The 1940 release of Coty's "Informal Fragrances" collection is a fascinating piece of perfumery history. By introducing their most popular scents in Eau de Toilette concentrations, Coty made their luxurious fragrances more accessible to a wider audience. The decision to house these fragrances in color-coordinated amphora-shaped stoneware bottles added an extra layer of elegance and distinctiveness to the collection.
Here is a summary of the fragrances and their corresponding bottle colors:
- Emeraude: Light Green
- Chypre: Lighter Green
- L'Aimant: Pink
- L'Origan: Brown
- Paris: Blue
These amphora bottles not only represented the essence of each fragrance but also made them visually appealing and collectible. This innovative packaging approach, coupled with the fragrances' popularity, likely contributed to the success and lasting legacy of Coty's "Informal Fragrances."
The Coty "Informal Fragrances" collection, introduced in 1940, featured beautifully designed amphora bottles crafted by the Zanesville Stoneware Company of Ohio. Each bottle, measuring 5.5 inches at the lip of the spout, was capable of holding five ounces of Eau de Toilette. The bottles were designed to be visually appealing and practical, making the luxurious fragrances more accessible to a broader audience.
These amphora-shaped stoneware bottles were color-coordinated to match the fragrances they contained. Emeraude was housed in a light green bottle, Chypre in a lighter green, L'Aimant in pink, L'Origan in brown, and Paris in blue. Each bottle was sealed with a unique bronze-colored metal capped cork, adding an extra touch of elegance to the design.
Some of the bottles still retain their original labels on their bellies and bases. The bottom label reads:
"Coty New York Paris Informal fragrance. Use this lovely Eau de Toilette as lavishly as you choose. A generous sprinkle in your bath--a dash in your hand basin--in your final shampoo rinse--on your lingerie or 'kerchief'. Impart a touch of fragrance to your accessories or your furs. Take it with you to 'freshen up' while traveling. Cont. 5 oz. Compounded in U.S.A."
Coty suggested various ways to use these fragrances, emphasizing their versatility. They recommended sprinkling the Eau de Toilette in a bath, adding a dash to a hand basin, using it in a final shampoo rinse, or applying it to lingerie or handkerchiefs. The fragrance could also be used to impart a pleasant scent to accessories or furs, and the bottle could be taken along for freshening up while traveling.
The Coty "Informal Fragrances" amphora bottles are not only a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and elegance but also a reflection of a time when fragrance was an integral part of daily life. These collectible items continue to be cherished by fragrance enthusiasts and vintage collectors for their unique design and historical significance.
