The first thing to know about Maison Violet scents is that Violet is the name of the fragrance house and not the aroma of its perfumes.
Maison Violet is a reborn French perfumer that got its start in 1827 when François-Étienne Violet launched the company.
A once-famed fragrance house, Maison Violet was dormant for decades before new owners Anthony Toulemonde, Paul Richardot and Victorien Sirot revived it. The trio, friends since their days at École Supérieure du Parfum, purchased Maison Violet because of their love for the perfumes of the early 20th century.
The niche perfumes Maison Violet creates are growing in popularity in places from France to Kuwait. These fragrances are unique in their history and are unisex. Couples can share the niche fragrances, and they’re perfect for those who appreciate carefully crafted scents with historical notes.
The fragrance worn by a gentleman in the 1900s or a flapper in the 1920s is perfectly at home in anyone’s 21st-century scent wardrobe. One of Maison Violet’s fragrances could become a person’s new signature scent, making them more memorable, intriguing and attractive.
Maison Violet’s Fragrances
Among the Maison Violet, niche perfumes are these unisex scents from the first half of the 20th century, inspired by the art and history of the period. These times, full of optimism, hope and change, saw the rise of some of the world’s most memorable scents. Maison Violet’s perfumes are fresh and unique today just as they were decades ago.
Un Air D’Apogee
Dating back to 1932, Un Air D’Apogee brings the excitement and audacity of the late 1920s. With a base of Balkan tobacco and leather, it has a heart of honey, sweet mimosa and cedar, and top notes of anise and sage. A fragrance based on contrasts, Un Air D’Apogee is a unisex scent of earthiness and sweetness that’s exhilarating and alluring.
A warm but sweet fragrance, Un Air D’Apogee is feminine enough for a woman but also strong enough to have a place on top of a man’s dresser. Honey and mimosa temper a sense of bravery and bravado, making Un Air D’Apogee a bold scent that’s fun to wear.
Pourpre D’Automne
If longing had a scent, it might smell like Pourpre D’Automne, a fragrance Maison Violet launched in 1923. An iris fragrance with roses and violets at its heart, top notes of violet leaf, peach and plum add an innocent sweetness. Musk and moss base notes bring depth. The powdery fragrance adds a warm and wistful nostalgia.
The early 1920s were a time of innocence and excitement, hinting of exuberance to come. Pourpre D’Automne reflects the feeling of the time of its launch, but it’s just as relevant today. Enjoy this scent, inspired by the deep purples and plums of fall, during autumn or all year long.
Sketch
Wearing Sketch is like wearing a bit of history. A scent dating back to 1900, Sketch has top notes of bergamot, nutmeg and pink pepper and old-fashioned heart notes of rose and tuberose. Its base is a patchouli fragrance that adds exotic spice. Madagascar vanilla, a scent long believed to be an aphrodisiac, adds sweetness to this heritage niche parfum.
Sketch is wildly romantic and sexy, reflecting the optimism of the turn of the century. More than a century later, Sketch is still turning heads and sparking romantic thoughts in the 122 years it has been available.
Nuee Bleue
Launched in 1955, Nuee Bleue reflects the post-war hopes of the time. Bergamot, lemon and orange blossom are at the top of Nuee Bleue, fading into a heart of iris absolut and carnation. Its base of sandalwood and white musk adds an earthy sweetness to a fragrance that’s decidedly fresh and zesty on men and women.
Nuee Bleue is the scent of optimism, inspiration and freshness. Like Maison Violet’s niche parfums of the 1920s, Nuee Bleue reflects the hopes and elegance of its day and of our time, too. Nuee Bleue is a unisex fragrance classic that’s attractive to wear day or night.
Tanagra
A jasmine fragrance launched in 1922, Tanagra was inspired by the art of the period by masters including René Lalique, Lucien Gaillard, and Auguste Rodin. With a heart of jasmine, peony and iris, Tanagra has bright top notes of tangerine, pear and freesia, and a sensual base of cedar, vetiver and musk. Tanagra embraces purity and grace while having an earthy twist.
Tanagra is, as a balanced, well-crafted niche parfum, a work of art in itself. The scent reflects feminine touches and the spice and strength of masculine scents. Modern for the time of its launch, Tanagra is still a forward-thinking scent.
Compliment
A unisex fragrance dating back to the pivotal year of 1939, Compliment was launched as Compliments. Wearers of Compliment will get plenty of those. A bouquet of ylang ylang, tuberose, hawthorn, sambic jasmine and heliotrope impress in this bright niche parfum with base notes of vanilla and top notes of orange blossom and freesia.
Today’s Compliment, by losing the “s” at the end, shows there’s only one affirmation that matters. Who gives kind words about an individual’s scent is a secret unique to each person’s heart.
Conclusion
If I’m looking for sparkling fragrances that aren’t ubiquitous on every drug store and department store shelf, Maison Violet is the perfect option. These well-made, artisanal niche parfums have graced the dressing tables of men and women for decades. Maison Violet and its niche parfums are part of history yet vibrant today.
Brought back to life by a trio of perfumers who share a passion for history as well as parfum, Maison Violet is crafting balanced scents that sparkle as they did a century ago.
Try one or several Maison Violet parfums. Since FGC Parfumerie sells samples online, I can try one or all these French parfums to find my favorite without the commitment of buying a full-sized bottle.
