Le Balcon by Rosine c1914

Launching a perfume like Le Balcon in 1914 was a moment encapsulated in the delicate, romantic essence of the Belle Époque, a period marked by elegance, artistic exploration, and the flourishing of French culture. It was an era where poetry and literature intertwined with daily life, inspiring not only artists but also perfumers like Henri Alméras, who sought to capture the essence of emotions and moments in scent.

The name "Le Balcon" evokes a sense of allure and intimacy. In the context of romance, a balcony serves as a private yet open space where moments of connection and contemplation unfold. It symbolizes a retreat from the bustling streets below, offering a secluded vantage point where one can observe and be observed, much like the characters in Baudelaire's poem. 

Perfume itself often seeks to evoke such intimate moments and emotions. A balcony, with its connotations of privacy, beauty, and a hint of the outdoors, aligns perfectly with the sensory experience of perfume. It embodies both proximity and distance, the tangible and the ephemeral, much like how a well-crafted fragrance unfolds its notes over time, revealing different facets and emotions.

Therefore, "Le Balcon" as a name for a perfume not only draws on literary and personal inspirations but also invites the wearer to experience a narrative through scent. It suggests a fragrance that captures the essence of longing, beauty, and the fleeting nature of romantic encounters—a timeless allure that resonates across generations, much like the poetry that inspired it.

Paul Poiret's personal connection to Le Balcon adds a poignant layer to the fragrance's narrative. Poiret, a prominent figure in early 20th-century fashion, was known for his innovative designs that broke away from the corseted silhouettes of the previous era. Poiret said that this fragrance evokes the romance with Martha, his neighbor on rue Auber, who frequently stood on his balcony. This mention of Martha suggests a muse-like figure whose presence and demeanor captured his imagination.

For Poiret, Martha on the balcony symbolized a moment of inspiration and romantic allure. The balcony, in this context, becomes a stage where their interactions and the essence of their connection unfolded. It was a place where intimacy mingled with the everyday, where glances and gestures spoke volumes—a perfect setting for a fragrance that seeks to evoke such moments of romance and contemplation.

In naming the perfume "Le Balcon," Henri Alméras, the perfumer, and Poiret himself likely aimed to encapsulate this sense of romance and intimacy. The name conjures images of a Parisian scene, perhaps bathed in the soft glow of twilight, where whispered confidences and tender gazes exchange amidst the city's bustling energy. It speaks to the nostalgia for a bygone era of elegance and passion, where every fragrance could tell a story and evoke emotions as vividly as a poem or a memory.

Thus, "Le Balcon" not only pays homage to Baudelaire's poetic inspiration but also encapsulates a personal memory and the timeless allure of Parisian romance—an essence captured in both the fragrance's name and its evocative blend of notes.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral bouquet fragrance for women.  

• Top notes: citrus, neroli, aldehydes, lilac, geranium, hyacinth
• Middle notes: jasmine, roses, violets, heliotrope, lavender, gardenia, iris
• Base notes: sandalwood, ambergris, musk, oakmoss, boxwood, ivy, vetiver

It was advertised as the "scents of jasmine rising in the evening, a veil of pink vapors."

Scent Profile:

Imagine standing on a French balcony adorned with lush greenery and fragrant blooms. As you take in the scene, the top notes of Le Balcon perfume gently unfold. The citrus notes first greet you, reminiscent of freshly squeezed lemon and orange, their zest mingling with the crisp air. Nearby, neroli adds a touch of floral sweetness, like the delicate blossoms of orange trees that perfume the breeze. Aldehydes give a subtle effervescence, like the sparkle of sunlight dancing on the leaves below. Amidst these, lilac and geranium bring a soft floral accord, their blooms vibrant against the backdrop of verdant shrubs. The hyacinth adds its intoxicating aroma, evoking the cool, earthy sweetness that lingers in the evening air.

Moving deeper into the heart of the fragrance, the middle notes paint a richer tapestry of scents. Jasmine steals the show, its heady aroma wafting upwards as if carried on a gentle breeze, filling the air with its unmistakable sweetness. Roses bloom nearby, their petals soft and velvety, exuding a timeless elegance that mingles with the jasmine's allure. Violets add a powdery softness, their scent delicate yet distinct. Heliotrope lends a creamy, almond-like sweetness, reminiscent of sun-warmed petals. Lavender adds a fresh herbal note, evoking the calming presence of a Provencal garden. Gardenia and iris add their unique facets, adding depth and complexity to the floral bouquet that surrounds you.

