Nectaroma by Tuvache c1960

In 1960, the launch of the perfume "Nectaroma" by Tuvache coincided with a period of burgeoning interest in luxurious and evocative fragrances. This era marked a transition in perfumery towards more complex compositions that aimed to capture the essence of indulgence and allure. Perfumes were becoming not just personal scents but statements of sophistication and elegance.

"Nectar," in the context of perfumes, refers to a sweet and aromatic liquid often associated with the gods in mythology. It symbolizes something divine, exquisite, and intoxicatingly fragrant. The term "Nectar of the Gods" underscores this perception, suggesting a substance that embodies divine pleasure and beauty.

Bernadine de Tuvache, the creator of "Nectaroma," likely chose the name to evoke these very associations. "Nectaroma" combines "nectar," with its connotations of sweetness and divine essence, and "aroma," emphasizing its aromatic allure. The name suggests a perfume that promises to envelop the wearer in a rich, luxurious scent akin to the essence of gods' nectar.

For consumers in 1960, "Nectaroma" would have appealed to those who sought to embody sophistication and refinement. The name itself suggests a fragrance that promises not just a pleasant smell but an experience of luxury and divine allure. Imagine a perfume named "Nectaroma" being presented in elegant packaging, perhaps adorned with images evoking ancient mythology or opulent floral motifs, further enhancing its appeal.

The word "Nectaroma" evokes images of lush gardens, exotic flowers, and golden ambrosia. It suggests feelings of indulgence, sensuality, and a hint of mystery, as if each spritz transports you to a realm where fragrances are more than scents—they are experiences of divine beauty and pleasure.

In summary, "Nectaroma" by Tuvache, launched in 1960, would have resonated with those who appreciated perfumes not just for their fragrance but for the story they told. It promised a sensory journey into a realm of beauty and luxury, capturing the essence of nectar in a bottle—a timeless allure that transcends mere perfume and becomes a statement of elegance and sophistication.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a fresh floral fragrance for women with a warm, grassy note.

• Top notes: heather, cassis, basil leaf, cardamom, bergamot and mandarin orange
• Middle notes: lavender, chrysanthemum, lily-of-the-valley, neroli and French orange flower
• Base notes: spices, oakmoss, musk, violet, cedar, vetiver, sandalwood

Scent Story:

In the bustling heart of Macy's, the perfume department was transformed into a fragrant oasis, adorned with vibrant chrysanthemums in hues ranging from pale ivory to deep crimson. The air was alive with anticipation as guests gathered around Madame Bernadine Tuvache, the esteemed perfumer, whose newest creation, "Nectaroma," was about to be unveiled.

Madame Tuvache stood gracefully amidst the floral display, her demeanor as elegant as the scent she was about to introduce. With a twinkle in her eye, she addressed her audience, explaining how "Nectaroma" was crafted not just as a perfume, but as a companion for daily adventures—perfect for sportswear and casual attire, designed to energize the wearer with just a few drops.

As she spoke, the air was infused with a medley of scents that mirrored the fragrance itself. The top notes of heather, cassis, basil leaf, cardamom, bergamot, and mandarin orange danced delicately, creating a fresh, invigorating opening that hinted at sunny mornings and lively gardens. Each note was meticulously chosen, their richness hinting at the rarity and quality of the ingredients sourced from around the globe, a testament to Madame Tuvache's commitment to excellence.

The heart of "Nectaroma" unfolded with lavender, chrysanthemum, lily-of-the-valley, neroli, and French orange flower—a bouquet that bloomed with the essence of a sunlit meadow. Lavender's calming presence intertwined with the sweet floral notes, evoking images of expansive fields kissed by warm breezes. The fragrance enveloped the senses, evoking not just a scent, but a feeling of being outdoors, surrounded by nature's beauty.

As Madame Tuvache continued, her words painted a vivid picture of the perfume's inspiration—an ode to the outdoors, where sunlit grasses and abundant flowers intermingled in a symphony of colors and scents. It was a fragrance born of sunshine and warmth, reborn anew on the woman who embraced life's luxuries and pleasures.

Beneath it all, the base notes of spices, oakmoss, musk, violet, cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood provided a grounding warmth, anchoring the fragrance with a sense of sophistication and depth. Each ingredient contributed to the perfume's allure, adding layers of complexity that spoke to the discerning tastes of its wearer.

In this fragrant narrative, every detail came alive—the sight of blooming chrysanthemums, the scent of fresh herbs and citrus, the taste of excitement in the air, the sound of whispered admiration, and the touch of luxurious packaging that housed this olfactory masterpiece. "Nectaroma" was not just a perfume; it was a sensory journey, inviting women to adorn themselves with the essence of nature's bounty and embrace the best that life had to offer.

Harper's Bazaar - Volume 94, 1961:

"NECTAROMA. BATH FRAGRANCE AND BODY JOY Just airborne—a great new fragrance fashion, rich and rare—warm—flashingly brilliant. A few drops in your bath or on your skin surround you with loveliness to herald your approach."

The New Yorker, 1962:

"Tuvaché some time ago brought out a bath perfume, called Nectaroma, that is all outdoors—sunny, grassy, and flowery. Now they've gone and made a perfume of it, to say nothing of all manner of powders and other condiments for the bathtub. They're to be found most everywhere."

Playbill, 1962:

"GOES WITH A WOMAN A fragrance born in the sun, born anew on a woman who loves masses of flowers in every room, the best of everything in life . . . Nectaroma — today's fashion fragrance. Like love, it's indispensable!"

Fate of the Fragrance:

After years of being discontinued, the fragrance once known as "Nectaroma" underwent a revival when Irma Shorell took on the task of reformulating and relaunching it in 2013. This new incarnation, though carrying the same name, diverged from Madame Bernadine Tuvache's original creation. While striving to honor the essence of the original perfume, Irma Shorell introduced her own interpretation, infusing it with contemporary sensibilities and perhaps adding new nuances to appeal to modern tastes. The relaunch marked a new chapter for "Nectaroma," blending nostalgia with innovation, ensuring its legacy persisted in the ever-evolving world of perfumery.