Molinard, Coffret, Le Parfums des Parfums, Iles d'Or, et Habanita, 3 x 15 ml. or 0.5 oz. Flacons, Parfum Extrait, 1940, Paris, France ..

The Maison Molinard was founded in 1849 in Grasse, Provence, in the south of France, cradle of the world's perfume industry. It has remained an entirely family-run business to this day, and is also the oldest of its kind. At that time, Molinard produced floral waters and Eaux de Cologne, which it sold in its "little shop" in the town centre. In 1891, Queen Victoria stayed at Grasse, and bought Eaux de Cologne there.

In 1900, the company moved into an old perfume factory, where the distillery structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel. Molinard is still there today. A typical Provençal showroom was set up, and its first customers were wealthy foreigners from England and Russia. They came to admire its magnificent collection of 17th and 18th century furniture, and buy Molinard eaux de Cologne together with all its floral fragrances.

At the center of the region of Grasse, Molinard produced many exquisite soliflore perfume, or single flower perfumes, that are completely true to the gorgeous essential oils, absolutes, and enfleurages produced in the area.

Here is a trio of scents in a charming presentation box that would have been brought over to the US by a military man some time during the War. There is a note tucked inside to this effect, which I will leave in the box.

* Le Parfums de Parfums. Launched in 1930, Le Parfum des Parfums .. literally ‘The Perfume of all Perfums’ .. is an exquisite floral chypre with strong and beautiful floral notes throughout.

"Molinard was not lacking in self-confidence when among his very first releases was this so named Le Parfum des Parfums (The Perfume of all Perfumes). The release year is 1930 and this is a very rich floral chypre, beautifully reflective of its age, when furs were doused with heavy oils, lifted by light natural citrus and floral accents. I don’t know if Molinard expected his customers to use this on furs, but it is quite
reminiscent of the chypre scents of Lanvin and Weil, which were used to that purpose.
This is sumptuous and elegant. The citrus notes have faded with age, but all the incredible florals (rose, jasmine, carnation, ylang, tuberose, and muguet) are most definitely detectable. Even the delicate notes of heliotrope and violet waft above the rest – a true masterpiece of blending. One of the rarest of the rare, but occasionally available from private internet sellers. Very worth obtaining if you are a fan of vintage floral chypres." Jack Twist, Basenotes Review

Top notes are Citrus, Rose, Jasmine, Neroli, Carnation, Ylang Ylang, and Mimosa
Heart notes are Heliotrope, Tuberose, Lily of the Valley, Orris, and Violet
Base notes are Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, and Vanilla

* Habanita." Launched in 1921, Habanita opens with dry, bitter green and a whisper of jammy fruits. It quickly moves into dry woods and earthy notes, and for a brief time the flowers stand out quite distinctly, each on their own, before the whole devolves into a smoky, powdery, dusky-oriental blend, heavy on the amber and leather, and only lightly sweetened by vanilla."

Top notes are Vetiver, Peach, Strawberry, Raspberry, and Orange Blossom
Heart notes are Rose Orientale, Ylang Ylang, Orris, Lilac, Jasmine, and Heliotrope
Base note are Leather, Amber, Musk, Galbanum, Oak Moss, Vanilla, Cedarwood, and Benzoin

*Iles d'Or. Molinard's Iles d'Or was launched in 1929 as a rich floral fragrance under the slogan "Message from Provence .. a floral paradise." Inspired by the golden days of youth and the exotic islands of Polynesia, this fragrance is dessert for the soul.

Top notes are Pineapple, Peach, Apricot, Citron Vert, and Freesia
Heart notes are Lily of the Valley, Jasmine, Heliotrope, Amber, Cedar Wood, and Vanilla
Base notes are Oak Moss, Galbanum, Cinnamon, Sandalwood, Musk and Ambergris

Offered here is a charming coffret of the three perfumes from the wartime period. The charming brass and green enamel lids are very pretty. Perfumes are in excellent condition.