Algiers by Tuvache c1940

In 1940, the world was teetering on the brink of chaos as World War II enveloped Europe. Despite the turmoil, there was an undeniable allure in the promise of exotic locales and the escapism they provided. It was against this backdrop that Bernadine de Tuvache launched her fragrance "Algiers," a name that conjured visions of far-off lands and the mystique of North Africa. Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, had a long-standing connection to perfumes, with its rich history as a center for the cultivation of exotic flowers and the production of fragrant oils. The city's vibrant culture and its association with the lush, aromatic landscapes of the Maghreb made it an ideal muse for a perfume intended to evoke elegance and enchantment.

Madame Tuvache’s choice of the name "Algiers" was both strategic and evocative. During this period, there was a fascination with the exotic and the unknown, and North Africa held a particular mystique. Algiers, with its storied history as a melting pot of cultures and its reputation for producing some of the world's most coveted floral essences, represented a gateway to an enchanting world. The perfume, described as a fruity floral with sharp, citrusy fruits and languid, poetic flowers, mirrored the sensory richness associated with the city. The choice of ingredients—neroli, pepper, lemon, orange, bergamot, narcissus, white hyacinth, cinnamon, tuberose, jasmine, clove, orris, ylang-ylang, rose, carnation, musk, heliotrope, oakmoss, sandalwood, vetiver, and ambergris—created a complex, layered scent that captured the essence of Algiers.

Naming the perfume "Algiers" was particularly appropriate because it invoked images of the bustling souks, the intricate architecture, and the lush gardens of the city. The name promised an olfactory journey to a place where the air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the warm Mediterranean breeze. It appealed to those yearning for a taste of the exotic, a brief escape from the harsh realities of the time.

The clientele who would relate to a perfume called "Algiers" were likely sophisticated, well-traveled individuals or those who aspired to be. These were people who appreciated the finer things in life and were drawn to the romance of distant lands. The limited edition nature of Tuvache’s perfumes, created from exotic tropical flowers found in the jungles of Algiers and Morocco, compounded and packaged in the United States, added an element of exclusivity and rarity that appealed to collectors and connoisseurs of fine fragrances.

The name "Algiers" evoked a multitude of images and feelings. It conjured visions of white-washed buildings glistening under the sun, narrow alleys filled with the vibrant colors of market stalls, and the intoxicating blend of spices and floral scents that permeated the air. The word "Algiers" stirred a sense of adventure, mystery, and romanticism. It brought to mind the heat of the desert, the coolness of the Mediterranean Sea, and the lush greenery of hidden oases.

In response to the perfume, those who were captivated by the idea of Algiers would find themselves transported by its scent. The sharp, citrusy top notes would awaken their senses, while the rich, floral heart of the perfume would evoke the lush gardens and vibrant markets of the city. The deep, musky base notes would ground them in the sensual warmth of the North African landscape. "Algiers" was not just a perfume; it was an invitation to dream, to explore, and to experience the allure of a world far removed from their own.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was a fruity floral feminine perfume. The fruits are sharp and citrusy, the flowers languid and poetic, fragile white hyacinths and narcissus and spicy carnations.

• Top notes: neroli, lemon, orange, bergamot, narcissus and white hyacinth
• Middle notes: tuberose, jasmine, clove, orris, ylang ylang, rose, carnation 
• Base notes: musk, heliotrope, oakmoss, sandalwood, vetiver, and ambergris  

The New Yorker, 1956:

"A new challenger in this field is Balenciaga's quaintly charming Quadrille, while Tuvache's worldly Algiers is getting increased attention from women who prefer fruit- laden perfumes."

Scent Story:

The air inside Saks Fifth Avenue's perfume department was thick with anticipation as the grand unveiling of Madame Bernadine Tuvache's newest fragrance, "Algiers," was about to begin. Guests were greeted by an enchanting display of fresh white hyacinths, narcissus, and carnations, their delicate petals forming a fragrant tapestry that wove through the room. The soft, creamy aroma of the hyacinths mingled with the sweet, heady scent of narcissus, while the spicy undertones of carnations added a tantalizing complexity to the air.

As Madame Tuvache appeared, she was the epitome of Parisian elegance, her poised demeanor captivating her audience. "Algiers was created to be worn with your most elegant cocktail attire," she announced, her voice carrying the allure of hidden promises. "Apply a few drops to your body when you want to be your most bewitching."

The room was a sensory delight. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow on the polished counters, reflecting off the crystal flacons that held the precious perfume. The gentle clinking of glasses offered to the guests filled the background, while a soft murmur of admiration rose as Mme. Tuvache began to speak of the costly raw materials she had sourced from around the world to create "Algiers."

With a delicate flourish, she sprayed the air with the first mist of "Algiers," and the perfume's top notes danced around the room. The sharp, citrusy burst of neroli and lemon mingled with the bright zest of orange and bergamot. The initial sting of pepper was softened by the floral whispers of narcissus and white hyacinth, drawing the guests into an intoxicating embrace.

Moving among her guests, Mme. Tuvache offered each person a chance to sample "Algiers." As I brought the delicate fragrance strip to my nose, the middle notes began to unfold. The warmth of cinnamon melded with the rich, creamy tuberose and exotic ylang-ylang. Jasmine's opulence and the pure, delicate essence of rose blended with the spiciness of clove and carnation, creating a lush, almost hypnotic floral heart.

Mme. Tuvache's voice guided us through the olfactory journey, explaining how these ingredients, sourced from the far corners of the world, had come together to form a scent that was both smoldering and full of hidden fire. "Algiers is a smoldering scent, full of hidden fire," she explained. "Its fruits are sharp and citrusy, while its flowers are languid and poetic."

The perfume's base notes slowly emerged, grounding the composition with a deep, sensual warmth. The musk intertwined with the sweet, powdery heliotrope and the earthy richness of oakmoss. Sandalwood's creamy softness and vetiver's grassy, smoky notes provided a solid foundation, while the elusive, marine allure of ambergris added a touch of mystery.

The scent lingered in the air, a complex symphony of fragrances that left everyone spellbound. As I stood there, surrounded by the elegant atmosphere of Saks Fifth Avenue, I could feel the luxurious silk of my dress against my skin, the cool glass of champagne in my hand, and the subtle, intoxicating presence of "Algiers" wrapping around me like a whisper of seduction. The night was filled with the promise of elegance and enchantment, a perfect setting for Madame Tuvache's latest masterpiece.

Bottles:

photos by ebay seller mendozam7121

Fate of the Fragrance:

"Algiers" by Tuvache, though now discontinued with its exact discontinuation date unknown, remained available on the market as late as 1957. This enduring presence speaks to its popularity and the captivating allure it held for those who sought a touch of exotic elegance in their fragrance collection. Today, finding a bottle of "Algiers" has become a rare and coveted treasure for perfume enthusiasts and collectors. Its scarcity has only heightened its mystique, making it a symbol of a bygone era of perfumery. Each remaining bottle is a precious relic, encapsulating the rich, layered scent that once transported wearers to the vibrant and aromatic world of 1940s Algiers.