Saigon by Babani - Parfum Chinois c1920

In the early 1920s, the launch of the perfume "Saigon" by Babani would have carried significant cultural and historical connotations, particularly in the context of Asia during that time period.

During the 1920s, China, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan were undergoing various social, political, and cultural changes. China was in the midst of the Republican Era after the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Vietnam was under French colonial rule, Korea was also under colonial occupation by Japan, and Japan itself was experiencing rapid modernization and industrialization.

The name "Saigon" originates from the Vietnamese language. It was the name of a major city in French Indochina (present-day Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam). "Saigon" itself comes from the Vietnamese words "Sài Gòn," which possibly derive from the Khmer words "Prey Nokor," meaning "forest city."

Babani likely chose the name "Saigon" to evoke a sense of exoticism and intrigue associated with French Indochina, which was seen as mysterious and alluring to Western audiences at the time. The name would have suggested a fragrance that embodied the essence of the Far East, blending French colonial fascination with the oriental mystique.

"Saigon" as a name for a perfume would have resonated with the European audience of the time who were fascinated by the Far East. It conjures images of tropical flowers, bustling markets, and the mingling of French elegance with Asian exoticism. The name suggests a fragrance that promises adventure, sophistication, and perhaps a hint of the unknown, appealing to those seeking to experience distant lands through scent.

La Rose Gullistan by Babani - Parfum Persan c1923

In the early 1920s, the launch of "La Rose Gullistan" by Babani occurred against the backdrop of a Europe enamored with orientalism and the allure of distant cultures. This period saw a resurgence of interest in Persia (modern-day Iran), particularly its rich cultural heritage, which included a deep reverence for roses and the art of perfumery.

Roses hold significant cultural and symbolic value in Persia. They have been revered for centuries for their beauty, fragrance, and association with love and beauty in Persian poetry, art, and literature. Persian gardens, often depicted as paradises on earth, prominently feature roses among their floral treasures, symbolizing love, romance, and spiritual purity.

The name "La Rose Gullistan" translates to "The Rose Garden" in English, derived from Persian. "Gullistan" is the title of a renowned collection of poems and stories by the Persian poet Sa'di, who lived in the 13th century. Sa'di's "Gullistan" (or "Gulistan") is celebrated for its wisdom, moral teachings, and vivid descriptions of nature, including the beauty of roses in gardens.

Babani likely chose the name "La Rose Gullistan" to evoke the imagery and emotions associated with Persian gardens and their fragrant roses. The name not only situates the perfume within a cultural context admired for its aesthetic sophistication but also aligns it with the romantic allure of oriental gardens, offering consumers an olfactory journey to a world of beauty and tranquility.

"La Rose Gullistan" would have appealed to individuals fascinated by the exoticism of Persia, its poetic traditions, and its artistic sensibilities. Those attracted to the perfume would likely have been drawn to its promise of capturing the essence of Persian gardens in a bottle—fragrant roses blooming amidst verdant foliage, underpinned by a sense of timeless elegance and cultural richness.