Launched in 1906, Jasmin de Corse by Coty is a fragrance that carries deep personal significance for its creator, François Coty, born François Spoturno on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. The name "Jasmin de Corse" translates from French as "Jasmine of Corsica" (pronounced zhaz-mehn duh kors). The phrase evokes sun-drenched landscapes, rolling hills scented with wildflowers, and the island’s rich botanical heritage. By naming the fragrance after his homeland, Coty not only paid tribute to his Corsican roots but also drew upon the island’s legendary natural beauty and aromatic flora to create a scent that was both nostalgic and exotic.
The early 1900s, when Jasmin de Corse was introduced, marked the height of the Belle Époque (1871–1914), a period of artistic, cultural, and scientific flourishing in Europe. Fashion was transitioning from the elaborate S-curve corseted silhouettes of the late 19th century to the more fluid, empire-line gowns that would dominate the years leading up to World War I. Women of the time sought luxury and romance in their fragrances, using perfume as a means of expressing femininity, status, and sensuality. A scent called Jasmin de Corse would have evoked images of sun-warmed Mediterranean gardens, opulence, and the allure of an island untamed yet steeped in history.
The olfactory composition of Jasmin de Corse is classified as a sweet floral, known for being intensely rich, heady, and lingering. The fragrance was built around indolic jasmine, a type of jasmine that possesses a deep, almost animalic intensity, giving it a sensual and slightly smoky character. In an era when perfumes were often light, powdery, or aldehydic, Jasmin de Corse stood out for its unapologetic richness and depth. While heavy florals such as rose, tuberose, and violet were popular at the time, Coty's take on jasmine was particularly bold, setting it apart from more delicate floral compositions.
