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.

Le Roy Soleil by Schiaparelli c1946

Launched in 1946, Le Roy Soleil by Elsa Schiaparelli was far more than just a perfume—it was a symbolic gesture, a fragrant tribute to triumph and cultural rebirth. Created to commemorate the end of World War II and the liberation of Paris, the fragrance emerged in a world hungry for beauty, hope, and a return to elegance. The name Le Roy Soleil—an archaic French spelling of Le Roi Soleil, meaning The Sun King—was a deliberate nod to France’s golden age under Louis XIV. Pronounced roughly “luh rwah soh-LAY,” the name conjures immediate associations with opulence, grandeur, and power. It evokes imagery of radiant sunlight flooding the gilded halls of Versailles, of baroque artistry, theatricality, and a flourishing of the arts. For French women, who had endured years of war-time austerity, the name itself must have been thrilling—a promise of restored splendor and national pride.

The choice to invoke The Sun King—Louis XIV—was deeply intentional. Louis XIV is one of France’s most iconic monarchs, ruling from 1643 to 1715 and transforming the French court into a dazzling center of culture and sophistication. His image was synonymous with absolute power and lavish taste; he built Versailles into a symbol of royal magnificence and presided over a golden age of French art, fashion, and perfume. By invoking his persona, Schiaparelli tied her creation to an idealized vision of French identity, reclaiming a past era of aesthetic dominance at a moment when France was healing from occupation and destruction.

In terms of historical context, the perfume was launched during what is now referred to as the immediate post-war period—La Libération in France. Fashion was beginning to revive, with designers like Christian Dior preparing to launch what would soon become known as The New Look in 1947: rounded shoulders, cinched waists, and voluminous skirts—a rejection of wartime utility and rationing in favor of unapologetic femininity and luxury. In perfumery, there was a similar shift; the era welcomed richer, more opulent compositions that felt indulgent and escapist. Le Roy Soleil, classified as a sweet oriental, embodied this return to sensuality and warmth, offering a bouquet of exotic richness that felt both triumphant and comforting.

Sleeping by Schiaparelli c1938

Sleeping by Schiaparelli, launched in 1938, was more than a fragrance—it was a whispered lullaby for a world on the brink. Created by the irreverent and visionary couturière Elsa Schiaparelli, the perfume arrived during a charged moment in time: the late interwar period, when the bold, rule-breaking creativity of the 1930s brushed up against the looming shadow of the Second World War. This was an era of contradiction—of modernist triumphs and surrealist dreams, but also of escalating geopolitical anxiety and social upheaval. Women of the period were shedding the last remnants of Edwardian constraint and embracing independence, expression, and complexity—both in fashion and in fragrance.

Schiaparelli, who was deeply influenced by the Surrealist movement and often collaborated with artists such as Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau, understood the profound power of suggestion, whimsy, and symbolism. To name a perfume "Sleeping" was a deliberate poetic gesture. The word itself, derived from Old English slǣpan, means to rest or to be in a state of suspended animation. But in Schiaparelli’s hands, it becomes evocative—more than just unconsciousness. It conjures images of enchantment, reverie, innocence, and erotic mystery. One might think of Sleeping Beauty, suspended in time, awaiting a kiss; or the surrealist notion of sleep as the door to the subconscious and the fantastical.

The emotional resonance of the word "Sleeping" in 1938 would have felt simultaneously comforting and provocative. In a world edging toward darkness, to wear a scent named Sleeping was to retreat into a private, fragrant dream—a sensual, personal world untethered from the anxiety of headlines. For modern women increasingly negotiating the dualities of domestic life and public engagement, "Sleeping" might have represented a secret space, one of intimacy and psychological depth.

Sport by Schiaparelli c1952

Sport by Schiaparelli: launched in 1952.It was created to be worn by both men and women for sports. This was the updated fragrance originally named 'S', first presented in 1928. Renamed "Schiap" in 1934. Renamed Sport in 1952. And then relaunched again as 'S' in 1961 but for women.

Shocking You by Schiaparelli c1976

The mid-1970s was a time of cultural shifts and fashion experimentation. Following the tumultuous 1960s, which saw significant social and political changes, the 1970s continued to break traditional norms. This decade was marked by a mix of rebellion against the status quo and a desire for individual expression. Disco culture was flourishing, with its vibrant, extravagant fashion, while the punk movement was beginning to emerge, challenging conventional aesthetics and societal expectations. Amid this backdrop, fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, known for her avant-garde and surrealist designs, made a significant impact.

