In 1933, as the world grappled with the Great Depression, fashion and entertainment offered an escape from economic hardship. Jean Patou launched "Folie Divine," a perfume crafted by Henri Almeras. This era contrasted the allure of Hollywood glamour and Parisian haute couture with the bleakness of everyday life. Women found solace and elevated their spirits through fashion and beauty, with "Folie Divine" designed to complement Jean Patou's sleek white satin and silk bias-cut evening gowns, offering a counterpoint to Chanel's little black cocktail dresses.
The name "Folie Divine," meaning "Divine Madness," perfectly encapsulates the theme of passionate, uncontrollable love. It suggests a love so intense that it borders on madness, transforming ordinary experiences into extraordinary moments. This name implies a fragrance embodying wild, passionate, and almost reckless love, evoking a realm of divine enchantment.
"Folie Divine" as a name captures the imagination and evokes mystery and allure, hinting at the transformative power of fragrance. It suggests that wearing it can induce euphoric bliss, appealing to those seeking escapism and unrestrained joy. Women in the 1930s, especially those attending glamorous social gatherings, would have been drawn to its promise of enhancing their allure and complementing their elegant evening gowns.
The perfume would have been popular in fashion capitals like Paris and Hollywood, where the elite embraced the latest trends and luxurious products. The association with Jean Patou's evening gowns made it a must-have accessory for those aiming to stand out and exude sophistication. "Folie Divine" evokes images of opulent, candlelit rooms, women in shimmering gowns, and emotions of intense passion and joy—a dance on the edge of reason where beauty and madness intertwine.
Some collectors might be confused by the names "Divine Folie" and "Folie Divine." The original perfume, registered as "Folie Divine" in 1931 and renewed in 1951, encapsulated a luxurious escape into passionate enchantment. In 1984, Jean Kerléo reformulated and relaunched the perfume as "Divine Folie," modernizing it with contemporary ingredients while retaining its original spirit.
This renaming bridged the historical allure of the 1930s with the evolving tastes of the 1980s, reflecting a broader trend of rejuvenating classic scents. Despite the subtle name change, "Divine Folie" retained the essence of passionate, unrestrained love—a divine madness. It suggested a world where the extraordinary becomes attainable, transforming everyday moments into sublime experiences.
Collectors and enthusiasts would find that "Divine Folie," whether known as "Folie Divine" or its modern iteration, carries the same legacy of elegance and sophistication. It celebrates the enduring appeal of Patou's creations, honoring their historical significance while remaining relevant in the world of luxury perfumery.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like?It is classified as a rich floral fragrance for women with dominant notes of spicy carnation and powdery amber.
- Top notes: aldehydes, neroli, ylang ylang
- Middle notes: orris root, orange blossom, carnation, Grasse jasmine, rose, lavender
- Base notes: ambergris, leather, Bourbon vetiver, musk, vanilla, opoponax, Mysore sandalwood, civet, styrax
Fate of the Fragrance:
The original "Folie Divine" was discontinued at an unknown date, adding a layer of mystery to its legacy. Despite its initial popularity and the enchanting allure it held for women of the 1930s, the perfume eventually ceased production. This discontinuation left a gap in the hearts of its admirers, who had come to cherish its luxurious and passionate essence. The exact reasons and timeline for its discontinuation remain unclear, but the fragrance's absence only heightened its mystique and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts of vintage perfumes.
1984 Reformulation & Relaunch:
In 1984, the long-lost fragrance "Folie Divine" was given a new lease on life through the expert hands of Jean Kerléo, a master perfumer renowned for his ability to blend tradition with modernity. Kerléo meticulously reformulated the original scent, ensuring that its essence was preserved while incorporating contemporary ingredients that would appeal to the refined tastes of a new generation. This revitalized fragrance was relaunched under the name "Divine Folie" as part of Jean Patou's exclusive "Ma Collection."
