Saigon by Babani - Parfum Chinois c1920

Saigon by Babani: launched in 1920. It was subtitled Parfum Chinois", or Chinese perfume.

Saigon, Perfume of oldest China, of aristocracy centuries proud, of love sacred as life - for occasions of real magnificence. For moods of brocade and elegance, Babani has made Saigon. It is the perfume of a bouquet of exotic blossoms - delicate, elusive. Specially prepared for burning in a perfume burner. Diffuses throughout your room the mysteriously fascinating aroma of a Chinese Temple. It adds the beauty and delicacy of the breath of flowers.

c1921 ad

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? There are no published notes on this composition, but it is described as "a bouquet of exotic blossoms" and "flowers of the Orient", so I would assume that it is a floral fragrance for women with possibly an oriental base. I would need a sample of the perfume to tell you what it really smells like.

• Top notes:
• Middle notes:
• Base notes:

It was suggested that you blend Saigon with other Babani perfumes such as Fleurs d'Annam or Chypre. As well as another formula of Saigon, Ambre and Afghani.

Bottles:

Saigon was contained in various flacons over the years. Its most luxurious was the de luxe flacon made up of opaque cobalt blue glass, accented with gold enameling. This gorgeous bottle was designed by Julien Viard. It stands 9 cm tall, is marked "Saigon Babani Paris" on base along with "Marque Depose".

Other bottles included the following:

• Serie 31 - the "Boule," a frosted glass ball or melon shaped flacon with frosted rose stopper.
• Serie 30 - the "Plat," a flat colorless glass flacon fitted with a flat, frosted glass stopper molded with flowers. 
• Serie 42 - In this Far Eastern bottle, a choice of the following two perfumes: Ambre de Delhi and Saigon

The Plat & the Boule bottles were stock bottles used by Babani to contain their other perfumes.

No. 1003. Our twelve extracts in an elegant gold box.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.