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.

During this period, many fragrances leaned toward aldehydic florals, as they were symbolic of sophistication and elegance. However, Coeur-Joie stood out by embodying a nuanced green floral profile that was less bold than its contemporaries like Chanel No. 5 but still undeniably captivating. While it aligned with the trends of luxurious florals popular in the 1940s, it also brought a subtlety and romantic charm that set it apart, appealing to women who sought an understated yet memorable signature scent. It wasn’t just a perfume; it was a statement of the era’s optimism, encapsulating the essence of joy, femininity, and rebirth.

 

Original Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a lush, powdery aldehydic floral fragrance for women. It was described as a delicately romantic green floral "which smells like an elegant hothouse" filled with lush jasmine and a "faint reflection of violets caught in a subtle blend" resting over a warm, woodsy base. Coeur Joie was made up of more than 40 different ingredients and made use of the aromachemical acetivenol, a vetiver acetate, which provided the fragrance with a dry, earthy, woody, grassy note.

• Top notes: aldehydes, Mediterranean lemon balm, Calabrian bergamot, Italian neroli, Dutch hyacinth
• Middle notes: Chinese gardenia, Parma violet absolute, Tunisian orange blossom, Oriental rose, Grasse jasmine absolute, Provencal iris
• Base notes: Somalian opoponax, Tibetan musk, South Seas ambergris, Florentine orris butter, Abyssinian civet, Haitian vetiver, Mysore sandalwood

Femme, 1946:

"Nina Ricci's first perfume "Coeur-Joie", a beautiful debut: it's a celebration. It is flowery, joyful, sentimental. Modern above all."

L'Atlantique, 1952:

"Nina Ricci, who in 1945, brought out what was probably the first handbag flask of perfume with her 'Coeur-Joie', has just brought out a new little flask with her latest success, 'Fille d'Eve,' in a beautiful Lalique bottle slipped into a holder of pleated organza. the same 'temptation' perfume is the base of the 'Daughter of Eve' toilet water just appeared this autumn."

Woman's guide to Europe, 1954:

"Nina Ricci, 22 Rue des Capucines. "Coeur Joie"— deliciously citrous; "Fille d'Eve"— exciting. Both come in Lalique flacons. "Douce" and "l'Air du Temps" — fresh and youthful." .

Perfume and flavor materials of natural origin, 1960:

"Perfumers will no doubt recall a French perfume of the late 1930's, put out by Nina Ricci and named "Coeur-Joie", which means "heart's delight". This perfume certainly had a melissa-like, fresh topnote and lightness of floral fragrance."

Cosmopolitan, 1962:

"Exhilarating, exciting with all the blithe spirit of Nina Ricci's famous perfume, L'Air du Temps! 1001 sprays in classic fluted white column with golden band. Nina Ricci Fragrance Sprays are also available in Coeur-Joie, Fille D'Eve and Capricci."

Mademoiselle, 1981:

"Nina Ricci’s L’Air du Temps and Coeur Joie (still available in France) are the only perfume bottles to be made in the Lalique factory for Nina Ricci after WW2. (Lalique on the bottom of, say, a post war Worth bottle simply means that the original design or mold was Lalique.) Which Riccis are best to collect? VP Marketing Director Freda Robinson points out that larger sizes have rarity going for them- the most extreme example being the 43-ounce bird flacon of L’Air du Temps Eau de Toilette at $1,350."

Scent Profile:

Coeur-Joie by Nina Ricci is a masterpiece of nuanced complexity, a lush aldehydic floral fragrance that transports you to an elegant hothouse brimming with rare blooms and evocative essences. Each ingredient contributes a unique voice to the symphony, intertwining to create an olfactory story that unfolds layer by layer.

