In the years following World War II, the Western world was captivated by a fascination with exoticism and the allure of distant, tropical paradises. This period marked a cultural infatuation with the South Seas and Polynesian islands like Tahiti and Hawaii, characterized by lush jungles, pristine beaches, and a perceived sense of untamed natural beauty. The average housewife of the era, often confined to domestic routines and societal expectations, found in these fantasies a potent escape into a realm of freedom and sensuality.
The wartime experiences in the Pacific Theatre indeed had a significant impact on Western perceptions of these regions. The tales of bravery, exotic landscapes, and encounters with indigenous cultures captured the imagination of the public back home. These narratives fueled a desire for escapism and adventure, elements that often found their expression in cultural artifacts such as literature, films, and even perfumes.
The choice of the name "Frenzy" for a perfume during this time period can be interpreted within this context of escapism and allure. "Frenzy" evokes a sense of intense passion, wild abandon, and heightened emotion, the heart beating like a drum. It suggests a state of excitement and desire that resonated with the cultural fascination with exoticism and the eroticized imagery of the South Seas and Polynesian islands.
Corday likely chose this name to evoke these powerful emotions and associations. Perfume names are carefully crafted to convey a certain image and appeal to a specific demographic. "Frenzy" suggests a perfume that is bold, seductive, and perhaps even a little mysterious. It appeals to women who seek to express their sensuality and embrace their desires.
The name "Frenzy" resonates with women who are confident, adventurous, and unafraid to indulge in their passions. It attracts those who want to stand out, to be noticed, and to evoke a sense of allure and excitement. The imagery and emotions associated with "Frenzy" conjure up visions of tropical nights, rhythmic music, the heat of the jungle, and the intoxicating scent of exotic flowers. It embodies a sense of liberation and uninhibited joy, offering its wearer a transformative experience akin to escaping into a world of fantasy and desire.
In 1945, an advertisement for "Frenzy" perfume described it as "sensuous as the beat of the tom-tom." This evocative phrase taps into the era's fascination with exoticism and the allure of distant, untamed lands. The tom-tom drum, traditionally associated with tribal rituals in Africa and Oceania, symbolizes primal energy and rhythmic celebration. By likening the perfume to the beat of the tom-tom, the advertisement suggests that "Frenzy" offers an experience of heightened sensuality and exotic allure, transporting the wearer to a world filled with mystery and passion.
In the immediate post-World War II period, Western societies were captivated by the idea of escape and adventure. After years of austerity and conflict, there was a collective yearning for indulgence and the fantasy of far-off paradises. The reference to the tom-tom drum in the advertisement speaks directly to this desire, promising that "Frenzy" can provide a sensory journey to tropical locales like Tahiti, Moorea, and Hawaii. These destinations, with their lush jungles and pristine beaches, represented an idealized vision of freedom and natural beauty, offering an intoxicating escape from everyday life.
The phrase "sensuous as the beat of the tom-tom" also emphasizes the sensory appeal of "Frenzy" perfume. Perfume advertising often relies on vivid, descriptive language to convey the emotional and sensory experience of wearing a fragrance. In this case, the comparison to the rhythmic, compelling beat of the tom-tom drum suggests that "Frenzy" is not just a scent, but a transformative experience that engages all the senses. It implies a sense of rhythm, movement, and passion, appealing to individuals who seek intensity and excitement in their lives.
Furthermore, this imagery reflects the broader cultural context of the 1940s, when swing music and jazz were immensely popular, and the energy of rhythm and dance permeated the social scene. By aligning "Frenzy" with the beat of the tom-tom, the advertisement positions the perfume within this vibrant cultural landscape, suggesting that it embodies the spirit of the times—bold, lively, and full of life. This makes "Frenzy" particularly attractive to women who are confident, adventurous, and eager to embrace their sensuality, offering them a way to express their inner desires and aspirations through the art of fragrance.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a woody floral fragrance for women. It was described as "sultry, light, flippant".
- Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, neroli, lily of the valley, narcissus
- Middle notes: spices, ylang ylang, carnation, jasmine, rose, orange blossom
- Base notes: patchouli, vetiver, oakmoss, rosewood, cedar, vanilla, ambergris, vetiver, musk, sandalwood, balsams
Scent Profile:
As I step onto the powdery white sands of the South Seas, the first notes of the fragrance whisk me away. The top notes greet me like the morning sun rising over the horizon. The crisp, fresh scent of aldehydes mingles with the zesty tang of bergamot, bringing to mind the bright, effervescent quality of the early sunlight dancing on the waves. Neroli adds a slightly bitter, green floral touch, reminiscent of the small, delicate orange blossoms hidden amongst lush green leaves, while the sweet, innocent fragrance of lily of the valley flutters through the air, mingling with the distant call of colorful birds. Narcissus, with its heady, almost intoxicating aroma, evokes the rich, blooming vegetation of the jungle.
Moving deeper into the fragrance, the middle notes unfold like a tropical bloom under the midday sun. The spices are warm and inviting, enveloping me in their comforting embrace as I hear the soft rustle of palm fronds overhead. The exotic scent of ylang ylang, sweet and slightly fruity, blends harmoniously with the spicy, clove-like aroma of carnation. Jasmine’s seductive, creamy floral scent wafts through the air, akin to a lei draped around my neck, its petals brushing softly against my skin. Rose adds a touch of classic elegance, its timeless beauty reflected in the serene surroundings. The orange blossom, with its fresh, slightly honeyed fragrance, evokes the sweet, citrusy breeze that sweeps in from the ocean.
As the day progresses and the sun begins to set, the base notes of the fragrance reveal themselves, grounding me in the earthy richness of the islands. Patchouli’s deep, musky scent mingles with the smoky, green aroma of vetiver, reminiscent of the dense, fragrant undergrowth of the jungle. The damp, woody scent of oakmoss and the smooth, rich aroma of rosewood add depth and complexity, like the ancient trees standing tall and wise. Cedar’s clean, slightly sharp scent intertwines with the creamy, sweet notes of vanilla, creating a comforting warmth that lingers in the cool evening air. Ambergris, with its salty, oceanic undertone, echoes the rhythm of the waves lapping at the shore, while the warm, animalistic musk and the creamy, luxurious scent of sandalwood provide a sultry, sensual finish. Balsams add a final touch of resinous, aromatic richness, wrapping me in a cocoon of fragrant tranquility as the distant sound of beating drums and the soft laughter of dancing women fill the night.
In this idyllic paradise, every note of the fragrance comes alive, painting a vivid tapestry of scents, sights, and sounds that capture the essence of the South Seas – sultry, light, and delightfully flippant.
Bottles:
"CORDAY introduces the first new French perfume — Frenzy. It's flat bottle with a gold lettered label is apropos of this delightful fragrance. The theme is completed with a.."
Motion Picture, 1947:
"A popular Corday quartet—Possession, L'Ardente Nuit, Tzigane, Frenzy— now in quarter-ounce flacons. $5 each . . . Imported from France"
Frenzy was available in parfum, eau de toilette and cologne.
- 1/4 oz parfum
- 2 oz Eau de Toilette
- 4 oz Eau de Toilette
2 oz Eau de Toilette, photo from worthpoint.
1/4 oz parfum bottle, photo by ebay seller the*farmers*other*daughter
4 oz eau de toilette, photo from worthpoint
Frenzy cologne, photo from worthpoint
"Frenzy" - (1930) Presented in its box wrapped in cardboard covered in sky blue paper and lined with blue satin, clear glass vial, pressed molded cylindrical section shape, with fluted stopper painted gold. Bottle stands 2.9" tall.
Fate of the Fragrance:
"Frenzy" by Corday is a vintage perfume that was released by the fragrance house Corday. Although the specific discontinuation date is unknown, it is established that Frenzy was still being sold in 1948.
Corday was a well-known perfume house that produced several popular fragrances during the early to mid-20th century. Due to the passage of time and changes in the company’s ownership and product lines, precise records of the discontinuation dates for many vintage fragrances are often difficult to ascertain.
For collectors or enthusiasts looking for "Frenzy" by Corday, vintage perfume shops, online marketplaces such as eBay, etsy, and specialized forums or groups dedicated to vintage fragrances might be good places to find more information or even purchase the fragrance.
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