusual, but appropriate dress: her skirt has circles which feature the powder puff design shown on the Air Spun powder boxes and the Coty name is written across her bust.

Inside the case and atop it are various perfumes, talcum powder bottles, powder boxes, and compacts.

This is a remarkable piece of history showing how the Coty products were displayed as well as the advertising signs which are framed with actual French flags.