Note: Please understand that this website is not affiliated with the Chanel company in any way, it is only a reference page for collectors and those who have enjoyed the Chanel fragrances.

The goal of this website is to show the present owners of the Chanel company how much we miss the discontinued classics and hopefully, if they see that there is enough interest and demand, they will bring back the perfume!

Please leave a comment below (for example: of why you liked the perfume, describe the scent, time period or age you wore it, who gave it to you or what occasion, any specific memories), who knows, perhaps someone from the company might see it.

Looking to Buy Vintage Fragrances?

Showing posts with label vintage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vintage. Show all posts

Sunday, July 6, 2014

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.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Vintage Chanel No. 5 Bottles in Fitted Case

Rare, vintage 1940s-1960s graduated set of three Chanel No. 5 glass perfume bottles with original contents in a fitted leather case. Holds 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz and 1 oz extrait.


Friday, April 4, 2014

Huile Tan Pour L'Ete c1930s-1950s

Huile Tan Pour L'Ete was a tanning oil from Chanel's early skincare line, originally created for herself in 1924, it debuted to the public in 1927.

In the early 20th century, tanning began to gain popularity, marking a significant shift in societal beauty standards. Before the 1920s, pale skin was highly coveted as it signified wealth and leisure, implying that one did not have to work outdoors. However, this perception began to change dramatically during the 1920s.

The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties, was a period of social change and liberation, particularly for women. The decade saw an increase in outdoor leisure activities such as beach vacations, sports, and travel, which were associated with the modern, liberated lifestyle.

One of the most significant influences was Coco Chanel herself. In 1923, she accidentally got sunburned while on a yacht trip in the French Riviera. When she returned with a tan, it sparked a fashion trend. Chanel, a leading fashion icon, made tanned skin fashionable and desirable, symbolizing health, youth, and a life of leisure.

The 1920s also saw a growing association between a tan and good health. The benefits of sun exposure were being promoted, with some believing that it could cure various ailments and improve overall well-being. This was in stark contrast to the previous centuries where sun exposure was avoided to maintain fair skin.

Fashion in the 1920s also embraced the idea of more revealing clothing, such as shorter skirts and sleeveless tops, which naturally exposed more skin to the sun. This encouraged tanning as a complement to the new styles, making sun-kissed skin an integral part of the fashionable appearance.

The beauty industry quickly adapted to this trend. Companies began producing and marketing products that enhanced tanning or protected the skin while tanning. Chanel's Huile Tan Pour L'Ete, introduced in 1927, was one of the early examples of a luxury brand tapping into this new demand. It offered not only a way to achieve a desirable bronzed look but also provided protection against sunburn, aligning with the growing awareness of the need to protect the skin from harmful effects of the sun.

In summary, the popularity of tanning in the 1920s was driven by a combination of changing cultural norms, influential fashion icons like Coco Chanel, the rise of outdoor leisure activities, and the beauty industry's response to these trends. Chanel's Huile Tan Pour L'Ete was a product that capitalized on this new beauty ideal, offering a glamorous and protective solution for achieving a sun-kissed look.

Huile Tan Pour L'Ete  - Bronze la peau et la protégé contre les brûlures du soleil 
Tanning Oil For The Summer "Bronze skin and protected against sunburn"


Astringent Pour L'Epiderme c1930s

Astringent Pour L'Epiderme, introduced by Chanel in the early 1930s, was part of the brand's pioneering efforts in skincare. It was designed to cleanse and tone the skin, reflecting the luxurious and innovative approach Chanel was known for. The product was packaged in an elegant clear glass cylindrical bottle, accentuated with a small black glass stopper, showcasing Chanel's commitment to combining functionality with sophisticated design. This product not only marked Chanel's entry into skincare but also set a standard for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing cosmetic packaging.


Creme de Beaute - Face Cream c1932

Crème de Beauté, launched in 1932, was a pivotal product in Chanel's first skincare line. This face cream exemplified Chanel's commitment to beauty and skincare innovation. As part of the early 1930s collection, Crème de Beauté was designed to provide nourishment and hydration to the skin, aligning with Chanel's philosophy of maintaining elegance and sophistication in every aspect of personal care. The launch of this cream, along with other products like Astringent Pour L'Epiderme, marked Chanel's significant foray into the skincare market, establishing a legacy of luxury and efficacy in beauty treatments.