Schiaparelli, a contemporary of Coco Chanel, was renowned for her bold, unconventional approach to fashion. Her designs often featured unexpected elements, such as her famous lobster dress and her collaborations with surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Schiaparelli's connection to perfumes was a natural extension of her brand, blending her artistic vision with olfactory creations. She understood that a fragrance could be as much a part of a woman's identity as her clothing, and her perfumes were designed to complement her daring fashion.

The name "Shocking You" is a nod to Schiaparelli's iconic fragrance "Shocking," which was introduced in 1937 and named after her signature shocking pink color. "Shocking You," launched in 1976, would evoke the same sense of surprise and boldness that characterized Schiaparelli's work. The name suggests a fragrance that is daring, provocative, and unapologetically bold, capturing the spirit of the era's desire for self-expression and rebellion.

"Shocking You" would be an appropriate name for a perfume because it encapsulates the essence of Schiaparelli's brand—unconventional, vibrant, and designed to make a statement. It implies a scent that would stand out, defy expectations, and leave a lasting impression, much like Schiaparelli's fashion.

S by Schiaparelli c1928

"S" by Schiaparelli, initially launched in 1928, emerged during a vibrant and transformative period in the 20th century. The Roaring Twenties, a decade marked by significant social, cultural, and economic change, witnessed the rise of modernism, jazz music, and a general sense of liberation. Fashion and lifestyle became central to the expression of this newfound freedom, with designers like Elsa Schiaparelli at the forefront of innovative and daring creations.

The connection of "S" to sports is particularly significant. The 1920s saw an increasing interest in physical fitness and outdoor activities, driven by a societal shift towards health and well-being. The idea of leisure and sportswear was gaining popularity, and Schiaparelli’s perfume was designed to complement this lifestyle. By creating a fragrance intended for both men and women to wear during sports, Schiaparelli broke the traditional boundaries of gender-specific scents, aligning with the progressive and egalitarian spirit of the era.

Schiaparelli's choice of the name "S" is intriguing and multifaceted. "S" is the initial of Schiaparelli's own name, making it a personal signature and a bold statement of identity. Additionally, the letter "S" can evoke numerous connotations: strength, sophistication, and style, all attributes that align with Schiaparelli's brand. As an appropriate name for a perfume, "S" is simple, memorable, and versatile, reflecting the sleek and streamlined aesthetics of the modern age.

The individuals who would relate to a perfume called "S" would likely be the fashionable, active, and forward-thinking men and women of the time. They would appreciate the innovation and the unisex nature of the scent, finding it suitable for their dynamic lifestyles. Their response to this perfume would be one of enthusiasm and admiration, seeing it as an extension of their personality and an enhancement of their active, modern lives.

The word "S" evokes images of serpentine elegance and fluidity, suggestive of both movement and grace. It conjures feelings of sophistication, sleekness, and a certain enigmatic allure. These qualities make "S" not just a perfume but a statement piece, representing the wearer’s connection to the cutting-edge fashion and cultural zeitgeist of the time.

Snuff by Schiaparelli c1939

In 1939, the time period when Schiaparelli launched the perfume "Snuff," the world was on the brink of World War II. This era was characterized by a blend of elegance and practicality in men's fashion, reflecting a society poised between the opulence of the pre-war years and the impending austerity of wartime. Tweed suits were particularly fashionable, embodying a rugged yet refined aesthetic suitable for both formal occasions and outdoor pursuits.

Elsa Schiaparelli, known for her innovative approach to fashion, also ventured into the realm of men's fragrances with "Snuff." The name "Snuff" was inspired by the color brown, which Schiaparelli whimsically dubbed "Snuff," likening it to the fine, powdered tobacco used for sniffing. This choice of name cleverly tied the fragrance to a sense of tradition and sophistication, evoking an image of old-world charm and refinement.

"Scent" would appeal to men who appreciated classic, understated elegance. The fragrance itself was classified as dry, woodsy-mossy, perfectly complementing the rugged yet polished style associated with tweed suits and outdoor activities. It would likely resonate with gentlemen who valued subtlety and timeless sophistication in their grooming choices.

The word "Snuff" evokes images of finely ground tobacco, old leather-bound books, and perhaps even the rustic charm of a gentleman's study. It carries connotations of tradition, refinement, and a hint of nostalgia for a bygone era of masculine elegance.