
White Shoulders by Evyan is a floral fragrance for women that was launched in the 1940s. The perfume has a rich history and is considered an iconic, timeless scent. With its floral and musky notes, White Shoulders has graced the skin of many women and remains a popular choice even today. The perfume's creation dates back to a specific time in history and was influenced by the cultural and social climate of that era.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 1943, 1945 or 1949 |
| Brand | Evyan |
| Perfumer | Dr. Baron Walter Langer von Lagendorff |
| Fragrance Type | Eau de Cologne |
| Fragrance Family | Floral Aldehydes |
| Top Notes | Bergamot, Peach, Aldehydes, African Orange Blossom, Green Notes |
| Heart Notes | Gardenia, Lilac, Tuberose, Lily, Jasmine, Lily-of-the-Valley, Iris, Spices |
| Base Notes | Oakmoss, Civetta, Benzoin, Musk, Sandalwood, Amber |
| Longevity | 6 hours |
| Price | $9.99, $10, $3 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

White Shoulders by Evyan was launched in the 1940s
White Shoulders by Evyan is a timeless classic, a floral fragrance for women that was launched in the 1940s. The exact launch date is a little uncertain, with dates varying from 1943 to 1949, but it is most often cited as 1945.
The perfume was created by Dr. Baron Walter Langer von Lagendorff, the founder of the Evyan perfume company, and named after his beloved wife, Evelyn Diane. Evyan was originally known as Hartnell, and later, Lady Evyan. The company set out to create a magical American perfumery that wasn't affiliated with Paris, which was considered the only place for quality fragrances at the time. White Shoulders was one of the first successful luxury American perfumes, and it remains an iconic choice today.
The scent is a rich floral blend with a vintage feel, featuring notes of jasmine, gardenia, lily, and amber. It has a unique personality, with unmistakable notes of lilac, and a romantic, sensual character. The fragrance has a soft, delicate quality, with a warm, musky dry-down. It is a refined, feminine scent, and has been described as elegant, dainty, and sexy.
The perfume has been a signature scent for many women over the years, and it continues to be popular, with a presence in thrift shops, antiques markets, modern drugstores, and online. The packaging has remained largely the same, with its famous peach and lace design, and it is a familiar product to most American women. White Shoulders is an enduring classic, a true testament to the golden age of perfumery.
Shoulder Cologne and Perfume: Who's the Maker?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The perfume has changed hands and been reformulated
White Shoulders is a perfume for women that was first introduced in the 1940s. The perfume was created by Evyan, also known as Hartnell and Lady Evyan, and was later sold to Elizabeth Arden.
The perfume has changed hands several times over the years. Initially, the Evyan company was briefly called Hartnell, and some of the earliest bottles of White Shoulders were sold under this label. The company name was then changed to Lady Evyan, and later, simply Evyan, after Evelyn Diane Westall, the wife of company owner Dr Walter Langer. In more recent times, the perfume has been sold by Elizabeth Arden.
It seems that the formulation of the perfume has changed over time, too. Some reviewers note that the current formulation sold by Elizabeth Arden is not as good as the original Evyan version, with one reviewer claiming that the newer version is watered down. Another reviewer states that the perfume now contains synthetic chemicals instead of real essential oils, which affects the scent and how long it lasts on the skin.
The packaging of White Shoulders has also evolved. Originally, the perfume was packaged in round peach satin and cream lace powder-style boxes, with square bottles featuring vertical cut pinstripes and plain glass stripes. The bottles were topped with a stout round stopper and a peach satin bow and cord. Over time, the packaging changed to feature a feminine silhouette, which has become familiar to American women.
Despite the changes in ownership and formulation, White Shoulders remains a popular and iconic fragrance. It is known for its soft, floral scent with notes of peach, bergamot, African orange blossom, and jasmine. The perfume has graced the skin of many women and is considered a timeless classic.
Vanilla Extract: The Sweet Scent of Perfume
You may want to see also
Explore related products

