Flippant by Schiaparelli c1967

"Flippant" by Schiaparelli was launched in 1967, a time marked by vibrant cultural shifts and a spirit of rebellion against traditional norms. The late 1960s were characterized by the rise of counterculture movements, civil rights activism, and a general atmosphere of questioning authority and embracing freedom. This era saw the emergence of bold fashion statements, psychedelic art, and an embrace of unconventional lifestyles. The launch of "Flippant" perfume coincided with a period of youth-driven cultural upheaval, where individuality and nonconformity were celebrated.

Elsa Schiaparelli, known for her avant-garde approach to fashion, chose the name "Flippant" to capture the essence of the times. The word "flippant" suggests a carefree, irreverent attitude, perfectly reflecting the mood of the era. Schiaparelli, always a provocateur in the fashion world, likely saw "Flippant" as a way to resonate with the younger generation's desire to break free from societal expectations and embrace a more liberated, playful identity. The name itself conveys a sense of lighthearted defiance, a refusal to take things too seriously.

"Flippant" was an appropriate name for a perfume during this period because it embodied the zeitgeist of the 1960s. Perfume names often evoke a certain allure or mystique, and "Flippant" did so by encapsulating the spirit of rebellion and fun that defined the decade. It appealed to those who saw themselves as trendsetters, willing to challenge the status quo and express their individuality. The perfume was not just a scent but a statement, an accessory that complemented the daring fashion choices and bold makeup trends of the time.

The target audience for "Flippant" would have been the young, modern women and men who were part of or influenced by the counterculture movement. These individuals would have been drawn to the perfume's promise of a playful, audacious identity. They would respond to "Flippant" with enthusiasm, viewing it as a reflection of their own attitudes towards life. The scent would likely evoke feelings of confidence and excitement, encouraging wearers to embrace their unique selves and live with a sense of spontaneity and joy.

Set to Music Perfume Presentation

The New Yorker, 1939:

"Schiaparelli : Shocking, its bottle shaped like a dress form, tricked out with flowers, and sheltered by a glass bell, is still the ideal of glamour girls ... Set to Music consists of four bottles which revolve slowly through the doors of a little house while a music box plays; $10."

Shock in the Box perfume presentation

 Shock in the Box perfume presentation with four purse size dressmaker dummy flacons of Shocking perfume topped by tiny flowers and a bell. A sophisticated surprise. 

Sapristi by Schiaparelli c1967

In 1967, the world was experiencing a cultural revolution. The year was marked by significant social, political, and artistic changes. It was the height of the counterculture movement, with the Summer of Love in San Francisco symbolizing a time of rebellion, freedom, and experimentation. Music, fashion, and art were breaking away from traditional norms, embracing boldness and creativity. In Paris, the epicenter of high fashion, designers were pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas, capturing the spirit of the era.

Elsa Schiaparelli, a renowned fashion designer known for her avant-garde and surrealist creations, chose the name "Sapristi" for her perfume, launched in 1967. The word "Sapristi" is an exclamation in French, derived from "sacristi," an old mild oath expressing surprise or astonishment, similar to "Good heavens!" or "By Jove!" in English. Choosing such a name reflects Schiaparelli's playful and daring nature, aligning with the exuberant and transformative spirit of the 1960s.

"Sapristi" as a name for a perfume conveys a sense of surprise and delight. It evokes a reaction of astonishment and admiration, much like the innovative designs Schiaparelli was known for. The name's whimsical and expressive nature makes it appropriate for a fragrance intended to capture attention and spark curiosity. It suggests a scent that is unexpected and striking, perfectly suited to the bold and adventurous fashion of the time.

So Sweet by Schiaparelli c1941

"So Sweet" was originally the name of a perfume presentation for Shocking by Schiaparelli as well as its own fragrance. Both were introduced in 1941.

Eau de Cologne Speciale de Schiaparelli c1950s

Eau de Cologne Speciale de Schiaparelli: launched in 1958.

Schiaparelli Perfumed Bath Sponges c1940

Schiaparelli Perfumed Bath Sponges. You would drop one of these compressed cotton disks into the tub and it would expand into a full size wash cloth scented with Shocking or Salut perfume.

Art and Industry, 1940;

"Bath sponges — tiny discs which dilate into wash cloths when dipped in water — and heart-shaped, rose-coloured soap are packed in Schiaparelli designed red and white boxes."

Cue, 1951:

"Another traveler's aid is Schiaparelli's Bath Sponge. In the hand, it's a tiny disk, but in water it becomes a full-size fragrant wash cloth. And it does a thorough job of cleansing, too. At $1.75."

