Elizabeth Arden Blue Grass Gift Set c1939

 For the 1939 gift set of Blue Grass, a lipstick and an imported from France Marcel Franck L'Escale perfume atomizer was included. 

Sousouki by Babani c1920

In 1920, the year Sousouki by Babani was launched, it was a time of profound cultural and artistic exploration, particularly influenced by the enduring popularity of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Madame Butterfly." Set in early 20th-century Japan, the opera evoked themes of love, betrayal, and cultural clash, resonating deeply with audiences of the time. The character Sousouki, Madame Butterfly's maid, symbolized fidelity and support amidst the tragedy of unrequited love and cultural misunderstanding.

The name "Sousouki" itself is derived from Miscanthus sinensis, commonly known as Japanese silver grass or susuki in Japanese. This plant is native to East Asia and holds cultural significance in Japanese aesthetics, often featured in traditional paintings and poetry for its graceful appearance and seasonal symbolism.

Babani's choice of "Sousouki" as a perfume name likely aimed to evoke a sense of elegance, cultural richness, and perhaps a touch of melancholy associated with the opera's narrative. In the early 20th century, naming a perfume after a character from a beloved opera would have appealed to those who appreciated the arts and sought sophistication in their fragrance choices.

Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden c1934

Blue Grass by Elizabeth Arden, launched in 1934, is a fragrance steeped in the imagery of nature and the pastoral elegance of the American landscape. The name itself evokes the lush, rolling hills of Kentucky, where Arden’s prized racehorses grazed on the lush, verdant grasses that gave the state its reputation. "Blue Grass" refers to the blue-tinted grass native to Kentucky, known for its vibrant color when the morning dew catches the light. This name encapsulates the essence of the fragrance, transporting the wearer to expansive, open fields where the air is fresh, and the natural world is at its most pristine. The word "Blue Grass" stirs visions of green meadows dotted with wildflowers, open skies stretching to the horizon, and the sweet, earthy scent of freshly mown hay—a scent that feels both invigorating and soothing.

In 1934, the world was emerging from the Great Depression, and the 1930s marked a period of recovery and rebirth. This era, often referred to as the "Interwar Period," saw a shift toward simplicity, elegance, and a longing for fresh, clean air, both literally and figuratively. The Great Depression had left many seeking solace in nature, and Elizabeth Arden capitalized on this desire for purity and a connection to simpler times. The decade also saw the rise of the Art Deco movement, which celebrated bold lines and geometric shapes, yet Blue Grass harkened to a more natural, romantic aesthetic—an homage to the countryside rather than the mechanized world.

Women of the 1930s, particularly in America, would have related to Blue Grass in a way that tied them to both tradition and modernity. With a return to nature becoming an important cultural motif during the 1930s, Blue Grass spoke to the feminine ideals of purity, grace, and simplicity. The fragrance appealed to women who sought to embody elegance in a world that was still recovering from the shock of war and economic collapse. The freshness and natural beauty of Blue Grass gave women an olfactory escape into a world of wide-open spaces, evoking feelings of calm, renewal, and a sense of connection to the earth.

As a green floral fragrance, Blue Grass reflects the trends of the time by tapping into the fresh, botanical accords that were gaining prominence in the 1930s. This was a time when aldehydic florals, with their clean, bright opening notes, were beginning to dominate the perfume world, following the success of Chanel No. 5. However, while other fragrances leaned heavily on opulent florals or abstract aldehydic compositions, Blue Grass distinguished itself by embracing the natural world through its green, fresh notes. The fragrance opens with a dry, aldehydic freshness that immediately evokes the scent of clean, dew-kissed grass, like a walk through a dewy meadow at dawn. The top is crisp, clean, and slightly soapy, offering the unmistakable sense of freshness.

The heart of Blue Grass reveals its precious floral bouquet, blending delicate gardenia, hyacinth, and the fresh, sweet nuances of mock orange and mimosa. The soft, floral qualities of these notes are accented by the subtle bitterness of geranium leaves, giving the fragrance an intriguing edge. The fresh, herbaceous lift of lemongrass is balanced by the green, almost tart brightness of wet grass, which deepens the impression of walking in a garden after a summer rain. This floral heart is rich yet airy, as if inhaling the crisp, invigorating air of a countryside retreat.