The opening of Coeur-Joie is radiant, shimmering with the crisp effervescence of aldehydes. Their fizzy brightness acts as a sparkling prelude, setting the stage for a luminous bouquet. The Mediterranean lemon balm offers a fresh, herbaceous note that feels cool and verdant, grounding the effervescent aldehydes with a natural, almost minty undertone. Calabrian bergamot adds a zesty citrus vibrancy, its sparkling quality soft yet invigorating. This bergamot, harvested from the sun-drenched orchards of Calabria in southern Italy, is prized for its complexity—less sharp than other citruses, with a delicate floral edge that enhances its elegance. Italian neroli, extracted from the blossoms of bitter orange trees, introduces a soft, honeyed citrus note, subtly sweet and deeply romantic. Finally, Dutch hyacinth unfurls its intoxicating aroma—a green, waxy floral with hints of fresh earth. Its dewy sweetness enhances the opening’s delicate greenness, offering a breath of springtime freshness.

As the fragrance transitions to the heart, the lushness deepens. Chinese gardenia emerges with its creamy, opulent white floral aroma, bringing a velvety richness that feels indulgent and sensual. Parma violet absolute, cultivated in the violet fields of Parma, Italy, lends a soft, powdery sweetness with an understated greenness, its tender scent like a whisper of petals brushing against skin. Tunisian orange blossom continues the citrus-floral theme, its slightly indolic profile both sweet and heady, adding warmth and depth. 

Oriental rose blooms at the heart, its velvety petals exuding a rich, slightly spicy sweetness that evokes timeless romance. Grasse jasmine absolute, harvested in the perfume capital of southern France, elevates the blend with its unparalleled floral elegance—intensely sweet, narcotic, and luxurious, it embodies the essence of femininity. Provencal iris, cultivated for its roots rather than its blossoms, lends a soft, buttery powderiness to the composition, its subtle earthy nuance weaving seamlessly into the heart of the fragrance.

The base of Coeur-Joie is where the fragrance truly settles into its warm, sensuous identity. Somalian opoponax, or sweet myrrh, lends a balsamic sweetness with resinous undertones, creating a golden warmth that envelops the other notes. Tibetan musk, derived from the musk pods of the Himalayan musk deer (historically, though now often recreated synthetically), brings an animalic sensuality that feels primal yet refined. 

South Seas ambergris, a rare treasure of the ocean, infuses the fragrance with a salty, warm, and slightly sweet marine nuance that adds depth and longevity. Florentine orris butter, considered one of the most luxurious ingredients in perfumery, brings a velvety, powdery richness with an almost chocolate-like warmth, its creamy texture enveloping the other notes. Abyssinian civet adds another animalic touch, its slightly feral, warm quality deepening the sensuality of the base.

Haitian vetiver introduces a dry, earthy, and grassy note, with a subtle smokiness that balances the sweetness of the resins and florals. This variety of vetiver, grown in the fertile soils of Haiti, is known for its refined character and smooth, woody undertones. Mysore sandalwood, sourced from India, is the crowning glory of the base—its creamy, milky woodiness exudes unparalleled warmth and softness, tying all the elements together with an air of serene sophistication.

Through its intricate layering, Coeur-Joie translates its name, "Heart of Joy," into scent. The brightness of the top notes, the romantic lushness of the heart, and the warm sensuality of the base create a fragrance that feels like stepping into a dreamlike garden, each element harmonizing to evoke joy, elegance, and timeless beauty.

Bottles:

Coeur-Joie by Nina Ricci was crafted to cater to various preferences, offering its captivating scent in three distinct concentrations: parfum, a highly concentrated eau de toilette known as Eau de Coeur-Joie, and a more traditional eau de toilette. Each concentration provided a unique experience of this lush aldehydic floral fragrance, allowing wearers to enjoy its beauty in varying intensities and settings.

The parfum, the most concentrated and luxurious form, embodied the heart of Coeur-Joie. Its rich, opulent composition was designed for moments of intimacy and elegance. A single dab of the parfum enveloped the wearer in a velvety cloud of jasmine, violet, and orris, resting over the sensual warmth of Mysore sandalwood and ambergris. The parfum’s intensity allowed its complex layers to unfold slowly over time, creating a deeply personal and long-lasting experience that lingered for hours, making it perfect for special occasions or evening wear.

The Eau de Coeur-Joie, described as a highly concentrated eau de toilette, offered a balance between richness and wearability. This concentration allowed for a more pronounced expression of the fragrance’s aldehydic and green floral top notes, which sparkled with a radiant freshness before giving way to the lush heart of gardenia, rose, and Grasse jasmine. While not as intense as the parfum, the Eau de Coeur-Joie still maintained a sophisticated presence, making it ideal for those who desired a luxurious scent that could transition seamlessly from day to evening.

