Molyneux, Rue Royale, 'Royal Road', 30 ml. or 1 oz. Flacon, Parfum Extrait, 1938, Baccarat, Paris, France ..

Molyneux of 5 rue Royale, Paris, was a couture house, established in 1919 by Edward Molyneux, of Irish origins, but London-born designer who trained at Lucile Ltd. He was the first 20th century British couturier, working in Paris to be able to impose the British clothing taste, which were sober, classic fashions that were very successful.

Edward Molyneux was a fashion designer in the early part of the 20th century. His first love was painting, but his true artistry quickly turned to fashion when he won a design contest sponsored by the heralded veteran fashion designer, Lady Lucille Duff-Gordon. Lucille, impressed by the work of such a young and talented man, subsequently gave him a job at her couture house.

The ravages of war halted dress designs fro Molyneux and Molyneux served as a captain in the first World War. Unfortunately in 1918, he became wounded and lost an eye during the fighting. After the war he returned to Paris and in 1919, with the help of friends, opened his own house at 14, rue Royale. It may be said that because of his loss of eyesight, he disliked the use of excessive decoration and preferred simplicity and fluid lines over the fussiness of Lucille‘s designs. His designs had ‘a thoroughly British upper-class restraint.’

Captain Molyneux also designed lingerie and hats and commissioned perfumes, such as Numero Cinq, Le Chic and Fete de Molyneux. Captain Molyneux was also a great believer in the good luck of number five. His rapidly successful business was run from No. 5, Rue Royale and two of his best known perfumes were to be called "Numero Cinq" and "Rue Royale”.

Molyneux launched this fragrance in 1935 with Baccarat producing the original bottles. The cardboard box is decorated with paper showing different scenes on the Rue Royale .. Royal Street .. where perfumers with high end boutiques were located. It is still an exciting short street to shop. The box itself is a treasure.

Rue Royal is a lovely perfume, very fashionable for its time, and is classified as a feminine floral chypre.

Top notes are Neroli, Bergamot, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, and Lilac
Middle notes are Rose, Labdanum, Oak Moss, and Carnation
Base notes are Sandalwood, Cedar, Vetiver, and Patchouli

Offered here is a sealed one ounce bottle in its original box. The beautiful Baccarat bottle is absolutely untouched and pristine. The wonderful box, which depicts scenes along the Rue Royal is in good shape, with a few minor scuffs.