"Quand?" by Corday, launched in 1930, emerged during a period characterized by the aftermath of the Roaring Twenties and the onset of the Great Depression. This era was marked by significant societal shifts, particularly in fashion and culture, where women were asserting more independence and sophistication.
In French, "quand?" translates to "when?" in English, posing a question about time and anticipation. This word could make a compelling name for a perfume due to its mysterious and evocative nature. It suggests a sense of longing, contemplation, and allure, which would have resonated with women of the 1930s.
For women of that time, "Quand?" would likely have been perceived as a fragrance that embodies elegance, mystery, and a touch of sensuality. Its name alone would evoke images of candlelit soirées, jazz-filled nights, and the glamour of Hollywood, making it appealing to those seeking a perfume that embodies sophistication and intrigue.
The response to "Quand?" would have been positive among fashionable women of the 1930s, who admired fragrances that complemented their stylish and liberated lifestyles. The endorsement of actress Gloria Swanson, known for her elegance and allure, would have further enhanced its allure among consumers.
The word "Quand?" evokes images of whispered conversations, stolen glances, and the promise of something enchanting yet elusive. Its unique name would have stood out in the crowded perfume market of the time, suggesting sophistication and allure.
Interpreted in the context of the 1930s, "Quand?" would not necessarily connote overt sexuality but rather a sophisticated sensuality and allure, appealing to women who appreciated subtlety and elegance in their choice of fragrance.
Overall, "Quand?" by Corday was likely perceived as a unique and captivating perfume that encapsulated the spirit of its time—a blend of elegance, mystery, and allure that appealed to the modern, independent woman of the 1930s.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as an oriental fragrance for women. It was described as "woodsy, tangy" for the "outdoors", so in essence, a sporty perfume for the "devil-may care" women.- Top notes: petitgrain, mandarin, bergamot, lemon, aldehydes
- Middle notes: lavender, spices, rose, jasmine, orange blossom, ylang ylang, carnation
- Base notes: sandalwood, cedar, vanilla, oakmoss, tonka bean, musk, patchouli, incense, labdanum, ambergris, vetiver
Stage, 1935:
""I like to touch the scent to the inner sides of my wrists and the lobes of my ears," she says. Jean Muir, arriving on the Berengaria, is delighted with Corday's Quand — a perfume she discovered in Paris, and finds, after all, available right here."
Scent Profile:
In the midst of the bustling 1930s film set, surrounded by the glint of cameras and the murmur of a crew preparing for the day's shoot, you find yourself in the presence of the iconic Gloria Swanson. The golden sunlight filters through the grand studio windows, casting a warm, inviting glow on the scene. You are drawn to the essence of a fragrance that swirls through the air, a scent that perfectly complements Gloria’s timeless elegance and spirited personality.
As you step closer to her, the first waft of the perfume hits you—a sharp, zesty burst of petitgrain, mingling with the bright, fresh notes of mandarin, bergamot, lemon, and a hint of aldehydes. It’s like the brisk morning air on a sunlit terrace, invigorating and sharp, a refreshing prelude to the mysteries that lie ahead. You can almost taste the tang of citrus on your lips, a promise of adventure and the unknown.
As Gloria moves gracefully, the perfume unfolds further, revealing its heart. You’re enveloped by the delicate aroma of lavender and a medley of spices that dance playfully in the background. The scent of rose and jasmine intertwines with the sweetness of orange blossom and the exotic allure of ylang-ylang. A subtle touch of carnation adds a spicy depth, grounding the floral notes with its rich, warm aroma. It’s as if you are walking through a lush garden at dusk, the air thick with the heady scent of blooming flowers, the promise of a night filled with excitement and allure.
The fragrance then deepens into its base, and you are drawn into the intimate warmth of sandalwood and cedar, their woody embrace comforting and grounding. The sweetness of vanilla mingles with the earthy tones of oakmoss and the deep, musky allure of tonka bean and patchouli. The scent grows richer, almost smoky, with the faint, seductive hint of incense and the complex, almost mystical aroma of labdanum and ambergris. The final touch of vetiver adds a crisp, slightly smoky finish, like the scent of a distant forest after a rainstorm.
As Gloria stands there, her presence commanding and graceful, the fragrance lingers in the air around her, a perfect blend of sophistication and daring. You can hear the faint rustle of silk, the soft murmur of the crew adjusting lights and cameras, the distant call of a bird outside, and the gentle hum of the studio’s old machinery. The scent, with its layers of woodsy, tangy, and spicy notes, encapsulates the spirit of the "devil-may-care" woman—bold, independent, and effortlessly captivating.
In this moment, "Quand?" by Corday is not just a fragrance; it is a story, a journey through the senses, capturing the essence of a time and a woman who lived life with unrestrained passion and grace. You inhale deeply, savoring the layers of its composition, each note telling a part of the tale—a tale of glamour, adventure, and timeless allure.
Bottles:
"Quand?" by Corday, a fragrance of timeless allure, was available in both parfum and eau de toilette formulations, each presented in distinctive opaque black glass bottles adorned with gilded lettering. Inspired by the elegance of Chinese snuff bottles, these vessels exuded sophistication and mystery, embodying the essence of the perfume within. Each bottle bore the mark "Made in France" on its base, a testament to its origin and craftsmanship.
The parfum bottles were crafted in various sizes to cater to different preferences and occasions. Starting with the miniature size at 1 3/4" tall, perfect for discreet elegance, to the small size standing at 2 1/2", ideal for everyday luxury. The medium size, measuring 3 1/4" tall, offered a balance of practicality and indulgence, while the deluxe size at 4" tall provided a statement piece for collectors. For those seeking even grander allure, sizes extended to 4.5" and 6" tall, each offering a unique presence on any vanity or dressing table.
In parallel, the eau de toilette was housed in bottles echoing the parfum flacon's shape, standing prominently at 4 1/2" tall. These bottles were distinguishably marked with "eau de toilette" on the verso, ensuring clarity for discerning users. For those desiring a larger volume, an impressive 6" tall option was also available, maintaining consistency in design while offering a generous supply of the fragrance.
Both parfum and eau de toilette variants were presented in luxurious green suede-like boxes, adding a tactile and visual complement to the opulence of the bottles within. This packaging underscored the prestige of "Quand?" by Corday, presenting it not just as a scent but as an experience—an embodiment of grace, sophistication, and timeless allure for those who appreciated the finer things in life
The Fate of the Fragrance:
"Quand?" by Corday, a fragrance that captured the essence of elegance and allure, met its end in 1940 when production was discontinued. Despite this, the legacy of its distinctive black glass bottles adorned with gilded lettering endured. Remarkably, these bottles continued to be sold until 1949, a testament to their timeless appeal and enduring popularity among aficionados of fine perfumery. Each bottle, reminiscent of Chinese snuff bottles in design, carried the mark "Made in France" on its base, signifying its origin and craftsmanship. Housed in luxurious green suede-like boxes, the packaging added a touch of sophistication to the perfume’s presentation. Even after its discontinuation, the availability of "Quand?" bottles until nearly a decade later ensured that its legacy persisted in the memories and collections of perfume enthusiasts, preserving its place in the annals of classic fragrance history.
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