In 1937, the world was on the brink of significant upheaval. The late 1930s were marked by political tension, economic recovery from the Great Depression, and a cultural shift towards modernity and sophistication. Against this backdrop, Parfums Weil launched their new fragrance, "Noir," a creation by the esteemed perfumer Jacqueline Fraysse. This period saw a fascination with the mysterious and the elegant, qualities that "Noir" encapsulated perfectly.
The name "Noir" is a French word meaning "black." In the context of the late 1930s, black symbolized sophistication, mystery, and timeless elegance. Choosing the name "Noir" for a perfume was a deliberate move by Parfums Weil to evoke a sense of intrigue and allure. The word "Noir" carries with it connotations of the unknown, the seductive, and the dramatic, aligning perfectly with the era's fascination with film noir and the glamor of the silver screen.
A perfume named "Noir" would appeal to women who identified with these qualities. These were women who embraced the sophistication of eveningwear, the elegance of classic fashion, and the allure of mystery. The scent would likely evoke images of smoky jazz clubs, elegant soirées, and the enigmatic femme fatale. "Noir" was designed for the woman who wanted to feel captivating and irresistible, who appreciated the blend of darkness and light that characterized both the fragrance and the era.
The perfume itself, created by Jacqueline Fraysse, would have been a rich, complex scent that mirrored the layered emotions and experiences of the time. Women who wore "Noir" would respond to its depth and sophistication, finding in it a reflection of their own complexity and allure. The fragrance would evoke feelings of power, confidence, and seduction, making it an appropriate and desirable choice for the modern woman of the late 1930s.
In summary, "Noir" by Weil, launched in 1937, was more than just a fragrance; it was a statement. Its name, meaning "black" in French, was a perfect choice to evoke sophistication, mystery, and elegance. The perfume would have appealed to women who embraced these qualities, offering them a scent that resonated with the glamorous and enigmatic spirit of the time.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a light woody oriental perfume with a dominant tuberose notes.
- Top notes: pepper, aldehydes, mandarin, peach and bergamot
- Middle notes: ylang ylang, jasmine, rose, tuberose, iris, orange blossom, camphor
- Base notes: cedar, patchouli, ambergris, incense, musk, styrax, Mysore sandalwood, vanilla, leather, orris, vetiver, oakmoss, benzoin, tonka bean
Scent Story:
Product Line:
Noir by Parfums Weil was available in a variety of luxurious forms to cater to different preferences and uses, reflecting the elegance and sophistication of the fragrance. The product line included:
- Parfum: The most concentrated and purest form of the fragrance, offering a long-lasting and intense scent experience. This version captured the essence of Noir in its most luxurious presentation, ideal for special occasions and moments when one desired a lingering, powerful presence.
- Eau de Cologne: A lighter, fresher interpretation of Noir, perfect for everyday wear. This version provided a more subtle scent, ideal for those who preferred a gentler fragrance that could be reapplied throughout the day.
- Secret de Venus Bath Oil: A decadent addition to the line, the bath oil allowed users to indulge in a luxurious bathing experience. Infused with the rich, woody oriental notes of Noir, the bath oil left the skin feeling soft, hydrated, and lightly fragranced.
- Toilet Water: A versatile and practical option, the toilet water offered a balanced concentration of the fragrance, suitable for both casual and formal settings. It provided a refreshing, long-lasting scent that was perfect for daily use.
Each product in the Noir line was crafted to highlight the sophisticated blend of light woody oriental notes with the dominant presence of tuberose, ensuring that wearers could enjoy the fragrance in multiple facets of their daily routine.
