Charles Blair launched his first collection of perfumes in 1932 at his boutique situated at 374 rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. This iconic location, nestled in one of Paris’s most prestigious shopping districts, provided an elegant backdrop for Blair's innovative and luxurious fragrances. The boutique quickly became known for its sophisticated offerings, marking the beginning of a distinguished legacy in the world of perfumery.
In the United States, Parfums Charles Blair established its presence at 38 East 67th Street, New York, New York 10022. This location, situated in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, positioned the brand amidst a neighborhood known for its opulence and fashion-forward clientele. The New York boutique became a symbol of the brand's commitment to elegance and luxury, attracting a clientele that appreciated the refined artistry of Charles Blair's creations.
In the U.S., the brand was represented by Isidore Capelouto, who held the roles of President and Chief Operating Officer. Under Capelouto's leadership, Parfums Charles Blair expanded its reach and solidified its reputation in the American market. His strategic vision and operational expertise played a crucial role in introducing and maintaining the allure of Blair’s fragrances across the Atlantic, ensuring that the brand's essence of Parisian sophistication continued to captivate and enchant customers in New York and beyond.
In 1979, Charles Blair unveiled a new chapter in its fragrance legacy with the introduction of "Le Parfum." This sophisticated scent quickly became a hallmark of the brand, celebrated for its luxurious and evocative composition. The launch of Le Parfum was accompanied by a range of products designed to cater to diverse preferences and enhance the fragrance experience.
The centerpiece of this collection was the Parfum itself, presented in a beautifully crafted bottle that reflected the elegance and refinement of Charles Blair’s aesthetic. This concentrated form of the fragrance allowed for an intense and lasting olfactory experience, embodying the essence of luxury and sophistication that defined the brand.
Alongside the Parfum, Charles Blair offered Le Parfum in a Bath Essence, also known as Bath Formula. This product was designed to transform an ordinary bath into a fragrant retreat, infusing the water with the perfume’s enchanting notes and creating a sensory experience that extended beyond mere application. The Bath Essence enabled users to envelop themselves in the fragrance in a more immersive and indulgent way.
The Eau de Toilette Spray was another key component of the Le Parfum line. This lighter formulation provided a versatile and refreshing option for daily wear, allowing the fragrance to be enjoyed in a more subtle and accessible form. The Eau de Toilette Spray was ideal for those seeking a delicate yet enduring scent, making it a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions.
Together, these products offered a comprehensive olfactory experience, showcasing Charles Blair's commitment to creating elegant and multifaceted fragrances that could be seamlessly integrated into various aspects of personal care and style.
In 1982, Charles Blair's legacy resurfaced with a flourish in New York, capturing the essence of Parisian elegance and luxury. The year 1932 was a pivotal one for Charles Blair, known affectionately as "Mr. Paris." His name was synonymous with cutting-edge style, especially in the world of high fashion and fragrance. Blair's creations, from buttery leathers to sumptuous silks, epitomized the height of sophistication. One of his most remarkable innovations was the Bath Essence, a product that transformed the mundane act of bathing into a ritual of indulgence and luxury. This essence was not just a fragrance for the bath but a sensory experience that lingered long after. It became a symbol of exoticism and opulence, making its way to esteemed retailers like Bloomingdale's, with prices set at $25 for a half-ounce and $38 for a full ounce.
In 1983, the fragrance "Le Parfum" marked the debut of Parfums Charles Blair in the United States. Originating in the 1930s, Charles Blair's Parisian boutique had been a haven for the affluent, offering exclusive accessories and fragrances that set the standard for luxury. "Le Parfum" entered the American market with a prestigious pedigree, embodying the refinement and taste associated with Blair's creations. The perfume's introduction was not just a commercial venture but a celebration of Charles Blair's heritage and his dedication to crafting the finest in luxury.Later in 1983, Parfums Charles Blair celebrated its first anniversary in the U.S. with a champagne breakfast for the press and friends. During this event, Isadore Capelouto, the company's president, announced the expansion of their product line with the introduction of an 8-ounce body lotion. This new addition complemented the "Le Parfum" range, reflecting the brand's commitment to enhancing the luxury experience with comprehensive and elegant personal care products. The expansion highlighted the brand’s enduring appeal and its ability to offer an array of products that cater to discerning tastes.
New York Magazine, 1982:
"The year: 1932. The city: Paris. The name on everybody's lips: Charles Blair.
They called him Mr. Paris. His designs were the very last word in style. On buttery leathers. On sumptuous silks. And that oh so enticing delight: Bath essence. It turned mere bathing into a ritual that defined an era. Think of it as a perfume to be worn in the bath... and long after. Exotic. Luxurious. And now as near as your nearest Bloomingdale's. 1/2 oz $25, 1 oz $$38.00."
