Hello and welcome! Please understand that this website is not affiliated with Coty in any way, it is only a reference page for collectors and those who have enjoyed the classic fragrances of days gone by.

The main objective of this website is to chronicle the history of the Coty fragrances and showcase the bottles and advertising used throughout the years.

However, one of the other goals of this website is to show the present owners of the Coty perfume company how much we miss the discontinued classics and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back these fragrances!

Please leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the fragrance, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or what occasion, any specific memories, what it reminded you of, maybe a relative wore it, or you remembered seeing the bottle on their vanity table), who knows, perhaps someone from the current Coty brand might see it.

Also, this website is a labor of love, it is a work in progress and is always being updated with new information as I can find it, so check back often!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

1942 Coty Perfume Presentations Ad






Guard of Honor for two bottles of L’Aimant and Paris $5.00


Jewel Tree bears Emeraude, Styx, L’Aimant , Paris, Chypre. $12.50


Fleur du Lac, setting for a shimmering flacon of L’Origan. $12.50



Toboggan with a crew of L’Aimant, Paris and Emeraude, Styx. $10.00


Garden Cart carries Styx, Paris and Muguet des Bois. $7.50


Sabots (Dutch clogs/shoes) filled with chunky bottles of Paris and Emeraude. $5.00

Coty Coolness


The New Yorker, Volume 14, Issues 14-26, 1938:
"Cloak Yourself in Coolness. For Coty offers Bath Luxuries that wrap you in a cloak of invisible, fragrant freshness. They are richly endowed with true Coty odeurs...L'Aimant, L'Origan,“Paris,” Styx, Emeraude...Even their packages shimmer with coolness; bubbles and starfish suggest Neptune's green realm."




3.40 oz Styx Eau de Toilette Parfumee, photo from Quirky Finds

Coty Mam'selle Perfume Presentation c1950




The New Yorker - Volume 26, Part 4 - Page 138, 1950:
"Coty's Mam'selle, a pert Victorian doll under a plastic bell with a box of face powder under her feet and a one-dram flacon of any of Coty's perfumes stuck in her muff, costs $6. "

photo from fragrantica member kiku


Monday, January 13, 2014

Where Should I Apply Perfume?

As a general rule, fragrance should be applied to pulse points. This is where the blood vessels are closest to the skin giving off more heat and acting like mini fragrance pumps.

Pulse points are the wrist, crook of the arm and back of the knee, and the base of the throat. Also, for long lasting fragrance spray at the ankles, it allows the fragrance to blossom up. For a sexy twist, apply perfume to your cleavage or spray perfume on your nude body before dressing. The nape of the neck, is a very romantic area, whenever your hair moves it might swish the perfume around, nice little subtle trail of perfumed loveliness.

Apply perfume right after you take a shower or bath. Your pores are more open then and will more easily soak up the scent. Some people say that rubbing the wrists together will crush the scent, I tried this with different perfumes over the course of two weeks, just to see if its true, it seemed to me that the friction of rubbing the wrists together actually heated up the fragrances and made them seem more potent.

I have read though that the perfume can react not so nicely to the first layer of skin...and give off a smell that isn't pleasant. Others say that to spray the perfume in the air and then walk into it, I have done this before, and it seems that it lets you control the amount of fragrance that is applied to your skin, rather than spraying directly onto the skin, this works best with heavier perfumes.

I spray perfumes on my clothes when I want to make the scent last longer, I won't spray perfume on fragile fabrics like silks or lace. You can spray your coat with perfume. Also an old tip is to apply pure parfum extrait to your furs. Doing this is up to your own discretion.

Do not apply perfume after you put your jewelry on, take it off first, then apply the perfume. The chemicals in perfume can leave stains or have chemical reactions to the metals, Pearls are especially susceptible to damage from perfume since it destroys their lustre.

Coco Chanel always said to apply perfume where you want to be kissed. I read an old perfume guide from the 1930s and it mentioned that you can apply perfume to your fingertips and eyebrows. Also apply perfume to a cotton ball and tuck it into your brassiere. Apply perfume to your hankies or gloves.

