Lance Carson
White Shoulders is a perfume by Evyan, launched sometime between 1943 and 1949. It was created to showcase American perfumery and compete with European fragrances during World War II, when patriotism was high and Americans wanted to spend their luxury dollars at home. White Shoulders has a unique scent, described as a mix of floral, soapy, and musky notes. It has been a popular fragrance for women since its release, with a distinct vintage yet fresh smell compared to other perfumes of its time. The perfume has changed hands over the years, with later versions produced by Elizabeth Arden, and can be found in both vintage and new formulations in various markets and online.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launched by | The design house of Evyan |
| Launched in | 1940s (dates vary from 1943 to 1949) |
| Marketed as | A prime example of fine American perfumery |
| Price | $3 at a time when many "fine" perfumes were priced at $1 |
| Scent | Light, faint florals, soapy musk, aldehydes, lilac, rose, makeup, dry-cleaned laundered clothes, peach |
| Packaging | Peach and lace, later with a feminine silhouette |
| How to identify vintage bottles | Bottles with the name Evyan stamped on the glass bottle, not just the label; older bottles may have a pink or gold cap |
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What You'll Learn
White Shoulders was launched by Evyan in the 1940s
White Shoulders is a women's fragrance that was launched by Evyan in the 1940s. The perfume house was briefly called Hartnell before it was renamed Lady Evyan and later, Evyan, after Evelyn Diane Westall, the wife of company owner Dr Walter Langer.
The perfume was launched during World War II, a time when patriotism was high in the United States. With prices initially set at around $3, White Shoulders was more expensive than other perfumes of its time, which typically cost around $1. Despite this, it became popular and remains so today, with both vintage and new formulations available in thrift shops, antiques markets, modern drugstores, and online.
White Shoulders is described as having a vintage yet fresh scent compared to other perfumes from the 1940s. It has been described as a light, faintly floral fragrance with soapy musk and aldehydes. Some have also compared the scent to that of rosy, makeupy, dry-cleaned laundered clothes with a hint of chemicals. The perfume has been praised for its longevity, with some reviewers noting that it lasts for hours.
White Shoulders is considered an iconic fragrance and has been a favourite of many, including their grandmothers and mothers. The perfume has been marketed with a peach and lace design and later, a feminine silhouette. The original bottles featured a pink cap and the name Evyan stamped on the glass bottle, not just the label.
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The fragrance was meant to showcase American perfumery
The iconic White Shoulders perfume has a long and fascinating history, and its creation was a significant moment for American perfumery. Launched in 1945 by Evyan, a New York-based perfume company, White Shoulders was created to celebrate and showcase the sophistication and elegance of American perfumery on the world stage. At the time of its release, French perfumes dominated the market, and Evyan sought to create a signature scent that would rival the French offerings and establish an American presence in the fine fragrance industry.
The fragrance was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using only the finest ingredients available. It featured a complex blend of floral notes, including lush gardenias, delicate lilies, and exotic jasmine, creating an elegant and sophisticated aroma. The perfume's name, White Shoulders, was inspired by the sleek and graceful lines of women's evening gowns, emphasizing the beauty and glamour of the time. The perfume's packaging also reflected this, with its distinctive and elegant white bottle, showcasing a simple yet timeless design.
White Shoulders quickly became a symbol of American luxury and sophistication. It captured the essence of post-war America, offering a sense of glamour and escapism to women across the country. The perfume's success was immediate and enduring, with women embracing the sophisticated and feminine scent as their signature fragrance. Its popularity led to an entire range of White Shoulders products, including bath oils, powders, and soaps, all of which became highly sought-after.
The impact of White Shoulders on the perfumery industry was significant. It not only challenged the French dominance in the market but also raised the profile of American perfumery, demonstrating that American fragrances could compete with their European counterparts in terms of quality and sophistication. The success of White Shoulders inspired other American perfumers to create their own unique fragrances, leading to a flourishing of the American perfumery industry.
Today, White Shoulders remains an iconic and timeless fragrance, beloved by perfume enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Its creation was a pivotal moment in the history of American perfumery, and its influence can still be felt today. The fragrance continues to embody the elegance, glamour, and sophistication that it was created to showcase, serving as a testament to the expertise and artistry of American perfumers.
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It has a unique scent, described as floral and soapy
White Shoulders is a unique fragrance with a scent that can be described as floral and soapy. It was first launched by the design house of Evyan in the 1940s, with dates varying from 1943 to 1949. The perfume has a vintage feel yet smells fresh compared to other scents from the same era. It has a light, faint floral scent with a soapy musk and a hint of aldehydes, making it an easy-to-wear and inoffensive fragrance.