Product Marketing and Cosmetic & Fragrance Retailing, 1983:
"Le Parfum is the first perfume to be offered in the United States by Parfums Charles Blair. The company was born in the 1930's by Charles Blair an American who designed exclusive accessories for the wealthy and famous who came to his boutique in Paris. Scarves, Handbags, fragrance; everything was created to be the last word in luxury and good taste. Le Parfum comes to America with this exclusive pedigree. It is a fragrance for the.."
Soap, Cosmetics, Chemical Specialties: Blue book, 1983:
"Celebrating PARFUMS CHARLES BLAIR'S first anniversary in the U.S. with a recent champagne breakfast for friends and the press, president Isadore Capelouto announced that an 8 oz. body lotion would be added to both the "Le Parfum"..."
Le Parfum Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? Le Parfum by Charles Blair is classified as fruity floral spicy oriental fragrance for women with a warm, exotic blend of woodsy and mossy notes. A delicate melding of cistus from the Cote d'Azur city of Esterel, cardamom from Ceylon, jasmine, hyacinth, lily of the valley, patchouli, East Indian sandalwood, oakmoss, vanilla and tonka bean.
- Top notes: Ceylonese cardamom, Dutch hyacinth, Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian lemon
- Middle notes: Grasse jasmine, Alpine lily of the valley, Comoros ylang ylang, Bulgarian rose
- Base notes: Haitian vetiver, Madagascan vanilla, Venezuelan tonka bean, Yugoslavian oakmoss, East Indian sandalwood, Singapore patchouli, ambergris, Chinese camphor, Tibetan musk, cistus of Esterel
Scent Profile:
Le Parfum by Charles Blair unfolds like an intricate tapestry of scent, where each ingredient reveals its essence in a journey through distant lands and rare botanical treasures. It is a fragrance of contrasts—delicate yet bold, luminous yet shadowy, evoking a timeless, exotic allure.
The scent begins with an invigorating rush of Ceylonese cardamom, its warm, citrusy spice blooming against the crisp brightness of Calabrian bergamot and Sicilian lemon. The cardamom, sourced from Sri Lanka’s mist-laden highlands, carries an unmistakable depth, richer and more resinous than other varieties, with a subtly camphoraceous undertone that awakens the senses. Dutch hyacinth follows with its opulent, almost waxy floralcy—a heady, intoxicating sweetness tinged with green, reminiscent of spring gardens bursting into bloom. Together, these notes create an opening that is simultaneously fresh and spicy, a radiant prelude to the opulence that follows.
As the fragrance unfurls, it plunges into a heart of unparalleled floral splendor. Grasse jasmine, cultivated in the sun-drenched fields of Provence, radiates its signature narcotic sweetness, its indolic richness lending an air of sophistication and sensuality. Intertwined with it is Alpine lily of the valley, a pristine white floral note that imparts a cool, dewy clarity, its bell-like petals exuding a green, slightly soapy freshness that contrasts beautifully with the headier blooms. Comoros ylang-ylang, harvested from the volcanic islands off the East African coast, drapes the composition in a velvety, tropical warmth—its deep, banana-like creaminess softened by subtle spice. The floral bouquet crescendos with the addition of Bulgarian rose, the queen of roses, exuding a honeyed, almost fruity complexity, with hints of raspberry and spice that deepen the fragrance’s romantic heart.
The base notes anchor Le Parfum in a warm, velvety embrace. Haitian vetiver, with its smooth, nutty, and slightly smoky facets, provides an earthy foundation, mingling with the rich, balsamic sweetness of Madagascan vanilla. Unlike vanillas from other regions, Madagascar’s variety is famed for its lush, custard-like aroma, offering an almost caramelized warmth that lingers on the skin. Venezuelan tonka bean adds an irresistible layer of gourmand softness, its almond-like sweetness touched with hints of tobacco and cinnamon.
Depth and mystery unfold with Yugoslavian oakmoss, a key element in classic chypres, infusing the composition with a damp, forest-like greenness, evocative of ancient woodlands after rainfall. The exoticism of East Indian sandalwood emerges—its creamy, slightly smoky woodiness a world apart from its Australian or Hawaiian counterparts, revered for centuries for its meditative, sacred aura. Singapore patchouli, dark and inky, reveals its musky, almost chocolate-like warmth, adding an exotic and seductive depth.
As the fragrance settles, the rarest and most ethereal ingredients emerge. Ambergris, aged by the ocean’s tides, casts an animalic, salty-sweet whisper, binding all the notes together with an intangible sensuality. Chinese camphor lends an almost medicinal, cool clarity, tempering the richer elements with its crisp, crystalline edge. Finally, the fragrance is veiled in the musky warmth of Tibetan musk, a deep, primal note that lingers on the skin like the echo of an unforgettable encounter.
