Jasmin from Egypt by Tuvache c1941

In 1941, the launch of "Jasmin from Egypt" by Tuvache occurred against the backdrop of a world engulfed in the tumult of World War II. This period was marked by scarcity and hardship, yet also a yearning for escapism and luxury. Egypt, with its mystical allure and rich history in perfumery, held a special fascination. The country's connection to jasmine, a flower revered for its delicate yet potent fragrance, added to its allure in the world of perfumes.

Bernadine de Tuvache chose the name "Jasmin from Egypt" to evoke exoticism, luxury, and a sense of unattainable beauty. Jasmine, especially from Egypt, was considered among the finest and most expensive sources of floral essence in perfumery. It symbolized sensuality, femininity, and opulence, qualities that were particularly appealing during a time when people sought to escape the harsh realities of war.

"Jasmin from Egypt" was an appropriate name for a perfume because it promised a sensory journey to a distant and mysterious land, wrapped in the intoxicating scent of jasmine. For those who could afford it, the perfume represented a touch of exotic glamour amidst the austerity of wartime. It appealed to individuals who sought to indulge in luxury and elegance despite the challenges of the era.

The name "Jasmin from Egypt" would have resonated with those who appreciated fine fragrances and exoticism. They would have responded to it with intrigue and desire, drawn by the promise of experiencing the essence of Egyptian jasmine, known for its rich floral notes and sensual undertones. The perfume likely evoked images of ancient Egyptian gardens, blooming jasmine vines under moonlit skies, and the opulence of silk-clad beauties in harem settings.

The phrase "Jasmin from Egypt" conjures feelings of intrigue, romance, and exoticism. It suggests a journey to a land of pharaohs and pyramids, where jasmine blooms under the warm sun, filling the air with its heady fragrance. It embodies a sense of luxury and escapism, transporting the wearer and those around them to a realm of timeless allure and sensuality, far removed from the realities of wartime existence.

The Beginning:

In 1941, the announcement of "Jasmin from Egypt" as the world's most expensive perfume created a buzz, valued at an astonishing $100 per ounce. This extravagant price tag reflected not only the scarcity and luxury of its ingredients but also the story of its creation, which emerged from the personal experiences of Bernadine Angus, a prominent playwright of Broadway and Hollywood.

Unlike perfumes crafted in renowned laboratories, "Jasmin from Egypt" was born in the intimate setting of Bernadine Angus's own home. Her inspiration stemmed from a unique ritual—instead of keeping her perfumes on a vanity, she kept them on her writing desk. During late-night writing sessions, she would apply perfume to the back of her hand, finding that its scent ignited her imagination and provided solace from fatigue. This personal connection to fragrance fueled her curiosity and passion for perfume.

The perfume's genesis traces back to a pivotal vacation in Morocco, where the Angus couple sought creative inspiration for new plays. During a memorable evening at the home of a sheik, Mrs. Angus was granted entry into the harem, where she encountered an enchanting scene: one of the sheik's favorite wives, adorned in jewels and silks, exuded a captivating and alluring fragrance that left a lasting impression. This experience sparked Mrs. Angus's quest to discover the source of this divine scent.

Driven by curiosity, Mrs. Angus ventured into the bustling bazaars of Morocco, questioning local apothecaries about the mysterious fragrance. It was revealed to her that the scent she had encountered was derived from precious jasmine sourced from Egypt—an essence reserved for the most esteemed and alluring figures of society.

Determined to bring a piece of this exotic allure to American women, Mrs. Angus embarked on a daring endeavor. She sourced a pound of jasmine essence directly from Egypt, an acquisition that came at a staggering cost of $1600. The journey of this precious essence was fraught with peril—three ships carrying the essence were torpedoed, underscoring the risks and challenges involved in its transport.

Despite these obstacles, "Jasmin from Egypt" arrived safely in America, heralded not only for its rarity and opulence but also for its ability to weave glamour and history into the fabric of North American society. The perfume's introduction marked a blend of luxury and adventure, capturing the essence of a bygone era where exoticism and refinement intersected with personal passion and creativity.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? Jasmin from Egypt is classified as a jasmine soliflore fragrance for women. it is sweet, heavy and authentic in scent to the jasmine.

