In 1958, building on the success of his earlier creation, Debutante de Versailles, Jean Desprez introduced another captivating fragrance for Daggett & Ramsdell: Nuit de Versailles. This new perfume was designed to evoke the enchanting allure of evening, promising to envelop its wearer in a rich, sensual embrace. Initially available in a parfum splash, Nuit de Versailles quickly gained popularity, leading to its release in spray form in 1959, reflecting the evolving preferences of consumers who favored the convenience and modernity of sprayable fragrances.
While some sources suggest that Nuit de Versailles may have been launched as early as 1949, the earliest advertisement uncovered dates back to 1958. This promotional material highlighted both Debutante de Versailles and Nuit de Versailles, indicating that the latter was indeed part of Desprez's strategy to capitalize on the growing fragrance market. This advertisement played a crucial role in establishing Nuit de Versailles in the public consciousness, positioning it alongside the already popular Debutante de Versailles.
A notable development in the history of Nuit de Versailles occurred in 1967, when a patent was granted to Daggett & Ramsdell, which by that time was an assignee of World Wide Fragrances, Inc., for the production of perfume sprays. The patent, filed on December 19, 1966, claimed that the perfume sprays had been in use since October 1964. This indicates that the spray form of Nuit de Versailles was not only a response to market demand but also part of a broader innovation trend in the fragrance industry, moving towards more user-friendly formats.
The combination of these developments illustrates Nuit de Versailles as more than just a fragrance; it was a reflection of shifting societal norms and the increasing desire for elegance and convenience in personal care products during the late 1950s and into the 1960s. As it continued to evolve, Nuit de Versailles would come to represent the sophistication and allure of its namesake, capturing the imagination of fragrance lovers for years to come.
