"Toujours Toi" by Corday was launched in 1951, a period marked by post-World War II recovery and a resurgence of glamour and sophistication in fashion and beauty. Perfumes of this era often reflected elegance, femininity, and the desire for luxury and allure, catering to a growing market of women seeking both practicality and indulgence in their beauty routines. In French, "Toujours Toi" translates to "Always You" in English. This phrase carries with it a sense of intimacy, devotion, and enduring presence. It suggests a personal connection and a constant reminder of someone beloved, evoking emotions of warmth and romance.
"Toujours Toi" makes a compelling name for a perfume due to its romantic and evocative nature. It conveys a timeless appeal, emphasizing a fragrance that remains memorable and significant, much like its wearer. The name implies a perfume designed to enhance allure and leave a lasting impression, resonating well with the elegance and sophistication sought after in the 1950s. Women would likely respond positively to "Toujours Toi," appreciating its romantic and evocative name. The fragrance would be perceived as sophisticated and alluring, catering to the desire for elegance and charm characteristic of the post-war period. It would evoke feelings of warmth, tenderness, and a deep emotional connection, aligning with the desire for timeless beauty and romance.
The interpretation of "Toujours Toi" centers around eternal love, constant presence, and personal connection. It suggests a perfume that remains faithful in memory and evokes feelings of devotion and allure. The name itself is poetic and resonates with the desire for timeless elegance and romanticism, making it a fitting choice for a fragrance that aims to captivate and enchant.
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women and was described as "haunting, delicate" and "woodsy, exotic" with a Bulgarian rose undertone.
Town & Country - Volume 107, 1953:
Discontinued, date unknown. Still being sold in 1970.
"Toujours Toi" makes a compelling name for a perfume due to its romantic and evocative nature. It conveys a timeless appeal, emphasizing a fragrance that remains memorable and significant, much like its wearer. The name implies a perfume designed to enhance allure and leave a lasting impression, resonating well with the elegance and sophistication sought after in the 1950s. Women would likely respond positively to "Toujours Toi," appreciating its romantic and evocative name. The fragrance would be perceived as sophisticated and alluring, catering to the desire for elegance and charm characteristic of the post-war period. It would evoke feelings of warmth, tenderness, and a deep emotional connection, aligning with the desire for timeless beauty and romance.
The interpretation of "Toujours Toi" centers around eternal love, constant presence, and personal connection. It suggests a perfume that remains faithful in memory and evokes feelings of devotion and allure. The name itself is poetic and resonates with the desire for timeless elegance and romanticism, making it a fitting choice for a fragrance that aims to captivate and enchant.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women and was described as "haunting, delicate" and "woodsy, exotic" with a Bulgarian rose undertone.
- Top notes: aldehydes, neroli, lily, bergamot, hyacinth
- Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, lily of the valley, Sambac jasmine, ylang ylang, tuberose
- Base notes: orris, civet, musk, vetiver, cedar, ambergris, benzoin, vanilla, sandalwood, patchouli, opoponax
L'Atlantique, 1952:
"Thirty years as a top-selling perfume is the record behind Corday's 'Toujours Moi'; to celebrate such fame a sister perfume was brought out last summer, 'Toujours Toi'. The row of Corday bottles on the dressing table must also include 'Fame', a light perfume, if one is blond, or 'Tzigane', a spicy scent for brunettes. 'Jet' is discreet enough for all complexions."
Bottles:
Toujours Toi was available in parfum and eau de parfum.- 2 oz parfum bottle stands approximately 4 1/8" tall.
- 1 oz parfum bottle stands just over 3 1/2" tall.
- 1/2 oz parfum bottle stands 3" tall.
- 1/8 oz parfum mini bottle stands approximately 1 3/4" tall.
- 1/8 oz Cordette brass purse parfum flacon.
- 4 oz eau de parfum concentree bottle. stands 5" tall.
- 2 oz eau de parfum concentree bottle stands 4 1/4" tall.
- 1/2 oz eau de parfum concentree bottle.
Town & Country - Volume 107, 1953:
"Corday's delightful French import: a quarter-ounce of Toujours Toi with Marcel Franck's mother-of-pearl atomizer."
"Toujours Toi," a perfume bottle for Corday, in clear glass, with gilded detail, with label, sealed in box. Paper loss, interior stain. Ht. 3 3/4". Photo by Rago Arts.
In 1951 prices for the Toujours Toi perfume ranged from $5.40 to $12.00.
Corday's TOUJOURS TOI, original retail prices shown in the 1960 American Druggist Blue Book:
- Cordette, $3.75
- Eau de Parfum, 2 oz. ea $5.00
- Eau de Parfum, 4 oz. ea $9.50
- Parfum, 1/4 oz. ea $7.50
- Parfum, 1/2 oz. ea $13.50
- Parfum, 1 oz. ea $25.00
- Parfum, 2 oz. ea $45.00
Fate of the Fragrance:
Discontinued, date unknown. Still being sold in 1970.
My PARFUMS CORDAY FLACON SAC 4CC of POSSESSION (Paris, France) was purchased in July 1969 at the Auckland, New Zealand duty-free store. Wording in front: CORDETTE on top, CORDAY below. I particularly enjoyed the perfume, which came in a classy, slender little gold-encased glass bottle with a stopper in the lid. Unfortunately, it was unobtainable for replacement in March 1970 at Sydney, Australia’s duty-free store, and I never managed to locate another one. It’s been mentioned online somewhere that production stopped in 1970. As a keepsake I’ve retained the container which still looks as good as new, but understandably since it was bought over 48 years ago, the aroma from the empty perfume bottle has all but vanished. The elegant vial was a very handy size that easily tucked into a small evening bag, and would have remained a classic favourite of mine had production continued. I’m unable to describe any of the notes, but was interested to read “Jack Twist’s” online review outlining these details. I’ve also just noticed a partial photo on another online site that appears to be identical to my container. Certainly, if the manufacturer again produced this perfume I’d be happy to buy once more, especially if it was presented in the afore-mentioned versatile container.
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