"Jasmin from Egypt is the pure essence of those heavenly scented, tiny star-shaped blossoms that have for centuries made the nights on the Nile the most romantic in the world. it's the swooningly magnetic fragrance of the most glamorous women of the world."

• Top notes: orange blossom, neroli, jasmine
• Middle notes: jasmine absolute, orris
• Base notes: civet, ambrette, ambergris

Scent Story:

In the opulent halls of Neiman Marcus, adorned with cascading jasmine blossoms, Madame Bernadine Tuvache presided over the launch of her latest olfactory masterpiece, "Jasmin from Egypt." The perfume department was transformed into a fragrant oasis, adorned with cascades of fresh jasmine blossoms that filled the air with their sweet, heady aroma. Amidst this lush backdrop stood the centerpiece of the event—a crystal flacon, its oblong shape reminiscent of treasures from ancient Egypt, cradling the precious liquid as if it were a relic from Cleopatra's own collection.

The crystal chamber, wrapped in long strips of Egyptian linen akin to those used in the mummification process, rested reverently within a wooden case. A high cubical stopper, intricately bound with raffia in the Egyptian style, guarded the entrance to the perfume's essence, ensuring its preservation and enhancing its mystique.

As Mme. Tuvache spoke, I saw the glint of crystal catching the light, reflecting the opulence and rarity of the perfume within. Guests gathered around Mme. Tuvache, whose presence exuded a regal confidence as she shared the inspiration behind "Jasmin from Egypt." Her voice, soft yet commanding, painted a picture of the rare and costly ingredients sourced from around the globe. She spoke of the jasmine, harvested under the Egyptian sun, its tiny star-shaped blossoms capturing the essence of romantic nights along the Nile.

As guests mingled, Mme. Tuvache, resplendent in a gown adorned with Egyptian motifs, addressed the eager audience. Her voice, soft yet commanding, carried the promise of exotic allure. "Jasmin from Egypt," she explained, "is not merely a perfume, but a journey to the heart of luxury. Apply a few drops to your skin when you wish to embody true voluptuousness."

The ambiance around me is suffused with a heady mix of floral sweetness and the subtle richness of ambergris. Fresh jasmine blossoms hang overhead, their delicate petals releasing a fragrance that evokes moonlit gardens along the Nile. The room is softly illuminated, casting a golden glow that enhances the perfume's allure.

I catch a whiff of orange blossom and neroli, their citrusy notes dancing playfully with the unmistakable scent of jasmine absolute. It's sweet and heavy, yet undeniably authentic, capturing the essence of jasmine in its purest form. The fragrance unfolds gracefully, revealing layers of orris and a hint of civet that add depth and intrigue.

I could almost taste the richness of the perfume, a sensory journey that mirrored the sumptuous attire Mme. Tuvache encouraged wearing with "Jasmin from Egypt." Each drop promised a voluptuous experience, enhancing one's presence with an undeniable magnetism. The ambiance resonated with whispers of admiration and the rustle of linen, as guests leaned in to catch every word about the perfume's creation and inspiration.

Amidst the murmurs of admiration, I hear Mme. Tuvache recounting her journey to procure the rarest ingredients for her creation. She speaks of distant lands where jasmine blooms under the Egyptian sun, its aroma filling the night with romance and mystery. Each raw material, she explains, was carefully selected to embody the essence of glamour and sensuality.

I reach out to touch the delicate petals of the jasmine flowers adorning the displays, their velvety texture a tactile echo of the fragrance they exude. The bottles of "Jasmin from Egypt" gleam under the soft lights, their design echoing the elegance and sophistication of the perfume within. With a gentle touch, I felt the texture of the linen strips and the cool weight of the crystal flacon, marveling at the craftsmanship that housed such a precious elixir. Mme. Tuvache's revelation of the perfume's classification as a jasmine soliflore for women underscored its authenticity and purity—a tribute to the timeless allure of jasmine and its intoxicating fragrance.

