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.
The word "Saigon" evokes a multitude of images and emotions: the vibrant hues of tropical flowers, the warmth of a tropical breeze, the bustling atmosphere of a colonial city, and the rich cultural tapestry of Southeast Asia. It suggests an olfactory journey through aromatic gardens filled with jasmine, frangipani, and spices, transporting the wearer to a world of sensory delight and intrigue.
In summary, "Saigon" by Babani, launched in 1920 as "Parfum Chinois," encapsulates the fascination with the Far East during the early 20th century, offering a sensory journey through the exotic landscapes and cultural richness of French Indochina. Its name alone conjures a blend of mystery, elegance, and adventure, appealing to a sophisticated audience eager to explore the world through fragrance.
"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:
- Top notes: lotus, frangipani, osmanthus, neroli
- Middle notes: spices, rose, jasmine, orange blossom, ylang ylang, tuberose
- Base notes: sandalwood, ambergris, cedar, patchouli, vetiver, musk
Blending perfumes like Saigon with other offerings from Babani, such as Fleurs d'Annam or Chypre, offers an intriguing olfactory experience that combines different fragrance families and notes to create harmonious and complex compositions.
Saigon with Fleurs d'Annam or Chypre:
Combining Saigon with Fleurs d'Annam enhances the oriental character of both fragrances. Saigon, with its exotic bouquet of oriental flowers and spices, would blend seamlessly with Fleurs d'Annam, which likely features floral notes characteristic of Southeast Asia, potentially including lotus, frangipani, or jasmine. This blend could amplify the floral richness while maintaining Saigon's spicy and woody undertones, creating a perfume that embodies the lush, tropical landscapes of Indochina with a touch of sophistication.
Alternatively, pairing Saigon with a Chypre perfume from Babani introduces a contrast of fragrance families. Chypre fragrances typically feature citrus top notes, floral heart notes, and a base of oakmoss, patchouli, and labdanum. The earthy and mossy elements of Chypre would complement Saigon's spicy and floral profile, resulting in a blend that balances freshness with depth. This combination could appeal to those seeking a perfume with both classic sophistication and exotic allure.
Saigon with Ambre and Afghani:
Another intriguing formula involves blending Saigon with Ambre and Afghani, creating a fusion of oriental richness and resinous warmth. Saigon's spicy and floral notes would interplay with Ambre's deep amber and benzoin base, adding a sensual and enveloping quality to the blend. Afghani, known for its smoky and leathery facets, would introduce an exotic and mysterious depth, enhancing the overall complexity of the perfume.
This blend would likely appeal to fragrance enthusiasts looking for a bold and distinctive scent that exudes warmth, sensuality, and a hint of oriental mystique. The combination of Saigon, Ambre, and Afghani could evoke images of ancient bazaars, rich tapestries, and spice-laden markets, offering a sensory journey through the cultural richness and historical allure of the East.
In essence, blending Saigon with other Babani perfumes allows for the creation of unique and layered compositions that celebrate the diverse olfactory profiles and cultural inspirations behind each fragrance, offering wearers a nuanced and evocative olfactory experience.
Bottles:
Saigon by Babani has been presented in various exquisite flacons throughout its history, each designed to enhance the allure and elegance of the fragrance. Among its most luxurious editions was the de luxe flacon, crafted in the shape of an ancient Chinese snuff bottle. This design choice not only reflected the perfume's oriental inspiration but also imbued it with a sense of historical richness and cultural sophistication.
The de luxe flacon featured intricate details that added to its ornate charm. Molded floral and bird decorations adorned the top of the bottle, extending its thematic connection to nature and exoticism. The stopper, shaped like a sugarloaf, continued this motif with matching molded decor, creating a harmonious aesthetic that appealed to collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Crafted from opaque cobalt blue glass, the flacon exuded luxury and exclusivity. For those preferring a more transparent presentation, clear glass options were available, offering flexibility in aesthetic preference while maintaining the bottle's opulent design. Both variations were optionally adorned with delicate gold enameling, enhancing the visual appeal and reinforcing the perfume's premium status.
Julien Viard, known for his meticulous attention to detail and artistic flair, was the mastermind behind the design of this iconic flacon. Standing at 9 cm tall, each bottle was meticulously marked with "Saigon Babani Paris" on its base, alongside the designation "Marque Depose," underscoring its authenticity and heritage within the Babani perfume collection.
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In summary, the de luxe flacon of Saigon by Babani epitomized the fusion of artistry, history, and luxury in perfume packaging. Its ornate design, inspired by ancient Chinese aesthetics and executed with precision craftsmanship, ensured that each bottle not only contained a fragrance but also served as a testament to the timeless allure of oriental perfumery.
Other bottles used for Saigon 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:
Saigon by Babani, once a jewel in the realm of oriental perfumery, has unfortunately been discontinued, with the exact date of discontinuation remaining elusive. This fragrance, known for its exotic floral bouquet and cultural richness inspired by the Far East, captivated fragrance enthusiasts during its time on the market. Its departure from shelves marks the end of an era, leaving behind memories of its luxurious scent and the beautifully crafted flacons that housed it. While no longer in production, Saigon continues to evoke nostalgia among those fortunate enough to have experienced its allure, reminding them of a time when perfumes were crafted with meticulous artistry and imbued with the spirit of distant lands. Still being sold in 1939.
Today, collectors avidly seek the snuff bottle flacons that once held Saigon by Babani, with a particular preference for the versions crafted from cobalt blue glass. These exquisite bottles, originally designed to embody the essence of ancient Chinese aesthetics and the exotic allure of oriental perfumery, have become coveted treasures in the world of fragrance memorabilia. The cobalt blue glass variant, often adorned with delicate gold enameling and molded floral and bird decorations, stands out for its striking beauty and historical significance.
Collectors are drawn not only to the aesthetic appeal of these bottles but also to their rarity and the nostalgia they evoke. Each flacon represents a piece of perfume history, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of vintage perfume packaging. As symbols of luxury and sophistication, these bottles hold a special allure for those who appreciate the artistry and cultural resonance encapsulated in each design.
In the realm of fragrance collecting, the snuff bottle flacons of Saigon by Babani serve as tangible reminders of an era when perfumes were cherished as much for their exquisite scents as for the exquisite vessels that contained them. Their continued demand underscores their enduring appeal and their status as prized artifacts among aficionados of perfume and beauty.
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