The History of perfume is as old as the human being exists, if we're speaking about Paradise, and the Garden of Eden. Imagine the fragrances and aroma that wafted through such a Paradise on Earth. But for all intense purposes, we'll start with the Stone Age. Of course, when they learned of fire, you know the scent of wood burning and wood smoke probably gave a delight beyond compare. I would even go as far as to say that the cavemen and women probably started cooking berries and leaves and assorted meats from that weeks kill, over the fire pit and of course, that would create unbelievable fragrant aroma's that they probably found interesting. After all, the word perfume derives from a Latin word, per fumum, meaning smoke. I am not saying that there was a cave woman who had visions of the House of Chanel, but you catch my general idea. The start of fire, probably started the origin of the first fragrances.
The Egyptians we attribute many things, and one of major importance would be that the Egyptians were the first of a people to use actual perfume or fragrance for personal enjoyment. The Priests were the only people allowed to produce fragrance, and work in the perfumery. Yes, they actually had special "labs" in the temples and would then create luxurious scents for the higher class, and then keep it within the religious houses of the times. Of course, we all know that the Egyptians used Myrrh and Cassia to mummify, or embalm their dead. As soon as the Egyptians figured out that perfumes could be used to bring pleasure the Priests would then sell or barter creations and concoctions they made to the wealthy. Then the Phoenicians arrived in Greece, and then the Romans, and Arabs and well, when the different origins of a people arrived in the different lands and communities with the most beautiful creative fragrances - a whole History of perfume, was born.
The History of the Enlightenment: The age of the French Revolution is also the age of the philosopher and perfume. The court of Louis XV received the nickname of "the perfumed court" because every day Toilette water was sprinkled over fans, carpets, bed linens, furniture and clothing. And then, the revolution of all things fragrant came in the form of Eau de Cologne. A much more potent, and longer lasting fragrance that was inexpensive and easily purchased by working class, not just the wealthy or house of religion anymore. You could dedicate an entire book to the actual Origin of Eau de Cologne - but we'll just say it was in the 18th century that it became "known" to us. This is when actual perfume bottles and labels and artwork came into effect, making perfume as we know it today, both appealing to the eye and to the nose.
At the end of the 19th century, many French houses were creating perfume and exporting it to other countries. Popular were the Exhibitions in France, with it's magnificently decorated pavilions, that made the people want to shop for perfumes and gift perfumes to others. Lalique {the crystal maker} and Houbigant were key to the developing of fragrance "Houses" - and where the modern day and well known house of perfume is - House of Chanel, House of Goutal, House of Givenchy, .. so on and so forth.
What is your Signature scent? What types of perfume can you not resist? Are you a light floral, a heady floral, a woodsy green, or a oriental spice? The perfumes on sale in modern times, have layers upon layers of top notes, middle notes, bottom notes. There are hundreds of thousands of perfumes on the market today. Perfume and Fragrant items go all the way back to the beginning of time. And as it should, perfume can evoke memories and can also fetch hefty prices at an Auction house, should someone stumble across a mid 18th or 19th century bottle. The contents may have long been evaporated, but the first bottles that housed these delightful and aromatic flavors were key to the production and growth we see today.
That's all for today friends, have a wonderful evening ~
Fancy Chic & Vintage
