Mi-Mai by Guerlain c1914

Mi-Mai by Guerlain, launched in 1914 and created by Jacques Guerlain, draws its name from a quintessentially French tradition. The name "Mi-Mai," pronounced "Mee-May," translates to "Mid-May" in English, reflecting the fragrance's homage to the early days of May. This period is particularly significant in French culture, as it marks the celebration of Labor Day on May 1st, a day when people traditionally exchange sprigs of muguet (lily of the valley) as symbols of good luck and renewal. The name evokes images of spring’s fresh beginnings and the delicate, bell-shaped blooms that symbolize this joyous time.

In the context of the perfume, Mi-Mai is classified as a green floral fragrance for women, capturing the essence of spring’s vitality. The scent is interpreted through its dominant notes of lily of the valley, which infuses the fragrance with a crisp, verdant freshness reminiscent of a garden in full bloom. This green quality is balanced with floral notes that evoke the delicate beauty and lightness of the muguet, intertwined with a subtly sweet and earthy undertone.

The time period of Mi-Mai’s launch, just before World War I, was characterized by a burgeoning appreciation for sophisticated, refined fragrances that mirrored the elegance and cultural richness of early 20th-century Europe. Lilies of the valley were highly prized in perfumery for their delicate, sweet scent and their symbolic association with purity and spring’s renewal. Guerlain, known for its meticulous sourcing of raw materials, would have procured these flowers from reputable growers in France, where the region's climate and soil conditions are ideal for cultivating such aromatic blooms.

The significance of Mi-Mai lies not only in its fragrant representation of a beloved French tradition but also in its encapsulation of the era's sensibilities, merging cultural symbolism with olfactory artistry. This connection to both tradition and nature provided a timeless appeal to women of the period, who would have appreciated the perfume’s homage to a cherished seasonal ritual.

Fragrance Composition:

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

• Top notes: jasmine, lily of the valley, rose, violet
• Middle notes: rose, lilac, jasmine, lily of the valley, ylang ylang and musk
• Base notes: suede and vanilla

Scent Profile:

Mi-Mai by Guerlain is a floral fragrance that beautifully captures the essence of a spring morning through its intricate blend of delicate and vibrant notes. As you first encounter this scent, the top notes immediately transport you to a lush garden in full bloom. The initial impression is a crisp, verdant burst of lily of the valley, its light and ethereal fragrance evoking a sense of fresh, dew-kissed flowers. 

This is followed by the creamy sweetness of jasmine, which adds a rich, velvety depth to the fragrance. The soft, romantic rose introduces a touch of classic elegance, while the subtle hint of violet adds a whisper of powdery sophistication, rounding out the opening notes with a gentle, refined touch.

As the fragrance evolves, the middle notes reveal a more complex bouquet. The rose continues to assert its presence, now joined by the fresh, slightly fruity nuances of lilac. This combination creates a fuller, more layered floral experience. Jasmine reemerges, intensifying the perfume’s luxurious quality, while the lily of the valley maintains its bright, green freshness throughout. The addition of ylang ylang brings a tropical sweetness that enhances the floral richness, and a soft musk subtly envelops these elements, adding a warm, sensual undertone that anchors the fragrance.

In the base notes, Mi-Mai transitions into a comforting, sophisticated finish. The suede lends a smooth, velvety texture, evoking the feeling of a soft, well-worn leather against your skin. This is beautifully complemented by the warm, creamy sweetness of vanilla, which wraps around the earlier floral notes, creating a harmonious and enduring finish. The blend of suede and vanilla provides a sense of depth and warmth, balancing the lightness of the floral notes with a rich, elegant base that lingers delicately.

Overall, Mi-Mai captures the essence of spring’s renewal through a sophisticated blend of floral and warm notes, offering a timeless, enchanting fragrance experience.

Bottles:

Presented in a ‘Bouchon Fleurs’ bottle (parfum) with a frosted stopper molded with flowers.

Parfum came in three sizes, prices quoted below were for c1941:

• 2 oz, $14.00 
• 4 oz, $20.00 
• 8 oz, $40.00 

  

Fate of the Fragrance:

Mi-Mai by Guerlain, launched in 1914, was discontinued by 1951. This fragrance, which had encapsulated the essence of springtime with its delicate floral notes, gradually faded from the market in the mid-20th century. Despite its discontinuation, Mi-Mai remained a cherished scent throughout its time, reflecting the enduring appeal of its finely crafted composition.

During its early years, Mi-Mai was celebrated for its evocative representation of the fresh, rejuvenating qualities of May, particularly the tradition of exchanging sprigs of lily of the valley, or muguet, on May Day. As the decades passed, the perfume maintained its status as a symbol of elegance and refinement. However, as trends and preferences in fragrance evolved, the classic floral notes that defined Mi-Mai eventually gave way to new formulations and styles.

By 1951, Mi-Mai had been officially discontinued, marking the end of an era for this particular scent. Though it was no longer available for purchase, its legacy lived on in the memories of those who had experienced its unique, seasonal charm. The discontinuation reflects the broader shifts in the perfume industry, where classics are often retired to make room for new creations that align with changing tastes and innovations in fragrance development.