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 

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."

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

Schiaparelli Cologne Concentree c1954

Cologne Concentree by Schiaparelli was a refined and more intense version of the traditional cologne, offering a longer-lasting fragrance experience. This product line included a variety of Schiaparelli's iconic scents such as "Shocking" and "Succes Fou." Cologne Concentree was distinguished by its higher concentration of aromatic compounds compared to regular eau de cologne, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more enduring and robust fragrance.

In the mid-20th century, the demand for more potent and longer-lasting colognes led to the popularity of products like Cologne Concentree. These vintage colognes often possessed a stronger scent profile than contemporary versions, a characteristic that perfume enthusiasts cherish today. The richness and intensity of Cologne Concentree allowed it to stand out and leave a memorable impression, aligning perfectly with Schiaparelli's bold and innovative approach to perfumery.

An example of the marketing and appeal of Cologne Concentree is found in the 1954 issue of Woman's Home Companion, Volume 81, which highlights Schiaparelli's "Succes Fou Cologne Concentree" in a new mist-spray atomizer bottle. Priced at $3, this product offered a convenient and modern way to apply the fragrance, ensuring an even and delicate distribution of the scent. The introduction of the mist-spray atomizer bottle not only enhanced the user experience but also reflected the evolving consumer preferences for ease of use and portability.

The Cologne Concentree line embodied the elegance and sophistication associated with Schiaparelli's brand, providing a more intense and lasting olfactory experience that resonated with the fashion-forward women of the time. The higher concentration of essential oils in the Cologne Concentree allowed the fragrance to develop and linger on the skin, offering a sensory journey that was both captivating and enduring. This made it an ideal choice for special occasions and daily wear alike, ensuring that the wearer felt confident and distinguished throughout the day.

Woman's Home Companion, Volume 81, 1954:

"Schiaparelli's Succes Fou Cologne Concentree in a new mist- spray atomizer bottle. $3."

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.