In 1937, the time period when the perfume "Possession" by Corday was launched, Europe and the United States were emerging from the depths of the Great Depression. This era was marked by a mix of nostalgia for the Roaring Twenties and a growing sense of anticipation for the looming conflicts that would lead to World War II. Socially, women were asserting more independence and participating actively in the workforce, albeit amidst lingering traditional gender roles.
The choice of the name "Possession" for a perfume in this context carries several implications. Firstly, "Possession" suggests ownership and control, possibly appealing to the emerging sense of feminine autonomy and empowerment. It evokes a sense of possessing one's desires, dreams, and identity—a theme resonant with the changing roles of women in society during the late 1930s.
The perfume's name could also hint at the allure of being possessed or captivating, capturing attention and admiration. It plays into the romantic and sensual connotations associated with fragrance, suggesting a desire to be possessed or admired by others.
Corday's decision to name their perfume "Possession" likely aimed to tap into these complex emotions and desires of women during the period. By evoking notions of ownership, allure, and independence, the name would have appealed to those seeking a scent that symbolized both elegance and empowerment.
Regarding the connection to Auguste Rodin's sculpture "The Kiss," which inspired the perfume according to advertisements of the time, it offers a vivid image of passion and intimacy. "The Kiss" depicts a couple in a tender embrace, capturing a moment of intense emotion and connection. Sculpted between 1888 and 1898, it represents eternal love and desire, transcending time and space.
This sculpture enhances the perfume's branding as it aligns "Possession" with themes of romance, love, and intimacy—elements that perfume often seeks to embody. By associating with such a renowned piece of art, Corday aimed to elevate the allure and sophistication of their fragrance, suggesting it could evoke similar emotions of passion and desire.
In conclusion, the launch of "Possession" in 1937 coincided with a period of shifting societal norms and evolving women's roles. The name and its association with Rodin's "The Kiss" would likely have resonated with women of the time, offering a perfume that promised elegance, allure, and a hint of romantic passion—a compelling proposition in an era marked by both uncertainty and aspirations for a brighter future.
Possession by Corday offered a diverse product line catering to various preferences and occasions. The parfum, the most concentrated form, would have provided a rich, long-lasting fragrance experience, ideal for evening wear or special events. The eau de toilette, lighter than the parfum, would have been suitable for daily use, offering a more subtle yet still distinctive scent. Corday's cologne would have been refreshing and invigorating, perfect for a lighter touch or warmer weather. The creme perfume, with its luxurious texture, would have offered a more intimate and longer-lasting application, ideal for those who prefer a moisturizing perfume experience. The solid perfume, compact and portable, would have provided a convenient and discreet way to reapply fragrance throughout the day. Lastly, the dusting powder, infused with Possession's signature scent, would have offered a luxurious and fragrant way to pamper oneself, leaving a delicate hint of fragrance on the skin. Together, this comprehensive product line ensured that Possession by Corday catered to a wide range of tastes and preferences, from subtle everyday scents to indulgent and opulent fragrance experiences.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It was a warm, gentle, aldehydic floral oriental perfume for women.
- Top notes: aldehydes, galbanum, bergamot, cloves, sage, cacao
- Middle notes: violet, carnation, iris, heliotrope, magnolia, rose, ylang ylang, lily, and jasmine
- Base notes: elemi, vetiver, vanilla, benzoin, oakmoss, ambergris, sandalwood, gentian, orris, cedar, patchouli, tonka, musk
Scent Profile:
As the two lovers stepped into the museum, the air was filled with a delicate dance of fragrances, each ingredient composing a symphony that mirrored the emotions stirred by Rodin's "The Kiss."
The aldehydes greeted them first, a shimmering veil of effervescent citrus and waxy notes, reminiscent of sunlight on polished marble. Galbanum added a green freshness, like the scent of crushed leaves underfoot, blending with bergamot's citrusy warmth that hung in the air like a soft embrace.
Beneath these lively top notes, cloves whispered a spicy intrigue, hinting at hidden depths while sage added an herbal essence, grounding the composition in earthy wisdom. The faint aroma of cacao lingered subtly, evoking memories of rich, bittersweet chocolate.
Moving closer to the sculpture, the middle notes emerged like a bouquet of flowers blooming in the lovers' hearts. Violet and iris, delicate and powdery, mingled with carnation's spicy sweetness. Heliotrope and magnolia contributed a creamy softness, while rose and jasmine infused the air with their intoxicating floral embrace. Ylang ylang and lily added a touch of exotic allure, their presence like whispered promises.
As they stood before "The Kiss," their senses enveloped by the sculpture's timeless passion, the base notes anchored their experience in a warm, sensual embrace. Elemi and vetiver provided a woody backdrop, intertwined with the sweet warmth of vanilla and benzoin. Oakmoss and ambergris lent a touch of mossy earthiness and salty sea breeze, echoing the sculpture's eternal embrace.
Sandalwood and cedar added a smooth, woody depth, while patchouli and tonka bean wrapped the fragrance in a subtle hint of darkness and mystery. Musk, lingering softly on the skin, mirrored the lovers' shared breaths, a silent echo of intimacy.
In this museum of art and emotion, the perfume's aldehydic floral oriental composition unfolded like a love story told through scent. Each ingredient, carefully chosen and blended, captured the essence of the lovers' journey, from the first glance to the timeless embrace immortalized in Rodin's masterpiece.
Bottles:
Possession was housed in a few different bottles.
