The perfume "?", also known as Question Mark, was launched by Coty in 1954 and later renamed Accomplice. This launch came during a period of significant cultural and historical context, reflecting both the legacy and ambitions of Francois Coty, the founder of the Coty brand.
The year 1954 falls within the post-World War II era, a time marked by significant social, economic, and technological changes. Europe was recovering from the war's devastation, and there was a renewed sense of optimism and innovation. In France, this period saw a resurgence in fashion, art, and culture, often referred to as the "Les Trente Glorieuses" (The Glorious Thirty), which was a time of economic growth and modernization. The launch of this perfume is tied to an earlier historical event in 1930 when Francois Coty financed a successful transatlantic flight in a plane named Le Point d'Interrogation (the Question Mark). This event was a significant achievement in aviation, especially since it was a westward flight from Paris to New York, considered more challenging due to prevailing winds. The success of this flight was a source of national pride for France and highlighted the spirit of innovation and adventure during the early 20th century.
Coty had designed, conceived and anonymously paid for a sterling silver replica of the plane executed by Cartier, internationally known jewelers in Paris, to be presented to President Hoover when the pilots visited America as a gift of the government of the Republic of France to Rockefeller Center. It was officially presented to Rockefeller Center by his Excellency, Andre Lefevre de Laboulaye, French Ambassador to the United States. The conclusion of a message to American president Herbert Hoover from French President Gaston Doumergue read, “…in forming one more tie between France and the United States, will contribute greatly to the development of their friendship of centuries.” The replica then was on display in the lobby of La Maison Francaise.
