In the late 1930s, Western culture was captivated by the exotic and romanticized notion of gypsy culture, influencing various forms of popular media, including film, literature, and music. This period's fascination with the vibrant, free-spirited lifestyle of the Romani people was reflected in films like "The Devil's Playground" (1936) and "The Girl of the Golden West" (1937), which showcased dramatic and passionate stories set against gypsy backdrops. Literature, such as Jan Yoors' "The Gypsies," delved into the rich traditions and nomadic lifestyles of the Romani people, while Django Reinhardt's pioneering "Gypsy Jazz" music captivated audiences with its unique blend of traditional Romani sounds and jazz.
Vogue, 1938:
"Tzigane," Corday's new perfume, is inspired by the haunting gaiety of gipsy music."
Fashion in the 1930s also embraced gypsy-inspired elements, characterized by flowing silhouettes, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns. Skirts and dresses often featured multiple layers of fabric, creating a voluminous and dramatic look that moved gracefully with the wearer. The color palette was bold, including rich reds, deep purples, and bright yellows, adorned with striking floral motifs and geometric designs. Intricate embellishments like embroidery, beading, and sequins added texture and luxury, while accessories such as large hoop earrings, bangles, and headscarves completed the ensemble. Designers incorporated these elements into their collections, popularizing the gypsy look among fashion icons like Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich.
The Stage, 1939:
"Corday's Tzigane, which goes beautifully with the gypsy trend in clothes."
The word "Tzigane" conjures vivid images of wandering Romani caravans traveling through picturesque landscapes, mystical evenings around campfires with fortune-telling and dancing under the stars, and exotic elegance with vibrant fabrics, intricate jewelry, and luxurious scents. Emotionally, "Tzigane" evokes a sense of romance and adventure, embodying the thrill of the unknown and the promise of new experiences. It speaks to a yearning for freedom and independence, offering a symbolic departure from societal norms and constraints, while also carrying a sense of mystery and intrigue, appealing to the allure of the unseen.
The Pittsburgh Press, 1940:
"A touch of drama...Tzigane by Corday. Women love drama...here it is, in liquid form! Not the sort of fragrance she’ll wear every day, but the kind she’ll save for special occasions. An unforgettable scent connected in your mind somehow with antique jewels, mysterious candlelight, rustling satin. Comes in a poetic box shaped like a violin, covered in glowing rayon satin…$8, $15, $27.50, and $50. Toilet Water $3.75."
Given this cultural backdrop, "Tzigane" by Corday, launched in 1937, was an apt name for a perfume. It resonated with women's desires for adventure, freedom, and exoticism, offering an olfactory escape into a romanticized world. Women of the time, captivated by the romantic notion of the gypsy lifestyle, would relate to and respond positively to a perfume named "Tzigane." The name suggested a fragrance that was mysterious, exotic, and evocative of distant lands and adventurous travels, making it a unique and compelling choice that stood out in the market, rich in cultural connotations and sensory allure.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a spicy floral chypre fragrance for women, heavy on the spices and carnation.
- Top notes: neroli, bergamot, orange blossom, lavender and clary sage.
- Middle notes: jasmine, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, Bulgarian rose, orris, gardenia, carnation and geranium.
- Base notes: vanilla, civet, vetiver, labdanum, patchouli, oakmoss, cedar, sandalwood, leather, ambergris, musk and tonka bean.
The New Yorker - Volume 14 - Page 72, 1938:
"Carnation predominates in Corday's Tzigane."
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."
Scent Profile:
As the sun sets over the horizon, the gypsy caravan sets up camp on a secluded beach, the flickering flames from the bonfire casting a warm, golden light onto the lapping waves. The scene is vibrant and alive, filled with the enchanting sounds of balalaikas and violins, the rhythmic beating of leather-topped drums, and the joyous laughter of the people gathered around.
I see dancing girls with gold coins glittering on their colorful clothing, their heads wrapped in bright scarves. Their voluminous skirts swirl gracefully as they move to the beat, their bare feet kicking up sand, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. Carnations and gardenias are woven into crowns atop their heads, and long necklaces of brass and glass sway rhythmically with their movements. Chunky metal bracelets clink together, adding a percussive element to the music. In the background, tall grasses on the sand dunes sway gently, their silhouette recalling the wild scent of vetiver.
The air is filled with a rich tapestry of scents. The sea breeze carries the intoxicating aroma of ambergris, blending with the earthy smell of the vetiver from the dunes. Close to the fire, the scent of warm spices and vanilla emanates from small cakes being cooked over the flames, mingling with the floral notes of carnations and gardenias from the dancers' crowns. The top notes of neroli, bergamot, and orange blossom from the perfumes worn by the women add a fresh, citrusy brightness to the air, complemented by the herbal undertones of lavender and clary sage.