The eau de toilette, the lightest and most versatile concentration, presented Coeur-Joie in a more delicate and airy form. Its brighter top notes of bergamot, neroli, and hyacinth shone with a sparkling clarity, creating a cheerful and uplifting impression. The floral heart remained lush yet softened, offering a gentle embrace of jasmine and violets that felt breezy and approachable. The base, though lighter in intensity, retained its warm, woody depth, ensuring the fragrance left a lasting impression. The eau de toilette was perfect for daytime wear or for those who preferred a more understated interpretation of Coeur-Joie’s romantic essence.

Each concentration allowed women to tailor the experience of Coeur-Joie to their lifestyle and the occasion, ensuring that the fragrance could be enjoyed in its full complexity, whether in the form of a grand statement or a subtle whisper of elegance. This versatility, combined with its timeless beauty, cemented Coeur-Joie as a beloved classic in the world of perfumery.

Deluxe Heart bottles:

The deluxe heart-shaped bottles designed for Nina Ricci's Coeur-Joie parfum exemplify the artistry and elegance of mid-century French perfumery. These exquisite flacons, manufactured by the renowned glassmaker René Lalique, perfectly captured the romantic and feminine essence of the fragrance. Crafted from frosted crystal, the bottles featured an iconic heart motif that symbolized love and joy, mirroring the fragrance’s name and concept.

Each bottle was a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, with soft, frosted surfaces that contrasted with the polished clarity of the base and stopper, creating a play of light and texture. The intricate detailing extended to the heart-shaped openings of the older bottles, adding an extra layer of charm and refinement. This detail was later modified in smaller bottles from newer editions, where the openings were circular, though they still retained the overall elegance of the design.

The bottles were available in four sizes, each maintaining the heart-shaped motif while offering a range of options for collectors and perfume lovers alike. The largest, a 2.7 oz bottle standing 6 inches tall, was a grand statement piece, designed to sit prominently on a vanity. Slightly smaller, the 1.5 oz bottle, standing 4.75 inches tall, struck a balance between luxury and practicality, while the 1 oz bottle at 4 inches tall was ideal for those who wanted a more compact version. The smallest size, a 0.5 oz bottle standing 3.5 inches tall, was perfect for travel or for adding a delicate touch to a purse or boudoir collection.

In addition to their beauty, the bottles were marked with clear indications of their provenance and quality. All sizes bore the inscription "Bottle made by Lalique, France," a testament to their authenticity and the collaboration between Lalique and Nina Ricci. The three largest bottles also carried the engraved signatures "Coeur Joie" and "Nina Ricci," further reinforcing their association with the luxury and artistry of the brand.

These deluxe crystal bottles were more than just containers for parfum—they were treasures in their own right, combining the heritage of Lalique's glassmaking expertise with Nina Ricci's dedication to elegance and femininity. Collectors and perfume enthusiasts continue to covet these bottles for their timeless beauty and their role as a piece of perfume history.

Heart motif purse bottles:

The frosted glass heart motif laydown bottles created for Nina Ricci's Coeur-Joie parfum were a striking addition to the perfume's packaging lineup, showcasing a design that was both elegant and practical. These bottles, designed by Marc Lalique and manufactured by Lalique, continued the brand's tradition of blending luxury with innovative artistry. The laydown design, featuring a horizontal orientation, set these bottles apart from the upright versions, offering a unique aesthetic that mirrored the romantic and whimsical spirit of Coeur-Joie.

Each bottle was crafted with the same frosted glass heart motif seen in the upright versions, maintaining a cohesive visual identity. The bottles were accented with small screw caps, which provided a practical means of securing the highly concentrated parfum while retaining the refined look expected of a luxury fragrance. Their compact size and laydown form made them perfect for travel or for elegant display in an acetate box, which added an extra layer of sophistication and protection to the presentation.

