Launched in France in 1949 and introduced to the U.S. market by 1951, Meteor by Coty arrived during a transformative yet turbulent period in global history. The late 1940s and early 1950s were defined by the aftermath of World War II, the emergence of the Cold War, and groundbreaking advancements in science and technology. Against this backdrop of rapid progress and geopolitical tension, Coty’s Meteor offered a symbol of the era’s intrigue and innovation, reflecting the cultural fascination with space and the unknown.
A meteor is the visible streak of light that occurs when a meteoroid—a small fragment of rock or metal from space—enters Earth’s atmosphere at high speed and burns up due to friction with the air. This phenomenon is often referred to as a "shooting star" or "falling star," although it is not a star at all. The word "meteor" comes from the Greek meteoros, meaning "high in the air." Pronounced as MEE-tee-or, it conjures vivid imagery of celestial bodies streaking across the night sky—a fleeting moment of brilliance and awe. The name resonated deeply with the zeitgeist, evoking excitement, wonder, and the allure of the unknown. During a time when space exploration was beginning to capture the collective imagination, a perfume named Meteor seemed daring, modern, and forward-looking. Its celestial reference aligned perfectly with the atomic age’s dual themes of immense power and vast possibility.
The launch of Meteor occurred during a pivotal historical period. The world was still grappling with the aftermath of WWII, rebuilding societies while simultaneously navigating the escalating tensions of the Cold War. The Soviet Union’s successful atomic bomb test in 1949 sparked fears of nuclear annihilation while also igniting a scientific race that included early aspirations for space exploration. It was a time of contrasts: apprehension and hope, destruction and creation.
In fashion, the post-war era saw a return to elegance and femininity, epitomized by Christian Dior’s revolutionary "New Look," introduced in 1947. Women embraced full skirts, nipped waists, and structured silhouettes as they sought glamour and escapism in their everyday lives. Beauty trends leaned toward sophistication, with perfumes playing a significant role in completing the idealized image of the modern woman. Meteor, with its evocative name and luxurious profile, offered women a piece of this optimism and aspiration.
Classified as an aldehydic floral, Meteor encapsulated the era’s fascination with modernity and refinement. The aldehydes provided a bright, airy opening, reminiscent of the dazzling light of a meteor’s trail across the sky. Jasmine, tuberose, and rose formed the heart of the fragrance, creating a lush, opulent bouquet that evoked the elegance and femininity of the 1950s. These classic floral notes were deepened with musk and civet, adding an animalic warmth and sensuality that reflected the complexity of the times. The result was a fragrance that felt timeless yet entirely contemporary, offering a blend of lightness and depth that resonated with women seeking both sophistication and allure.
