La Rose de Rosine by Rosine c1912

During the Belle Époque, spanning roughly from the late 19th to early 20th century, Europe was a hub of cultural flourishing, marked by optimism, technological progress, and artistic innovation. This period was synonymous with opulence and luxury, epitomized by the extravagant lifestyles of the elite, who frequented fashionable capitals like Paris for the latest in haute couture and luxury goods. Transatlantic travel was a glamorous affair, with grand ocean liners offering plush accommodations and prestigious voyages connecting Europe to America and beyond.

In 1912, against this backdrop of cultural dynamism, La Rose de Rosine by Rosine was introduced. Named after Paul Poiret's daughter, Rosine, the perfume captured the essence of sophistication and refinement prized during the Belle Époque. The rose, central to its name and fragrance, symbolized love, beauty, and elegance in the Victorian language of flowers—a language richly embraced by the era's romantic sensibilities.

For women of the Belle Époque, La Rose de Rosine represented more than just a perfume; it embodied their desire for grace, femininity, and social distinction. The perfume's presentation in a lavish bottle embellished with gold enamel underscored its appeal to discerning tastes and aesthetic appreciation. American women, among other international travelers, journeyed to Paris not only for its renowned fashion houses but also to acquire prestigious scents like those from Poiret's salon.

Thus, La Rose de Rosine became a cherished accessory, symbolizing the aspirational lifestyle and cultural refinement of the Belle Époque. Its launch in 1912 coincided with a period of unparalleled elegance and artistic creativity, where every detail—from fashion to fragrance—contributed to the allure and allure of the era's sophisticated elite.

Rosine Tester Rack for Perfumes

photo by Perfume Bottles Auction

1920s Rosine perfume tester for the following perfumes:

• Maharadjah
• Qui-es-tu?
• Nuit de Chin
• Hahna
• Toute la Foret
• Coupe d'Or

6 bottles and dauber-stoppers, clear glass, labels, plastic and metal holder.  Length 8 1/2 in.

Antinea by Rosine c1922

The launch of the perfume Antinea by Rosine in 1922 coincided with a period of burgeoning artistic and cultural exploration known as the Roaring Twenties. This era was characterized by a spirit of liberation, innovation, and a fascination with the exotic and the unknown. Society was captivated by stories of exploration, discovery, and mythical tales, which permeated literature, art, and fashion.

Pronounced "Ahn-tee-nay-ah," the name "Antinea" would have been particularly appealing for a perfume during this time. Antinea, as the legendary figure from Pierre Benoit's novel "L'Atlantide," symbolized a femme fatale archetype—mysterious, alluring, and enigmatic. She was the queen of Atlantis, a mythical city submerged beneath the sea, embodying both beauty and danger. Women of the 1920s were increasingly asserting their independence and breaking away from traditional roles, seeking to embody qualities of empowerment and allure. Antinea represented a compelling figure of feminine strength and allure, resonating with women who sought to challenge conventions and embrace their own sensuality and mystique.

The connection to Pierre Benoit's novel adds a sophisticated layer of intrigue to the perfume. It suggests a blend of literature and artistry, appealing to those with a penchant for storytelling and romance. The fragrance itself, inspired by the mysterious depths of the sea and the mythical allure of Atlantis, would evoke a sense of adventure and exoticism. Imagine wearing a scent that transports you to the ethereal beauty of underwater realms, evoking images of hidden treasures and lost civilizations.

For women of the 1920s, wearing Antinea would have been more than just applying a fragrance—it would have been a statement. It would signify a connection to mythical narratives, a celebration of feminine allure and strength, and a way to indulge in the romanticism of lost worlds and unexplored mysteries. The allure of Antinea lay not only in its captivating scent but also in its ability to evoke a sense of fantasy and escapism, appealing to the imaginations of those who dared to dream beyond the ordinary.

Arlequinade by Rosine c1919

Arlequinade by Rosine is a timeless fragrance that first graced the olfactory landscape in 1919, marking its debut in the United States by the illustrious year of 1923. Crafted by the masterful hands of Henri Alméras, this scent embodies a symphony of nuanced notes that dance harmoniously on the skin. Arlequinade, pronounced as "Ar-luh-kee-nahd", it translates to Harlequin.

Toute La Foret by Rosine c1911

The perfume "Toute La Foret" by Rosine was launched in 1911, during a period characterized by significant changes in societal norms and aesthetics. This was the early 20th century, a time marked by the Belle Époque in France, where there was a flourishing of arts, fashion, and a growing interest in naturalism and romanticism.

The name "Toute La Foret," pronounced as "Toot lah fo-ray,"  meaning "The Whole Forest," suggests a connection to nature and a desire to evoke natural landscapes through scent. At the time, there was a romanticized fascination with the outdoors and the idea of pristine, untouched wilderness. Perfumes with names evoking nature and natural elements appealed to the sensibilities of the era's women, who often sought escapism and a connection to the natural world amidst the rapid urbanization and industrialization.

For women in the early 20th century, perfumes like "Toute La Foret" offered a way to indulge in fantasies of leisurely strolls through lush forests, filled with herbal aromas and the delicate fragrances of forest flowers. The scent aimed to capture the essence of happy moments spent in Fontainebleau, a renowned forest near Paris known for its beauty and tranquility. This association with a specific place added a layer of nostalgia and sophistication to the perfume's allure.

The promotional artwork by Raoul Dufy, featuring stylized prints of leaves and birds, further enhanced the perfume's appeal. Such visuals not only complemented the natural theme but also conveyed a sense of artistic refinement and elegance, appealing to the artistic and cultural sensibilities of the time.

The endorsement of "Toute La Foret" by American actress Mary Pickford, known for her charm and influence in shaping early 20th-century beauty ideals, would have undoubtedly contributed to its popularity among women seeking to emulate the glamour and sophistication associated with celebrities of the era.

In summary, the name "Toute La Foret" was apt for its time as it evoked romanticized visions of nature, nostalgia for idyllic landscapes, and a desire for artistic and sensory experiences that transcended the everyday. Its appeal lay in offering women a fragrance that symbolized both luxury and a connection to the natural world, catering to the romantic and aspirational ideals prevalent in early 20th-century society.

Nuit Persane c1911 and Nuit de Chine by Rosine c1912

Nuit Persane by Rosine: launched in 1911.