Violette de Corday c1931

 The launch of Violette de Corday in 1931 occurred during a unique historical period marked by significant social and cultural shifts. This era, known as the interwar period, was characterized by a blend of modernity and a longing for nostalgia. After the elaborate and often heavy fragrances of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a return to simpler, more natural scents. This trend was a nostalgic nod to the Victorian era, which appreciated the purity of soliflore (single-flower) perfumes. The 1930s aesthetics were influenced by Art Deco's clean lines and geometric shapes but also saw a romanticized return to nature and simplicity in various aspects of culture, including fashion and perfumery. Additionally, the Great Depression, which began in 1929, had a profound impact on lifestyles, leading people to seek comfort in familiar and soothing elements. Simple, nature-inspired fragrances were part of this trend.

The name "Violette" evokes delicate, fresh, and floral imagery. The violet flower is associated with modesty, innocence, and timeless beauty, offering a gentle and approachable scent that conjures feelings of comfort and nostalgia. In the Victorian language of flowers, violets symbolized faithfulness and love, a sentiment that would resonate with women in 1931, connecting them to a sense of enduring elegance and emotional depth. Phonetically, "Violette" is pleasing, soft, and feminine, sounding luxurious yet unpretentious, making it both accessible and desirable. The historical and personal connection to violets, whether through gardens, literature, or previous perfumery traditions, created a sense of familiarity and charm.

Women of the 1930s would likely respond to the perfume with a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The fragrance evoked simpler times, offering emotional solace during a period of economic hardship and social change. The delicate and sophisticated scent of violets appealed to women seeking a return to understated elegance and femininity. While soliflore perfumes were not a new concept, "Violette" stood out by offering a specific and beloved flower's scent in an era that appreciated both modern and nostalgic elements. This blend of timelessness and contemporary relevance made it unique in the market.

The interpretation of "Violette" as a perfume name is rich with symbolism. It suggested purity, sweetness, and discreet charm, embodying a romantic, gentle, and faithful personality. The name's marketing appeal lay in its alignment with the trends of the time, emphasizing simplicity, natural beauty, and emotional resonance. It was a sophisticated yet safe choice for a brand aiming to attract women seeking quality and elegance without ostentation. "Violette" made an excellent name for a perfume launched in 1931, resonating deeply with the women of the era by evoking images of natural beauty, nostalgia, and modest elegance. The perfume provided a comforting and timeless scent in a world facing rapid change and uncertainty.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: cassie, almond, bergamot, orange peel oil, geranium
• Middle notes: violet, orris, rose, tuberose, ylang ylang, jasmine
• Base notes: tolu balsam, vanilla, musk, ambrette

Scent Profile:

Corday's Violette unfolds as an enchanting floral fragrance, capturing the delicate and powdery essence of violets in full bloom. At first whiff, the perfume opens with top notes that are simultaneously sweet, herbal, and bright. Cassie’s honeyed warmth—reminiscent of mimosa flowers with a hint of spiciness—anchors the introduction, mingling with soft almond, which adds a creamy, marzipan-like nuance. 

There’s a vivid brightness from bergamot and orange peel oil, their zesty, bittersweet sparkle cutting through the almond’s richness. Geranium’s rosy, slightly minty-green facets balance this opening bouquet, grounding it with an earthiness that hints at the lush florals to come.

As Violette settles, the heart notes unfold in a lush floral tapestry. Violet, the fragrance’s namesake, emerges as a powdery, romantic note, conjuring images of velvet petals with a subtle, almost candied sweetness. Orris root deepens this effect, bringing an elegant, soft powderiness that feels grounded and aristocratic, as though dusted in the most luxurious cosmetic powder. 

Rose interweaves, adding a classic, slightly dewy richness, while tuberose introduces a creamy, almost narcotic quality that adds depth and a seductive allure. Ylang ylang, with its exotic banana-like sweetness and heady floral richness, amplifies this lushness, while jasmine infuses the heart with a sweet, green-floral opulence, unmistakably sensual and vivid, like a garden drenched in moonlight.

In the dry down, Violette reveals a rich and resinous base, providing depth and longevity to the fragrance. Tolu balsam lends a warm, resinous sweetness with hints of cinnamon and vanilla-like richness, softening into a comforting, almost ambery warmth. True vanilla joins in, further enhancing this warmth with a sweet, creamy smoothness that feels both nostalgic and irresistibly cozy. 

A soft musk wraps around the other notes, adding a soft, animalic quality that feels intimate, like the scent of skin warmed by the sun. Finally, ambrette seeds introduce a subtle earthiness with a hint of warmth and a slight fruitiness, melding with the musky undertones in a way that is both comforting and alluring.

The final impression of Violette is an exquisite, multi-layered blend that captures both the charm of a spring garden and the timeless elegance of a well-appointed powder room. It is a fragrance that lingers delicately, with an air of sophistication and romance that calls to mind silk gloves, heirloom compacts, and the subtle elegance of a bygone era.

Bottles:

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.