Sunday, December 15, 2013

Vintage 1980s Chanel Dramming Fountain

Dramming refers to a technique for transferring a fragrance from a larger container to a smaller one (some websites call this "decanting".)

When stores have “dramming events” they are telling you that they have very large bottles of the fragrance, usually on display, that they will pour into a smaller one for you, usually in connection with special promotions. A dramming machine is equipped with a small spigot in the front to fill the miniatures with that would be given away during fragrance launches or promotions.







photos from ebay seller foundintime



It is interesting to note that on ebay, dramming bottles and machines are NOT permitted to be sold. Their policies are shown below:

Perfume testers and dramming bottles (which are bottles from which small quantities can be taken for supply to consumers as free samples), typically marked with the words 'demonstration' or 'not for sale', may not be listed on eBay. Also, you need to make sure that the essential and legally required information - such as, among others, the identity of the manufacturer or the person responsible for marketing the product, the composition of the product (content and list of ingredients), the use of the product (function and particular precautions to be observed in use) and preservation of the product (date of minimum durability) - is not missing from any permissible cosmetic or perfume product. Smell-alike perfumes may not be listed on eBay when they are compared to a well-known brand or scent. You may not list a perfume in a bottle other than the original bottle (decanters).

Make sure your listing follows these guidelines. If it doesn't, it may be removed and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including restrictions of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.

What are the guidelines?

Allowed:

  • New, in-box full-sized cosmetics
  • Factice bottles (dummy merchandise bottles)
  • Collector items (empty bottles)


Restricted:

Perfumes in their original bottles including miniatures and samples can be listed as long as you make sure that the essential and legally required information (see Policy overview) is not missing and that the box is not missing if the bottle came in a special box

Homemade cosmetics can be listed, as long as you make sure they comply with country regulations

Smell-alike perfumes can be listed, as long as there is no reference to a brand in the item title, attributes or description and the item is not listed in a category for branded items. Also, you are not allowed to circumvent this rule by misspelling brand names or otherwise trying to refer or allude to a brand.

Not allowed:

Items that are not allowed include, but are not limited to:

  • Testers
  • Dramming bottles
  • Decanters
  • Used cosmetics
  • Replica perfumes or cosmetics

Friday, December 13, 2013

Vintage 1970s Chanel Factice Wall Display

Vintage 1970s Chanel Factice Wall Display. 

This astonishing wood & plexiglass fronted display stand would have been removed from the wall in which it was set when Chanel altered the size of the bottles which happened to coincide when barcoding came into play in the early 1980's, it stands at exactly 48cms tall by 38cms wide by 5cms deep ( 1ft 5" tall x 1ft 3" wide x 2" deep ), it is in absolutely superb condition save the odd, easy to remove dark mark to the painted frame.

Of the 5 parfum bottles, the 2x 7ml bottles stand at 5.5cm, 2x 14ml bottles stand at 7cm & the largest, which is set into the centre of the display stands at 8cm are full with intact black wax CC logo seal & the original Baudruchage membrane (though the larger bottle has a small amount of residue). Thanks to the gold mirrored walls to the case being set at 45 degree angle to the flat face of the case the case appears to hold more than the 5 bottles.

This item sold on ebay for approximately $1,959.24 US dollars on Sept. 25, 2013.






Photos and info from ebay seller sam_in_barbate 

Friday, November 1, 2013

Jasmin de Chanel c1933

Jasmin by Chanel: launched in 1933, created by Ernest Beaux.


Ambre de Chanel c1925

Amber: Unveiled in the iconic year of 1925, this exquisite fragrance marks a pivotal moment in the history of perfumery. Crafted by the skilled hands of Ernest Beaux, Ambre is hailed as a masterpiece, believed to be the inaugural perfume created for the illustrious Chanel house.

Transport yourself to the opulent atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties, where Ambre emerged as a beacon of sophistication and allure. In an era defined by extravagance and liberation, this fragrance captivated the senses of the fashionable elite, embodying the essence of glamour and refinement.