During its debut in 1937, Possession by Corday presented an array of exquisite packaging options that reflected its luxury status. The parfum flacons, considered the pinnacle of elegance, were crafted from deluxe crystal and adorned with a distinctive silver metal label hanging around the neck of the bottle. This label resembled the tags often found on liquor decanters, adding a touch of sophistication and refinement. These exclusive bottles were produced by Baccarat, a renowned French glass manufacturer celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and long-standing association with high-end perfumery.
In addition to the exquisite Baccarat crystal bottles, Possession by Corday also offered variations crafted from molded glass, distinguished by simpler adornments such as silver or white paper labels. These bottles were manufactured by the Wheaton Glass Company, based in Millville, New Jersey, USA. Founded in 1888, Wheaton initially specialized in producing glass containers for pharmaceutical use, leveraging their expertise to expand into the perfumery industry by the 1930s. This expansion allowed Wheaton to collaborate with prestigious perfume brands, both American and European, including notable names such as Hattie Carnegie, Adrian, Prince Matchabelli, Liz Claiborne, Anne Klein, and Shulton.
The molded glass bottles by Wheaton provided a more accessible option compared to their crystal counterparts, while still maintaining a sense of elegance and quality. The choice of silver or white paper labels on these bottles complemented the understated yet refined aesthetic that Corday sought to convey with their perfume line. These bottles from Wheaton Glass would have appealed to consumers looking for a blend of affordability and craftsmanship, showcasing Possession by Corday as a perfume accessible to a broader audience without compromising on its allure and sophistication.
The partnership between Possession by Corday and Wheaton underscores the brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. While the Baccarat crystal flacons symbolized opulence and exclusivity, the Wheaton glass bottles offered a more accessible yet still elegant option for discerning consumers. Together, these packaging choices not only enhanced the allure of Possession but also contributed to its reputation as a perfume of distinction during a period when both American and European perfumery were flourishing.
The fan-stoppered bottles of Possession by Corday from the 1930s offered a range of sizes to suit different preferences and occasions. The smallest option was the 1/5 oz Parfum mini bottle, standing at a delicate height of 1 7/8 inches. Despite its small size, this miniature bottle retained the elegance and charm associated with the Possession fragrance line.
Moving up in size, the 1/2 oz Parfum bottle stood taller at 3 1/2 inches, providing a slightly larger quantity while maintaining a compact and portable design. This size would have been ideal for those who desired a bit more of their favorite scent without sacrificing convenience.
Next in the lineup was the 1 oz Parfum bottle, which stood at 4 1/4 inches tall. This size offered a generous amount of fragrance, suitable for regular use and showcasing the timeless design aesthetic typical of Corday's offerings.
The pinnacle of luxury in the Possession line was the 1 oz Parfum deluxe bottle, towering at 6 inches tall. This deluxe edition was crafted by Baccarat, renowned for its exquisite crystal workmanship, ensuring that the bottle not only contained a precious fragrance but also served as a luxurious ornament worthy of display.
For those who preferred a lighter application, the 1 oz Eau de Toilette bottle stood at 5 inches tall, offering a refreshing and less concentrated version of the Possession fragrance. This size would have been popular for everyday use, providing a subtle yet distinctive scent experience.
Overall, the fan-stoppered bottles of Possession by Corday catered to a variety of tastes and needs, from the petite mini bottle for occasional use to the deluxe Baccarat creation for those who appreciated both fragrance and artistry. Each bottle size not only contained a unique scent but also embodied the elegance and sophistication synonymous with Corday's legacy in perfumery.
Fate of the Fragrance:
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1964:
"An enchanting new fragrance with a brilliant modern blend is Possession, by Corday. The base is floral, but the composition, while quite romantic, is definitely for an up-to-the-minute woman. The packaging is quite handsome. A crystal clear flacon, seated in a beige satin box, it has a glass stopper encircled with a brown satin ribbon. A Unicorn, the fabled animal with a long, spirally-twisted horn, adorns the box. This animal was chosen as the symbol because legend has it that the beast was wild and fierce until captured by a maiden. Once possessed, it assured her of happiness in love and marriage. And that's certainly a pretty story for any fragrance to tell. Possession, by Corday, is available in a one-quarter ounce size for $6.50 at Gimbels."
In 1964, Possession by Corday underwent a significant transformation, both in formulation and presentation, marking its reintroduction as a captivating and modern fragrance. According to a review in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the fragrance was heralded as enchanting and brilliantly blended, featuring a floral base that exuded romance yet catered distinctly to the tastes of contemporary women. This revamped version of Possession was designed to appeal to the up-to-the-minute woman, combining timeless elegance with a modern sensibility.
The packaging of Possession by Corday was highlighted as particularly striking and luxurious. Each bottle was housed in a crystal clear flacon, elegantly nestled within a beige satin box that exuded sophistication. The flacon was topped with a glass stopper adorned with a brown satin ribbon, adding a touch of refinement and attention to detail. Notably, the box itself was embellished with the image of a Unicorn, a mythical creature known for its wild and fierce nature until tamed by a maiden. This choice of symbol was intended to evoke a sense of magical allure, aligning with the fragrance's promise of bringing happiness in love and marriage to its possessor—a narrative that added depth and intrigue to its appeal.
Despite its initial reintroduction in 1964, the exact date of Possession by Corday's discontinuation remains unclear. However, historical records indicate that the fragrance continued to be available for purchase as late as 1970, underscoring its enduring popularity and resonance in the perfume market. This longevity speaks to its lasting impact, capturing the hearts of women seeking sophistication, romance, and a touch of mythical charm in their choice of fragrance.
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