As the day gently fades into evening, the base notes of Le Balcon perfume anchor the fragrance like the sturdy pillars of a balcony. Sandalwood brings a warm, woody richness, its smooth texture invoking the polished wood of the balcony railing. Ambergris adds a subtle marine undertone, like the salty breeze that occasionally drifts through the garden below. Musk imparts a soft sensuality, intertwining with the floral notes to create a harmonious blend. Oakmoss lends an earthy, mossy depth, grounding the fragrance in nature's embrace. Boxwood and ivy add a green freshness, their aroma reminiscent of the verdant leaves and vines that cascade down the balcony's edges. Vetiver adds a hint of smokiness, evoking the rich soil beneath the plants.

Together, these notes in Le Balcon perfume transport you to a French balcony in full bloom, where the sights, sounds, smells, touch, and even tastes converge into a sensory symphony. It captures the essence of jasmine rising in the evening, enveloping you in a veil of pink vapors that evoke romance, elegance, and the timeless beauty of a Parisian garden at twilight.

Bottle:

The design of the flask for "Le Balcon" by Rosine is a true homage to elegance and craftsmanship, capturing the essence of a French balcony in its intricate details. Mario Simon's inspiration is evident in every aspect of the bottle's design. The flask itself takes the form of a clear glass vessel, delicately surrounded by a metal grille railing reminiscent of 18th-century wrought iron balconies. This grille gracefully encircles an abstract feminine bust with rounded shoulders, creating a sense of classical beauty and sophistication.

The hammered copper metal filigree, crafted in a spiral design, adorns the clear glass bottle, adding a touch of artisanal charm and historical reference. This choice not only complements the fragrance's romantic theme but also enhances the tactile and visual appeal of the flask. The spiral motifs continue seamlessly onto the clear glass stopper, ensuring a cohesive and elegant design from top to bottom. The base of the flask is meticulously cut and polished flat, providing stability and a perfect canvas for the round Poiret label, which adds a final touch of refinement.

In terms of packaging, "Le Balcon" departs from the conventional box presentation. Instead, it is housed in a luxurious suede leather pouch, exuding a sense of opulence and exclusivity. The drawstrings of the pouch are adorned with ivory beads, enhancing the tactile experience and adding a subtle hint of vintage charm. This choice reflects the attention to detail and the desire to create a complete sensory experience from the moment one encounters the fragrance.

The flask measures approximately 3 inches tall by 3 inches long and 1 inch wide, perfectly proportioned to fit comfortably in the hand while maintaining its visual allure. While the origin of the bottle production has been rumored to be in Murano, Italy, its design undoubtedly reflects the finesse and craftsmanship traditionally associated with French perfumery. "Le Balcon" by Rosine's flask encapsulates a blend of historical inspiration, artistic innovation, and timeless elegance, making it not just a vessel for fragrance but a work of art in its own right.

  

Fate of the Fragrance:

The legacy of "Le Balcon" by Rosine, despite its discontinuation around 1930, continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. The perfume, once part of a prestigious lineup including other Rosine classics, is remembered not only for its exquisite fragrance but also for its distinctive flask design. The wrought copper embellished bottles are now rare and highly sought-after, making them elusive treasures even for the most dedicated collectors.

In the world of fragrance collectibles, the appearance of a "Le Balcon" bottle on the market is a notable event. These bottles, with their hammered copper filigree reminiscent of 18th-century wrought iron balconies, embody a unique blend of historical charm and artistic craftsmanship. Their scarcity only adds to their allure, commanding high prices whenever they surface for sale.

The enduring appeal of "Le Balcon" lies not only in its scarcity but also in its association with the elegance and romance of early 20th-century perfumery. Each bottle tells a story of a bygone era, evoking images of Parisian balconies and the delicate scents of jasmine and roses. For collectors, acquiring a piece of this history represents a connection to a time when perfumes were crafted with meticulous care and adorned with exquisite detail.

As such, the rare appearance of these bottles continues to be a testament to the enduring allure of "Le Balcon" and the artistry of its creation. They remain cherished artifacts that not only preserve the memory of a beloved fragrance but also embody the essence of luxury and sophistication from a bygone era.