The allure of amber fragrances in the 1920s can be attributed to their rich and complex olfactory profiles, evoking a sense of warmth, sensuality, and mystery. Amber perfumes, renowned for their unparalleled luxury and mystique, occupy a special place in the world of fragrance. Derived from the rare and precious substance known as ambergris, these perfumes exude an aura of opulence and sophistication.

With its harmonious blend of precious ingredients, Ambre de Chanel, no doubt, exuded an irresistible charm, becoming synonymous with the era's avant-garde spirit.

As the embodiment of timeless elegance, Ambre continues to enchant modern-day connoisseurs, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Chanel and the artistry of Ernest Beaux.


Thursday, October 17, 2013

FAKE CHANEL PERFUME ALERT

Vintage Chanel No. 5 Perfume Bottles



Here are three pictures of authentic vintage Chanel perfume in the larger sizes.



Extrait GM = 3 oz parfum extrait



Extrait MM = 2 oz parfum extrait



Photos by ebay seller hitidedeer





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.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Info on Chanel Perfume Bottles

Chanel perfume bottles...
  • All Chanel perfumes appear in the signature Chanel bottle based on the original Sem design. 
  • All Chanel bottles have been made by Verreries Brosse and usually the bases will be embossed with a VB or BR logo. 
  • From the 1920s until 1951, the small O used in any perfume beginning with No. (number), will have a dot underneath it, after 1951, the dot disappears. 
  • From 1970-1987, all Chanel's pure parfums will be marked with the word Perfume underneath the fragrance's name. Starting in 1988, we see the word Parfum used instead.
  • Starting in 1987, the words Paris/New York are added to Eau de Parfums.
  • Black striped boxes used up until 1958.
  • The words "New York Distributor" was used from the late 1940s and into the 1950s.
  • The familiar black and gold cologne sprays were introduced in 1958, they were metered to expel 800 sprays in each bottle. Light and sturdy, designed by Chanel for the age of air travel.
  • Cologne and talc was used from 1939 - onwards

Decipher the numbers found on the extrait boxes:
  • No. 203 = 3 oz 
  • No. 202 = 2 oz
  • No. 201 = 1 oz
  • No. 200 = 1/2 oz
  • No. 210 = 1/4 oz
  • No. 375 = 1 1/2 oz (Eau de Cologne, not extrait)

Decipher the letters on the boxes to determine size of bottles:
  • T.T.P.M = 1/4 oz (Tres Tres Petit Modele/Very Very or Extra Extra Small)
  • T.P.M. = 1/2 oz (Tres Petit Modele/Very or Extra Small)
  • P.M. (Petit Modele/Small) = 1 oz 
  • M.M. (Moyen Modele/Medium) = 2 oz
  • G.M. (Grand Modele/Large) = 3 oz
  • T.G.M. (Tres Grand Modele/Very or Extra Large) = 4 oz


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.

Fake Chanel Perfume ALERT!

Fake Chanel Perfumes on ebay this week:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Chanel-No-5-Perfume-1-oz-Sealed-Evaporated-RARE-/111181552219?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19e2efda5b

Boxes are wrong, also look at terrible font on the boxes and on the label, it doesn't even line up correctly. Also bottle is not embossed "Chanel" on base like it should be.

Here is another fake Chanel perfume on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VERY-OLD-VINTAGE-BOTTLE-OF-CHANEL-NO-5-WITH-STOPPER-APPROX-IMATELY-25-FULL-/151135599220?pt=fragrance&hash=item2330623a74

The label is completely wrong. Also bottle is not embossed "Chanel" on base like it should be.

Here is another fake Chanel:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Authentic-VINTAGE-Chanel-No-5-Paris-Perfume-size-7-/350890139102?pt=fragrance&hash=item51b2ae9dde

The bottle and stopper are not correct. Also bottle is not embossed "Chanel" on base like it should be.

More Fake Chanel perfume, this time one of those crappy "Essence of Chanel" fake roll ons that were popular in the 1970s-1980s. These are not genuine Chanel perfumes.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Essense-of-Chanel-Roll-On-Perfume-/151133264442?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item23303e9a3a

Another fake perfume:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CHANEL-NO-5-1-OZ-BOTTLE-SEALED-/300975585882?pt=fragrance&hash=item46138afa5a

again in wrong bottle, not genuine.

