In 1919, the launch of "Afghani" by Babani occurred during a tumultuous period in Afghanistan's history. Afghanistan, at the time, was striving for independence and navigating its geopolitical position amidst the aftermath of World War I. The name "Afghani" in English refers to something or someone from Afghanistan. The term "Afghani" itself is of Persian origin, reflecting its linguistic roots in the region.
Babani likely chose the name "Afghani" for its exotic connotations and associations with the Far East. During the early 20th century, Western perceptions of Afghanistan and the broader region were often steeped in romanticized Orientalist imagery, characterized by mystique, adventure, and the allure of distant lands. Naming a perfume "Afghani" would have immediately evoked images of rugged landscapes, spices, and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The name "Afghani" would have been appealing for a perfume due to its potential to evoke a sense of exoticism and luxury. Perfumes during this era often drew inspiration from distant lands and their mystical allure, appealing to consumers' desire for adventure and escapism. The subtitle "Essence of the Far East" further reinforces this image, suggesting a blend of oriental spices and luxurious ingredients that were popular in Western perfumery of the time.
Those who related to a perfume called "Afghani" would likely be intrigued by its promise of transporting them to a far-off place, capturing their imagination with visions of spice markets, desert landscapes, and ancient traditions. They might respond to the perfume with a sense of curiosity and a desire to experience its evocative blend of scents.
Emotionally, the word "Afghani" evokes a sense of mystery, adventure, and cultural richness. It conjures images of intricate textiles, bustling bazaars, and the warm, earthy aromas of spices like saffron, cardamom, and sandalwood. For consumers in the early 20th century, the name "Afghani" would have resonated with a fascination for the exotic East, offering them a sensory journey through fragrance.
Overall, "Afghani" by Babani encapsulated the allure of the Orient in a bottle, appealing to the adventurous spirit of its time and promising an olfactory experience steeped in the essence of a distant and captivating land.
"Afghani, perfume as full of romance and color as nighttime in the Far East - colorful, riotous, untamed - matches those moments of rebellion when you must wear gorgeous evening frocks in primitive hues and dance quite madly for relief. Afghani is for your moods of rebellion and fire. Do you have a frock of startling color or amazing cut? Or a simple sport costume of superb swagger? Then match these toilettes with Babani's Afghani. It is a perfume of reckless good style.
Afghani is a ruby liquid, with pungent, sweet odor. A touch of musk. An elusive odour blended with a rare amber conveying a subtle suggestion of Oriental splendour and luxury. It comes in a cut spherical bottle, enclosed in a gold moire box. Suitable for the individualistic and temperamental type."
It was suggested that Afghani perfume be used to add fragrance to cigarettes. Scenting cigarettes with perfume has been a cultural tradition in many Middle Eastern countries, where smoking is often accompanied by the desire for a pleasant fragrance experience. This practice reflects a deeper cultural appreciation for aromatics and scents, enhancing the smoking ritual with additional sensory pleasures.
In regions like the Middle East, where smoking has historical and social significance, perfuming cigarettes serves multiple purposes. It can mask the odor of tobacco, making the act of smoking more socially acceptable in close quarters. Additionally, it adds a personal touch to the smoking experience, allowing individuals to customize their cigarette's aroma according to personal preferences or cultural norms.
For Babani's "Afghani" perfume, being suggested for use in perfuming cigarettes aligns with this cultural tradition. The exotic and aromatic qualities associated with the Far East, as suggested by the perfume's name and subtitle, would complement the act of smoking by infusing it with an additional layer of sensory richness. Smokers who appreciated the allure of "Afghani" would have likely enjoyed the transformative effect it had on their smoking experience, adding an element of luxury and cultural resonance to a daily ritual.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? There are no published notes on this composition, but the "essence of the far East" was described as having "a ruby liquid with pungent, sweet odor. A touch of musk. An elusive odour blended with a very rare amber conveying a subtle suggestion of Oriental splendour and luxury."
It is classified as an oriental fragrance for women, but I would need a sample of the perfume to tell you what it really smells like.
- Top notes:
- Middle notes: rose, jasmine, orange blossom
- Base notes: ambergris, musk, vanilla
Arizona Republic, 1924:
"Babani's Afghani is colorful, daring. It is for your moods of rebellion and fire. Do you have a frock of startling color or amazing cut? Or a sport costume of superb swagger? Then match these toilettes with Babani's Afghani. It is a perfume of reckless good style. $2.75, $7.00."
Blend your own bespoke perfume with Babani's Afghani by experimenting with various combinations of other Babani fragrances. For the worldly and sophisticated individual who craves adventure and attention, Afghani pairs elegantly with Yasmak in a 2:1 ratio. This blend promises a rich, layered scent that captures the essence of both exotic spices and delicate floral notes, appealing to those who enjoy making a bold statement with their fragrance.
If you possess a demure demeanor with a hidden spark, and find joy in nature and travel, Afghani and Jasmin are your perfect companions. Mixing these two perfumes in equal parts creates a unique blend that balances the earthy allure of Afghani with the floral freshness of Jasmin, reflecting your nuanced personality and love for exploration.
For individuals with a medium complexion, blending Yasmak with Afghani is recommended. This combination harmonizes the distinct characteristics of each fragrance, creating a balanced perfume that complements your skin tone and personal style effortlessly.
For a more complex and intriguing scent profile, consider mixing two parts of Ligeia with one part Afghani. This composition offers a sophisticated blend of floral and oriental notes, ideal for those who appreciate depth and mystery in their perfume choices.
Each suggested blend not only allows you to customize your fragrance according to your personality and preferences but also showcases the versatility and compatibility of Babani's perfumes, ensuring a sensory experience that is uniquely yours.
Bottle:
The luxurious flacon designed for Babani's "Afghani" parfum epitomized opulence with its Indo-Persian style and exquisite craftsmanship. Crafted from colorless glass, the flacon boasted a distinctive silhouette characterized by a bulbous belly adorned with six slender, fluted curves that cascaded gracefully. The narrow neck of the bottle was embellished with a frieze painted in lavish tones of gold, ruby red, and emerald green, mimicking the brilliance of precious jewels. Atop the bottle, the stopper took the form of a lacquered rose, intricately enameled with the same resplendent colors of gold, ruby red, and emerald green, adding a regal touch to the overall design.
Standing at 5 inches tall, this rare and ornate flacon was a testament to the artistry and attention to detail synonymous with the Parisian Society of Glass (SPV), which published the model. The SPV was renowned for its contributions to the art of glassmaking, particularly in creating exceptional vessels for perfumes that transcended mere containers to become objets d'art in their own right.
Beyond "Afghani," this exquisite flacon was also employed for other iconic Babani perfumes such as "Secret de Babani" and "Rose Gullistan," further enhancing their allure with its striking appearance. The use of such a finely crafted bottle not only underscored the prestige of the Babani brand but also elevated the sensory experience of using these perfumes, transforming the act of applying fragrance into a ritual of luxury and refinement.
- 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.
Fate of the Fragrance:
The Babani perfume "Afghani," once a jewel in the realm of luxurious fragrances, has been discontinued, though the exact date of its discontinuation remains shrouded in mystery. Still sold in 1927. This elusive detail adds to the allure surrounding the perfume, leaving its admirers and collectors to reminisce about its exotic blend and the opulent experience it once offered. Despite its absence from contemporary shelves, the legacy of "Afghani" endures through its evocative name, luxurious packaging, and the memories it evokes for those fortunate enough to have experienced its distinctive aroma.
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