SAMPLE .. Babani, A Blend of Perfume for Elizabeth Arden, DECANTED SAMPLE from Flacon, Parfum Extrait, 1922, Paris, France ..

Elizabeth Arden was the importer of the ultra exclusive French Babani perfumes. Babani's shop was located at 93, 96, and 98 Boulevard Haussmann, in Paris, France and he was an importer of Oriental wares, as well as being a couture house, and he also offered exquisite perfumes.

The Babani company has very obscure beginnings but it is believed to have been established around 1895 when Vitaldi Babani acquired an existing shop that specialized in goods imported from China and Japan. He then opened other shops and around 1900, V. Babani diversified with daring fashions and sumptuous Liberty of London fabrics. Then in 1906, he created a style inspired by the Far East, called "Le Niu-Tse".

Babani was also influenced by the Ballets Russes and introduced oriental and Arabian fashions, made exquisite by the usage of gold embroidery and ornate patterning. He also introduced the "Sphinxia", a special sewing machine manufactured expressly for gold chain stitch embroidery.

In 1919, his son, Maurice Babani became the second Paris couturier to introduce perfumes. These perfumes featured luxurious presentations of the highest calibre. In 1920, S. Babani was also a prestigious importer of Oriental wares. The exquisite perfume bottles were sold in the Elizabeth Arden salons on behalf of Babani Paris. The clear glass bottles had rich gold and black finishes and generally had Oriental themes. The bottles were produced by Maurice Depinoix. Babani expressed his gratitude in creating a fragrance for Elizabeth Arden called Mon Amie Elizabeth.

"Babani Perfumes introduced in America by Elizabeth Arden and chosen by her to accompany her Venetian Toilet Preparations everywhere. The famous Babani perfumes of Elizabeth Arden each in itself a masterpiece of fragrance, can be blended to create a new per fume- of intangible delice - of elusive loveliness - unique - your own! The Toiletries Department will be helpful as to the requisite proportions for your blend." Cleopatra's Boudoir

A Blend of Perfumes for Elizabeth Arden was made exclusively for Elizabeth Arden herself as the culmination of their intense relationship. I can only describe this fragrance a redolence of different odours. It is redolent with flowers as well as wonderful base notes of Sandalwood and Myrrh. It has deep lasting qualities that are simply heavenly. While there are no published notes on this fragrance remaining, I would describe it as having the following ..

Top notes are Bergamot, Neroli, Petitgrain, Orange Blossom, and Geranium
Heart Notes are Spices, Carnation, Jasmine, and Rose
Base notes are Vanilla, Oak Moss, Vetiver, Incense, Tonka Bean, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Benzoin and Ambergris

Housed in a magnificent Babani crystal bottle sporting two dolphins on the bouchon. The label is very dark, a dark green background with black wording. It is almost impossible to photograph.

Offered here is a chance to try this sublimely wonderful perfume. This is to me the epitome of French perfume, sensuous, beautiful, haunting, sweet, and warm. About 100 years old now, so some notes have gone, but the richness remains .. Absolutely rare as rare can be ..