Jeanne Lanvin of Lanvin Perfumes suggested that you should apply perfume wherever your clothes cover your body, that way it will seem if it is coming from within and blend with the natural oils of your skin to make a truly individual fragrance. She also says the best time to apply perfume is 15 or 20 minutes before you are about to go out, that way the perfume has time to "set".

A 1924 ad for Ann Haviland perfumes suggests:

#1. to apply perfume to your eyebrows as the short hairs of the eyebrows retain the perfume longer than the skin since evaporation takes place more slowly.Besides, this is an ideal two-some,the girl usually comes up to a man's chin, not far below his nose.

#2. One little known method of applying perfume is to saturate a piece of cotton with your chosen scent, place it under the shoulder strap of your slip. Body heat releases an aura about you.

#3. A glamorous method of using perfume is to spray it on the hem of your evening gown, then as you walk or dance, the fragrance is wafted into the air around you. This is the best way to do it.

#4. Another pointer is to apply perfume to the inside of your gloves, while your gloves are on, the warmth of your hands attract the perfume which will cling to the fingers.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

La Rose Jacqueminot by Coty c1902

During the Edwardian era, garden parties reigned as the epitome of social gatherings among the elite. These events, steeped in tradition and elegance, provided the perfect backdrop for showcasing the latest floral marvels, including the coveted Jacqueminot rose. As guests mingled amidst the lush blooms, sipping on cool drinks, and indulging in dainty treats served al fresco, the successful blooming of the Jacqueminot rose stood as a testament to the host's horticultural prowess and status within polite society.

In the picturesque settings of these lively garden parties, elegant women adorned themselves in ethereal white lawn dresses, known as lingerie dresses, evoking a sense of timeless grace and sophistication. Their ensembles were complemented by large wide-brimmed picture hats, adorned with whimsical accents such as stuffed birds and blooming flowers, anchored in place by long, fancy hat pins.

As they chatted away amidst the fragrant blooms, these women may have held delicate hand-painted porcelain cups in one hand, savoring the refreshing taste of sweet iced tea or lemonade, while using a fancy hand fan in the other to cool off from the summer heat. Their attire was completed with pristine white gloves, adding a touch of refinement to their ensemble.

The tables were adorned with lace tablecloths, polished silver flatware, and sparkling crystal lemonade pitchers, creating an atmosphere of opulence and elegance. Amidst this scene of sophistication, the delicate aroma of the Jacqueminot rose lingered in the air, adding a layer of romantic allure to the festivities. With every breath, guests were transported to a realm of timeless beauty and refined luxury, where the essence of the rose intertwined seamlessly with the splendor of the garden party.




La Rose Jacqueminot, with its rich, floral scent, would have been well-received in this context. Named after the highly fragrant breed of roses, the perfume evoked a sense of luxury and romance. The association with the Napoleonic era added to its allure, tapping into the nostalgia for a romanticized past.

The popularity of La Rose Jacqueminot perfume mirrored the fascination with the Jacqueminot rose, capturing the essence of its exquisite fragrance and timeless beauty. Just as guests reveled in the splendor of the flowering garden at these garden parties, so too did wearers of the perfume immerse themselves in the allure of its romantic aroma, evoking images of sun-drenched garden paths and vibrant blossoms in full bloom.

Against the backdrop of these esteemed gatherings, where society loosened its reins and embraced the joys of nature and camaraderie, the Jacqueminot rose emerged as a cherished centerpiece, admired by all who beheld its radiant blooms. Its delicate petals, imbued with the essence of La Rose Jacqueminot, added a touch of elegance and refinement to the festivities, ensuring that these garden parties remained unforgettable affairs, steeped in beauty, grace, and the timeless allure of the rose.
 

