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.
Emotionally, the name "La Rose Gullistan" evokes images of lush gardens filled with roses in full bloom, their delicate fragrance mingling in the air. It stirs feelings of serenity, romance, and a longing for the picturesque landscapes of ancient Persia, resonating with the universal appeal of floral scents that transcend geographical boundaries and cultural differences.
In summary, "La Rose Gullistan" by Babani, launched in 1923 as "Parfum Persan," encapsulates an era of fascination with oriental aesthetics and cultural exploration. Through its name and association with Persian roses and gardens, the perfume invites wearers to experience the timeless beauty and poetic allure of a distant land, offering a sensory escape into the enchanting world of Persian artistry and natural beauty.
"La Rose Gullistan, Perfume of Persia. In Persia perfumes were first crushed from roses to make an essence sweet as the essence of love. Rose Gullistan, newest perfume of Babani, oldest perfume of the world! Reproducing the seductive ethereal aroma of a Persian rose. Delicately of the seductive glamour of East."
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women with a dominant rose note.
- Top notes: cassie, rose geranium, orange blossom
- Middle notes: rose, jasmin, tuberose, orris
- Base notes: guaiac, civet, tolu balsam, patchouli, ambrette, ambergris, musk, tonka bean, vanilla
Scent Story:
In the ancient Persian city of Isfahan, nestled within the opulent walls of a lush rose garden, a harem of beauties prepared for an evening of seduction. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the tiled courtyards and marble fountains, the air filled with the heady scent of La Rose Gullistan by Babani, a perfume beloved for its intoxicating floral notes.
Among the harem's chambers, adorned with silk draperies and intricate mosaics depicting tales of love and intrigue, lay Zareen, the most bewitching of them all. Her skin, bathed in fragrant oils infused with rose and jasmine, shimmered like moonlit pearls. She reclined on a plush divan, surrounded by bowls of ripe pomegranates and dates, their sweetness mingling with the perfume's citrusy undertones of orange blossom and cassie.
The sound of running water echoed softly from the nearby hammam, where Zareen's attendants prepared rose-scented baths to cleanse and perfume her before the evening's festivities. The air was alive with anticipation, filled with whispered secrets and the rustle of silk as the harem beauties donned sheer veils and adorned themselves with jeweled ornaments that caught the light like stars against the twilight sky.
As dusk deepened, Zareen emerged from the hammam, enveloped in a cloud of La Rose Gullistan. Her hair, dark as night, cascaded over her shoulders in waves scented with orris and tuberose, enhancing her allure with every step she took. She moved with a dancer's grace, trailing her fingertips over the cool marble walls, where fragrant rose petals had been scattered in homage to her beauty.
In the garden, under the canopy of ancient rose bushes heavy with blossoms, Zareen met her lover, a mysterious courtier whose eyes burned with desire at the sight of her. He embraced her, inhaling deeply the perfume that enveloped her like a silken cloak. The night was filled with whispered promises and the soft murmur of passion, the scent of La Rose Gullistan mingling with the heady fragrance of blooming roses and the earthy richness of patchouli and ambergris.
Their encounter was a symphony of senses—the taste of ripe fruit on their lips, the touch of velvet petals against their skin, and the intoxicating aroma that wove through the garden, drawing them deeper into a world of sensual delight. Under the starlit sky, surrounded by the ancient allure of Persian gardens and the timeless essence of La Rose Gullistan, their love unfolded like a fragrant poem, each note of the perfume a testament to the beauty and seduction of the night.
Bottles:
Clear and frosted glass perfume bottle with applied patina, created by Depinoix and designed by Viard for various Babani perfumes, c1920.
Photo by ebay seller misstocca
No. 1003. Our twelve extracts in an elegant gold box.
Fate of the Fragrance:
"La Rose Gullistan" by Babani, a fragrance that once captivated hearts with its luxurious blend of roses and exotic florals, has now become a whisper of nostalgia in the world of perfumery. Discontinued at an unknown date, its departure from the market left a void for those who cherished its evocative bouquet and the memories it invoked. Still sold in 1927.
In its prime, "La Rose Gullistan" was celebrated for its opulence and the way it seamlessly blended the freshness of cassie, rose geranium, and orange blossom in its top notes. These floral essences created an initial burst of freshness that was both vibrant and inviting, setting the stage for the romance that unfolded with each subsequent note.
At its heart, the fragrance bloomed with the rich, velvety tones of rose, jasmine, tuberose, and orris. These middle notes lent a depth and complexity that spoke of passion and sophistication, drawing wearers and admirers alike into its embrace.
The base notes of guaiac wood, civet, tolu balsam, patchouli, ambrette, ambergris, musk, tonka bean, and vanilla provided a sensual foundation that lingered on the skin, leaving a trail of warmth and allure wherever it went. This intricate blend of ingredients ensured that "La Rose Gullistan" was not merely a fragrance but a sensory experience—a journey through time and emotion.
Discontinuation of such a beloved perfume left its devotees yearning for its return, reminiscing about moments spent enveloped in its intoxicating aroma. Its absence from shelves became a symbol of the fleeting nature of beauty and luxury, a reminder that even the most cherished scents can become echoes of the past.
For those fortunate enough to have experienced "La Rose Gullistan," memories of its floral elegance and lingering sensuality remain etched in their minds. Each note, from the crisp freshness of its opening to the warmth of its base, continues to evoke images of Persian gardens in full bloom and whispers of seduction under starlit skies.
As time passes, the legacy of "La Rose Gullistan" endures through the stories shared by its admirers, a testament to its timeless appeal and the artistry of perfumery that once graced the world's stages.
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