Sumatra by Tuvache c1940

Sumatra by Tuvache: launched in 1940.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a very rich, spicy green oriental fragrance for women.

• Top notes: green accord, bergamot, cinnamon and clove 
• Middle notes: galbanum, gardenia, ylang ylang and carnation
• Base notes: amber, vanilla, patchouli, styrax, benzoin, vanilla and sandalwood

The New Yorker, 1942:

"De Tuvache: Her Jungle Gardenia is one of the sharpest of its kind, with lots of tuberose and let's-go. Lovely odors in bath oils and skin scents, with names that are as timely as they are tropical — Algiers, Moroccan Rose, and Sumatra."

The New Yorker, 1943:

"Arabia is a spicy, carnation type; Sumatra is heavy."

Modern Packaging, 1944:

"Bernadine de Tuvache, creator of what she claims has been called "the most special and most expensive perfumes in the world," packages her exotic Sumatra in a crystal bottle the face of which is covered with a soft, red suede with the name."

Glass Packer, 1946:

"Sumatra" an oriental perfume by Tuvache, comes in a flacon topped with a crystal stopper. The red suede label has individuality and the box goes "native," affecting a woven mat design with a brown suede thong for a fastening."

Harper's Bazaar, 1955:

"There's a clear whiff of carnation in Tuvache's "Sumatra" perfume, along with other more exotic essences. 1 ounce, $20."

Vogue, 1969:

"This newest and most catching of Tuvache's perfumes is marvelously heady, with spicy high notes and sexy low notes. The Sumatra spell also exerts itself in skin perfume, spray bath oil, bath powder, body lotion, and soap."

Harper's Bazaar, 1969:

"A 1969 scent like new Sumatra from Tuvache. Romantic but not coy. Elegant. Electric. Newly done up in a roll-on applicator ... Sumatra Skin Perfume Aromizer by Tuvache, 1 oz. $4. Sumatra Perfume, 1 oz. $25. Full range of bath products, too."

Mademoiselle, 1969:

"That's what we thought, anyway, and were not disappointed when we sniffed Tuvache's new Sumatra Perfume. Velvet nights, hypertrophic flowers. It's all there. (No orangutans, though. Just as well.) Sumatra arrives in many guises."

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Still being offered for sale in 1981.