In 1926, when the perfume "Femme du Jour" was launched, it marked a significant era in the context of the modern woman. This was the Roaring Twenties, a time known for its cultural dynamism and the changing roles of women in society. The modern woman of the 1920s was characterized by her newfound independence, confidence, and boldness. She embraced fashion trends that reflected liberation from traditional norms, such as shorter skirts and bobbed haircuts, and she actively participated in social and cultural activities previously dominated by men.
The name "Femme du Jour," when translated from French to English, means "Woman of the Day." This name would have been chosen by Corday, the perfume brand, to evoke a sense of sophistication, allure, and relevance to the contemporary woman. In the 1920s, there was a growing celebration of the modern woman's autonomy and visibility in public life. By naming their perfume "Femme du Jour," Corday positioned it as a fragrance for the woman who is at the forefront of her time, confident, and ready to seize the day.
This name resonates with women who aspire to be noticed, admired, and remembered. It appeals to those who are fashionable, socially active, and assertive in their pursuits. The kind of woman attracted to such a perfume with this name would likely be someone who appreciates elegance, enjoys being in the spotlight, and values her independence and femininity.
"Femme du Jour" conjures up images of a woman dressed impeccably, with a hint of mystery and allure. It suggests a fragrance that is sophisticated, perhaps with floral or oriental notes that complement the wearer's charisma. Emotionally, the name evokes a sense of empowerment and celebration of womanhood, capturing the essence of a modern woman who is vibrant and influential.
In summary, the launch of "Femme du Jour" in 1926 aligns with the spirit of the modern woman of that era, celebrating her newfound freedoms and expressive individuality. The name itself reflects the aspirations and characteristics of the women who would be drawn to such a perfume, resonating with their desire for elegance, recognition, and self-assured femininity.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a light floral oriental perfume with fruity citric notes. Femme du Jour was described as having a "spring-like daintiness". The perfume begins with a blast of sharp citrus zest combined with fleeting light floral notes, layered over an opulent floral heart of white flowers sweetened with the cherry pie note of heliotrope and the banana like ylang ylang, resting over a long lasting, warm oriental base of Mysore sandalwood and ambergris.
- Top notes: bergamot, neroli, lime blossom, fruity note, hyacinth
- Middle notes: lily of the valley, orange blossom, jasmine, heliotrope, rose, ylang ylang
- Base notes: vetiver, musk, vanilla, ambergris, sandalwood, cedar, labdanum, oakmoss, tonka bean
Scent Profile:
As you breathe in the initial burst of Femme du Jour, you're greeted by a lively concoction that speaks of the modernity and zest of the 1920s. The bergamot dances on your senses first, its sharp, citrusy tang reminiscent of freshly sliced lemons under the spring sun. Neroli follows closely behind, offering a delicate floral sweetness that hints at the liberated spirit of the era. Lime blossom adds a subtle, green freshness, like a breeze through a blooming garden. Mixed in is a teasing fruity note, ephemeral and playful, evoking the carefree joy of flappers dancing the Charleston.
Moving deeper into the heart of the perfume, you encounter a bouquet of white flowers that exude elegance and femininity. Lily of the valley unveils its dewy, green aroma, conjuring images of a garden in full bloom. Orange blossom adds a sensual sweetness, its honeyed tones mingling with the heady richness of jasmine, embodying the boldness of the modern woman. Heliotrope surprises with its cherry pie-like scent, a whimsical nod to indulgence and allure, while ylang ylang introduces a creamy, tropical facet akin to ripe bananas, adding a touch of exoticism to the composition.
As the fragrance settles into its base, a sense of warmth and sophistication emerges. Mysore sandalwood unfolds its creamy, woody embrace, a luxurious backdrop that speaks of refinement and sensuality. Ambergris lends a soft, animalic depth, enhancing the perfume's longevity and allure. Vetiver contributes its earthy, green nuances, grounding the composition with a hint of mystery. Musk whispers gently in the background, adding a subtle sensuousness that lingers on the skin. Vanilla and tonka bean weave a comforting sweetness, reminiscent of cherished memories and embracing femininity.
