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.

The target audience for a perfume called "La Fiesta" would have been individuals who relished socializing and participating in the vibrant cultural scene of the 1950s. This includes women who frequented high-society events, glamorous soirees, and fashionable gatherings. They would have responded to this perfume with enthusiasm, seeing it as an essential accessory for their social arsenal. The fragrance would have been perceived as an embodiment of elegance and sophistication, enhancing their allure and making them the life of the party.

The word "La Fiesta" evokes images of swirling dance floors, clinking glasses, and laughter echoing through grand ballrooms. It brings to mind feelings of excitement, joy, and anticipation. One can almost hear the lively music, see the dazzling lights, and feel the warmth of being surrounded by friends and admirers. "La Fiesta" encapsulates the essence of celebration, promising a sensory journey that mirrors the delightful chaos and jubilant atmosphere of a memorable party. In this way, Schiaparelli's perfume would have appealed to those seeking not just a fragrance, but an experience that captures the joy of life and the magic of festive gatherings.

Bottle:

"La Fiesta" by Elsa Schiaparelli was housed in a clear crystal perfume bottle of elegant and restrained design, perfectly reflecting the taste and practical necessities of its time. This rectangular bottle with a cube stopper was first introduced in 1938 and continued to be used throughout the 1940s. The minimalist design featured a clear, transparent structure adorned with an applied gold paper label, and came encased in a sophisticated gold cardboard presentation box. This design choice not only exuded a timeless sophistication but also adhered to the wartime restrictions that affected the availability of luxury materials.

The clear glass bottle was crafted to hold pure parfum and became a standard vessel for several other Schiaparelli fragrances, such as "So Sweet," "Sleeping," "Shocking," "Salut," "Le Roy Soleil," "Zut," and others. This continuity in design across multiple perfumes speaks to both a practical response to material shortages and a cohesive branding strategy. The bottle's sober style can be seen as a response to the World War II restrictions on importing materials, particularly glass bottles and supplies from Czechoslovakia and Italy. These restrictions necessitated the use of domestically produced bottles, leading to the creation of a versatile and practical design that could be used for multiple products.

Manufactured exclusively for Schiaparelli, this bottle was a domestic French product, specifically Baccarat model #788. The renowned Baccarat crystal manufacturer crafted these bottles, ensuring they met the high standards of quality and luxury associated with Schiaparelli's brand. The bottle's tall, upright rectangular shape, coupled with a faceted glass cube stopper, created a striking yet understated aesthetic. The smallest size of the bottle featured a stopper with an attached dauber, a practical addition for applying the parfum with precision.

Each bottle was usually molded with the inscriptions "Schiaparelli" and "French Bottle" at its base, signifying its authenticity and origin. This detail not only reinforced the brand's identity but also highlighted the quality and craftsmanship involved in its production. The use of a domestic manufacturer like Baccarat ensured that Schiaparelli's perfumes maintained their luxurious appeal even in times of material scarcity.

Overall, the design of the "La Fiesta" perfume bottle encapsulates a blend of elegance, practicality, and resilience. The clear crystal, minimalist form, and subtle gold accents harmonize to create a vessel that is both beautiful and functional, perfectly suited to the era's constraints and the brand's luxurious image. This bottle design stands as a testament to Schiaparelli's ingenuity and adaptability, continuing to captivate collectors and perfume enthusiasts with its historical significance and timeless charm.

Fate of the Fragrance:

"La Fiesta" by Elsa Schiaparelli, despite its historical significance and exquisite design, was eventually discontinued, though the exact date remains unknown. This rare fragrance, with its elegant clear crystal bottle and sophisticated presentation, captured the spirit of its time but ultimately ceased production. The discontinuation of "La Fiesta" adds to its allure and mystique, making it a coveted item among collectors and perfume aficionados who seek to preserve a piece of Schiaparelli's luxurious and innovative legacy. The reasons for its discontinuation are not well-documented, but it remains a testament to the ephemeral nature of fashion and fragrance trends, as well as the impact of changing market dynamics over time.