The smallest bottle in this series, featuring a single heart motif, is a particularly intriguing piece. While its design closely aligns with the Lalique aesthetic, it is believed that this size may not have been produced by Lalique itself but rather based on Lalique’s original design. This has made the smallest bottle a subject of debate and fascination among collectors, as its provenance adds a layer of mystery to its already charming appeal.

The acetate boxes in which these bottles were housed added to their luxurious presentation, offering a clear view of the frosted glass and heart motif while ensuring the bottles remained protected and pristine. The combination of the elegant frosted glass, the intricate heart design, and the practical screw caps created a harmonious balance between functionality and artistry.

These laydown bottles stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Lalique's craftsmanship and Marc Lalique's design ingenuity. They encapsulate the romantic essence of Coeur-Joie while offering collectors and perfume enthusiasts a unique and cherished piece of perfume history.

The frosted glass heart motif laydown bottles for Nina Ricci's Coeur-Joie parfum were available in a range of sizes, each featuring a distinctive arrangement of hearts that added a touch of individuality to every bottle. Designed by Marc Lalique and crafted by Lalique, these bottles maintained a cohesive romantic theme while offering varying sizes for different preferences or needs.

The largest size, measuring 4 inches long, featured four hearts delicately arranged along the body of the bottle. This size was a true statement piece, offering a striking visual presence with its intricately frosted design. The four hearts symbolized an abundance of love and passion, encapsulating the lush, romantic essence of Coeur-Joie in a generously sized bottle that felt both luxurious and indulgent.

The next size down, measuring 3 1/8 inches long, displayed three hearts in a similarly graceful configuration. While slightly more compact, this bottle still had a commanding elegance, with its three hearts evoking the sentiment of a perfect, balanced love. This mid-size bottle would have appealed to those who sought a slightly smaller, but still elegant, option, without compromising the beauty and essence of the fragrance.

The 2 1/4-inch bottle, featuring two hearts, offered a more intimate and personal feel. Smaller in scale, this bottle was perfect for those who preferred a more delicate presentation of Coeur-Joie, with the two hearts symbolizing a softer, more intimate connection. Despite its smaller size, the bottle retained the same level of sophistication and artistry, making it ideal for those who valued both style and practicality.

The smallest size, at 1 1/2 inches long, featured just one heart, providing a simple yet evocative representation of love and affection. This size, while more compact, still carried the same signature Lalique craftsmanship, and the single heart made it a perfect choice for travel or as a collectible. It represented the purest form of the fragrance, an elegant reminder of Coeur-Joie’s delicate yet profound impact.

All sizes were designed to lay horizontally, offering a unique and sleek profile that set them apart from traditional upright bottles. The combination of the intricate heart motifs, the frosted glass finish, and the compact design made these bottles both functional and beautiful, ensuring they stood out as cherished collector’s items and timeless pieces of perfume history.

Parfum Splash Urn Bottles:

The Parfum Splash Urn Bottles for Nina Ricci’s Coeur-Joie, designed by Lalique, are an exquisite embodiment of the craftsmanship and elegance that marked the late 1960s. These crystal bottles, with their bulbous bodies and gracefully tapered necks, evoke a sense of classic luxury, blending timeless design with the modern sensibilities of the era. While many of these bottles are marked with Lalique’s iconic stamp, some variations—particularly those bearing the Jacqueline Cochran name—were produced by Pochet et du Courval, though still based on the original Lalique design. This distinction adds an interesting layer of intrigue for collectors, as the Pochet versions maintain the integrity of the Lalique design while offering a unique perspective on the bottle's creation.

The bulbous shape of these bottles feels rounded and full, a reflection of the richness and warmth of the fragrance contained within. The tapered neck draws the eye upward, adding a sense of refinement and grace, making these bottles feel both grand and intimate. The octagonal crystal stoppers complement the overall design, their angular facets catching the light in a dance of brilliance. The inclusion of gold serigraphy across the belly of the bottle is another signature detail, with the name of the perfume elegantly inscribed in fine gold script. This gilded detail not only enhances the bottle’s opulence but also provides a subtle contrast against the clarity of the crystal.

