Jean Patou's Extravagant 1000 Parfum Bottle

Jean Patou commissioned jeweler Pierre Chaumet of Place Vendôme in Paris to design a sumptuous collector's edition bottle for his newly launched perfume, 1000. This luxury edition bottle is a masterpiece covered with vermeil cage work and adorned with a "golden symphony of stones in every color calling out a thousand harmonies." The bottle is filled with genuine rock crystals and studded with semi-precious stones including onyx, coral, lapis lazuli, and turquoise. The cabochon cut stones are artfully arranged to spell out the perfume's name, 1000, six times on the faces of the flacon. The stones fill the space of the numerals while pear-shaped faux diamonds are scattered about. This exquisite bottle stands at a height of 8.6 cm and contains 145 grams of gold. The price for this extravagance was $12,000.

Additionally, a miniature version of this collector’s bottle was created to be worn as a pendant. The gross weight of this miniature version is 20 grams, and it stands at a height of 3.2 cm.

In the 1974 edition of Connaissance des arts, it is described: "What a lovely idea Jean Patou had to ask Chaumet, the great jeweler of Place Vendôme, to dress his 'greatest' in gold and precious stones: the infinitely precious 1000. Is it teasing? Is it inspirational? The jeweler's dream has taken on the appearance of a festive outfit, a turn of an evening dress in a way. This is how the precious 1000 bottle reaches a new dimension, all filigree in gold, while in a symphony of stones of all colors, 'A high voice, a low voice, with a thousand harmonies,' the name of 1000, repeated a thousand times, comes, haunting and sumptuous, to promise happiness, simply showing how beautiful it is. But the reverie of the artist possesses all the eloquence. Vermeil piece on a rock crystal background with coral, onyx, turquoise, and lapis lazuli inlays, shaped and polished, illuminated by pear-shaped diamonds in cascade. The shimmers also evoke distant scents, fabulous fragrances, such as those of Chinese osmanthus..."

In the photo taken on 17th October 1974, French actress Marie-Hélène Breillat poses elegantly with the massive jeweled perfume bottle created by Chaumet for Jean Patou's iconic scent, '1000'. The setting is Paris, and the image captures the opulence and grandeur of the moment. Breillat, known for her captivating presence on screen, stands alongside the sumptuous bottle showcasing its intricate design and luxurious embellishments.

1000 by Jean Patou c1972

In the 1970s, the world of perfumery was marked by a spirit of excess and luxury, reflecting the opulence and indulgence of the decade. Perfumes became more than just scents; they were symbols of status and wealth, often released as limited editions to enhance their exclusivity. Jean Patou, known for creating iconic fragrances like "Joy," ventured into this trend with "1000," launched in 1972.

The name "1000" (or "Mille" in French) was chosen deliberately. It evokes a sense of grandeur and exclusivity, suggesting something beyond ordinary experience—perhaps a thousand luxuries or a thousand pleasures encapsulated in a single bottle. The idea of naming a perfume after a number, especially a large one like 1000, was quite innovative at the time. It positioned the fragrance as something extraordinary, a pinnacle of the perfumer's artistry and the brand's legacy.

"1000" would appeal to individuals who appreciated finer things in life, who sought out rare and exceptional products. It would likely attract affluent customers who valued craftsmanship and exclusivity. The perfume's release as a limited edition, available only a few times a year, further heightened its desirability among collectors and connoisseurs.

Geographically, such a perfume would find popularity in cosmopolitan cities known for their fashion and luxury goods markets, such as Paris, New York, and Tokyo. These cities were hubs of sophistication and cultural influence, where trends in fashion and beauty were set.

The name "1000" conjures images of luxury, sophistication, and aspiration. It suggests richness, both in terms of its scent profile and the lifestyle it represents. Emotionally, it could evoke feelings of opulence, pleasure, and exclusivity, appealing to those who seek to indulge in the finer aspects of life.

Overall, "1000" was a unique and daring name for a perfume in the 1970s. It stood out amidst a sea of romantic and floral names, offering a numerical allure that promised something beyond the ordinary. This perfume would likely be worn during special occasions and evening events, where its luxurious aura could be fully appreciated and admired.