As Mme. Tuvache concludes her narrative, the room is filled with a sense of reverence for the artistry and dedication that went into crafting such a luxurious fragrance. "Jasmin from Egypt," she declares, "is the embodiment of allure and sophistication, a tribute to the timeless beauty of jasmine and the women who wear it."

In that moment, surrounded by the intoxicating scent of jasmine and the whispered excitement of the crowd, "Jasmin from Egypt" transcends its status as a perfume. It becomes a symbol of elegance, a touchstone of glamour that captivates the senses and transports the wearer to a world where every breath is infused with the essence of luxury and allure.

Bottle:

"The precious liquid is being encased in the hollow center of an oblong hunk of crystal which looks as if Cleopatra's slaves might have wrested it from the earth's rare treasures. Like the fabulous gifts stored in the tombs of the Pharaohs, the crystal chamber is wrapped in long strips of Egyptian linen (even as were the royal mummies) and laid to rest in a wooden case. A high cubical stopper is the entrance to the precious liquid chamber, and it is raffia-bound Egyptian-wise to the crystal oblong."

The bottle of "Jasmin from Egypt," a marvel of craftsmanship and luxury, embodied the essence of ancient splendor and exotic allure. Encased within a heavy, chunky lead crystal flacon, the perfume's precious liquid was housed in a hollowed center that spoke of Cleopatra's opulent treasures. The crystal, with its weight and brilliance, seemed a relic pulled from the depths of history, reminiscent of the treasures stored in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs.

Wrapped in long strips of Egyptian linen, much like the royal mummies of old, the crystal chamber was protected with reverence and care. A high cubical stopper, adorned with raffia bindings in the Egyptian style, guarded the entrance to this precious elixir. The meticulous detail in the packaging mirrored the grandeur and mystique associated with the perfume's inspiration—from the fragrant gardens of the Nile to the regal splendor of ancient Egypt.

The design of the bottle was as distinctive as its contents. Its rectangular form and heavy stopper, with a flared design and ground glass plug, exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. Acid-etched onto the front were the words "Jasmin from Egypt" and "M. de Tuvache New York," marking its lineage and origin. While unmarked regarding its country of manufacture, the bottle bore resemblance to the chunky crystal flacons produced in Japan just before the outbreak of World War II. These bottles, typically marked with Irice stickers, were imported by Mme. Tuvache, possibly necessitating the removal of origin stickers due to wartime sentiments in the United States.

The presentation of the bottle was as meticulous as its creation. Housed in a wooden case, intricately wrapped with raffia strings and adorned with stickers mimicking a shipping container, it underscored the journey of this precious perfume from distant lands to the eager hands of those who sought its allure. Each element, from the crystal's clarity to the linen's soft embrace, spoke of a dedication to luxury and a commitment to transporting the wearer to a realm of timeless beauty and fascination

In 1944, amidst the backdrop of wartime sacrifices and economic uncertainty, a beacon of luxury emerged in the perfume world with Tuvache's "Jasmin from Egypt," priced at an unprecedented $100 per ounce. This exorbitant price tag reflected not just the cost of the rare and exquisite ingredients used in its formulation, but also the burgeoning demand for indulgence and opulence during a time of scarcity.

Perfume departments across the country struggled to keep up with the demand for such expensive scents, but none could match the allure and prestige of "Jasmin from Egypt." Its arrival marked a pinnacle in luxury fragrance, captivating the imaginations of those who sought to adorn themselves with the most exclusive and sumptuous scents available.

As society grappled with the challenges of war, Mme. Bernadine Tuvache's creation stood as a testament to the enduring allure of beauty and sophistication. "Jasmin from Egypt" became not just a perfume, but a symbol of glamour and elegance, cherished by those who could afford to indulge in its luxurious embrace.

Harrisburg Telegraph, 1945:

"$100 an ounce perfume... reflecting the luxury boom of 1944, perfume departments had trouble keeping a stock of expensive scents. Most fabulous hit of all was Tuvache's hundred dollar and ounce, Jasmin de Egypt."

