Cuir by Lancôme began its life in 1936 under a far more provocative name—Révolte. Conceived by Armand Petitjean, it was originally marketed as a perfume for men, yet its rich leather accord and floral nuances soon captivated women as well. In French, Révolte means “uprising,” a name that perfectly matched the bold, defiant spirit of the fragrance. However, in parts of South and Central America, the translation carried heavier political weight, taking on meanings such as “anarchy” and “revolution.” The charged political climate of the late 1930s meant that a perfume bearing such a name was bound to stir unintended associations, particularly in regions already grappling with political turbulence.
Throughout the mid-to-late 1930s, Latin America was experiencing waves of social and political unrest. The Paraguayan February Revolution of 1936 overthrew the government, while Bolivia’s Socialist Revolution the same year brought its own upheaval. Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and several other nations faced political instability, contested elections, and ideological clashes fueled by the spread of socialism, communism, and fascism. Nationalist leaders in some countries used these tensions to their advantage, amplifying anti-foreign sentiment. The lingering economic strain from the Great Depression, especially in export-dependent economies, added further volatility. Against this backdrop, a perfume called Révolte could be seen as more than just a name—it risked being interpreted as a political statement.