The night is alive with the sound of music and merriment. The melodic strains of the lutes and violins weave through the air, accompanied by the steady, grounding rhythm of hand clapping and drums. The dancers jewelry create a soft, rhythmic clinking, while their feet shuffle in time with the music. Laughter and cheerful chatter from the crowd add to the lively atmosphere, blending harmoniously with the natural sounds of waves gently lapping against the shore.
As I sit by the fire, I sip a cup of Earl Grey tea, its warm, comforting flavor infused with the subtle hints of bergamot. The small cakes cooked over the fire offer a delightful taste of warm spices and vanilla, a perfect accompaniment to the tea. The taste is rich and complex, with a hint of sweetness that complements the spiciness of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove that linger in the air.
The cool night air brushes against my skin, contrasting with the warmth of the bonfire. The texture of the sand beneath my feet is soft and slightly cool, and I can feel the gentle vibrations of the music through the ground. The wooden cup in my hands is warm to the touch from the tea, and the rough, textured fabric of the blanket draped over my shoulders provides comfort against the night chill.
This vivid scene encapsulates the essence of "Tzigane" by Corday, a spicy floral chypre fragrance for women, heavy on spices and carnations. The top notes of neroli, bergamot, orange blossom, lavender, and clary sage provide a fresh, aromatic introduction, mirroring the bright, lively atmosphere of the beach. The middle notes of jasmine, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, Bulgarian rose, orris, gardenia, carnation, and geranium evoke the rich, complex scents surrounding the campfire, while the base notes of vanilla, civet, vetiver, labdanum, patchouli, oakmoss, cedar, sandalwood, leather, ambergris, musk, and tonka bean anchor the fragrance in earthy, warm, and sensual undertones, capturing the spirit of the night.
Bottles:
Drug & Cosmetic Industry, 1939:
"Corday announces Tzigane Eau de Toilette. Richly reminiscent of Tzigane, the perfume, it makes its appearance in a large flask which is an excellent reproduction of the graceful one by Rene Lalique familiar to users of the perfume."
The 1/2 oz bottle of "Tzigane" stands 3.75 inches tall, with the base embossed "French Bottle R. Lalique." The 1 oz Parfum flacon stands 4.5 inches tall, featuring side embossing of "Corday," paper labels reading "Tzigane" and "Corday Paris," and a base embossed with "French Bottle R. Lalique." The larger oz Parfum flacon measures 5.75 inches in height, with the side embossed "Corday" and the base marked "R. Lalique Bottle Made in France."
The 3 oz Eau de Toilette flacon stands 6.75 inches tall, with side embossing of "Tzigane Corday Paris" and a base marked "Bottle Made in France R. Lalique France." The factice bottle, used for display purposes, stands at an impressive 8.5 inches tall, with the base simply embossed with "R. Lalique."
These bottles, with their intricate design and luxurious presentation, reflect the elegance and sophistication of the "Tzigane" fragrance, making them highly coveted by collectors and perfume enthusiasts alike.
In 1949, a new design of violin-shaped bottles for "Tzigane" by Corday was introduced, distinct from the Lalique designs. These bottles were made of clear glass and topped with ground glass stoppers, adorned with gold enamel serigraphy. Some variants of these bottles featured screw caps instead of stoppers, catering to different preferences and uses.
The bases of these violin-shaped bottles were molded with the inscription "Corday Bottle Made in France," indicating their origin. Unlike the earlier Lalique-designed bottles, these were produced by Choisy le Roi in France. This shift in production marked a new chapter in the presentation of "Tzigane" perfume, maintaining its luxurious appeal through meticulous craftsmanship and elegant design elements.
These violin-shaped bottles continued to embody the essence of the "Tzigane" fragrance, merging artistic design with practical functionality, and preserving the romantic and exotic spirit of the perfume.
- 1/4 oz Parfum bottle stands 2" tall.
- 3/8 oz Parfum bottle stands 2 3/8" tall.
- 1/2 oz Parfum bottle stands 3" tall.
- 1 oz Parfum bottle stands 4 1/3" tall.
- 1/2 oz Eau de Parfum bottle stands 3" tall.
- 1 oz Eau de Parfum bottle stands 4" tall.
- 1 oz Eau de Parfum bottle stands 5" tall (has Lucite cap over inner stopper)
- 2 oz Eau de Toilette Concentrée bottle stands 5 1/2" tall.
- 4 oz Eau de Toilette Concentrée bottle stands 7 1/4" tall.
Other perfume bottles:
- Mini perfume bottle (Bulbous bottle, screw cap)
- Micro mini perfume bottle stands 1 1/2" tall (cylindrical shape, screw cap)
- Eau de Toilette Purse Solid Perfume Stick stands 3" tall (cylindrical plastic bottle)
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