Matchbox Perfume Perfume Presentation 1956

La Fiesta by Schiaparelli c1950

"La Fiesta" by Elsa Schiaparelli was launched around 1950, a time of post-war recovery and burgeoning optimism. The early 1950s marked a return to joy and celebration after the austerity and hardships of World War II. People were eager to embrace life, indulge in luxuries, and revel in social gatherings. Fashion and fragrances became symbols of newfound prosperity and exuberance. Schiaparelli, known for her avant-garde and surrealist designs, created "La Fiesta" to capture the spirit of this era—a time when parties and celebrations were at the forefront of social life.

Choosing the name "La Fiesta" for her perfume, Schiaparelli drew upon the universal appeal of festivities and joyous occasions. "La Fiesta," meaning "The Party" in Spanish, evokes images of lively gatherings, vibrant colors, music, dance, and the infectious energy of a great celebration. This name would have resonated with individuals eager to leave behind the bleakness of the war years and embrace the pleasures of life. It encapsulated the essence of fun, glamour, and the carefree spirit of the time.

"La Fiesta" would have been an appropriate name for a perfume because it conjures the excitement and allure of social events. Perfumes are often used to enhance one's presence and leave a lasting impression, much like how one wants to stand out and be remembered at a party. The name suggests a fragrance that is lively, enchanting, and capable of transforming any moment into a festive occasion. It implies a scent that would make its wearer feel glamorous and confident, ready to shine in the spotlight of any celebration.

Soucis de Schiaparelli c1934

In 1934, the launch of "Soucis de Schiaparelli" coincided with a vibrant and transformative period in both fashion and fragrance. Elsa Schiaparelli, the renowned fashion designer known for her avant-garde creations and bold artistic vision, extended her influence into the realm of perfumery. The 1930s marked a time of artistic exploration and daring innovation in perfume composition, mirroring the era's embrace of modernism and social change.

Elsa Schiaparelli's connection to perfumes was deeply intertwined with her fashion philosophy, which challenged traditional norms and embraced surrealism and whimsy. Just as her clothing designs pushed boundaries with their unconventional shapes and vibrant colors, Schiaparelli approached perfumery with a desire to create scents that embodied her artistic vision.

The name "Soucis," chosen by Schiaparelli for her perfume, holds significant meaning. "Soucis" is the French word for "care" or "worry." In the context of a perfume, this name suggests a nuanced approach to femininity and self-expression. It implies a fragrance that accompanies a woman through her daily life, providing a comforting and reassuring presence. The choice of "Soucis" reflects Schiaparelli's keen understanding of the emotional and psychological dimensions of scent, aiming to offer more than just a pleasant aroma but a companion that soothes and uplifts.

Succes Fou by Schiaparelli c1953

In 1953, the launch of "Succes Fou" by Schiaparelli coincided with a vibrant period in both fashion and fragrance. This was an era marked by post-war optimism and a growing fascination with glamour and luxury in America. Fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, known for her avant-garde and often surreal designs, had a keen sense of the theatrical and the provocative, which she also infused into her perfumes.

Elsa Schiaparelli's connection to perfumes was deeply rooted in her desire to extend her artistic vision beyond clothing. She saw perfumes as an extension of her fashion empire, encapsulating the same boldness and innovative spirit that characterized her clothing designs.

The choice of the name "Succes Fou," meaning "Raving Success" or "Smash Hit" in French, reflects Schiaparelli's intention to create a sensation with her perfume. The name suggests not just success, but wild, exuberant success—a triumph that captivates and dazzles. It hints at something extraordinary, daring, and irresistible.

"Succes Fou" would have resonated with individuals who embraced luxury, glamour, and the thrill of being at the forefront of fashion. It would have appealed to those who sought to stand out, to make a statement, and to embody a sense of audacity and extravagance. The perfume likely attracted women who were confident, stylish, and unafraid to make a bold impression.

Salut by Schiaparelli c1934

In 1934, the launch of Schiaparelli's perfume "Salut" coincided with a vibrant period in both fashion and cultural history. Elsa Schiaparelli, the pioneering fashion designer known for her avant-garde creations, had already made a significant mark on the fashion world with her daring designs and collaborations with artists like Salvador Dalí. During this time, the world was emerging from the depths of the Great Depression, and there was a growing sense of optimism and vitality in society.

Elsa Schiaparelli's connection to perfumes was part of her broader vision to offer women a complete aesthetic experience. Perfumes, in her view, were not just fragrances but essential accessories that complemented her innovative clothing designs. This approach resonated particularly well in the 1930s, where fashion and perfume were intertwined in the concept of total elegance and style.

