Lasso by Jean Patou c1956

In 1956, the period surrounding the launch of Jean Patou's "Lasso" perfume was marked by an intriguing blend of post-war optimism and burgeoning femininity. This era saw the rise of perfumes not just as scents, but as tools of seduction and empowerment. Women were increasingly portrayed as both romantic figures and individuals with agency, capable of using allure and charm to their advantage.

The word "Lasso" translates to "lasso" in English, which refers to a loop of rope typically used for capturing animals. In the context of a perfume name, "Lasso" suggests something that captures or ensnares attention, akin to the way a lasso captures its target. Jean Patou likely chose this name to evoke the idea of seduction and attraction, where the perfume acts as a metaphorical lasso, drawing attention and admiration.

"Lasso" makes a compelling name for a perfume because it implies a potent allure and the ability to captivate. It suggests that wearing this perfume could act like an invisible lasso, drawing others closer. The target audience for "Lasso" would likely be women who are confident in their femininity and want to use scent as a tool of seduction and empowerment.

This perfume would have resonated particularly well in cosmopolitan cities where romance and allure were valued, such as Paris, New York, and London. The name "Lasso" evokes images of elegance, intrigue, and seduction, appealing to women who seek to charm and captivate.

The word "Lasso" is unique for a perfume name, as it conveys a sense of action and attraction. It suggests movement, capture, and allure, standing out amidst more traditional perfume names.

Interpreted in the context of a perfume, "Lasso" would be seen as a fragrance that enhances femininity and allure, drawing attention and admiration. It promises to be worn during evenings out, special occasions, or anytime a woman wants to feel confident and captivating.

In summary, Jean Patou's "Lasso," launched in 1956 and composed by Guy Robert, embodies an era where perfumes were not just scents but tools of seduction and empowerment. Its name suggests capturing attention and allure, appealing to cosmopolitan women seeking to enhance their femininity and charm. The perfume would have been most popular in urban settings where romance and allure were celebrated, evoking images of elegance and intrigue while promising to enhance a woman's allure and captivate those around her.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is described as an aldehydic chypre fragrance for women. It begins with a tangy citrusy top accented with sparkling aldehydes, followed by an opulent floral heart, resting on a warm chypre base. Primarily a citrus fruity-type blend, shot with anise, together with floral and mossy accents.

• Top notes: anise, reseda, cyclamen, linden, bergamot, aldehydes, peach, heliotrope, carnation, lemon, limette
• Middle notes: ylang ylang, narcissus, heliotrope, lily, tuberose, Grasse jasmine, rose, iris, violet, Malabar black pepper
• Base notes: resins, frankincense, leather, Comoros vanilla, Yugoslavian oakmoss, patchouli, musk, ambergris, civet, Bourbon vetiver, Mysore sandalwood, labdanum

 

Vogue, 1957:

"One of the great events of the perfume world is celebrated here - the arrival of Lasso by Jean Patou; the first new perfume by this house in ten years' time. Obviously thought out as carefully as a work of art (which it is), it went through hundreds of experiments to reach perfection - and the public. Among the qualities sought for this scent: complexity, femininity, brilliance, "modernity" - and unusual lastingness."

Harper's Bazaar, 1957:

"From the Jean Patou collection: a new and very captivating fragrance called, appropriately enough, "Lasso." It's the first perfume in ten years to come from the famous house of Patou, and it's wrapped in a miniature dress-box... Miniature flacon, $5.."

The New Yorker, 1957:

"Patou's latest is labelled Lasso, which means in French what it means in English, though one assumes that the roping is to be done by indirection. This has a real tang and dries differently — and deliciously — on everyone I've tried it on."

Town & Country, 1957:

"Lasso - The distinguished House of Jean Patou makes head lines with a new perfume and christens it with a name of international intrigue: Lasso. A warmly feminine though sophisticated, bouquet in its blend of floral and fruity notes, it spells conquest in any language. A slim, strong lasso, looped around the throat of the fluted crystal bottle, warns of seductive intent. An ounce bottle is $25.Eau de Toilette is $6 and $10."

The New Yorker, 1957:

"Named Lasso, it's a warm fruit-and-floral blend, something like the old-established Moment Supreme but livelier and not so soft—— sort of Western. In fact, it dries differently on different skins——sometimes turning quite sweet, sometimes taking on peppery overtones. ... Purse-size flacons of this newcomer are $5.50, and an ounce is $27.50; the toilet water is $6.60."

Harper's Bazaar, 1958:

"Your secret weapon, Lasso - the new perfume by Jean Patou. Perfume from $5 to $45. Eau de Toilette $6 & $10. Prices plus tax."

Consumer Union Reports, 1960:

"LASSO (Jean Patou, Paris), $25. Type: fruity. Strong intensity; moderately heavy character; relatively long-lasting; harmonious balance of composition. Consumer panel: Significant majority did not like it . Some male comments: Like a cough syrup I have used..So obnoxious.".

In 1957, Jean Patou introduced "Lasso," a captivating fragrance heralded as the first from the house in a decade. Harper's Bazaar described it as appropriately named, housed in a miniature dress-box that added a touch of elegance to its allure. The miniature flacon was priced at $5, making it accessible yet exclusive, fitting for a perfume meant to charm and captivate.