Overall, Femme du Jour is not just a perfume; it's an olfactory journey through the liberated spirit of the 1920s woman. It captures the essence of spring-like daintiness with its light floral oriental character, blending fruity citric notes with opulent floral tones and a warm, lingering base. Each ingredient tells a story of elegance, independence, and sophistication, resonating with the modern woman who embraces her femininity with confidence and grace.
"CORDAY PRESENTS. A PRECIOUS PERFUME. A dream within a fragrance— rich—and splendid- and languorous. FEMME DU JOUR. (Woman of the Day). It's new!
Modesto Bee, 1931:
"Corday's Quand?, Orchidée Bleue, Toujours Moi, Femme de Jour, Le Pois de Senteur, $1.50 to $12.50."
The New Yorker, 1949:
"Your choice of these long-lasting French fragrances: Corday's TOUJOURS MOI or POSSESSION at $2.50; FAME, ROMANTIQUE, L'ARDENTE NUIT or FEMME du JOUR at $2.00; JET at $1.75. All prices plus tax."
Harper's Bazaar, 1956:
" "Femme du Jour" — a serene and subtle interpretation of the fruits-with-flowers theme. By Corday."
Bottles:
The deluxe parfum bottle of Femme du Jour embodies the epitome of luxury and elegance, crafted from jet black opaque Baccarat crystal. Its exquisite design speaks volumes with its understated sophistication, the golden serigraphy of its name adding a touch of opulence against the dark backdrop. The small square glass stopper, entirely gilded, serves as a testament to its fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Originally introduced in 1926, this bottle, known as Baccarat model number 625, was also available in a clear crystal variant for those who preferred a more transparent allure.
Presented in a vibrant red silk presentation box adorned with gilded paper trim, the packaging of Femme du Jour exudes a sense of lavish indulgence and prestige. The combination of rich red and shimmering gold not only enhances the visual appeal but also reflects the perfume's aura of sophistication and luxury.
Available in a range of sizes to cater to different preferences and budgets, Femme du Jour offered options that ranged from 2 1/2 oz down to a petite 1/4 oz. The larger sizes, such as the 2 1/2 oz bottle, were priced at $18.00 in 1927, while the 2 oz bottle originally retailed for $16.50 in 1926, showcasing its exclusivity and value. For those seeking a more modest indulgence, the 1 oz bottle was priced at $6.50, the 1/2 oz at $3.50, and the smallest 1/4 oz size at $1.50 by 1928, making it accessible to a wider audience while maintaining its aura of luxury.
As the perfume gained popularity and acclaim, deluxe size bottles were later advertised at premium prices of $45 and $50 in 1928, catering to connoisseurs and collectors who valued both the fragrance and the artistry of its presentation. Additionally, trial-sized flaconettes priced at $1.50 provided an entry point for those curious to experience the allure of Femme du Jour without committing to a larger bottle.
In essence, the deluxe parfum bottle of Femme du Jour not only housed a scent but encapsulated an era of elegance and refinement. Its Baccarat crystal construction, coupled with the luxurious red silk presentation box, elevated the experience of owning and wearing the fragrance, appealing to those who appreciated the finer things in life and sought to embody the spirit of sophistication and allure that defined the 1920s woman.
"Corday's "Femme de Jour" Perfume, $1.50. This luxurious and alluring perfume is now available in this small purse size flacon of Corday's entrancing Femme du Jour"
Mini perfume, stands 1 1/2" tall. Photo from worthpoint.
"Another appropriate perfume is Corday's "Femme du Jour" — for Mother is certainly the "woman of the day" — a blend of flower scents. Cordette purse flacon $2. Other sizes $4.50 to $8.50."
Fate of the Fragrance:
Production of Femme du Jour came to an abrupt halt with the onset of World War II, disrupting the steady flow of its luxurious scent to its devoted clientele. Despite the tumultuous times, echoes of its presence lingered, with the fragrance still being sold as late as 1956, a testament to its enduring appeal and the nostalgia it evoked among its loyal admirers. However, as the years passed and tastes evolved, Femme du Jour eventually faded from the shelves, its exact discontinuation date shrouded in the mists of time, leaving behind cherished memories of an era marked by elegance, grace, and the timeless allure of a fragrance that captured the essence of a bygone era.
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