Fleur de Fleurs by Nina Ricci c1982

Launched in 1982, Fleur de Fleurs by Nina Ricci bears a name that reflects the romantic elegance of the brand. The phrase "Fleur de Fleurs," French for "Flower of Flowers," is pronounced "flur duh flur". This evocative name suggests a bouquet of the finest blossoms, carefully chosen to create an unparalleled fragrance. The repetition of the word fleur emphasizes abundance and luxury, conjuring images of lush, blooming gardens filled with radiant florals. In Europe, the fragrance was marketed as Eau de Fleurs, reflecting the delicate and fresh nature of the scent. However, as Jean-Louis Ricci explained in 1981, American audiences preferred stronger, more concentrated fragrances and were less receptive to the term eau (water). Thus, the name Fleur de Fleurs was adapted for the U.S. market, better aligning with its image of refined femininity.

The early 1980s were a time of transformation, marked by contrasts between opulence and understated sophistication. In fashion, the era saw the rise of bold power dressing, with sharp-shouldered blazers and jewel tones, yet there was also a nod to softer, more romantic trends, such as flowing fabrics and romantic pastel hues. Women sought to balance strength and femininity, embodying both independence and grace. Against this backdrop, Fleur de Fleurs offered a scent that captured this duality.

Unlike the heavy, overtly sweet perfumes popular in the U.S., this fragrance was delicately refined—a reflection of European sensibilities. Women drawn to Fleur de Fleurs would have likely appreciated its subtle sophistication, preferring it as an enhancement of their natural allure rather than an overpowering statement. The name and scent both suggested a timeless elegance, resonating with women who valued beauty rooted in nature and tradition.

Nina by Nina Ricci - Precious Swarovski Edition Collector Flacon c2009

Nina by Nina Ricci - Precious Swarovski Edition: launched in 2009 as a limited edition collector's flacon holding 80ml of Nina by Nina Ricci Eau de Toilette.

Nina by Nina Ricci c2006

Nina by Nina Ricci: launched in 2006, created by Olivier Cresp and Jacques Cavallier in 2006. The name is directly inspired by the 1987 perfume Nina, though they are two different fragrances.

Capricci by Nina Ricci c1960

Launched in 1960, Capricci by Nina Ricci was a perfume that perfectly captured the elegance and spirit of its time. The name "Capricci," an Italian word pronounced kah-PREE-chee, translates to "whims" or "fancies." It evokes an air of playfulness and spontaneity, conjuring images of lighthearted indulgence, artistic creativity, and a touch of unpredictability. By choosing this name, Nina Ricci embraced the essence of refined femininity with an adventurous, free-spirited twist, reflecting the cultural and social currents of the early 1960s.

The 1960s marked the dawn of a transformative era, often referred to as the Swinging Sixties, characterized by profound cultural and social shifts. While the decade is famously associated with revolutionary styles later on, the early 1960s retained much of the elegance and structured sophistication of the late 1950s. Fashion was moving away from the full skirts of Dior's New Look toward sleeker, more modern silhouettes introduced by designers like Balenciaga and Ricci herself. Women embraced tailored suits, sheath dresses, and understated glamour, with elegance remaining a dominant theme. Perfumes like Capricci complemented this aesthetic, offering a scent that was light, polished, and sophisticated—perfectly suited to a woman who valued refinement but was not afraid to indulge her whims.

The composition of Capricci, created by Marcel Carles, encapsulated this duality of structure and freedom. Classified as a light, aldehydic floral fragrance with a citrusy touch, it exuded sophistication and modernity. The blend of aldehydes and sparkling citrus top notes created an uplifting and fresh introduction, capturing the carefree energy of the word "Capricci." At its heart, the fragrance unfolded into a radiant bouquet of lily of the valley, reseda, Chinese gardenia, jasmine, and Bulgarian roses, each carefully chosen to evoke a sense of timeless femininity. The base notes of musk, oakmoss, and ambergris added depth and warmth, grounding the fragrance with a sensual, yet restrained elegance.

