Coty Amphora Pottery Perfume Bottles

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.

Nuance by Coty c1975

Nuance perfume by Coty was launched in 1975, a time when there was a notable cultural shift towards a return to innocence, romance, and femininity. This period followed the turbulent and rebellious 1960s and early 1970s, which were characterized by bold, experimental styles and a push for social change. By the mid-1970s, there was a movement towards softer, more refined expressions of beauty and lifestyle.

In 1975, the fashion and beauty industries were embracing a more romantic and feminine aesthetic. This was evident in the flowing dresses, delicate fabrics, and the resurgence of natural beauty ideals. Women sought products that would enhance their femininity in a subtle and sophisticated manner.

Coty's Cordon Colognes

Coty's Cordon Colognes were very popular in pre-revolution era Russia.

Tourbillon by Coty c1955

Tourbillon by Coty: launched in 1955. Tourbillon was sold in Canada and Brazil.

L'Origan Gift Sets 1941

 Coty perfume gifts from a 1941 catalog:

La Violette Pourpre by Coty c1906

La Violette Pourpre by Coty, launched in 1906, epitomizes the essence of its time period in several ways. Firstly, the early 20th century was characterized by a flourishing of art, culture, and fashion, especially in Europe. This period saw the emergence of Art Nouveau, a style characterized by flowing lines, organic shapes, and motifs inspired by nature. Perfume, being intimately linked with luxury and fashion, reflected these artistic trends.

François Coty, the creator of La Violette Pourpre, was a pivotal figure in the perfume industry during this era. His innovative approach to fragrance production, which emphasized the use of synthetic materials to create new scents, revolutionized the perfume industry and paved the way for modern perfumery techniques.

The choice of purple violet as the central theme of La Violette Pourpre is significant. In the Language of Flowers, a Victorian-era code used to convey sentiments through floral arrangements, the violet symbolizes faithfulness and loyalty, making it an apt choice for a perfume associated with the sentiment "I'll always be true." This symbolism resonated deeply with the values and ideals of the time, particularly in the context of romantic relationships and courtship rituals.

 

Coty Perfumes in "Carnival" Presentations 1941 Ad

 

Including the Ferris Wheel, Sleigh and Weathervane Presentations

The Ferris Wheel: has five Louvre flacons of Coty perfumes in presentation. Fragrances as exhilarating and adventuresome as one's first ride in a Ferris Wheel. Revolving wheel mounted on graceful supports of heavy gold stamped plastic. featuring: Chypre, L'Origan, L'Aimant, Paris and Emeraude perfumes.

Weathervane: A spin of the arrow chooses one of the four world famous Coty Perfumes. A charming selection of fragrances for moods as variable as the four winds. Mounted on revolving "rose des vents" base. Plastic capped tapered flacons containing L'Aimant, L'Origan, Paris and Emeraude perfumes.

Sleigh: Miniature of a continental cutter in colored plastic with gold stamping. Adorned with tiny sleighbells. Contains glass stoppered Louvre flacons of L'Aimant and L'Origan perfume.

Coty Counter at Selfridges c1920s

 This antique photograph documents a Coty beauty counter in Selfridge's department store. I have added color to make it more interesting. We see two of the beauty advisors accompanied by a Coty representative wearing a very unusual, but appropriate dress: her skirt has circles which feature the powder puff design shown on the Air Spun powder boxes and the Coty name is written across her bust.

Inside the case and atop it are various perfumes, talcum powder bottles, powder boxes, and compacts.

This is a remarkable piece of history showing how the Coty products were displayed as well as the advertising signs which are framed with actual French flags.

Lilas Pourpre by Coty c1911

In 1911, the renowned perfumer François Coty unveiled the exquisite fragrance Le Lilas Pourpre.

The Romanov Grand Duchesses had a particular fondness for the floral scents crafted by the French house of Coty. Among them, Anastasia was captivated by the delicate notes of La Violette Pourpre, while Olga cherished the elegant aroma of La Rose Jacqueminot. Tatiana had a penchant for the exotic scent of Jasmin de Corse, and Maria's favorite was the enchanting Le Lilas Pourpre. These fragrances became a signature part of their refined and sophisticated personas, highlighting their individual preferences and styles.

Coty Perfume Gift Sets Pour L'Occasion 1938 Advertisement

Coty Perfume Gift Sets "Pour L'Occasion" 1938 Advertisement.

