Secret de Venus Bath Oils

"Secret of Venus" was a bath oil, it was available in the following perfumes: Chinchilla, Zibeline, Antilope, Bambou, Cassandra, and Padisha.

Antilope by Weil c1928

Launched in 1928 and trademarked in the United States in 1931, Antilope by Weil emerged during a transformative period in perfumery and fashion. The Weil brothers—Marcel, Jacques, and Alfred—had already established themselves as purveyors of luxury through their fur company, Les Fourrures Weil, founded in Paris in 1892. Known for their impeccable craftsmanship, the Weils catered to a clientele that demanded both refinement and innovation. Their expansion into perfumery in 1927 was a natural progression, as they sought to enhance the sensory experience of their furs with scents that would complement their warmth and texture.

The name Antilope was a fitting choice for this perfume, reflecting both the Weils’ use of antelope skin in their designs and the spirit of agility, grace, and untamed beauty embodied by the animal itself. The word “Antilope” is derived from the French spelling of "antelope," pronounced "ahn-tee-LOHP". It evokes imagery of swift movement across vast landscapes, the soft sleekness of a rare hide, and the inherent elegance of nature. In a fragrance, this name suggests a composition that is fluid yet strong, sophisticated yet free-spirited—qualities that resonated deeply with the modern woman of the late 1920s.

The perfume’s launch coincided with the final years of the Roaring Twenties, an era marked by cultural dynamism, artistic exploration, and a shift toward modernism. Women were embracing newfound freedoms, shedding restrictive corsets in favor of sleek silhouettes, and adopting a more confident, independent persona. Fashion was dominated by designers such as Coco Chanel and Jean Patou, who championed fluid lines and effortless sophistication. Perfume trends followed suit, moving toward more complex, refined compositions. Aldehydic fragrances—such as the groundbreaking Chanel No. 5 (1921)—had already redefined the olfactory landscape, and Antilope followed in this tradition while carving out its own distinctive identity.

Noir by Weil c1937

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.