Farouche by Nina Ricci c1973

Farouche by Nina Ricci, launched in 1973, embodies a name that carries both intrigue and depth. The word "Farouche" is French, pronounced as "fah-roosh". It translates to "wild" or "shy" in English, depending on its context. It conjures an image of untamed elegance, a sense of enigmatic allure, and a hint of guarded vulnerability. The word evokes emotions of mystery, independence, and natural beauty, perfectly aligning with a fragrance designed to feel intimate yet memorable. Choosing such a name reflects the duality of a woman’s spirit—strong yet delicate, mysterious yet captivating.

The early 1970s were a transformative period, often considered part of the broader "Me Decade," a term coined by Tom Wolfe to describe the rise of self-expression and individuality. Society was moving away from the structured norms of the 1960s, embracing freedom in lifestyles, fashion, and art. Feminism was gaining momentum, and women were seeking ways to express their independence and identity. In fashion, this was the era of bold choices—maxi skirts, wide-legged trousers, bohemian prints, and tailored suits all coexisted, reflecting the eclectic and experimental spirit of the time. The influence of nature and simplicity was evident in designs, with earthy tones and flowing silhouettes gaining popularity.

During this period, perfumes became more than just accessories; they were personal statements. A perfume named Farouche would have appealed to women seeking a fragrance that mirrored their newfound freedom and individuality. The name suggested a blend of untamed beauty and emotional depth, qualities that resonated with the evolving identity of women in the 1970s.

Coeur-Joie by Nina Ricci c1946

Launched in 1946, Coeur-Joie by Nina Ricci encapsulates the hope and beauty of the post-war era. The name "Coeur-Joie," French for "Heart of Joy," reflects the perfume's uplifting spirit and romantic essence. Pronounced kur-zhwah, the name evokes images of lightness, happiness, and emotional renewal, perfectly suited for a fragrance intended to inspire and delight. Its poetic name speaks to an audience yearning for love, optimism, and beauty in a world recovering from the shadows of World War II.

The late 1940s, known as the dawn of the post-war period, marked a time of rebuilding, both materially and emotionally. Women were redefining their roles in society, embracing femininity and glamour after the austere years of the war. The "New Look" by Christian Dior had just debuted in 1947, revolutionizing fashion with its cinched waists, full skirts, and an emphasis on elegance and luxury. This was a time when perfume was not just an accessory but a statement—a symbol of a return to beauty, sophistication, and self-expression. For women of the time, a fragrance called "Heart of Joy" would have resonated deeply, promising an intimate escape to a world of romance and hope.

Coeur-Joie, created by Germaine Cellier, was a lush, powdery aldehydic floral fragrance designed to evoke the feeling of walking into an elegant, flower-filled hothouse. Its delicate composition combined the brightness of green florals with the softness of violets and jasmine, creating a romantic aura that felt modern yet timeless. The subtle warmth of the woodsy base grounded the fragrance, adding depth and sophistication. It was described as delicate and romantic—a blend of green freshness with just a whisper of violet and jasmine, layered over a powdery, sensuous base. In essence, "Coeur-Joie" captured a tender, feminine joy, offering women a luxurious and refined olfactory experience.

Fille d'Eve by Nina Ricci c1950

Fille d’Eve by Nina Ricci, launched in 1950 and introduced to the U.S. market by 1952, was a fragrance that carried with it a rich symbolism drawn from both biblical and mythological imagery. The name "Fille d’Eve" translates from French to "Daughter of Eve" (pronounced "Fee-ye d’Ev"), referring to the first woman in the Bible, Eve, and by extension, all women who followed her. Eve is often seen as the mother of humanity, and the notion of a “daughter of Eve” evokes a sense of innocence, purity, and perhaps a touch of temptation—the themes of womanhood as both nurturing and enigmatic. The name implies a connection to feminine archetypes—the original woman whose beauty, complexity, and essence are celebrated.