Ici by Coty c1995

Gourmand fragrances, which are scents inspired by food and dessert-like notes, experienced a significant surge in popularity around the time of the launch of "Ici" by Coty in 1995. This trend was part of a broader movement in perfumery towards more unconventional and experiential scents, as consumers sought fragrances that were not just pleasant to wear but also evoked a sense of nostalgia or indulgence.

One of the landmark gourmand fragrances that set the stage for this trend was "Angel" by Thierry Mugler, which debuted in 1992. Angel was revolutionary for its use of edible notes like chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, which were blended with traditional floral and oriental elements to create a unique olfactory experience. Its success paved the way for other perfumers to explore similar territory, leading to the creation of fragrances like "Ici" by Coty.

"Ici" capitalized on the gourmand trend by featuring notes such as vanilla, creme brulee, caramel, and cocoa, which further reinforced the idea of scent as a sensory experience reminiscent of indulgent desserts. By combining these edible elements with other aromatic components, "Ici" aimed to evoke a sense of luxury and comfort, appealing to consumers who sought fragrances that went beyond traditional floral or citrusy scents.

Overall, the rise of gourmand fragrances in the mid-1990s reflected a shift in consumer preferences towards more innovative and multisensory olfactory experiences. These scents tapped into the emotional connection between scent and memory, offering wearers a way to indulge in the pleasures of food and dessert through the medium of fragrance.

Sophia by Coty c1980

Sophia is a Coty fragrance inspired by the famous Sophia Loren. Created by James Bell.

Nokomis by Coty c1997

It's fascinating how the inspiration for Coty's perfume, Nokomis, could potentially be traced back to the 1995 Disney movie, "Pocahontas." Released just a couple of years before the launch of Nokomis, "Pocahontas" was a significant cultural event, particularly for its portrayal of Native American culture and themes of nature, connection, and spirituality.

Now, while Nokomis itself was named after the Ojibwe word for "grandmother," which holds deep significance within Native American culture, the connection to "Pocahontas" might lie in the broader cultural awareness and appreciation for Native American traditions and stories that the movie helped to foster.

In "Pocahontas," the character of Grandmother Willow serves as a wise and spiritual guide to the titular character. While Nokomis in Ojibwe tradition is not directly tied to Pocahontas or Grandmother Willow, the association with the term "grandmother" could evoke similar feelings of wisdom, guidance, and connection to nature that are present in both the movie and the fragrance.

Furthermore, the mention of Nokomis as a character in Longfellow's "The Song of Hiawatha" adds another layer to this potential inspiration. Longfellow's poem, though not directly related to "Pocahontas," is part of the broader cultural tapestry that includes Native American themes and characters, much like the Disney film.

So, while there may not be a direct link between Nokomis perfume and "Pocahontas," the cultural milieu of the mid-1990s, with its heightened interest in Native American stories and themes, likely played a role in shaping Coty's choice of name and perhaps the overall aesthetic and messaging of the fragrance.

The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

By The Shores of Gitche Gumee
By The Shining Big Sea Water
Stood The Wigwam of Nokomis
Daughter of the Moon Nokomis

Au Coeur des Calices by Coty c1912

In 1912, when "Au Coeur des Calices" by Coty was launched, the Western world was in the midst of significant social and cultural shifts. This was the Edwardian era, characterized by elegance, sophistication, and a sense of opulence. Delicate feminine fragrances were indeed en vogue, mirroring the refined tastes of the time.

The French name "Au Coeur des Calices" translates to "At the Heart of the Calyxes" in English.  Calyxes are the protective coverings of a flower's bud, often associated with the innermost essence of a blossom. In the context of fragrance, the name suggests a focus on capturing the essence or the most potent part of the flower, perhaps hinting at a rich, intense scent profile. This could imply that the perfume contained concentrated floral notes, highlighting the lush and intricate aromas found within the heart of the flowers. 

During the time period when delicate feminine fragrances were in vogue, such a name would have resonated with women who sought perfumes that not only embodied femininity but also offered a sense of depth and complexity. It aligns with the preference for elegant, sophisticated scents that reflected the refined tastes of the Edwardian era.

The launch of this perfume in 1912 coincided with the era of the Titanic, an iconic event that epitomized the extravagance and grandeur of the time. Just as the Titanic represented the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication, "Au Coeur des Calices" likely aimed to capture the essence of that era's refined femininity, offering women a scent that evoked a sense of timeless beauty and elegance.

La Jacinthe by Coty c1914

La Jacinthe by Coty was launched in 1914.