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: Russian clary sage concrete, "Passiflora", Madagascan verbena, methyl heptin carbonate, Moroccan cassie, almond, Bourbon geranium, Tuscan violet, Calabrian bergamot, methyl ionone, amyl heptine carbonate, Portuguese orange peel oil 
• Middle notes: Manila ylang ylang, "Floranol", farnesol, Grasse jasmine absolute, Florentine orris root, Grasse rose absolute, heliotropin, Indian tuberose,"Florodora"
• Base notes: yara yara, "Formidol", benzyl acetate, vanillin, Colombian tolu balsam, Tibetan musk, Indian musk ambrette, santalol, Guatemalan storax, Mexican vanilla

Scent Profile:

In the delicate and intricate fragrance Violette by Corday, each ingredient is carefully chosen to evoke a lush, feminine bouquet.

At the top, Russian clary sage concrete provides a warm, herbal layer, rich with a slightly sweet, camphorous aroma that immediately calls to mind the distinctive green, aromatic nature of sage. The Russian variety of clary sage is particularly prized for its soft, almost floral undertones, which set it apart from other varieties, adding a unique depth to the fragrance's opening. The inclusion of Passiflora, or passionflower, imbues the scent with an exotic, green floral note, sharp yet calming, like a breath of fresh air tinged with something wild and mysterious. 

Madagascan verbena lends its characteristic lemony freshness, bright and invigorating, with a slightly grassy edge that creates an uplifting contrast to the other more herbal notes. Its origin in Madagascar ensures a superior quality, as the tropical climate there produces verbena that is rich in essential oils, full of vitality and sharp citrus overtones. Moroccan cassie, with its sweet, slightly powdery scent, adds a soft floral sweetness reminiscent of mimosa, yet deeper and more resinous. This ingredient brings warmth and richness, grounding the top notes with a sophisticated complexity.

Moving into the heart of Violette, Manila ylang ylang offers a lush, floral sweetness that is both creamy and exotic. It’s a smooth, heady floral note that brings a touch of tropical luxury, with its distinctively sweet and almost fruity character, perfect for softening the more herbal notes. Floranol adds a sweet, fresh floral character, a synthetic compound designed to mimic floral notes like those found in lilac or freesia. Its airy, uplifting quality melds beautifully with the sultry softness of farnesol, a naturally derived component with a gentle, sweet floral scent, reminiscent of the cool elegance of roses and lilies. 

Grasse jasmine absolute further enhances the heart with its intoxicating richness, adding an indolic, opulent depth to the perfume that lifts the fragrance into a more sensual territory. Jasmine from Grasse, known as the "capital of perfume," is prized for its high-quality oils, with the warm, sweet scent lingering in the air long after the fragrance has been applied. Florentine orris root, one of the most precious ingredients in perfumery, brings an earthy, powdery note to the heart of Violette. Its delicate, almost ethereal aroma has an irreplaceable depth, which is cultivated with patience and care, as it takes years for the roots to mature and reveal their complex, almost violet-like fragrance. Grasse rose absolute gives the perfume a soft, velvety sweetness, its richness helping to balance the heady florals with a touch of elegant, natural sweetness.

The base of Violette is grounded by a collection of warm, balsamic, and musky notes. Yara yara, a rare, exotic note known for its woody and spicy qualities, adds a distinct, almost smoky element that contrasts with the fragrance’s softer floral side. Formidol, a synthetic ingredient, infuses the perfume with a faint floral musk that blends effortlessly with the richness of benzyl acetate, a sweet, slightly fruity note that gives the scent a smooth, honeyed quality, softening the base. Vanillin adds a creamy, comforting sweetness, reminiscent of vanilla but with a sharper, more refined character. Colombian tolu balsam brings a rich, resinous warmth to the composition, its smooth, slightly spicy sweetness evoking an air of mystery and depth. 

The Tibetan musk adds an animalic, earthy richness, a unique quality that gives the fragrance a lingering warmth and sensuality. Indian musk ambrette contributes a soft, musky, almost powdery scent that deepens the overall fragrance with a subtle animalic warmth, adding an aura of intimacy. Santalol, derived from sandalwood, rounds out the composition with its smooth, creamy, and slightly woody essence. Guatemalan storax enhances the depth further with its balsamic, slightly sweet scent that evokes a sense of ancient forests. Finally, Mexican vanilla provides a rich, creamy sweetness, its smooth, rounded note echoing the sweetness of vanilla beans and bringing the fragrance full circle with a comforting, indulgent warmth.

Violette by Corday is a masterfully crafted blend, each ingredient adding its voice to a harmonious whole. From the fresh, green opening to the deep, sensual base, the perfume unfolds like a beautiful floral story, weaving together the delicate notes of violet, jasmine, and rose with the grounding richness of musk, balsams, and resins.

Bottles:

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.