At its heart, Le Parfum by Charles Blair is a masterpiece of contrasts—floral and woody, fresh and sultry, luminous and shadowed. It captures the spirit of faraway lands, of opulent rituals and timeless elegance, leaving an impression that lingers long after the final whisper of musk and vanilla has faded.
Other Fragrances:
The Charles Blair fragrance line, with its opulent offerings, reflected the luxury and sophistication associated with the brand. By 1957, Charles Blair had launched two notable fragrances: Mr. Paris and Charles Blair Parfum. These fragrances set the tone for the brand’s reputation for high-quality, exclusive scents. The following year, in 1958, Medea made its debut, further expanding the brand's sophisticated repertoire and enhancing its allure among discerning clientele.The brand's legacy continued into the late 1970s, with the introduction of Le Parfum in 1979. This fragrance was crafted as an aromatic testament to the brand’s enduring commitment to luxury. By 1980, For Men was added to the collection, indicating a broadening of the product range to include men’s fragrances.
Charles Blair fragrances were presented in an array of luxurious formats. The range included classic offerings such as cologne, Miste Parfum (a spray perfume), and Miste Concentrate (a more concentrated version of the mist). For those who preferred powder-based products, Poudre Miste and Dusting Powder were available, providing a subtle and elegant way to wear fragrance. The bath and body product line featured Bath Essence and Milk Bath, which offered an indulgent bathing experience infused with Charles Blair’s signature scents. To complement the beauty regimen, Complexion Soap was also part of the collection, ensuring that every aspect of personal care could be imbued with the brand’s luxurious essence.
In 1958, Fielding's Travel Guide to Europe introduced Charles Blair as a master of luxury and sensuality, highlighting his Parisian boutique located at 374 rue St.-Honoré. The guide praised Blair for having, in 1934, created what was considered the world’s most alluring bath essence. This bath essence was lauded as a closely guarded secret among a select group of America’s and Europe’s most glamorous celebrities, marking it as a coveted item in elite circles.Charles Blair’s innovation, described as the “world's sexiest bath essence,” quickly garnered a reputation for its provocative appeal, making it a staple among those seeking to indulge in the ultimate luxury. The guide also mentioned Blair's expansion into other lavish products, including the “Perfumed Flannel,” cologne, powder, and a range of items designed to cater to both men and women. Among these offerings was a new perfume called “Medea,” which was described as “SEXSATIONAL,” suggesting a fragrance of extraordinary allure and sophistication.
The Fielding's Travel Guide provided a glimpse into the opulent world of Charles Blair’s creations, positioning them as essential components of a luxurious lifestyle. The guide’s enthusiastic endorsement underscored the brand's status as a symbol of elegance and sensuality, reflecting the high regard in which Blair's products were held during that era.
Fielding's Travel Guide to Europe, 1958:
"Charles Blair (374 rue St.-Honore) is the benevolent sorcerer who, in 1934, invented what both members of this writing team - and their legions of friends who have since become addicts - regard as the world's sexiest bath essence. (It is THE secret weapon, deliberately never admitted of an inner circle of America's and Europe's most devastating celebrities). Now other libidinous man-traps have been added: the provocative new "Perfumed Flannel" (also for the bath), cologne, powder, the whole line - plus, if you please, toilet water and facial soap for Him, and for Her a new perfume called "Medea," which is SEXSATIONAL."
The first recorded mention of Charles Blair Parfums in the United States that I have found appears in the Las Cruces Sun-News from 1965. This early reference signifies the brand's initial foray into the American market, marking a notable expansion from its origins in Paris.
In 1965, the Las Cruces Sun-News highlighted Charles Blair Parfums as a new and intriguing addition to the American fragrance landscape. The introduction of the brand to the U.S. audience was likely met with considerable interest, given Charles Blair’s established reputation for luxury and exclusivity in Paris. This early mention underscores the brand's ambition to make a mark on the American perfume scene, capitalizing on its prestigious Parisian origins.
Charles Blair, renowned for his high-end designs and opulent accessories, including fragrances, had cultivated a reputation for sophistication and style. The transition to the American market in the mid-1960s represents a strategic move to broaden his brand’s influence and reach a new, discerning audience. The coverage in the Las Cruces Sun-News not only introduced American readers to the elegance of Charles Blair Parfums but also set the stage for the brand's subsequent growth and establishment in the U.S. luxury fragrance sector.
List of Charles Blair Fragrances:
The only known fragrances that I could find were:
- 1932 - Le Parfum
- 1957 - Mr. Paris
- 1957 - Charles Blair Parfum
- 1958 - Medea
- 1979 - Le Parfum
- 1980 - For Men
The Charles Blair fragrances were available in the following products:
- Cologne
- Miste Parfum
- Miste Concentrate
- Poudre Miste
- Dusting Powder
- Bath Essence
- Milk Bath
- Complexion Soap