Bottles:
The Noir parfum by Parfums Weil was presented in a series of elegant and distinctive bottles over the years, reflecting its luxurious and sophisticated nature. The original parfum (extrait) was housed in a striking black cube-shaped bottle, topped with a sleek, black disk-shaped stopper that exuded a sense of modernity and elegance. This chic bottle was carefully placed within a beautifully crafted presentation box that featured a sophisticated color scheme of black, blue, and white. The interior of the box was lined with sumptuous, tufted blue silk, adding an extra layer of opulence and ensuring the perfume was presented as the exquisite treasure it was. This meticulous attention to detail in the packaging underscored the high-quality and exclusivity of Noir, making it a coveted item for perfume connoisseurs.
During and after World War II, Noir parfum by Parfums Weil was presented in an elegant clear crystal cylindrical bottle with gracefully sloping shoulders, maintaining a sense of refined sophistication. The bottle was topped with a distinctive disk-shaped stopper, adding a touch of classic elegance to its design. These bottles were housed in stylish black boxes adorned with a vibrant multicolored pattern, featuring the Weil name in a whimsical scrolling script, enhancing the luxurious presentation. This bottle design was available in two sizes: the one-ounce bottle stood at 2.95 inches tall, and the half-ounce bottle measured 2.28 inches in height. This thoughtful and artistic packaging mirrored the timeless allure and exquisite quality of the Noir parfum, making it a cherished item for those who appreciated fine fragrances.
A deluxe version of the Noir parfum bottle featured an exquisite ovoid design crafted from clear crystal, topped with a frosted stopper that added a touch of elegance and sophistication. This luxurious bottle was housed in a presentation box adorned with the same vibrant, multicolored pattern of the Weil name in fanciful scrolling script, consistent with the design of the other perfume bottles. The mini bottle stood at approximately 1.06 inches tall, making it a compact yet opulent addition to any fragrance collection. Interestingly, this particular bottle design was most often associated with Weil's Cobra perfume, highlighting its rarity and exclusivity when used for Noir. This deluxe packaging reflected the brand's dedication to luxury and meticulous attention to detail, enhancing the allure and prestige of the Noir parfum.
Noir Parfum was available in the following sizes:
- 2 oz
- 1 oz
- 1/2 oz
- 1/5 oz
The Noir cologne was available in these sizes:
- 4 oz
Cylindrical Baccarat Bottles:
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.
Stage, 1937:
"WEIL — "Noir" is the name of the new perfume, planned to wear with black clothes and in a black bottle, about $28."
Vogue, 1938:
"Black worn in new ways; for example, black unrelieved except by one single, dramatic jewel. Black velvet bows, knots of black ribbon, in evening coiffures. Black accessories. Even black perfume — Weil's "Noir" — not, obviously, raven-hued in itself, but created expressly to bring out the fathomless lure of black. (And to be worn, the makers say, with black only.) It's shown, right, in its handsome striped black-and-blue box, tufted with tiny jet beads."
DC & I, 1938:
"PARFUMS WEIL Weil's Noir bath oil in the black crystal hour glass bottle, is keyed in feeling to the deep, haunting perfume "Noir" introduced by Weil last winter."
Perfumery and Essential Oil Record - Volume 29, 1938:
"The perfume " Noir " has proved so successful that Messrs. Weil, the furriers, have launched two similar products, an eau de cologne and a toilet water, both marketed under the same name."
Perfumery and Essential Oil Record, Volume 29, 1938:
"Noir" will be the summer line from Weil; a black glass flacon and a black container will justify the name."
Country Life, 1938:
"All this and more can be said of the perfumes of Weil of Paris, among whose distinguished odours are Zibeline, Cassandra, Chinchilla, and Noir, which have won for themselves an enviable position in France and America."
Chemist and Druggist, 1938:
"Parfums Weil Paris, Ltd., have introduced a concentrated bath oil, three drops of which is sufficient to perfume a bath. Their latest perfume is Noir, which is issued in seven sizes."
The New Yorker, 1945:
"Weil: Grigri, the most recent arrival here, is mainly, we think, for the lady who likes a very heavy scent loaded with sandalwood and sultriness. The great old favorite, Noir, is back, having lost none of its definite appeal."
Fate of the Fragrance:
Discontinued in 1969.
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