In 1952, Lancôme unveiled a limited edition perfume presentation called "Les Jumelés" (also referred to as "Les Jumelles")—a striking example of mid-century perfume artistry that fused clever visual design with linguistic wit. Created by Georges Delhomme, the celebrated artistic director of Lancôme, this now rare and highly collectible presentation brought together two of the house’s most beloved fragrances in one sculptural and symbolic display.
The name Les Jumelés translates from French as "The Twins," referencing both the dual perfume bottles and a visual pun on jumelles, the French word for binoculars. The design capitalized on this clever double meaning: the flacons were crafted to resemble a pair of compact binoculars, and the accompanying presentation box echoed the shape and structure of a binocular case. The presentation was meant as a "Day & Evening" perfume set, a lighter scent for day wear and a heavier scent perfect for evening.
Each bottle was made of pressed-molded, colorless glass, frosted to a soft satin finish. Standing 8 cm tall (approximately 3 1/8 inches), the bottles were designed to interlock at a slight diagonal when placed side by side, forming an elegant X shape—a striking symbol of unity and duality. Topped with cylindrical brass screw caps, the contrast between the matte glass and gleaming metal gave the design a subtle touch of modernism. Both bottles were embellished with gold metallized labels and tied together with a silk ribbon, reinforcing the theme of connection and twinning.
Les Jumelés typically paired Magie, Lancôme’s iconic floral-oriental fragrance, with either Trésor or Tropiques—two other major compositions from the house’s post-war portfolio. While the perfume pairings may have varied slightly, the concept remained consistent: two signature scents, offered as equals in an elegant union.
The presentation box further elevated the experience. Made of sturdy cardboard sheathed in polychrome printed paper, it was decorated with scenes of lush gardens, classical fountains, and stylized foliage, evoking a romantic, exotic ambiance. The oval box featured a ribbon handle at the top for easy carrying, completing the design with a gift-ready flourish that echoed the charm of a cherished accessory case.
More than just a container, Les Jumelés was a poetic expression of perfume as art. Delhomme’s design conveyed a story—one of elegance, balance, and duality—while showcasing Lancôme’s commitment to creating fragrance presentations that transcended their function. Today, this twin-bottle coffret stands as one of the most imaginative and sought-after treasures in Lancôme’s history, a testament to the golden age of perfume presentation.
No comments:
Post a Comment