Originally launched in 1928 under the name Parfum N, Lucien Lelong’s fragrance was later rebranded for the American market in 1945 as Taglio—a name both striking and evocative. The choice of the word Taglio, pronounced TAHL-yoh, is deliberate and layered in meaning. It is derived from the Italian word for cut or carving, and is closely linked to the term intaglio, a technique in fine art and jewelry wherein a design is incised into a surface rather than raised in relief. This nuanced connection to craftsmanship and subtlety was echoed in the perfume’s packaging, which embraced the visual motif of carving or engraving, reinforcing a sense of refined artistry.
The name Taglio conjures a spectrum of images and emotions: precision, sophistication, and quiet strength. It suggests the controlled elegance of a sculptor’s hand or the refined gesture of tailoring—a metaphorical “cut” through the excess, leaving only what is essential and beautiful. The emotional resonance is one of understated luxury, a kind of poised confidence. In fragrance form, Taglio becomes a scent that is meticulously structured yet soft around the edges—like an engraved jewel worn close to the skin.
When Parfum N debuted in 1928, it emerged during the last years of the Roaring Twenties, an era defined by modernity, bold fashion, and a fervent embrace of glamour and innovation. Perfume houses were experimenting with aldehydes, musks, and exotic materials, influenced by the growing presence of abstract art and couture fashion. Women, freshly liberated in many Western societies, were seeking expressions of identity beyond the conventional. The original launch positioned Parfum N among the sophisticated, complex scents of the interwar period—when perfumery was becoming a language of modern elegance.