In the United States, where La Rose Jacqueminot was introduced by 1906, the perfume would have been particularly popular among the growing middle class, who aspired to the lifestyle and glamour associated with European perfumes.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Cool Spell by Coty c1964

Cool Spell by Coty: launched in 1964 and was still being sold in the early 1970s. It was a refreshing cologne splash for women and came in a huge 12 oz size to last you all summer long. Other sizes included an 8 oz refreshing body cologne splash as well as a spray version in a 1.5 oz size. A scented dusting powder was also offered.


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Coty Gift Sets c1939



Coty Amphora Pottery Perfume Bottles c1940

Coty "Amphora" Pottery Perfume Bottles, circa 1940. Filled with Coty's "Informal Fragrance", an eau de toilette in their most popular perfumes, in color coordinated stoneware perfume jars, created by the Zanesville Stoneware Company of Ohio. The 5.5" tall bottles closed with little metal capped corks and had hanging paper labels.

  • Red for L'Aimant
  • Blue for Paris
  • Green for Emeraude and Chypre. 
  • Bronzy Brown for L'Origan and Styx

They sold for $2.50 each.

The paper label reads:
"COTY - NEW YORK PARIS - informal fragrance -
Use this lovely eau de toilette as lavishly as you choose. A generous sprinkle after your bath, a dash in your hand basin, in your final shampoo rinse, on your lingerie or handkerchief. Impart a touch of fragrance to your accessories or your furs. Take it with you to freshen up while traveling."
CONT 5 OZS.
COMPOUNDED IN U.S.A


Muguet des Bois by Coty c1913

The launch of Muguet des Bois by Coty in 1913 occurred during a period of significant cultural and social shifts, particularly in the realm of women's rights and expression. François Coty, the visionary behind the fragrance, introduced it into a world where femininity was often associated with delicate, floral scents. The timing of the launch coincided with the burgeoning popularity of perfumes as an essential accessory for the modern woman, symbolizing elegance, refinement, and sensuality.

Lily of the valley, the focal note of Muguet des Bois, holds deep symbolism, especially in the context of femininity. Often associated with purity, innocence, and renewal, this delicate flower represented the idealized feminine virtues of the time. Its subtle yet enchanting fragrance became synonymous with grace and allure, making it a fitting choice for a perfume designed to accentuate the wearer's femininity.

Muguet des Bois by Coty embodied the essence of the era's feminine ideal, offering women a way to express themselves through scent. With its fresh, floral bouquet, the perfume captured the essence of springtime, evoking images of blooming gardens and romantic rendezvous. Its launch marked a pivotal moment in perfume history, cementing Coty's reputation as a master perfumer and setting the stage for the enduring legacy of Muguet des Bois as a timeless classic.





Pronounced "MEWGAY - DAY - BWAH"



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.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Coty Obelisque Perfume Bottle c1930

Coty Obelisque Perfume Bottle holds 1.25 oz of Parfum, c1930 held the following perfumes:

  • Emeraude
  • L'Aimant
  • L'Origan
  • La Jacee
  • Paris
  • Chypre


Coty Gift Ensembles c1930


The Coty Ensembles were available in the following scents:
L'Aimant
Emeraude
L'Origan
La Jacee
Paris
Chypre




Coty Ensembles included perfume, lipstick and compact, any one of which may be purchased singly in a colored shark-skin case.

Coty 1939 Advertisement Featuring Perfume Sets

Paris set with Perfume, Toilet Water, Lipstick, Compact and Airspun Face Powder. $6.75

L'Aimant set with Face powder, talc, lipstick, perfume, compact, toilet water and sachet?. $12.85

Paris set includes perfume, toilet water, airspun powder and Talc. $5.00

Paris set includes perfume, toilet water, airspun powder, compact, lipstick, talc and an unknown item in the back. $9.75

Emeraude set includes toilet water, perfume, airspun powder and compact. $4.50

Emeraude set included talc, toilet water, perfume, compact, airspun powder and some unknown piece a sachet maybe?. $8.75









Coty Christmas Gifts for 1953 Ad

Coty Christmas Gifts for 1953 Ad