Kai Sang by Corday, launched in 1924, emerged during a period marked by a significant fascination with Orientalism and exoticism in Western culture. The 1920s, known as the Roaring Twenties, were a time of substantial social and cultural change. Post-World War I, there was a collective desire for escapism and indulgence, leading to an embrace of exotic influences from Asia and the Middle East. The Art Deco movement, flourishing during this era, frequently incorporated motifs and aesthetics inspired by ancient Egypt, China, Japan, and India. This cultural trend extended to perfumery, where opulent oriental perfumes featuring rich, complex notes like ambergris, spices, incense, lush flowers, and precious woods became highly popular.
The name "Kai Sang" is believed to mean "To Be Triumphant" in Chinese. This name conveys a sense of victory, success, and exaltation, making it an appealing choice for a perfume. It suggests confidence and allure, aligning perfectly with the bold and luxurious character of oriental fragrances. The evocative and triumphant name would have attracted women seeking a scent that embodied strength, mystery, and exotic appeal.
Blanche Arvoy, the creator of Kai Sang, likely chose this name to capitalize on the contemporary fascination with Oriental themes. By using a name with an exotic sound and a triumphant meaning, she aimed to draw in customers intrigued by the luxurious and mysterious lifestyle associated with the Orient. The fact that "Kai Sang" was also the name of a thoroughbred horse in 1919 adds an element of elegance and prestige, further enhancing the perfume's luxurious image. Thoroughbred horses are often associated with nobility and high status, which complements the opulence suggested by the fragrance.
Women of the 1920s were increasingly breaking away from traditional roles and embracing new freedoms in fashion and personal expression. A perfume named "Kai Sang," with its connotations of triumph and exoticism, would resonate with the modern woman of the time, who sought to express her independence and sophistication. The rich, opulent notes of oriental perfumes were popular because they offered a sense of escape and indulgence. Influenced by the trends of Orientalism, women in the 1920s would likely find a perfume like Kai Sang appealing both for its luxurious scent and its evocative name.
In summary, Kai Sang by Corday perfectly encapsulates the era's fascination with Orientalism and exotic luxury. Its name, meaning "To Be Triumphant" in Chinese, would have resonated with the period's themes of empowerment and allure. Blanche Arvoy's choice of this name likely aimed to attract the modern, sophisticated women of the time who were drawn to the opulence and mystery of oriental perfumes.