Robert Piguet, Bhagari, 10 mls. or 0.35 oz., Flacon, Parfum Extrait, 1950, Paris, France ..

Acknowledged by peers, the women he dressed, and the press as “the most Parisian of fashion designers”, Robert Piguet, while programmed to be a financier, was, in fact, destined to become one of the legendary figures of haute couture. Robert Piguet was born in Switzerland. At 17, in the face of heavy opposition from his family, he left Yverdon for Paris where he found employment first with Redfern and later with Paul Poiret, his lifelong friend and quite possibly, the most influential designer in the history of haute couture.

In 1933, having completed his training at two of the most important fashion houses of the Twentieth century, Piguet opened his own house in the Rue de Cirque. There he became known for the delicacy and reserve of his morning and afternoon dresses, a certain flamboyance of color in clothes for evening and for the perfect cut of his thin grey flannel suits .. every collection a reflection of his infallible eye, refined simplicity and the quality that most defined Piguet .. elegance. In style. In character. In inspiration.

Charming and aristocratic, a connoisseur of literature, painting and the decorative arts, by 1938, Piguet’s success and reputation were such that he was presiding over his new and beautiful salon .. almost operatic in its opulence .. at the Rond Point des Champs Elysee. Among the most prestigious of addresses, the House became destination for the elite of all Paris .. the great beauties of fashion and the distinguished luminaries drawn from the worlds of theatre and the arts. In fact, upon Piguet’s death, Jean Cocteau, a dear and trusted friend, as was Colette and the great director, Jean Marais, wrote of Piguet “he loved, he invented, he gave .. a generous and vibrant member of our team.”

And, then, of course, there are the fragrances .. a contribution of unrivalled magnitude. It has been observed that Piguet’s perfumes .. Bandit, Fracas and Baghari, “have a particular feel, very characteristic of his trademarks: strict adherence to good taste, true luxury, a horror of the commonplace, and an innate sense of seduction” True classics of timeless beauty and value that endure far beyond season and trend.

Baghari was introduced in 1950, and was the last fragrance created before Piguet's death in 1953. The fashion house closed in 1951, but the Robert Piguet brand name continued. Baghari is a Oriental Floral fragrance for women. In 1950, Robert Piguet asked master perfumer Francis Fabron to create a scent for an unforgettable woman; the woman Piguet called simply “a dreamer”.

Top notes are aldehydes, Bergamot, and Neroli
Heart notes are Bulgarian Rose, Jasmine, Iris, and Violet
Base notes are Amber, Vanilla, and Vetiver

"Piguet calls Baghari a soft oriental, and 'Perfumes: The Guide' calls Baghari an orange chypre. To me, Baghari is a spicy-citrus aldehydic floral. Baghari smells as if the perfumer were dreaming of No. 5 seen through Rita Hayworth’s sunglasses. Baghari has all the throwback glamour of a Champagne coupe full of fizzy aldehydes, but its heart is loaded with musty flowers and dried orange zest, dusted with fine-milled powder."

"Baghari announces itself with a blast of citrus, dry aromatic notes, and dusty animalic overtones. Baghari’s opening is bright with citrus. Baghari leaves a flesh-like fragrance that reminds one of No. 5’s dry vermouth and sandalwood dry down. Finally, incense appears just as Baghari fades to skin. It is a great fragrance, and as its sweet, spicy base develops, it moves from simply pretty to sultry and seductive. It lasts well, too, darkening and softening all the while, until its nocturnal flowers slip away into a starless olfactory night.”

Offered here is a charming 10 ml. vial of the beautiful Baghari. The cap has a touche oreilles with which to apply the perfume. Very rare nowadays, a real find. Indulge yourself with this timeless beauty ..