Flacon de Sac Golden Ribbon Package (1947)

The Gold Ribbon Package from 1947 was a strikingly modern presentation that reflected both elegance and practicality. The perfume was housed in a slim, narrow, columnar bottle, its form accentuated with molded strap-like lines that lent a sense of structure and refinement. The bottle was topped with a ground glass stopper, carefully polished to harmonize with the sleek contours of the flacon, giving it a finished, luxurious appearance that underscored the meticulous craftsmanship associated with Parisian perfume design.

Newspaper advertisements from the period highlighted the allure and exclusivity of this packaging. A 1947 ad described it as “Lancome, the perfume with the golden touch,” emphasizing the combination of sophisticated design and the prestige of French manufacturing. Consumers could select from fragrances such as Qui Sait (Peut-Etre), Tropiques, and Bocages, each contained in a quarter-ounce bottle ideal for both daily wear and travel. The flacon came paired with a suede case, also made in France, which reinforced its high-end appeal while offering practical protection.

By 1948, the Gold Ribbon Package was further promoted as a “fascinating miniature crystal flacon” suitable for carrying in a purse, emphasizing portability alongside aesthetic charm. The line expanded to include additional fragrances—Fleches, Conquete, Peut-Être (Qui Sait), and Cuir—and each bottle was complemented with an exclusive French-made suede “petticoat,” available in fashionable shades to coordinate with accessories. This thoughtful combination of design, convenience, and luxury made the Gold Ribbon Package a standout example of mid-century perfume presentation, marrying style with functionality in a way that appealed to the discerning consumer.

 

By 1957, the Gold Ribbon bottle underwent a thoughtful redesign to better suit the modern woman on the go. The sleek, columnar form remained, maintaining the signature strap-like lines that gave the flacon its refined and structured appearance. However, the polished ground glass stopper was replaced with a secure screw cap, creating a more practical and travel-friendly version. This modification allowed the perfume to be safely carried in a purse without the risk of spills, reflecting both the changing lifestyles of women and the evolving emphasis on convenience alongside elegance.

This updated presentation became known as the "Envoy", a name suggesting mobility, portability, and modern sophistication. While retaining the minimalist, Parisian aesthetic of the original Gold Ribbon design, the Envoy combined functional innovation with stylish refinement. It continued to house the same exquisite fragrances—Bocages, Tropiques, Fleches, Conquete, Peut-Être, and Cuir—offering a versatile and elegant solution for perfume lovers who wanted beauty and practicality in equal measure. The Envoy exemplified Lancôme’s mid-century approach to design: blending artistry with usability, and luxurious craftsmanship with everyday functionality.