Velivole by LT Piver c1910

 Launched by L.T. Piver in the early 1910s, Velivole is a fragrance that evokes a sense of freedom, lightness, and elegance. The name Velivole is derived from the French word “véloce,” meaning swift or quick, combined with a sense of flight or soaring. Pronounced “veh-lee-VOH-luh,” it encapsulates the spirit of effortless grace and the thrill of motion. In layman’s terms, Velivole suggests something that moves with elegance and fluidity, like a bird taking flight or the graceful passage of a cloud across the sky. This name would have brought to mind images of airy, untethered freedom and an almost weightless beauty.

The perfume was released during a period known as the Belle Époque, a time of great cultural flourishing in France that spanned the late 19th century into the early 20th century. The Belle Époque era was marked by a sense of optimism, technological advancements, and a refined aesthetic in fashion, art, and design. Women of this period embraced softer, more natural forms of beauty, celebrating lightness in both clothing and perfume. Corsets gave way to looser, more graceful silhouettes, and fashion emphasized the delicate and feminine. Velivole, as a fragrance, would have aligned perfectly with these ideals, offering an olfactory expression of the elegance and fluidity that defined the era.

The name Velivole itself invites associations with the airy, light qualities of a floral fragrance. Its composition likely balanced soft, ethereal florals with hints of freshness, evoking a sense of natural beauty as if plucked from a garden kissed by the breeze. For women of the time, this scent would have symbolized refinement, offering a connection to the modernist ideals of the period while maintaining the delicate femininity that was so coveted. The fragrance’s association with flight and freedom would have appealed to women who sought to express their independence and sophistication through their scent—allowing them to embody the elegance and grace of the times while embracing a new era of beauty and self-expression.

In Velivole, one can almost sense the flutter of petals caught in the wind, as if the very essence of flight and freedom was captured in the bottle, perfectly attuned to the evolving trends and desires of women in the early 20th century.

The Illustrated London News, 1913:

"VELIVOLE possesses those rare qualities that please the most fastidious taste, and it is a great favourite with Smart Parisiennes. In gold-engraved bottles and wrapped tightly in silver jackets."

A 1923 advertisement for Velivole by L.T. Piver presents an evocative and poetic image of the fragrance, capturing the essence of its allure. The ad introduces Velivole with the words, "With such strange arts this flower did allure, That its rich odeur cast a secret spell," immediately evoking the sense of a mysterious, almost magical scent. The reference to the "brown bee, the lily's paramour," further emphasizes the fragrance's enchanting qualities, suggesting that even nature itself is drawn to the perfume's irresistible charm.

The verse goes on to describe how the fragrance’s captivating scent was so otherworldly that it seemed "stolen from some heavenly Arcady." Here, the mention of Arcady—a reference to the idyllic and mythical Arcadia—suggests that Velivole transcends the ordinary, drawing its qualities from a utopian, divine realm. This idea of the perfume being something beyond earthly experiences would have spoken to the romantic ideals of the early 20th century, when art, nature, and spirituality were often intertwined in a search for beauty and transcendence.

The words "rich odeur" (rich fragrance) and "secret spell" conjure an air of mystery, evoking a scent that is both luxurious and elusive, a fragrance that beguiles and entrances. The idea of a perfume that possesses such potent, almost otherworldly power would resonate deeply with women of the time, who were fascinated by the concept of fragrance as not just a scent, but a means of evoking emotion, mystery, and allure.

In essence, the advertisement for Velivole taps into the romantic ideals of the early 20th century, positioning the fragrance not simply as a product, but as an experience—a seductive and enchanting essence that transports those who wear it to a higher plane of beauty and allure. It suggests that Velivole is more than a perfume, but a work of art, meant to captivate the senses and elevate the wearer into the realm of divine grace and charm. This poetic, almost mythological approach to marketing was a reflection of the romanticism and escapism that defined much of the period's aesthetic sensibilities.

 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: neroli, geranium, geranyl formate 
• Middle notes: rose, jasmine, heliotropin
• Base notes: amber, sandalwood, vanillin, terpineol  

 

Scent Profile:

The fragrance opens with a radiant burst of neroli, its sweet, honeyed brightness sparkling like sunlight on a tranquil morning. Beneath its citrusy glow lies a soft floral undercurrent, both green and subtly waxy, reminiscent of orange blossoms in full bloom. Geranium follows with a rosy sharpness, its crisp, verdant aroma offering a hint of coolness, as if brushing against freshly crushed leaves. Geranyl formate ties the opening together with a seamless blend of green and floral facets, its fruity brightness adding an unexpected, cheerful sweetness that lifts the senses like a light breeze.

