Lucien Lelong, Orgueil, 'Pride', 400 ml. or 13.53 oz. Flacon, Eau de Toilette, 1946, Paris, France ..

Born in Paris in 1889, Lucien Lelong learned the finer points of luxury, style and sophistication from his father, a thriving textile shop owner. At the age of 22, Lelong attended the Hautes Etudes Commerciales in Paris, and by 1914 had designed his first complete collection. In 1919, Lucien Lelong opened the couture house that would eventually become the training ground for fashion luminaries like Jean Ebel, Pierre Balmain, Christian Dior, and Hubert de Givenchy.

Success seemed to come overnight. Within a few years, Lucien Lelong had become undeniably influential in the Parisian fashion industry. Aside from serving as the President of the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture for many years, he was widely recognized by his peers for his keen intuitive understanding of fabrics and their integral importance in the creation of a dress.

In 1924, as Lucien Lelong approached the pinnacle of his career, he began experimenting with fragrance. The inspiration for his perfumes, which he considered to be an integral part of a woman's style, came from his designs and the individual, enigmatic traits of the women who wore them. Initially, the man who would become known for his elaborate, collectible bottles and flacons, made no attempt to decoratively package his unique scents. However, when requests for his perfumes started coming in from as far away as America, Lelong became inspired. The Société des Parfums Lucien Lelong was born and would continue to thrive well after Lelong closed the door to his famed fashion house.

Lucien Lelong's first perfumes were succinctly named A,B,C,J, and N and were intended to evoke a sense of mystery and romance, much like Chanel's numbered versions. The intricately crafted bottles, largely designed by Lelong himself, were inspired by fabrics, garlands, feathers and modern architecture and are still collected to this day. In all, Lelong created 27 different fragrances, including Indiscret (1935), perhaps his most famous perfume. Orgueil can mean 'Pride', 'Vanity', or even 'Round Trip'.

"This is a perfume for the mature woman of the 1940s. A very strong, heady mixture of florals and leather - imagine inhaling the bottom of a woman's handbag of the era, where the scent of lipstick and cologne have mingled with the inner soft leather lining. It was described by Lelong itself as "fruity with floral and oriental undertones." That about covers all bases without really committing. It may not have stood out above the other of its era, but the scent today is so rare as to make this a remarkable gem. The name translates as "pride, arrogance," meant to symbolize the French emerging victorious from WWII. A real stunner of a scent!" Basenotes Review, Jack Twist

Top notes are Plum, Peach, and Sweet Pea
Heart notes are Carnation, Tuberose, Jasmine, Iris, Rose, Cloves, and Nutmeg
Base notes are Oak Moss, Sandalwood, Ambergris, and Leather

Offered here is a stunning huge 13.5 ounce flacon of this gorgeous Eau de Toilette. Very rare in this size, or any size at all these days. This is a beauty!! It has been kept immaculately away from heat and light in its pristine box! Highly collectible! It smells divine .. for both men and women .. Seller who sold it to me didn't make fast the screw top cap, and half leaked out. Never used .. It is an exquisite fragrance!