In 1939, Carnation by Elizabeth Arden was introduced, and unlike many perfumes of the era, which often carried whimsical or abstract names, Arden chose a straightforward and descriptive title: Carnation. The name, taken directly from the flower it was meant to evoke, reflects both the simplicity and elegance of the perfume. The word "Carnation" comes from the Latin caryophyllus, meaning "clove," due to the flower’s clove-like scent. It instantly conjures images of fresh, velvety blooms in vibrant shades of pink, red, and white, filling the air with a spicy, floral aroma. Carnations, with their ruffled petals and fragrant, slightly peppery scent, have long been associated with love, admiration, and a sense of refined elegance.
For women in 1939, the name "Carnation" would have evoked the timeless beauty and grace of the flower itself, as well as a connection to the rich floral traditions in perfumery. Carnations were frequently used in both bouquets and corsages, often seen at weddings or as a symbol of admiration. The flower’s fragrance, a blend of spicy, sweet, and powdery notes, would have been familiar to those with a penchant for floral perfumes but also offered a subtle departure from the more delicate florals that were so popular. The perfume, therefore, would have felt both classic and modern—a tribute to a beloved flower, yet modernized with new fragrance innovations of the time.
Carnation by Elizabeth Arden was classified as a spicy floral fragrance for women, and its composition mirrored the trends of the 1930s while also nodding to the rich history of floral-based perfumes. The late 1930s saw a growing trend for floral fragrances enhanced with spicy or resinous notes, which helped to create a deeper, more complex scent. Perfumes like Carnation used spices such as clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg, drawing upon the natural richness and intensity of flowers like carnations. At the same time, the fragrance captured the sophisticated spirit of the times, as women were beginning to embrace bolder, more assertive fragrances, distinct from the light, ethereal florals of the past.