It's a floral fragrance with aldehydes and sweet notes
White Shoulders by Evyan is a floral fragrance with aldehydes and sweet notes. It was launched in 1945, although some sources state it was introduced in 1943. The perfume has been described as having a "rich floral character" and a "refined, exquisitely feminine scent." It is said to be a true classic, having graced the skin of many women and remaining an iconic choice for sophisticated tastes.
The top notes of White Shoulders are aldehydes, African orange flower, green notes, peach, and bergamot. The middle notes are floral, including jasmine, gardenia, lily, tuberose, lilac, lily-of-the-valley, iris, and spices. The base notes are civet, oakmoss, musk, benzoin, sandalwood, and amber. The combination of these notes creates a unique and romantic fragrance with a warm, vintage sweetness.
The scent of White Shoulders has been described as soft, light, and faintly floral, with a hint of aldehydes. It has a vintage feel but smells younger than other perfumes from the same era. The perfume has received mixed reviews, with some people loving its timeless scent and others finding it too strong or not long-lasting. Some reviewers mentioned that the formula has changed over time, with newer versions being watered down or not lasting as long as the original.
White Shoulders has been a signature scent for many women, evoking feelings of sophistication, nostalgia, and femininity. It has been described as a versatile fragrance suitable for both day and night and has been worn by women of all ages. The perfume has also been noted to have a strong emotional connection, reminding some wearers of their grandmothers or mothers and the elegant, put-together ladies of their childhood.
Overall, White Shoulders by Evyan is a classic floral fragrance with aldehydes and sweet notes that has stood the test of time. While there may have been changes to its formula over the years, it continues to be a well-loved and iconic perfume that evokes a sense of grace, beauty, and timelessness.
Crafting Scents of Bravery: A Guide to Making Courageous Perfumes
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The scent is described as vintage yet fresh
White Shoulders by Evyan is a floral fragrance for women, first launched in the 1940s. The scent is described as vintage yet fresh, with a unique personality. It has top notes of juicy peach, crisp bergamot, African orange flower and aldehydes, and heart notes of gardenia, lilac, tuberose, lily, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, iris and spices. The base notes include oakmoss, civet, musk, sandalwood and amber.
The perfume has a rich history, dating back to the 1940s. It was created by Dr Walter Langer, who named it after his wife, Evelyn Diane Westall. The fragrance was designed to showcase American perfumery outside of Paris, which was considered the centre of quality fragrance production at the time. White Shoulders was positioned as a prime example of fine American perfumery, with all its ingredients sourced and produced in the USA.
The scent has been described as "joyful", with a fresh and sweet opening. The jasmine and tuberose notes create a shimmering, giddy start to the fragrance. The heart of the perfume, with its lilac, jasmine and rose notes, gives it a lush radiance. The gardenia accord is particularly prominent and adds a sweet touch to the scent.
Despite its vintage status, White Shoulders has a timeless quality. It is described as soft, delicate and feminine, with a creamy, floral scent. The perfume has a long-lasting impression, lingering for about six hours after application. It is a popular choice, receiving many compliments from wearers and those around them.
Over time, the formula for White Shoulders has changed hands and been reformulated, leading to differences in the scent over the years. The original fragrance is described as having a shorter ingredient list, and some believe that the current formula is watered down. However, the perfume remains an iconic choice, with a rich floral character and a refined, feminine scent.
Scented Laundry: Perfume in the Washing Machine?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$11.95 $12.99
$19.99 $24.99

It's inspired by classic French perfumes
White Shoulders by Evyan is a floral-powdery perfume that was first introduced in 1943. It has a rich floral character with notes of aldehydes, white flowers (including gardenia, jasmine, tuberose, lily-of-the-valley, lilac, lily and orris), and complex base notes (such as amber, benzoin, musk, civet and oak moss). The perfume has a vintage yet fresh scent compared to other fragrances from the same era.
The perfume is inspired by classic French perfumes and celebrates fragrant white flowers at their heart. The key floral notes include jasmine, lily, gardenia, lily of the valley, tuberose, and orris. The perfume has a soft floral and powdery scent, reminiscent of old-fashioned ladies' bathrooms. The base notes add depth and a touch of romance, with hints of civet, oakmoss, amber, benzoin, and musk.
The scent of White Shoulders is often associated with nostalgia and long-forgotten memories. It conjures images of rose petals on a windowsill, white lace curtains blowing in a summer breeze, and the sweet scent of French lilacs. The perfume has a timeless quality and has become a signature scent for many women across different generations.
White Shoulders has undergone reformulations over the years, and some believe that the original formula was superior. The vintage version is described as having a unique and creamy fragrance, while the modern formulation is said to be watered down and lacking in longevity. Despite the changes, White Shoulders remains a classic and iconic choice for women with sophisticated tastes.
The perfume has received numerous compliments for its scent, which is described as soft yet noticeable, and suitable for both young and old. It is often associated with romance and special occasions, evoking a sense of elegance and refinement. White Shoulders continues to be a beloved fragrance, with many cherishing their vintage bottles while others seek to recreate the original scent.
Steam Cleaning: Can It Remove Perfume Odor from Car Carpets?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
White Shoulders perfume was launched in the 1940s. The exact year is disputed, with sources citing 1943, 1945, and 1949 as potential launch dates.
White Shoulders was launched by the Evyan design house to prove that Americans could compete with European perfumers, particularly those in France.
White Shoulders has been described as a vintage yet fresh scent, with notes of rose, jasmine, and orange flower. It has been said to smell soapy and maternal.











































