The perfume "Toodle-oo" by Corday was launched in 1924, a time marked by significant cultural and social changes, especially in the Western world. This period, known as the Roaring Twenties, followed the end of World War I and was characterized by economic prosperity, technological advancements, and a general sense of liberation and modernity. The post-war economy was booming, leading to increased consumerism and the rise of a new middle class with disposable income. Technological innovations such as automobiles, radio, and cinema were becoming widely accessible, transforming daily life and entertainment. The Jazz Age flourished, with jazz music and dance halls gaining popularity, embodying the era's spirit of breaking away from past conventions. Women gained the right to vote in many countries, including the United States in 1920, and the flapper fashion symbolized a break from traditional norms, embracing shorter skirts, bobbed hair, and a more carefree lifestyle.
"Toodle-oo" is derived from the French phrase "à tout à l'heure," meaning "see you soon." The term has a light-hearted, whimsical sound, evoking a sense of playfulness and casual farewell. Given its French origin, the name would also carry a certain sophistication and elegance, appealing to the cosmopolitan sensibilities of the time. The 1920s saw a surge in travel due to advancements in transportation, such as automobiles and airplanes, making travel more accessible. The name "Toodle-oo" aligns well with the era's spirit of adventure and wanderlust, suggesting a sense of departure and anticipation of new experiences.
Blanche Arvoy's choice of the name "Toodle-oo" reflects the modern, liberated spirit of the 1920s, appealing to women who embraced new freedoms and lifestyles. The French connection would lend an air of elegance and charm, aligning with the fashion and cultural trends of the time. Women of the 1920s, particularly the flappers and those influenced by the new modernist trends, would likely respond favorably to a perfume named "Toodle-oo." It encapsulates the carefree, adventurous spirit of the age. The whimsical yet chic nature of the name would resonate with the fashionable, trend-conscious women who were eager to embrace products that reflected their new-found independence and modern lifestyles.