Perfume Advice from Denis Desprez

In 1977, Denis Desprez, son of Jean Desprez and President of Parfums Desprez had mentioned some very good advice regarding fine perfumes in an interview with the Santa Ana Register newspaper.

• "Perfume should be kept in a cool place, out of the sunlight, and carefully sealed because heat, sunlight, and air are the three big enemies of fine perfume."

• "After a bottle of perfume has been opened, a three to four days supply should be put in an atomizer, and then the bottle should be sealed again."

• "When the atomizer is empty, rinse it clean with alcohol, dry it, then pour another four days supply into the atomizer . It takes lots of time I know, but it’s the only way to make sure the perfume is conserved perfectly."

• "Use it on the warm parts of the body, inside the clothes."

• "One should never mix two perfumes. If you own clothes with which you used Shalimar last week, these clothes have to be used with Shalimar for life!"

Revolution a Versailles by Jean Desprez c1989

Revolution à Versailles by Jean Desprez was introduced in 1989, serving as a follow-up to the iconic Bal à Versailles. The choice of the name "Revolution à Versailles" is intriguing, as it encapsulates a sense of dramatic change and renewal, drawing upon the rich historical and cultural tapestry of France. Translated from French, "Revolution à Versailles" means "Revolution at Versailles." It is pronounced as “Reh-vo-lu-syon ah Ver-sigh.” The name evokes images of the opulent palace of Versailles, a symbol of French monarchy, juxtaposed against the transformative power of revolution, suggesting a break from tradition and an embrace of modernity.

The term "revolution" conjures emotions of upheaval, empowerment, and liberation, resonating with the societal changes occurring at the time. In the late 1980s, as women increasingly sought independence and self-expression, a fragrance named Revolution à Versailles could be interpreted as an olfactory representation of this spirit. The fragrance is classified as a fruity floral, a combination that evokes freshness and vitality, embodying the idea of rebirth and new beginnings.

Women of the late 1980s might have felt a deep connection to a perfume named Revolution à Versailles, as it aligned with their aspirations for change and progress. This era marked a cultural shift characterized by a move towards individuality and personal empowerment, with the feminist movement gaining momentum. The notion of revolution—historically associated with the French Revolution—was not just a political concept but also a metaphor for personal transformation and liberation.

Naming the fragrance Revolution à Versailles was particularly appropriate in this context. It suggested a reinterpretation of traditional values associated with the grandiosity of Versailles while simultaneously celebrating the new freedoms women were claiming in society. This duality reflected the fragrance's essence, merging classic elegance with a contemporary twist, making it a fitting tribute to a time when women were rewriting their narratives and embracing their roles in a rapidly changing world.

Debutante de Versailles by Jean Desprez c1958

As a tribute to the elegant American and French debutantes, the newborn belles of the ball, Jean Desprez created Debutante de Versailles in 1958, a limited edition perfume exclusively created for Daggett & Ramsdell.  The perfume was a tie in for Teleflora's Aura Arrangements campaign line of floral arrangements.