The New Yorker also praised "Lasso" in 1957, noting its dual meaning in French and English, hinting at its seductive qualities. Described as a warm fruit-and-floral blend, having a distinct tang and a delightful dry-down that varied uniquely on different wearers, it was likened to the lively and less soft counterpart to Moment Supreme, with Western undertones that added to its intrigue. Available in various sizes, from purse-size flacons at $5.50 to larger ounces at $27.50, and a toilet water option at $6.60, "Lasso" catered to a sophisticated audience seeking both novelty and timeless appeal in fragrance.

Scent Profile:

In the bustling streets of 1950s New York City, Evelyn, a woman of elegance and mystery, prepared for an evening at the Plaza Hotel's glamorous cocktail bar. Her choice of allure: Jean Patou's "Lasso." As she applied the perfume, a burst of tangy citrus and sparkling aldehydes enveloped her, like a fresh summer breeze tinged with excitement.

The top notes of "Lasso" whisked Evelyn away to a sunlit garden, where delicate blooms of reseda and cyclamen danced with the sweet aroma of linden trees in bloom. Bergamot and lemon added a zesty twist, while the subtle allure of peach, heliotrope, and anise hinted at depths beneath her poised exterior. The air hummed with conversation and the clinking of crystal glasses.

Moving into the heart of the fragrance, Evelyn found herself surrounded by an opulent bouquet of florals. Ylang ylang and Grasse jasmine dominated, their heady scents weaving through the air like a siren's song. Tuberose and rose added layers of sophistication, their petals brushing against her skin with whispers of intrigue. Iris and violet lent a powdery softness, evoking the elegance of silk against bare flesh, while Malabar black pepper added a surprising, spicy allure that hinted at passion beneath her cool demeanor.

As the evening progressed, the base notes of "Lasso" emerged, grounding Evelyn in chypre sophistication. Resins and frankincense infused the air with ancient mystery, while leather and vanilla added a touch of sensuality. Yugoslavian oakmoss and patchouli provided a deep, earthy richness, evoking memories of old-world charm. Musk and ambergris whispered promises of intimacy, their musky sweetness lingering tantalizingly. Beneath it all, civet and Mysore sandalwood lent a luxurious depth, while labdanum added a resinous warmth that clung to her skin, completing the allure of "Lasso."

As Evelyn sipped her martini and exchanged coy glances, she knew she had captivated her target. "Lasso" had become her invisible ally, ensnaring attention and weaving an unforgettable aura of allure. In the dim elegance of the Plaza Hotel, amidst the clink of glasses and murmurs of conversation, Evelyn's fragrance told a tale of sophistication, intrigue, and the timeless art of seduction.

Bottles:

Jean Patou's "Lasso" exuded elegance not only in its fragrance but also in its presentation. The parfum, crafted to evoke allure and sophistication, was housed in exquisite twisted crystal flacons designed to resemble the swirling folds of a luxurious skirt. Each bottle, a testament to the artistry and attention to detail synonymous with Patou, offered a visual allure that complemented the fragrance within.

Available in multiple sizes, the "Lasso" parfum catered to every woman's desire for luxury and choice. The smallest size, a dainty 1/3 oz, offered a delicate touch perfect for discreet application throughout the day. The 1/2 oz and 1 oz sizes provided options for those seeking a more substantial supply, ideal for keeping at home or carrying in a handbag for effortless reapplication. For those who cherished their favorite fragrance in abundance, the 2 oz flacon stood as a testament to indulgence and elegance.

Beyond the parfum, "Lasso" was also offered in eau de toilette and eau de cologne formulations, ensuring that women could experience its enchanting bouquet in a variety of intensities suited to different occasions and personal preferences. Whether dabbed lightly for a subtle allure or spritzed generously for a more pronounced presence, "Lasso" in its various forms promised to adorn its wearer with a captivating aura of femininity and charm.

In the world of Jean Patou's "Lasso," every detail, from the fragrance itself to the crystal flacons and multiple formulations, was crafted to enhance a woman's experience of luxury and allure, offering a timeless allure that transcended mere scent to become a signature of sophisticated femininity.

photo by ebay seller aphissos

Fate of the Fragrance:

Jean Patou's "Lasso," a fragrance that captured the essence of 1950s elegance and allure, eventually met its end in the early 1970s. This period marked a shift in perfume trends and consumer preferences, as the cultural landscape evolved and new fragrances emerged to capture the spirit of the times.

Discontinuation of "Lasso" meant the end of an era for its loyal followers, who had cherished its unique blend of warm fruit and florals, aldehydes, and chypre sophistication. The decision to discontinue likely reflected changing tastes and the desire for fresher, more modern interpretations of femininity in fragrance.

For those who had worn "Lasso," its departure from the market represented more than just the loss of a scent; it was the end of a chapter in their personal fragrance journey. The crystal flacons that once graced vanity tables, each a testament to elegance and luxury, became cherished keepsakes of a bygone era.

While "Lasso" may no longer be available, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its enchanting bouquet and the allure it once bestowed. Its discontinuation serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of fragrance trends and the enduring impact of a scent that once captured hearts and imaginations in its heyday.