In 1947, the fragrance world buzzed with the allure of what was touted as the most expensive perfume on the market—Bernadine de Tuvache's "Jasmin from Egypt." This luxurious scent commanded a price tag that equated to three times its weight in gold. Priced at $100 per ounce, plus an additional $20 tax, it amounted to approximately 26 cents per drop—an extravagant indulgence even in the post-war years.

Despite its astronomical cost, "Jasmin from Egypt" captivated the imaginations of thousands across the United States, including a significant clientele in Hollywood. Miss de Tuvache marveled at the widespread appeal, noting that many movie stars were avid consumers who liberally applied the perfume.

Behind the scenes, the pricing of Tuvache's perfumes, such as the wartime creation "Zezan," reflected meticulous calculations based on the costs of its premium ingredients. Government regulators, including officials from the Office of Price Administration (OPA), scrutinized these costs, setting "Zezan" at a substantial $75 per ounce. Miss de Tuvache defended the high prices of her creations, emphasizing their extraordinary concentration and unique fragrances as justifying their premium status in the market.

For consumers and collectors alike, "Jasmin from Egypt" embodied more than a scent—it was a symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and the enduring allure of fine perfumery, meticulously crafted by a visionary playwright turned perfumer.

Star Tribune, 1947:

"What is supposed to be the most expensive perfume in the world costs three times its weight in gold - and was dreamed up by a lady playwright. It is "Jasmine from Egypt", compounded by Bernadine de Tuvache, red-headed owner of the Tuvache perfume company and author of three Broadway comedies, including 'Angel Island' which became a movie. The stuff costs $100 an ounce, plus a $20 tax, which brings the tariff to roughly 26 cents a drop. Rather to the amazement of Miss de Tuvache, thousands of men and women all over the USA have bought the perfume since it was introduced in 1941. A good share of these customers are in Hollywood. "Movie stars must pour it on by the bottle",  Miss Tuvache says. Perfume, she says, is actually worth what it costs, in cold blooded terms of what goes into it. One of her scents, "Zezan", was invented during the war, and OPA officials, noting the costs of the ingredients set the price at $75 an ounce The extraordinary concentration of her perfumes, as well as the distinctive fragrances, make up their high cost, Miss de Tuvache says."

The New Yorker, 1956:

"Tuvache's highly self-possessed Violet, Moroccan Rose, and Jungle Gardenia are more and more popular, and, for $49.50, this firm will make up, to order, four ounces of highly concentrated Jasmine from Egypt, a sultry skin perfume that is not easy to wear- just be sure the woman better be sure the lady has a passion for it. Tuvaché bath oils come in five scents (the three above plus lilac and lily of the valley) cost from $7.50 to $11 and will take the place of perfumes on the hair of furs."

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown. Still sold in 1976 where it was reported in a book Salted Peanuts: Eighteen Hundred Little Known Facts: that "Jasmine of Egypt" by Tuvache is the most costly perfume in the world . It now retails in America for ninety dollars per ounce." 

The legacy of "Jasmin from Egypt" by Tuvache, though discontinued at an unknown date, continued to resonate through the decades, particularly highlighted in 1976 when it was noted as the most expensive perfume in the world. Despite its discontinuation, its allure endured, as reported in the book "Salted Peanuts: Eighteen Hundred Little Known Facts." The perfume, now referred to as "Jasmine of Egypt," had become a legendary icon of luxury and exclusivity.

In the mid-1970s, the perfume commanded a staggering retail price of ninety dollars per ounce in America, a testament to its enduring reputation and the lasting impact of Bernadine de Tuvache's craftsmanship. This price point reaffirmed its status as a symbol of extravagance and sophistication, appealing to connoisseurs and collectors who valued its rich history and unique blend of ingredients.

Despite its rarity and high cost, "Jasmine of Egypt" continued to captivate imaginations with its association to Hollywood glamour and the elite circles who prized the finest perfumery. Its story, marked by luxury and distinction, cemented its place in the annals of fragrance history, where even decades after its discontinuation, it remained a coveted artifact of olfactory opulence.