"Ma Collection" was an ambitious series that sought to reintroduce classic, discontinued perfumes from Jean Patou's illustrious catalog, alongside new editions. This series was designed not only to honor the legacy of Patou's timeless creations but also to provide perfume enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience these beloved scents anew. "Divine Folie," with its updated formulation, perfectly embodied this mission, bridging the historical elegance of the original "Folie Divine" with the sophistication of the 1980s.
The inclusion of "Divine Folie" in "Ma Collection" underscored its significance within the Patou heritage. It offered both long-time admirers and new aficionados a chance to indulge in a fragrance that seamlessly blended the passionate spirit of the past with the innovations of the present. This relaunch solidified "Divine Folie" as a timeless classic, celebrated for its ability to evoke the same divine madness and enchanting allure that had captivated women in the 1930s.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as an ambery floral oriental fragrance for women.
- Top notes: neroli and ylang-ylang
- Middle notes: orris root, jasmine, styrax, orange blossom, rose and vetiver
- Base notes: musk and vanilla
Scent Profile:
"Divine Folie" is classified as an ambery floral oriental fragrance for women, a composition that exudes both warmth and sensuality. Its intricate blend of notes creates a complex and alluring scent profile that is both timeless and evocative.
The top notes of "Divine Folie" open with the vibrant and uplifting essence of neroli and ylang-ylang. Neroli, with its sweet and honeyed citrus aroma, pairs beautifully with the exotic, creamy floral notes of ylang-ylang, setting a captivating and inviting stage for the fragrance journey.
In the heart of the fragrance, the middle notes unfold a rich and multifaceted bouquet. Orris root adds a powdery, slightly woody nuance, while jasmine infuses the composition with its intoxicatingly sweet and heady floral character. Styrax brings a balsamic, resinous depth, complementing the bright and fresh nuances of orange blossom. Rose lends its timeless and romantic floral touch, while vetiver introduces an earthy, green aspect, adding complexity and grounding the composition.
The base notes provide a warm and enduring foundation. Musk imparts a soft, sensual quality, enveloping the wearer in a gentle, skin-like warmth. Vanilla rounds out the fragrance with its sweet, creamy, and comforting richness, leaving a lasting impression that is both inviting and irresistibly elegant.
Overall, "Divine Folie" is a masterful blend of floral and oriental elements, creating a scent that is both opulent and refined. Its intricate layers of notes offer a luxurious experience, capturing the essence of divine madness and passionate allure that defines the fragrance.
Product Line:
Available as:
- 1 oz Parfum
- 2.5 oz Eau de Toilette Splash
- 1.7 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
- 0.20 oz Eau d Toilette Splash Mini Bottle
Fate of Fragrance:
"Divine Folie," the enchanting fragrance by Jean Patou, was discontinued in the early 1990s. Despite its initial success and the elegance it brought to the "Ma Collection" series, the production of this ambery floral oriental scent eventually ceased. The precise reasons for its discontinuation remain unclear, but it marked the end of an era for a perfume that had captivated many with its luxurious and passionate composition.
Though no longer in production, "Divine Folie" has not faded into obscurity. Enthusiasts and collectors still seek out this rare gem, and old stock can occasionally be found online. These vintage bottles are prized for their ability to offer a glimpse into the sophisticated and glamorous world of Jean Patou's creations. The allure of "Divine Folie" endures, as its intricate blend of neroli, ylang-ylang, orris root, jasmine, styrax, orange blossom, rose, vetiver, musk, and vanilla continues to enchant those fortunate enough to find it.
For many, acquiring a bottle of "Divine Folie" is akin to owning a piece of olfactory history. The fragrance serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of Jean Patou's work and the enduring legacy of his brand. Despite the passage of time, "Divine Folie" remains a beloved and sought-after fragrance, cherished for its ability to evoke the same divine madness and passionate allure that defined its original and reissued forms.
No comments:
Post a Comment