Rose Valois, Kasimir, 'Kashmir', 67 ml. or 2.25 oz. Flacon, Parfum Extrait, 1936, 1945, Paris, France ..

Rose Valois was the name of a millinery establishment in Paris founded in 1927 by Madame Fernand Cleuet, Vera Leigh, and one other. The establishment was located at 18 rue Royale. It finally closed its doors in 1970. During its time, Rose Valois was considered one of the leading milliners of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

The founders of Rose Valois had all worked with Caroline Reboux, leaving in 1927 to found their own salon. Rose was Mme Cleuet's first name, and Valois was a construct made up from the initials of Vera Leigh and the other woman. Leigh left Rose Valois in 1940, but the company remained in business through the occupation of France by enemy German forces during World War II. Leigh's later notoriety as a member of the French Resistance, lead to her arrest and execution by the Germans in 1944. Rose's husband, Fernand Cleuet was chief executive officer of the establishment.

Simone Mirman, who later found fame as one of London's foremost milliners in the 1940s-1960s, served her apprenticeship with Valois. Not unlike many of the great French fashion designers and milliners, Rose Valois also launched a group of perfumes. They were generally housed in the same beautiful urn-like flacons with gorgeous amber colored bouchons.

Launched in 1942, and in keeping with the fashions at that time, Kasimir is classified as a beautiful Oriental Chypre. It is sweet and spicy and has a beautiful soft dry down.

Top notes are Aldehydes, Bergamot, Neroli, and Lemon Blossom
Heart notes are Rose, Ylang Ylang, Galbanum, Jasmine, Lotus, and Champa
Base notes are Sandalwood, Cedar, and Oak Moss

Offered here is a beautiful bottle of Rose Valois' Kasimir with its original presentation box. I believe the perfume has been opened as I am able to move the bouchon, even though the strings are still tied. These bottles are quite difficult to find these days .. Collectible, and a tribute to a woman of great tastes!