In the context of the early 1950s, a time marked by the post-war recovery, elegance, and femininity were central to the cultural atmosphere. The world was still transitioning from the austerity of wartime, and the fashion industry was beginning to embrace the opulence and softness that defined the post-war era. Women were encouraged to embrace their feminine sides, with hourglass silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and delicate adornments becoming increasingly popular. The fragrance world mirrored this return to elegance with a shift away from the heavier, more austere perfumes of the 1940s to lighter, floral and fruity compositions that still carried a sense of depth and sophistication.

As for how women of the time would relate to a perfume named "Fille d’Eve," it would resonate with the feminine ideals of the day. The idea of a perfume named after Eve’s daughter would be a celebration of womanhood, invoking notions of natural beauty, charm, and sensuality. Women of the time would likely see this perfume as a way to embrace their own femininity, drawing on the age-old associations of Eve as a symbol of creation, allure, and feminine power. The fragrance’s aromatic green fruity floral chypre composition, with its notes of peach, jasmine, and rosemary, would evoke feelings of freshness and elegance, aligning with the era’s appreciation for light but complex floral bouquets.

Where Should I Apply Perfume?

As a general rule, fragrance should be applied to pulse points. This is where the blood vessels are closest to the skin giving off more heat and acting like mini fragrance pumps.

Pulse points are the wrist, crook of the arm and back of the knee, and the base of the throat. Also, for long lasting fragrance spray at the ankles, it allows the fragrance to blossom up. For a sexy twist, apply perfume to your cleavage or spray perfume on your nude body before dressing. The nape of the neck, is a very romantic area, whenever your hair moves it might swish the perfume around, nice little subtle trail of perfumed loveliness.

Apply perfume right after you take a shower or bath. Your pores are more open then and will more easily soak up the scent. Some people say that rubbing the wrists together will crush the scent, I tried this with different perfumes over the course of two weeks, just to see if its true, it seemed to me that the friction of rubbing the wrists together actually heated up the fragrances and made them seem more potent.

I have read though that the perfume can react not so nicely to the first layer of skin...and give off a smell that isn't pleasant. Others say that to spray the perfume in the air and then walk into it, I have done this before, and it seems that it lets you control the amount of fragrance that is applied to your skin, rather than spraying directly onto the skin, this works best with heavier perfumes.

I spray perfumes on my clothes when I want to make the scent last longer, I won't spray perfume on fragile fabrics like silks or lace. You can spray your coat with perfume. Also an old tip is to apply pure parfum extrait to your furs. Doing this is up to your own discretion.

Do not apply perfume after you put your jewelry on, take it off first, then apply the perfume. The chemicals in perfume can leave stains or have chemical reactions to the metals, Pearls are especially susceptible to damage from perfume since it destroys their lustre.

Coco Chanel always said to apply perfume where you want to be kissed. I read an old perfume guide from the 1930s and it mentioned that you can apply perfume to your fingertips and eyebrows. Also apply perfume to a cotton ball and tuck it into your brassiere. Apply perfume to your hankies or gloves.

Jeanne Lanvin of Lanvin Perfumes suggested that you should apply perfume wherever your clothes cover your body, that way it will seem if it is coming from within and blend with the natural oils of your skin to make a truly individual fragrance. She also says the best time to apply perfume is 15 or 20 minutes before you are about to go out, that way the perfume has time to "set".

A 1924 ad for Ann Haviland perfumes suggests:

#1. to apply perfume to your eyebrows as the short hairs of the eyebrows retain the perfume longer than the skin since evaporation takes place more slowly.Besides, this is an ideal two-some,the girl usually comes up to a man's chin, not far below his nose.

#2. One little known method of applying perfume is to saturate a piece of cotton with your chosen scent, place it under the shoulder strap of your slip. Body heat releases an aura about you.

#3. A glamorous method of using perfume is to spray it on the hem of your evening gown, then as you walk or dance, the fragrance is wafted into the air around you. This is the best way to do it.

#4. Another pointer is to apply perfume to the inside of your gloves, while your gloves are on, the warmth of your hands attract the perfume which will cling to the fingers.