A'Suma by Coty c1934

Transport yourself to France in the year 1934, a time when the world was still reeling from the aftermath of the First World War and on the brink of another global conflict. In this era, the Western world held a fascination with exotic locales in the Far East, such as Bali and Japan. These places were often seen through a romanticized lens, imbued with notions of mystery, sensuality, and adventure.

In the collective imagination of the Western populace, Bali was depicted as a paradisiacal island shrouded in the allure of the unknown. It was envisioned as a land of lush tropical landscapes, pristine beaches, and enchanting cultural traditions. Bali symbolized a retreat from the constraints of Western civilization, a place where one could indulge in exotic pleasures and escape the mundane realities of everyday life.

Japan, on the other hand, evoked images of ancient traditions, refined aesthetics, and enigmatic beauty. It was viewed as a land of contrasts, where modernity coexisted with timeless customs. The allure of Japan lay in its mystique, its rich history, and its ability to captivate the imagination with its blend of tradition and innovation.

 

Against this backdrop of fascination with the Far East, A'Suma "Fantaisie Japonaise" made its debut in France. Conjured up by the creative minds of François Coty and Vincent Roubert, this sensuous perfume transported its wearers to a moonlit tropical beach in Bali, evoking the intoxicating ambiance of this exotic locale. With its blend of aromatic notes and evocative imagery, A'Suma captured the essence of the Far East and allowed its users to experience a fleeting moment of escapism and indulgence.

Le Vertige by Coty c1906

"Le Vertige" by Coty, debuted in 1906, encapsulates the vibrant spirit of its time, mirroring the dynamic performances of dance troupes and ballets. Picture a stage alive with the graceful ballet dancers and the spirited can-can performers, all swirling together in a dizzying whirl of excitement that echoes the fragrance's essence. Just as dancers enchant their audience with choreographed elegance, "Le Vertige" captivates with its lively blend of scents, inviting wearers to immerse themselves in the exhilarating rhythm of the dance.

Crafted by Vincent Roubert, Coty's chief perfumer, "Le Vertige," pronounced "LEH-VAIR-TEEJH," embodies the lively, dizzying tempo of dance. Its name, meaning "dizziness" in French, vividly portrays the energetic atmosphere reminiscent of the era's dance troupes and ballets.

Masumi Je T'aime by Coty c2003

"Masumi Je T'aime by Coty," introduced in 2003, is a captivating fragrance that builds upon the legacy of Coty's iconic perfume, Masumi, which debuted in 1967. Serving as a flanker scent, Masumi Je T'aime embodies a modern interpretation of its predecessor, infusing it with contemporary notes and nuances while retaining the essence that made the original Masumi timeless. It's a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, designed to evoke feelings of love and allure with each delightful spritz.

Accomplice by Coty c1954

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.

Shakti by Coty c1950

The launch of the Shakti feminine fragranced deodorant powder by Coty in 1950 coincided with a pivotal era in history, marked by significant social, cultural, and economic transformations, particularly in the context of women's roles and rights.

It was a clean, subtle, cooling fragrance, "a fragrance which mysteriously blends with and enhances any other fragrance you wear."