In the late 1930s, Western culture was captivated by the exotic and romanticized notion of gypsy culture, influencing various forms of popular media, including film, literature, and music. This period's fascination with the vibrant, free-spirited lifestyle of the Romani people was reflected in films like "The Devil's Playground" (1936) and "The Girl of the Golden West" (1937), which showcased dramatic and passionate stories set against gypsy backdrops. Literature, such as Jan Yoors' "The Gypsies," delved into the rich traditions and nomadic lifestyles of the Romani people, while Django Reinhardt's pioneering "Gypsy Jazz" music captivated audiences with its unique blend of traditional Romani sounds and jazz.
Vogue, 1938:
"Tzigane," Corday's new perfume, is inspired by the haunting gaiety of gipsy music."
Fashion in the 1930s also embraced gypsy-inspired elements, characterized by flowing silhouettes, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns. Skirts and dresses often featured multiple layers of fabric, creating a voluminous and dramatic look that moved gracefully with the wearer. The color palette was bold, including rich reds, deep purples, and bright yellows, adorned with striking floral motifs and geometric designs. Intricate embellishments like embroidery, beading, and sequins added texture and luxury, while accessories such as large hoop earrings, bangles, and headscarves completed the ensemble. Designers incorporated these elements into their collections, popularizing the gypsy look among fashion icons like Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich.
The Stage, 1939:
"Corday's Tzigane, which goes beautifully with the gypsy trend in clothes."
The word "Tzigane" conjures vivid images of wandering Romani caravans traveling through picturesque landscapes, mystical evenings around campfires with fortune-telling and dancing under the stars, and exotic elegance with vibrant fabrics, intricate jewelry, and luxurious scents. Emotionally, "Tzigane" evokes a sense of romance and adventure, embodying the thrill of the unknown and the promise of new experiences. It speaks to a yearning for freedom and independence, offering a symbolic departure from societal norms and constraints, while also carrying a sense of mystery and intrigue, appealing to the allure of the unseen.
The Pittsburgh Press, 1940:
"A touch of drama...Tzigane by Corday. Women love drama...here it is, in liquid form! Not the sort of fragrance she’ll wear every day, but the kind she’ll save for special occasions. An unforgettable scent connected in your mind somehow with antique jewels, mysterious candlelight, rustling satin. Comes in a poetic box shaped like a violin, covered in glowing rayon satin…$8, $15, $27.50, and $50. Toilet Water $3.75."
Given this cultural backdrop, "Tzigane" by Corday, launched in 1937, was an apt name for a perfume. It resonated with women's desires for adventure, freedom, and exoticism, offering an olfactory escape into a romanticized world. Women of the time, captivated by the romantic notion of the gypsy lifestyle, would relate to and respond positively to a perfume named "Tzigane." The name suggested a fragrance that was mysterious, exotic, and evocative of distant lands and adventurous travels, making it a unique and compelling choice that stood out in the market, rich in cultural connotations and sensory allure.