Chypre de Paris by Guerlain c1909

Chypre de Paris by Guerlain: launched in 1909.

Guerlain first launched a chypre back in 1850 with their Eau de Chypre followed by their Cyprisine in 1894, and then Chypre de Paris in 1909. But the mother of all of Guerlain chypres was in fact Mitsouko.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was reportedly not like the chypres we are used to and is classified as an aromatic spicy leather fragrance.

• Top notes: leather, spicy notes, lavender, bergamot, lemon
• Middle notes: jasmine, orange blossom, rose, ylang ylang, orris, calamus, opoponax, patchouli, Peru balsam, nutmeg
• Base notes: oakmoss, vanilla, musk and civet

From our friend Monsieur Guerlain: " Frédéric Sacone tells us that Jacques Guerlain reused Chypre de Paris to make his Cuir de Russie in 1935. Upon researching the handwritten formula for Cuir de Russie, Frédéric Sacone found out that it lists Chypre de Paris, as well as Mitsouko, among its ingredients."


Evening Star, 1913:

"Mere names of perfumes give no idea," said Zinda Brozia. "You must smell them. As many makers, so there are as many "'chypres'. There is no such perfume, though Walter Scott mentions it, and Houbigant had a 'cypris" in 1775. Guerlain has a 'cyprisine' and a 'chypre de Paris'. The original 'Chypre' was a very successful mixture of Atkinson, years ago; and as he did not protect the name, everybody took it up. Now Guerlain's 'Chypre de Paris', although of the cheap $1.20 series, is a sum total of perfume value, distinction and lasting qualities. I imagine it would be impossible to repeat, hein?"

Bottles:

Presented in the Carre flacon.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Still sold in 1913.