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.

Escarmouche by Jean Desprez c1949

In 1949, the launch of the perfume "Éscarmouche" by Jean Desprez occurred in a period marked by the aftermath of World War II and the beginnings of the Cold War. Europe was in the process of rebuilding, and there was a palpable sense of cultural and societal shifts. France, in particular, was experiencing a resurgence in art, fashion, and literature, with Paris reasserting its role as a global center of creativity and luxury.

Jean Desprez, a perfumer known for his avant-garde approach and bold compositions, chose the name "Éscarmouche" for his new fragrance. The word "Éscarmouche" originates from French and refers to a skirmish or a minor battle, typically of a verbal or physical nature. It connotes a sense of spirited conflict or engagement, often in a playful or romantic context.

The choice of "Éscarmouche" as a perfume name could be interpreted in several ways. Firstly, it suggests a perfume that evokes a sense of adventure, intrigue, and perhaps even flirtation. The name itself is exotic and evocative, appealing to individuals who seek something beyond the ordinary in their fragrance choices.

Those who related to a perfume named "Éscarmouche" might be drawn to its promise of excitement and drama. It could resonate with individuals who see perfume not just as a scent, but as a statement or an accessory to their personal narrative. The response to such a perfume would likely be one of curiosity and a desire to experience its olfactory journey, expecting it to match the boldness and allure implied by its name.

Janusette Perfume Presentation c1969

In 1969, Leon Leyritz, a renowned French sculptor, brought his artistic vision to the world of perfumery through a unique creation for Jean Desprez's iconic fragrance, Bal à Versailles. Leyritz, whose celebrated works include sculptures gracing the Paris Opera House, was tasked with designing a vessel worthy of the luxurious essence it would contain. His masterpiece for Desprez took the form of a striking statuette of Janus, the Roman god with two faces—a symbol deeply rooted in mythology, representing duality, beginnings, and transitions.

This design choice was both symbolic and elegant. Janus, with his ability to look simultaneously to the past and the future, reflected the timeless nature of Bal à Versailles, a fragrance that paid homage to the grandeur of Versailles while being firmly planted in the present. The sculpted bottle, with its two contrasting faces, also embodied the duality within the fragrance itself—rich, sensual, and opulent, yet also refined and delicate. The Janus figure, carved with Leyritz's signature attention to detail, added an air of classical sophistication to the perfume presentation, aligning perfectly with the aura of regal luxury that Bal à Versailles exuded.

Beyond its artistic merit, the Janus statuette also held practical value as it was designed to hold the precious perfume in a bottle concealed within the sculpture, merging form and function seamlessly. This collaboration between sculptor and perfumer elevated Bal à Versailles from a mere fragrance to a work of art, a collector's piece that appealed to both connoisseurs of fine perfume and admirers of high art.