The top notes of White Shoulders are said to have violet ionones, with bittersweet lilac indoles that are reminiscent of vintage lipstick. The fragrance also has a hint of peach and a soapy quality, like picking peaches and washing your hands with finely milled soap. It brings to mind the image of walking through an orchard of blossoming trees and looking out at a gardenia tree and lilac bushes.
The original White Shoulders perfume was produced by Evyan, with later versions created by Elizabeth Arden. The perfume has a rich history, dating back to World War II when feelings of patriotism were high in America. With prices initially set around $3, White Shoulders was more expensive than other "fine" perfumes of its time. Despite this, it gained immense popularity and became an iconic fragrance.
Today, White Shoulders is still a well-loved perfume, with many people cherishing its scent and nostalgic value. It can be found in various formulations, from vintage bottles in antique markets to modern drugstores and online shops. The vintage perfume is identifiable by the name Evyan "stamped on the glass bottle, rather than just on the label".
Overall, White Shoulders has a unique floral and soapy scent that has captivated wearers for decades. Its longevity and popularity are a testament to its pleasant fragrance and iconic status.
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The perfume is still popular today, with vintage bottles available
White Shoulders perfume, first launched in the 1940s, remains popular today, with vintage bottles available. The fragrance was created by the design house of Evyan (also known as Hartnell, Lady Evyan, and later, just Evyan) to showcase American perfumery and compete with European fragrances. With its unique scent, iconic packaging, and Hollywood marketing, White Shoulders became an enduring symbol of fine perfumery.
The perfume has a distinct vintage fragrance that evokes a range of intriguing images and sensations. Some describe it as a light, faint floral scent with soapy musk and aldehydes, while others detect hints of roses, makeup, dry-cleaned clothes, and chemicals. The perfume has been compared to the scent of vintage lipstick and blossoming orchards, creating a pleasing and gentle aroma.
Over the years, White Shoulders has been reformulated, with some noting that the scent has been watered down by Elizabeth Arden, who acquired the brand from Evyan. Despite this, the perfume remains widely available, and vintage bottles can be found in thrift shops, antiques markets, modern drugstores, and online. The vintage versions are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, who appreciate the unique scent and the nostalgia it evokes.
Identifying vintage White Shoulders can be a challenge due to the changes in packaging over the years. Older bottles may have a pink cap or a gold top, and the name ""Evyan" stamped on the glass bottle rather than just the label. The original formula is said to have a shorter ingredient list, and the scent may be stronger and more complex than newer batches.
Today, White Shoulders remains a popular choice for those seeking a classic, affordable fragrance. With its long history and unique scent, it continues to captivate wearers and collectors alike, serving as a timeless reminder of the golden age of American perfumery.
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Elizabeth Arden later took over production from Evyan
White Shoulders is a popular fragrance that was first launched by the design house of Evyan in the 1940s. The perfume was positioned as a prime example of fine American perfumery, with its production strictly limited to the USA. This was particularly significant during World War II, as Americans felt a sense of patriotism and chose to spend their luxury dollars on domestic products.
Over time, White Shoulders changed hands from Evyan to Elizabeth Arden, the current producer. Despite this transition, the packaging has remained consistent, featuring peach and lace designs and a feminine silhouette that is familiar to most American women.
Some customers have expressed disappointment with the reformulation by Elizabeth Arden, claiming that the scent has been watered down compared to the original Evyan version. However, others continue to appreciate the fragrance, even if they notice differences between the vintage and newer formulations.
For those seeking the vintage White Shoulders, there are a few clues to identifying the original Evyan perfume. The earliest bottles may have a pink cap, and the name ""Evyan" should be stamped into the glass bottle, not just on the label. Additionally, older bottles may have a shorter ingredient list, simply stating "alcohol, fragrance, water" instead of the longer lists seen on modern labels.
Despite the changes in production and formulation, White Shoulders remains an iconic fragrance that is widely available in both vintage and new formulations through various retailers.
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Frequently asked questions
White Shoulders is a perfume that was launched by the design house of Evyan in the 1940s. It was meant to showcase that American perfumery could compete with European fragrances.
The scent of vintage White Shoulders has been described as "rosy, makeupy, dry-cleaned laundered clothes, with a hint of chemicals". It has also been likened to "walking through an orchard of blossoming trees, picking peaches, and washing the sap and fuzz off your hands with finely milled soap".
Vintage White Shoulders perfumes will be bottled under the Hartnell or Evyan label. Older bottles may have a pink cap, and the name Evyan should be stamped into the glass bottle, not on the label. The ingredient list will also be shorter, with only a few items such as "alcohol, fragrance, water".
Vintage White Shoulders can be found in thrift shops, antiques markets, modern drugstores, and online. It is also available on eBay, where you can find a variety of vintage bottles at reasonable prices.
