Padisha by Weil c1922

he launch of "Padisha" by Parfums Weil in 1922 and its subsequent re-launch for public sale in 1947 coincided with distinct periods of cultural and historical significance. In 1922, when the perfume was first introduced as a gift to special clients, Europe and the Middle East were undergoing significant political and social changes following World War I. This period marked the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of new nation-states in the Middle East, with Turkey transitioning into a republic under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

The name "Padisha," derived from the Turkish word "Padishah," refers to a high-ranking sovereign title historically used in the Ottoman Empire and Persia. It translates to "Great King" or "Emperor" in English. Choosing "Padisha" as the name for a perfume could evoke images of grandeur, opulence, and imperial authority, resonating with the cultural richness and historical legacy associated with the Ottoman Empire. The name suggests luxury, authority, and exoticism, qualities that would appeal to a clientele seeking prestige and sophistication in fragrance.

For Parfums Weil, re-launching "Padisha" for public sale in 1947 came during a post-World War II era marked by recovery and rebuilding across Europe. This period saw a renewed interest in luxury goods and a desire to recapture the elegance and refinement of pre-war times. The name "Padisha" would have appealed to individuals who appreciated classical elegance, exotic allure, and a sense of history in their perfumes. It would likely have been marketed to a sophisticated clientele who valued tradition, exclusivity, and the allure of oriental mystique embodied in the name.

The word "Padisha" evokes images of ornate palaces, rich fabrics, intricate carpets, and the exotic scents of spices and flowers from distant lands. It conjures feelings of majesty, allure, and a hint of mystery, transporting the wearer to a world of opulence and grandeur. Those who responded to "Padisha" would have been drawn to its promise of sophistication and its ability to evoke an atmosphere of regal splendor and timeless allure through its fragrance.

In summary, the launch and re-launch of "Padisha" by Parfums Weil were strategically timed to appeal to a post-war audience seeking luxury, tradition, and the allure of exoticism. The name itself, steeped in historical and cultural significance, resonated with themes of grandeur and sophistication, making it a fitting choice for a perfume that aimed to captivate and evoke a sense of timeless elegance and allure.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as a floral oriental perfume with floral and spice notes layered over woods.

• Top notes: sage, bergamot, mandarin, lemon, cardamom, cinnamon, neroli, clove, black pepper
• Middle notes: coriander, ginger, ylang ylang, tuberose, lavender, orange blossom, carnation, nutmeg, jasmine, rose
• Base notes: cedar, vetiver, frankincense, oakmoss, labdanum, vanilla, patchouli, Mysore sandalwood, ambergris, musk, civet, benzoin, myrrh, tonka bean

L'Amour de l'art, 1950:

"Padisha by Weil: It looks like a mysterious, symbolic perfume, a sort of incantation loaded with delicious vapors whose secret, coming from a distant Orient, distills the roses of Saadi to exhale languorous scents."

Scent Story:

In the opulent setting of Weil's Fur Salon in 1922, transformed into a Turkish harem for the launch of their newest fragrance, Padisha, guests were transported to a realm of exotic allure and sensory delight. The air was thick with the heady perfume of fresh gardenias, tuberoses, carnations, orange blossoms, and roses, creating a floral symphony that mingled with the lingering smoke of incense wafting from ornate brass braziers. Native Turkish musicians played haunting melodies, their rhythms urging bellydancers adorned in harem attire to sway gracefully amidst the gathered crowd.

Amidst this tableau straight out of the tales of the Arabian Nights, models gracefully circulated, offering small vials of Padisha to intrigued guests. A model, embodying the essence of Scheherazade herself, carried the candle-shaped bottle of Padisha in a gilded shrine, evoking a sense of mystique and enchantment. The fragrance's president, standing amidst the splendor, shared with guests the essence of Padisha. Designed to complement exquisitely embellished evening frocks, Padisha was more than a perfume; it was a potent elixir crafted to evoke feelings of enchantment and allure.

As guests immersed themselves in this sensory extravaganza, they saw the rich tapestry of harem décor, smelled the intricate blend of sage, bergamot, mandarin, lemon, cardamom, cinnamon, neroli, clove, black pepper that comprised Padisha's top notes, tasted the lingering sweetness of coriander, ginger, ylang ylang, tuberose, lavender, orange blossom, carnation, nutmeg, jasmine, and rose in its heart, and heard the soft, hypnotic music and laughter filling the air.

The president spoke of the rare and costly ingredients sourced from around the world, emphasizing perfumer Claude Fraysse's skill in weaving these elements into a fragrance that captured the essence of a distant Orient. Padisha was not merely a perfume; it was an incantation of mystery and sophistication, a distillation of the roses of Saadi that exhaled languorous scents layered over the grounding notes of cedar, vetiver, frankincense, oakmoss, labdanum, vanilla, patchouli, Mysore sandalwood, ambergris, musk, civet, benzoin, myrrh, and tonka bean, creating a perfume as complex and captivating as the tales of old.

Product Line:

The product line for Padisha by Parfums Weil offered a diverse array of options to cater to different preferences and occasions. Available in various formulations, Padisha encompassed a range of products designed to enhance personal grooming and indulgence. The Parfum version of Padisha provided a concentrated and luxurious application, delivering the full-bodied fragrance experience characterized by its oriental richness. For those preferring a lighter touch, the Eau de Cologne variant offered a refreshing alternative, ideal for daytime wear or a subtle hint of fragrance. Complementing these, the Secret de Venus bath oil infused the essence of Padisha into pampering bath rituals, blending fragrance with skin-nourishing oils for a sensual bathing experience. Additionally, the Hair Lotion extended the fragrance's allure beyond personal scent, infusing hair with a delicate yet persistent aroma, ensuring a complete sensory indulgence synonymous with the elegance and sophistication associated with Parfums Weil's offerings.

Bottles: 

The deluxe parfum version of Padisha was elegantly presented in a distinctive frosted glass bottle shaped like a candle, adding a touch of artistic flair to its packaging. The bottle design was topped with a stopper shaped like a flame, which not only enhanced its visual appeal but also symbolically echoed the warmth and allure of the fragrance within. This luxurious presentation aimed to evoke a sense of sophistication and exclusivity, catering to discerning tastes and emphasizing the opulence associated with Parfums Weil.

 

 Alongside this deluxe edition, simpler bottles were also available, ensuring that Padisha could be enjoyed in various forms while maintaining its essence of floral oriental allure and timeless elegance.

Cylindrical Baccarat Bottle:

Bottle made by Baccarat. Weil started using Baccarat model #524 as early as 1933. This bottle was also used by other perfumeries: Gabilla, Molyneux, and Jean Desprez.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Relaunched in 1947 after a hiatus caused by World War II, Padisha by Parfums Weil made a triumphant return to the fragrance market. This relaunch reintroduced the perfume's distinctive blend of floral and oriental notes, capturing the essence of elegance and luxury that defined the post-war era. The perfume was embraced for its timeless appeal, offering a sophisticated aroma that resonated with the refined tastes of the period. However, despite its initial resurgence, Padisha faced eventual discontinuation in 1963, marking the end of its era as a staple in the fragrance world.

It's worth noting that Padisha by Parfums Weil should not be confused with the 1991 eau de toilette version released under the same name by Dino Padisha, as these are distinct fragrances with separate histories and formulations. The original Padisha by Parfums Weil remains a cherished memory for those who experienced its allure during its heyday, reflecting a bygone era of opulence and sophistication in perfumery.