Magnolia de Chanel c1927

Chanel's Magnolia fragrance, introduced in 1927, stands as a timeless testament to the brand's enduring commitment to elegance and sophistication. With its delicate yet captivating scent, Magnolia embodies the essence of feminine allure and timeless beauty. Though specific details regarding its composition may vary, one can imagine a fragrance that captures the ethereal essence of magnolia blossoms, evoking images of blooming gardens and romantic springtime evenings. Just like many of Chanel's creations, Magnolia likely exudes a sense of refinement and understated luxury, making it a cherished addition to the brand's illustrious fragrance repertoire.

At its debut in 1927, Chanel's Magnolia perfume was priced at $12.50, reflecting the brand's commitment to offering luxury fragrances accessible to a discerning clientele. Alongside the parfum version, Magnolia was also made available in an eau de toilette formulation, housed in the iconic cube bottle characteristic of Chanel's elegant packaging design. This expansion into different concentrations allowed Chanel to cater to a diverse range of preferences, ensuring that the captivating scent of Magnolia could be enjoyed by aficionados of fine fragrance in various forms.

To open the classic Chanel crystal parfum flacon, use the following tip provided by Parfums Chanel in 1963:

Remove cord and paper; with index finger as cushion, tap underneath sides of stopper lightly with glass object (glass on glass being the scientific method) while turning the bottle steadily between fingers, so that the stopper will be loosened evenly.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as a heavy, opulent floral fragrance for women. An ad from 1928 described this fragrance as "for girls in simple attire."

• Top notes: neroli, lemon, lily of the valley, violet, citronella, bergamot, aldehydes
• Middle notes: Grasse jasmine absolute, narcissus, jonquil, tuberose, Grasse rose absolute, Manila ylang ylang, orange blossom, violet
• Base notes: vanilla, Tonkin musk, ambergris, tolu, civet, heliotrope, Mysore sandalwood, cedar and champaca

Chanel's Magnolia fragrance, classified as a heavy and opulent floral scent for women, exudes timeless sophistication and feminine allure. Described in a 1928 advertisement as ideal "for girls in simple attire," it embodies a sense of understated elegance and refinement.

If we were to imagine how Magnolia de Chanel might have smelled based on these possible ingredients, it would likely have been an exquisite blend of opulent florals and warm, sensual undertones, embodying a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication.

The top notes of neroli, lemon, lily of the valley, violet, citronella, bergamot, and aldehydes would have provided an initial burst of freshness and brightness, creating an uplifting and invigorating opening. These notes would have set the stage for the heart of the fragrance, where the lush florals come into play.

In the middle notes, the inclusion of Grasse jasmine absolute, narcissus, jonquil, tuberose, Grasse rose absolute, Manila ylang-ylang, orange blossom, and violet would have created a rich and complex floral bouquet. The heady sweetness of jasmine and rose, combined with the creamy richness of tuberose and ylang-ylang, would have formed the heart of the fragrance, exuding a sense of femininity and allure.

Finally, in the base notes, the warm and sensual undertones would have emerged, adding depth and complexity to the composition. Vanilla, Tonkin musk, ambergris, tolu, civet, heliotrope, Mysore sandalwood, cedar, and champaca would have contributed to a velvety and luxurious foundation, leaving a lingering trail of warmth and sensuality.

Overall, Magnolia de Chanel, with its heavy, opulent floral character and warm, sensual base, would have been a fragrance of undeniable sophistication, perfectly suited for the elegant and confident woman it was designed for. It would have evoked a sense of timeless beauty and grace, capturing the essence of Chanel's iconic style and elegance.

American Druggist - Volume 95, 1937:

• "CHANEL - After Bath Powder $6.50 
• Eau De Toilette (Cube Bottle) Gardenia, Ambre, Chypre, Rose, and Magnolia. 3 1/2 oz $6.00, 8 oz $10.00, 15 oz $19.50, 28 oz $37.50. 
• (Cylinder Bottle) Jasmin and Bois des Isles. 3 1/2 oz $5.00, 7 1/2 oz  $10.00.
• Perfumes: Gardenia, Jasmin, Cuir de Russie, Ambre, Chypre, Iris, Rose, Magnolia, and Special. 
• Chanel Eau de Cologne perfumed with Chanel No. 5, Gardenia, No. 22, or Russia Leather. 3 sizes. 
• Talcum Powder scented with Chanel No. 5, Gardenia, or Russia Leather. Generous size, $1.50, Large size, $2.50."

 The American Druggist Volume 95 from 1937 provides a comprehensive overview of Chanel's fragrance offerings and associated products, showcasing the brand's commitment to luxury and variety:

• After Bath Powder: Priced at $6.50, this powder offers a luxurious post-bath experience.

• Eau De Toilette (Cube Bottle): Available in a variety of scents including Gardenia, Ambre, Chypre, Rose, and Magnolia. Offered in sizes ranging from 3 1/2 oz for $6.00 to 28 oz for $37.50.

• Eau De Toilette (Cylinder Bottle): Features scents such as Jasmin and Bois des Isles. Sizes range from 3 1/2 oz for $5.00 to 7 1/2 oz for $10.00.

• Perfumes: A diverse selection including Gardenia, Jasmin, Cuir de Russie, Ambre, Chypre, Iris, Rose, Magnolia, and Special.

• Chanel Eau de Cologne: Infused with Chanel No. 5, Gardenia, No. 22, or Russia Leather. Available in three sizes.

• Talcum Powder: Scented with Chanel No. 5, Gardenia, or Russia Leather. Offered in two sizes: a generous size for $1.50 and a larger size for $2.50.

This comprehensive range of products demonstrates Chanel's dedication to offering a wide array of luxurious fragrances and associated items to cater to the diverse tastes of its clientele.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Chanel's Magnolia fragrance, along with other offerings mentioned in the American Druggist Volume 95 from 1937, was indeed available for purchase at that time. However, the exact date of its discontinuation remains unknown. Despite its presence in the market in the late 1930s, changes in consumer preferences, industry trends, or other factors may have led to its eventual discontinuation at a later date. While specific information regarding its discontinuation is elusive, the fragrance's availability in 1937 underscores its significance within Chanel's fragrance portfolio during that era.

Indeed, the outbreak of the Second World War likely played a significant role in the discontinuation of Chanel's Magnolia fragrance, as well as other products in its lineup. The wartime conditions, including scarcity of supplies and raw materials, importation restrictions, and the occupation of Paris, would have undoubtedly posed significant challenges to Chanel's operations and production capabilities. Under such circumstances, maintaining a diverse range of fragrance offerings, including Magnolia, would have been challenging if not impossible. As a result, Chanel, like many other luxury brands of the time, may have been forced to streamline its product lines and focus on essential goods or suspend production altogether until conditions improved.