The choice of the name "Salut" for the perfume carries several layers of meaning. "Salut," which translates from French as "Hello" or "Greetings," suggests a friendly and welcoming tone. It evokes a sense of cheerfulness and social interaction, fitting well with the lively atmosphere of the time. In the context of a perfume, "Salut" could be seen as a gesture of homage or acknowledgment — a salute to femininity, elegance, and the spirit of the era.

For Schiaparelli, naming a perfume "Salut" was a deliberate choice to capture the essence of youthfulness and vitality. It would appeal to young women who embraced modernity and were looking for fragrances that reflected their dynamic lifestyle. The perfume was recommended for young girls, aligning perfectly with Schiaparelli's vision of empowering women through fashion and beauty.

Shocking by Schiaparelli c1936

The perfume "Shocking" by Elsa Schiaparelli was launched in a period marked by dramatic societal changes and a flourishing of artistic innovation. The year was 1936 in France and 1937 in the USA, an era still feeling the aftershocks of the Great Depression, yet brimming with a spirit of recovery and defiance against convention. The fashion world, particularly in Paris, was a beacon of this defiant creativity. Elsa Schiaparelli, a leading couturier, was renowned for her avant-garde designs that often bordered on the surreal. She was a contemporary and rival of Coco Chanel, known for pushing the boundaries of fashion and art.

Schiaparelli's connection to perfumes was influenced significantly by her mentor, Paul Poiret, one of the first designers to incorporate perfumes into his couture offerings. Poiret recognized that a signature scent could encapsulate and enhance the allure of his fashion creations, and Schiaparelli embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. By adding perfumes to her line, Schiaparelli not only followed in Poiret's footsteps but also carved out a distinctive identity for her brand, blending fashion with fragrance to create a complete sensory experience.

The name "Shocking" was a deliberate and bold choice. It was inspired by a particular shade of hot pink that Schiaparelli herself dubbed "Shocking Pink," a color that became a hallmark of her brand. This vivid, attention-grabbing hue was not just a color but a statement—a challenge to the muted tones and conservative sensibilities of the time. Naming the perfume "Shocking" was a way to encapsulate this daring spirit in a scent. It was a name that promised excitement, audacity, and a break from the ordinary, much like Schiaparelli's fashion designs.

"Shocking" was an appropriate name for the perfume because it encapsulated the essence of Schiaparelli's brand: unexpected, provocative, and unforgettable. The word "Shocking" itself evokes images of boldness and intensity. It suggests a jolt to the senses, something that disrupts the norm and demands attention. For a perfume, it implies a scent that is powerful and memorable, one that leaves a lasting impression.

The perfume "Shocking" would have resonated with women who identified with Schiaparelli's daring and unconventional style. These were women who were not afraid to stand out and make a statement. They would have responded to "Shocking" with a sense of empowerment and delight, reveling in a scent that matched their bold personalities. This perfume would appeal to the modern woman of the 1930s who embraced new freedoms and expressed her individuality through fashion and fragrance.

The word "Shocking" evokes images of vibrant energy and fearless innovation. It conjures feelings of excitement, surprise, and a bit of rebellion. For those who wore "Shocking," it would be a badge of their daring spirit, a declaration of their willingness to defy expectations and revel in their unique style. This perfume was not just a fragrance but an embodiment of the audacious and avant-garde ethos that Schiaparelli championed, making it an iconic creation that continues to resonate with those who appreciate bold artistry and fearless self-expression.

Created by the talented perfumer Jean Carles, "Shocking" was said to have been initially developed for Schiaparelli's personal use. This intimate origin story added to its allure, suggesting a scent so captivating that it was initially reserved for the designer herself. According to a 1938 newspaper ad, this personal touch added a layer of exclusivity and allure, enticing customers with the promise of a scent that carried the personal imprimatur of one of fashion's most innovative minds.

Shocking Radiance by Schiaparelli c1943

"Shocking Radiance" from 1943 was a special collection of oils scented with the iconic perfume Shocking. Each oil variant was infused with the distinctive fragrance of Shocking and featured a base of lanolin. These oils were likely designed to offer a luxurious and scented experience, combining the nourishing properties of lanolin with the captivating aroma of Shocking perfume.

The use of lanolin, known for its moisturizing and protective qualities, would have complemented the perfume's fragrance, enhancing its longevity and providing a silky feel on the skin. This innovative product line reflected Schiaparelli's commitment to offering a range of luxurious and beautifully scented items, catering to the tastes and desires of sophisticated clientele during the 1940s.

Dance Arrogance by Schiaparelli c1992

Dance Arrogance by Schiaparelli: launched in 1992 in association with /Pikenz.

Arrogantissima by Schiaparelli/Pikenz c1988

Arrogantissima by Schiaparelli: launched in 1988 in association with Pikenz the First/S.B.P. S.p.A.. 

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