Hermine by Weil c1928

Hermine by Weil: launched in 1927, created by Claude Fraysse.

In 1927, Marcel Weil of Les Fourrures Weil created Parfums Weil with their advertisements of “perfumes for furs”. These were based on a direct request from a regular client for a perfume suitable for wearing on furs. These were their first commercial perfumes that were advertised would guarantee not to harm the furs.

In 1928 the four perfumes inspired by fur themes were launched,. Chinchilla Royal, Hermine (ermine), Une Fleur pour Fourrure (A Flower for Furs) and Zibeline (Sable) were favorites from the start. All of these perfumes were created by Claude Fraysse.

Fragrance Composition:

Hermine was intended to symbolize tenderness and virginity.

So what does it smell like? It was heavy with the sweet, tropical flowers of the Pacific Isles. Described as a sweet, floral, with a green chypre accord. It may have contained frangipani (plumeria).

• Top notes: magnolia, orange, bergamot, galbanum
• Middle notes: rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, tuberose, orange blossom, gardenia
• Base notes: musk, tonka, oakmoss, amber, labdanum, vanilla, sandalwood, vetiver

 The winter ermine has been used in art as a symbol of purity or virginity. In the Renaissance era, legend had it that an ermine would die before allowing its pure white coat to be besmirched. When it was being chased by hunters, it would supposedly turn around and give itself up to the hunters rather than risk soiling itself.

Henry Peacham's Emblem 75, which depicts an ermine being pursued by a hunter and two hounds, is entitled "Cui candor morte redemptus" or "Purity bought with his own death." Peacham goes on to preach that men and women should follow the example of the ermine and keep their minds and consciences as pure as the legendary ermine keeps its fur. In some areas of Japan, because of its adorable appearance and somewhat elusive nature it is still considered a symbol of good luck. 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Hermine was still being sold in 1951.

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