Debuting in 1968, these parfum splash urn bottles represent a sophisticated design choice for the era, balancing traditional perfume bottle aesthetics with modern influences. The 1960s were a time of experimentation and renewal in both fashion and design, with sleek, sculptural shapes and luxurious materials becoming increasingly popular. The Parfum Splash Urn Bottles, with their clean lines and luxurious finish, would have appealed to women who sought a sense of elegance and sophistication in their fragrances, aligning perfectly with the chic and refined trends of the time.

The bottles were available in several sizes, offering a range of options for different preferences. The 4-inch tall (2 oz) bottle was the largest, ideal for those who wished to indulge in the fragrance over time. The 3 1/2-inch tall (1 oz) bottle offered a slightly more compact option, perfect for daily use while still maintaining a sense of luxury. The 2 1/2-inch tall (1/2 oz) bottle was a more intimate size, making it suitable for travel or as a collectible, while the smallest 2-inch tall (1/6 oz) bottle, fitted with a screwcap, was the most compact, making it a perfect addition for those who desired a portable piece of luxury.

Together, these Parfum Splash Urn Bottles are not just vessels for perfume, but works of art that embody the elegance and sophistication of Nina Ricci's Coeur-Joie fragrance, while also reflecting the refined tastes and design sensibilities of the late 1960s.

Eau de Coeur Joie Splash Bottles:

The Eau de Coeur Joie Splash Bottles, designed by Lalique and debuting in 1968, are a refined variation of the original urn-shaped splash flacons created for the parfum. While the overall shape and structure of these bottles are nearly identical to the luxurious crystal urn bottles, they feature a key difference: instead of the signature octagonal crystal stoppers, these bottles are topped with gilded screw caps. This subtle change shifts the bottle’s character slightly, offering a more streamlined, practical design while retaining the elegance of the Lalique craftsmanship. The gilded screw caps add a touch of opulence, with their gold hue complementing the clear crystal body and reinforcing the luxurious nature of the fragrance within.

The Eau de Coeur Joie Splash Bottles were designed for the concentrated Eau de Coeur Joie eau de toilette and the regular eau de toilette versions, ensuring that they were both elegant and functional for everyday use. Available in a 4-inch tall size, these bottles offered a generous yet compact form, making them ideal for display or as part of a daily fragrance ritual. The simplicity of the screw cap paired with the urn-shaped bottle reflects the evolving design trends of the late 1960s—chic, modern, yet deeply rooted in the luxurious traditions of French perfume design.

Disk Shaped Splash Bottles:

The Disk Shaped Splash Bottles for Nina Ricci's Coeur-Joie fragrance, debuting in the 1950s, are a striking example of the elegance and artistry that characterized the era. Manufactured by Lalique, these bottles showcase the craftsmanship that made both the perfume and its packaging iconic. The circular body of the bottle is adorned with a scalloped design along the edges, creating a subtle sense of movement and texture as the light plays across the glass. This scalloping, while delicate, gives the bottle a timeless beauty, evoking the flowing forms and decorative elegance of mid-century design.

The bottles are topped with a spherical glass stopper, which is both simple and sophisticated, fitting snugly into the bottle’s neck. The stopper is inscribed with the raised initials NR, representing Nina Ricci, adding an extra touch of personalization and exclusivity. This design detail, while understated, emphasizes the connection between the luxurious fragrance and the brand, reinforcing the sense of craftsmanship and attention to detail that Nina Ricci perfumes are known for.

These bottles were originally fitted with round paper labels, which often bore the name of the fragrance, contributing to the vintage charm of the pieces. In later iterations, the Eau de Coeur Joie bottles were given gilded screw caps, which replaced the original stopper design for a slightly more practical and modern look, yet still maintaining the luxurious finish with the added touch of gold. Whether in parfum or eau de toilette concentration, these bottles encapsulated the chic and delicate nature of Coeur-Joie, becoming a coveted piece for collectors and fragrance enthusiasts alike.

The Parfum Bottle Sizes for Nina Ricci’s Coeur-Joie fragrance are available in a range of sizes, allowing for both indulgence and practicality, while each bottle is an exquisite example of fine perfume packaging. The largest bottle, at 8.75 inches tall, stands as a statement piece, evoking the elegance and luxury of the fragrance it holds. This size is typically associated with collectors and long-term use, offering an ample amount of the beloved scent. The 5 1/8-inch tall bottle, with a capacity of 6.8 oz, is fitted with a screw cap, offering a more modern, secure closure, while still retaining the classic beauty of the design.

