The Fascinating Stories Behind Perfume Names

The Power of a Name

"Perfume," says Sophia Grojsman, a renowned perfumer at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), "is a promise in a bottle." We are drawn to the allure of becoming more attractive, wealthier, sexier, and happier. Perfume names often speak to our vulnerabilities rather than our strengths. Consider the labels on the fragrances we buy: Pleasures, Beautiful, Delicious, Sexy. As Charles Revson, the founder of Revlon, famously said, "We sell hope." And indeed, we buy into that hope.

The Story of Shalimar

Behind almost every significant perfume, there is a captivating story. Take "Shalimar," for example. According to legend, Raymond Guerlain and his wife were traveling to the United States by sea. His wife wore "Shalimar," an innovative oriental vanilla-scented perfume, which captivated the other passengers. Upon arriving in the U.S., the high society fell in love with "Shalimar," and it remains a favorite to this day.

The name "Shalimar" is derived from the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, Pakistan, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The gardens symbolize eternal love and beauty, perfectly aligning with the essence of the perfume.

The Iconic CHANEL No. 5

Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, revolutionized the fashion and fragrance industry. She wanted a perfume that would complement her modern, elegant clothing designs. "My dresses fit very well my clients... I want a perfume addressed to a modern woman that will fit her as my clothes do. It must have a character. And it must be an expensive one," she declared.

Ernest Beaux, the creator of "CHANEL No. 5," presented Chanel with ten bottles, divided into two groups. One group was numbered 1 to 5, and the other 20 to 24. Mademoiselle Chanel chose bottle No. 5. When Beaux asked why she chose that specific bottle, she replied, "I am going to exhibit my collection on May the 5th, the 5th day of the 5th month. So let's take a bottle with this number. I hope this number will bring success to the perfume."

Interesting Stats and Facts

• CHANEL No. 5: Launched in 1921, CHANEL No. 5 remains one of the best-selling perfumes worldwide. According to a 2019 report by Statista, CHANEL No. 5 generated approximately $100 million in annual sales.
• Shalimar: Created in 1925, Shalimar was one of the first perfumes to use synthetic vanilla. It remains a top seller for Guerlain, with a bottle sold every 30 seconds globally.
• Perfume Market: The global perfume market was valued at $31.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $43.2 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% (Source: Statista).

Conclusion

The names of perfumes are far from arbitrary; they are carefully chosen to evoke emotions, tell stories, and create a lasting impression. From the romantic legend of Shalimar to the strategic choice behind CHANEL No. 5, these names carry rich histories and deep meanings. The next time you spritz on your favorite fragrance, take a moment to appreciate the story behind its name.

References

1. Statista - Global Fragrance Market Size
2. CHANEL No. 5 Sales Data
3. Shalimar Perfume History