Shocking Voyageur Presentation c1958

Shocking Voyageur Presentation by Schiaparelli: launched in 1958. Each item was housed in a brushed gold tone metal canister.

Includes the following:

• 2 oz Spray Cologne
• 10ml Spray Parfum 

Schiaparelli Sac de Parfum c1950s

Shocking Sac de parfum, a refillable purse size perfume bottle created in the 1950s and used well into the 1960s. Made up of ribbed clear glass with a gold plated metal screw cap with Schiaparelli Paris engraved into the top. The bottle stands 2 1/4" tall and holds 1/4 oz. of perfume. You would refill the bottle with the provided funnel.

Schiap by Schiaparelli c1934

Schiap by Schiaparelli: launched in 1934. This was the updated fragrance originally named 'S', first presented in 1928. Renamed Sport in 1952.  It was created to be worn by both men and women for sports.

Chloro-Cologne by Schiaparelli c1952

In 1952, Schiaparelli unveiled a bold innovation in the world of fragrance with Chloro-Cologne. Infused with chlorophyll, this cologne offered a unique twist on traditional scents like Shocking and Si from the Schiaparelli line. Chlorophyll, once heralded for its purported ability to neutralize odors, was a trendy addition in various personal care products of the era, despite later scientific findings that it merely dulled the perception of smells by desensitizing olfactory nerve endings.

 

Harper's Bazaar captured the allure of Schiaparelli's Chloro-Cologne, describing it as a refreshing antidote to the day's heat. Packaged in generous twelve-ounce bottles, it boasted the unmistakable essence of "Shocking," its cool green hue derived from chlorophyll lending an aura of cleanliness and freshness to the skin. Offered at $5, it became a sought-after item at prestigious retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue.

Kiplinger's Personal Finance humorously acknowledged the blend as "Chloro-Cologne de Schiaparelli," mixing chlorophyll with a generous splash of the renowned Shocking fragrance. This combination, perhaps included for its aromatic safety, highlighted Schiaparelli's penchant for bold experimentation in scent composition, marking Chloro-Cologne as both a functional and fashionable addition to personal grooming routines of the time.

Harper's Bazaar, 1952:

"Giant editions of famous classics help improve a September day. Here, twelve ounces of Schiaparelli's Chloro-Cologne scented with "Shocking" and turned cool green by chlorophyll, to keep your skin clean and fresh. $5. Saks Fifth Avenue."

Kiplinger's Personal Finance, 1952:

"Chloro-Cologne de Schiaparelli — chlorophyll plus a slug of the famous Shocking fragrance, presumably thrown in for safety's sake."

Botticelliana by Schiaparelli c1933

The name Botticelliana was first used as a name for a perfume by Schiaparelli in 1933, this was discontinued shortly after it's introduction and was relaunched in 1977.

Eau de Santé by Schiaparelli c1939

Eau de Santé by Schiaparelli: launched in 1939. A cooling eau de cologne meant to be used during the hot weather months.

Shocking Scamp c1940

 The Shocking Scamp was a limited edition presentation created exclusively for the Christmas season of 1940. Designed by influential Italian jeweller Fulco di Verdura

Si by Schiaparelli c1957

In 1957, when Schiaparelli launched her perfume "Si," it was a time marked by post-war optimism and a resurgence of creativity in fashion and art. The name "Si" carries a multifaceted significance that intertwines with both music and the essence of Schiaparelli herself. Derived from the "Valse des Si," a waltz composed by Henri Sauguet dedicated to Schiaparelli, "Si" resonates with musical notes, particularly the note B, and also serves as a play on the French word for "yes" and the English pronoun "it." The name cleverly incorporates the first and last letters of Schiaparelli's surname, embodying a personal touch that reflects her bold and innovative spirit.

Additionally, the association with Juliette Gréco's song "Si" adds another layer of cultural resonance. Gréco, known for her avant-garde style and artistic expression, infused the song "Si" with emotional depth and modernity, mirroring Schiaparelli's approach to fashion and fragrance. Thus, "Si" as a perfume name not only captures musical inspiration but also embodies a sense of sophistication, allure, and artistic flair that defined the era.

The choice of "Si" as a perfume name would have resonated deeply with individuals who appreciated Schiaparelli's avant-garde designs and sought to embody her unique blend of creativity and elegance. Those attracted to the perfume would likely respond with intrigue and admiration, drawn to its evocative name and the promise of a fragrance that encapsulated Schiaparelli's daring and innovative vision.