The heart of Vélivole reveals a delicate floral bouquet, tender and timeless. The rose blooms first, soft and velvety, its slightly dewy and honeyed scent evoking an air of quiet romance. Jasmine unfolds alongside it, its creamy, white petals lending an exotic richness. The fragrance is further softened by heliotropin, which imparts a powdery, almond-like sweetness, wrapping the florals in a gentle, almost confectionary warmth. Together, these notes create a comforting embrace that feels like the caress of soft petals against the skin.

As the florals recede, the base introduces a velvety warmth that lingers like a golden sunset. Amber casts a glowing aura, resinous and lightly sweet, infusing the composition with depth and a whisper of mystery. Sandalwood contributes a creamy, woody smoothness, its sacred, meditative quality grounding the fragrance in serenity. Vanillin introduces a gentle touch of vanilla sweetness, soft and gourmand, like the faint memory of a beloved dessert. Finally, terpineol adds an herbal, slightly pine-like freshness, balancing the warmth with a subtle, cool clarity.

Vélivole’s journey is one of elegant simplicity—a harmonious flight through light florals, soft warmth, and gentle sweetness, leaving a serene and timeless impression.

Bottles:

Velivole by L.T. Piver was more than just a fragrance; it was a complete line of luxurious beauty products that captured the essence of sophistication and refinement. The range included not only parfum and eau de toilette but also hair lotion, bath salts, face powder, concentrate essences, soap, rouge, sachets, face cream, and talc—each item designed to envelop the user in the elegance of the Velivole experience. The breadth of the line was a testament to the aspirational lifestyle that the fragrance brand aimed to offer, creating an entire beauty ritual for those who indulged in its products.

The parfum and hair lotion were presented in an exquisite clear crystal flacon manufactured by the renowned Baccarat, with model number 75. This oval-shaped bottle, measuring approximately 3 inches by 1.5 inches by 3 inches (7cm x 4cm x 8cm), was meticulously crafted with a level of artistry that reflected the era's fascination with decorative elegance. The bottle’s surface was adorned with gilded etching in the Empire style, a nod to the neoclassical designs that were so revered at the time. The name Velivole was etched inside a braided cartouche, lending the bottle a regal and refined appearance. The bottle was completed with a ground glass stopper in an ovoid shape, its top meticulously cut with a sunburst design, enhancing its visual appeal and creating a sense of radiance and elegance.

To further emphasize the luxurious nature of the Velivole line, the bottle was housed in a stunning blue Morocco leather-covered wooden presentation box, shaped like a boundary stone. This box was not only functional but also a piece of art, providing a fitting storage space for such an opulent item. The attention to detail was also reflected in the packaging of the face powder, which was housed in a matching oval-shaped blue leather box, completing the set and reinforcing the idea of a cohesive, high-end beauty experience.

In an era that valued elegance and refinement, Velivole’s packaging and presentation were just as important as the products themselves. The Baccarat crystal flacons, adorned with gilded details, symbolized an era of sophisticated beauty rituals, where fragrance and personal care were elevated to an art form. Collectors and connoisseurs of vintage perfumes today cherish these beautiful objects not only for their historical significance but also for their intricate craftsmanship, making Velivole a truly timeless treasure.

 

 

 

The Fate of the Fragrance:

Velivole was launched in 1910 by L.T. Piver, a fragrance house known for its luxurious offerings, and remained available until its discontinuation in 1933. Over the years, the Velivole line evolved to include not only the signature perfume but also a wide array of personal care products, including hair lotions, bath salts, face powders, sachets, and creams. This extensive line was considered a symbol of elegance and refinement, mirroring the beauty and opulence of the early 20th century. However, as time passed, these items became rare relics of a bygone era. Today, the Velivole line is regarded as an exquisite collection that draws interest from various niche collectors, such as those devoted to antique perfumery, Baccarat crystal, and early 20th-century art.

The Velivole perfume itself, housed in Baccarat crystal flacons, is especially prized by collectors. Baccarat, known for its impeccable craftsmanship and luxurious designs, created the flacons with intricate gilded etchings in the Empire style. These pieces of crystal artistry, etched with ornate designs and names like Velivole, have become highly sought after, not only for their functionality but for their beauty and connection to an era of elegance. Finding a complete Velivole set, with its original packaging and intact crystal flacons, is a rare occurrence. For those with an eye for antique beauty, Velivole represents a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, fragrance, and history, which makes each piece in the collection a rare find.

Collectors who are fortunate enough to come across any Velivole items are advised to seize the opportunity. As one of the rarest fragrance lines of the early 20th century, Velivole offers a glimpse into the opulent world of turn-of-the-century perfume, with its carefully crafted bottles and luxurious formulations. The Baccarat flacon, in particular, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the time, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of antique perfumery or crystal. The scarcity and enduring allure of Velivole only increase its value over time, and for those dedicated to preserving these delicate pieces of history, the search for these long-lost treasures remains both a rewarding pursuit and a testament to the elegance of a previous era.