There is also a more compact option with the 5-inch tall bottle (holding 3.3 oz), offering a slightly smaller yet equally luxurious size. The 4 1/2-inch tall bottle is notable for its oval-shaped body, accompanied by a crystal stopper, which adds a touch of refinement to its design. Similarly, the 4 1/4-inch tall bottle (with a capacity of 1 3/4 oz) also features a crystal stopper, showcasing the timeless elegance of Lalique's craftsmanship.

For those who prefer smaller bottles, the 4-inch tall bottle with a crystal stopper is a perfect choice, maintaining the luxurious aesthetic in a more practical size. The 3 3/4-inch tall bottle offers another compact option, while the 3 1/4-inch tall bottle (holding 1 oz) is ideal for those who desire a travel-size parfum in an elegant, classic shape. The 3-inch tall bottle (with 1/4 oz) provides a truly petite option, perfect for carrying in a purse or as a collectible. Additionally, the 2 5/8-inch tall bottle (holding 3/7 oz) is a smaller yet still opulent parfum bottle, with a crystal stopper that adds sophistication, while the 2 3/4-inch tall bottle rounds out the collection with another well-proportioned size, perfect for occasional use or as part of a fragrance collection.

The Eau de Coeur Joie bottles come in two main sizes. The larger 6 1/4-inch tall bottle (with 6.8 oz) is designed for eau de toilette and features a crystal stopper, aligning with the elegance of the parfum bottles but in a more accessible concentration. The 4 3/4-inch tall bottle, also eau de toilette, features a screw cap, offering a more functional, travel-friendly closure for everyday use.

Lastly, the Bath Oil Bottles, measuring 2 1/8 inches tall, come with a screw cap, providing a charmingly small yet practical size for indulgent bath rituals, while maintaining the chic appeal of the Coeur-Joie collection. These various bottle sizes ensure that every fragrance enthusiast can find the perfect format for their needs, whether for display, daily use, or as a collector’s item.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Despite the high quality and enduring appeal of Nina Ricci perfumes, four of her fragrances—Coeur Joie, Capricci, Farouche, and Fleurs de Fleurs—failed to make a significant impact in the American market, even though they were beloved in Europe. The reasons for this discrepancy largely lie in cultural preferences and differing perceptions of fragrance. American women at the time often gravitated toward stronger, bolder scents—fragrances that made a more noticeable impact and asserted a sense of individuality. These bold perfumes were often more assertive and heady, aligning with the American taste for fragrances that were more aggressive, sexual, and overpowering.

On the other hand, European women, particularly the French, preferred the lighter, more subtle and elegant fragrances of Coeur Joie and its counterparts. The romantic and sophisticated aura of these perfumes was more in tune with European ideals of femininity, where fragrance is seen as an enhancement to a woman's natural charm rather than a statement of dominance. Perfumes like Coeur Joie were considered more intimate and delicate, and European women often viewed them as a way to express their grace, refinement, and sensibility. They appreciated the decorative crystal bottles and the elegance of the packaging—elements that added to the overall experience of wearing the perfume. This romantic, feminine image of fragrance in Europe stood in contrast to the bolder, less nuanced marketing of American perfumes.

As noted by Lina Vitali, vice president of Parfums Nina Ricci USA in 1989, “The French image of perfume is very romantic, feminine and sophisticated,” whereas American perfume brands were often marketed as more assertive, with a focus on sexuality and power. This cultural divide explains why Nina Ricci's more delicate, powdery, and floral perfumes failed to resonate with American women, who were drawn to scents that were perceived as stronger and more assertive.

Despite its lack of commercial success in the United States, Coeur Joie continued to be advertised in magazines such as Lear's into 1992, indicating that it still had a niche audience and was available to those who sought it out. However, by 2025, Coeur Joie was no longer listed for sale on Nina Ricci’s official website, signaling that the fragrance has been officially discontinued. This marks the end of an era for a perfume that, despite its initial challenges in the American market, remains a beloved piece of Nina Ricci’s legacy in Europe.