Fake Chanel again!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CHANEL-NO-5-PERFUME-ALMOST-EMPTY-BOTTLE-MADE-IN-FRANCE-w-Maxfactor-com-/121179406297?pt=fragrance&hash=item1c36daffd9


Fake!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-CHANEL-NO-5-PARFUM-PERFUME-BOTTLE-FULL-/370847378039?pt=fragrance&hash=item565839ea77

Fake bottle and label looks terrible!

Here's another one!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Vintage-CHANEL-NO-5-Pure-Perfume-Extrait-1-4-oz-7-ml-Full-In-Box-/310570791968?pt=fragrance&hash=item484f763420


Monday, July 22, 2013

Sycamore vs. Sycomore

Sycamore: launched in 1930. Inspired by the sycamore tree and Coco Chanel's dream of the perfect woody perfume, a dry, balsamic scent without all of the feminine trappings of the other perfumes of the day.

So what did it smell like?

  • Top notes: violet
  • Middle notes: balsam
  • Base notes: tobacco

Presented in a tall clear glass rectangular bottle with sloping shoulders. Packaged in a wooden box which heralded the perfume's name.


Originally retailed for $45 in 1930 as seen in this 1930 ad for B. Altman & Co.



Discontinued, date unknown.


Sycomore. A rich-wood fragrance with a noble character -- like the Sycomore tree that inspired it -- created by Chanel Master Perfumer Jacques Polge in 2008. At the heart of the scent: Vetiver, with an elegant Sandalwood note and dashes of Cypress, Juniper and Pink Pepper, for an earthy, warm and enveloping, yet subtle presence.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

FAKE CHANEL ALERT!

Fake Chanel perfume on ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chanel-Vintage-Hard-to-Find-No-5-PERFUME-1-fl-oz-in-Both-Boxes-never-used-/221253431706?pt=fragrance&hash=item3383bb719a

Chanel never used this bottle for their perfume! The boxes are not right, the bottle is not the correct one and does not say Chanel in the glass. The screwcap is also wrong, it would not be used on a parfum bottle, only bottles that had screwcaps were eau de toilettes and eau de colognes, not parfum! Not to mention, but the screwcap logo would have been quite different, with the CC logo engraved and picked out in white and not raised with gold paint like the one in the auction.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Arpege and Chanel Perfumed Writing Pens

A common product found on ebay and other sales venues is the Arpege/Chanel No. 5 Perfumed Writing Pens.

The pens are ballpoint style and the ink is supposedly scented with the famous perfumes. These pen sets were manufactured in the 1970s.

A 1971 ad reads "Perfumed Writing Pens. Packaging as pictured, beautiful leather covered jewelry boxes. Perfumed refills are specially prepared with Arpege and Chanel No 5 perfume. One writes In Arpege the other In Chanel No. 5. Pens are guaranteed for five full years and beautifully boxed and yours absolutely Free when you open a new No Service Charge Checking Account."

The cases and pens are marked "Arpege and Chanel No 5. 14 kt Gold Exclusive Design."

Please understand that the pens are only plated with 14kt gold "paint" and not made up of solid gold.

Neither Chanel nor Lanvin manufactured these pens and the perfume used to scent the ink inside is questionable at best. 

The two perfume companies did not give approval of the usage of their perfumes name in the selling of these pens and the usage is outright trademark violations..

A 1972 the A.T. Cross Company sued Jonathan Bradley Pens, Inc. for trademark infringement and unfair competition over the use of the name Lacrosse pens .It was also "brought out at the hearing that defendants distribute and sell pens with "Chanel #5" and "Arpege" printed on them, that they have not secured permission from the owners to use these marks, and have not advised the owners of defendants' use."

So, the perfumed pens were probably only manufactured between 1971-1972 or so, but they appear to have been sold and given away in the thousands as you can regularly find these on ebay any given week. However, there is no value to these pens other than a novelty. The gold paint is worthless and the perfume may not even be genuine.