Fleurs d'Annam by Babani c1920

In 1920, when Babani launched "Fleurs d'Annam," the world was captivated by the exotic allure of distant lands, and perfumes often sought to evoke the mysteries of far-off places. The French name "Fleurs d'Annam" translates to "Flowers of Annam" in English. "Annam" refers to the French protectorate of central Vietnam, known as "An Nam" in Vietnamese, a region characterized by its rich cultural heritage and lush natural beauty.

Babani likely chose the name "Fleurs d'Annam" to evoke images of the exotic flowers and landscapes of Vietnam. The name itself suggests a bouquet of flowers native to Annam, promising a fragrance that captures the essence of this distant land. During the early 20th century, French perfumers often drew inspiration from colonial territories, imbuing their creations with a sense of adventure and discovery.

"Fleurs d'Annam" would have resonated with individuals fascinated by travel, exoticism, and the natural world. Those who sought escape from the everyday into realms of romance and exploration would be drawn to such a perfume. Its name alone conjures images of vibrant tropical blooms, serene landscapes, and the heady scent of exotic flowers carried on warm breezes.

Emotionally, "Fleurs d'Annam" evokes a sense of intrigue and wanderlust. It promises an olfactory journey to a place of natural beauty and cultural richness, appealing to those yearning for sensory experiences beyond their immediate surroundings. For the wearer, it would offer a connection to a distant world, perhaps eliciting feelings of nostalgia or a desire to explore unknown horizons.

In essence, "Fleurs d'Annam" by Babani, subtitled "Parfum Annamite," encapsulates the allure of early 20th-century colonial perfume marketing. It not only promises a fragrant bouquet of exotic flowers but also invites wearers and admirers alike to immerse themselves in the sensory splendor of a faraway land.

Fleurs d'Annam, Parfum Annamite - Gardens of the East are close walled, tight locked, but their perfume is for everyone. Fleurs d'Annam is a perfume expressing the spirit of garden flowers. If you have a heart full of youth and naivete, you will love Fleurs d'Annam for its power to emphasize these charming characteristics in you. So the merest stranger, scenting this your perfume, knows the depth of your loveliness. Fleurs d'Annam unites with Saigon to make a more subtle fragrance. For the filmy dance costume.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women. have no published notes on this composition. I would need a sample to tell you what it smells like. It was described as "pungent" and made up of  "a distinguished blend of millions of flowers of the Orient" in vintage newspaper advertisements of the era.

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

Blending "Fleurs d'Annam" with other Babani perfumes like "Saigon" or "Chypre" offers a tantalizing prospect of creating unique olfactory experiences. "Saigon," likely inspired by the bustling Vietnamese city of the same name, could complement "Fleurs d'Annam" with its notes that might evoke urban sophistication and spice, enhancing the floral elegance with a hint of exotic allure. On the other hand, combining it with "Chypre," a fragrance category known for its earthy and mossy notes, could add depth and complexity, grounding the floral bouquet of "Fleurs d'Annam" with a rich, woody base. Such combinations not only allow for personal customization of fragrance but also evoke a harmonious blend of East-meets-West influences, reflecting the cultural and aromatic diversity of early 20th-century perfumery.

Bottles:

The packaging of "Fleurs d'Annam" by Babani exudes elegance and refinement, perfectly complementing the allure of its fragrance. Housed in a silver-colored box, the exterior hints at luxury and sophistication, setting the stage for a sensory journey. Inside, the box is lined with mauve satin, a delicate touch that adds a sense of opulence and care to the presentation.

The bottle itself is a work of art, crafted from satin glass in a lobed, melon-shaped design that reflects the light with a soft, pearlescent sheen. Its contours are graceful and tactile, inviting the hand to explore its smooth surface. Topping the bottle is a domed glass stopper, adding a final flourish of elegance and ensuring the precious contents are securely sealed.

Together, the silver box and satin glass bottle of "Fleurs d'Annam" create a visual and tactile experience that parallels the fragrance within—a blend of exotic floral notes that promise to transport the wearer to the vibrant landscapes of Annam. This meticulous attention to detail in both packaging and presentation underscores the artistry and craftsmanship of Babani perfumes, making "Fleurs d'Annam" not just a scent, but a sensory journey encapsulated in exquisite form.

Series 1309: Chinese bottle, colorless glass, with openworked glass stopper, gold and silver box. Used for other Babani perfumes: 

• No. 63 Fleur d’Annam

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

Fate of the Fragrance:

The discontinuation of "Fleurs d'Annam" by Babani remains shrouded in mystery, as the exact date of its withdrawal from production is unknown. Despite this, records indicate that the perfume was still available as late as 1927, suggesting a period of sustained popularity and demand. This longevity speaks to the enduring appeal of its exotic floral composition and the craftsmanship that defined Babani's creations. For collectors and enthusiasts, the lingering availability until 1927 would have represented a final opportunity to procure this evocative fragrance, preserving its legacy within the annals of early 20th-century perfumery.