Cyprisine, launched by Guerlain in 1894 and created by Aimé Guerlain, carries a name that evokes a sense of elegance and timeless beauty. The word "Cyprisine" is derived from the name Cyprus, rooted in French ("Chypre"), which is historically linked to the island where Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, was said to have emerged. The name "Cyprisine" draws on this mythological heritage, symbolizing an air of romance, allure, and femininity. It would have immediately conjured images of classical beauty, the Mediterranean, and the divine presence of Aphrodite herself. Women of the Belle Époque would have likely interpreted Cyprisine as a fragrance of sophistication, embodying grace, sensuality, and mystery.
In scent, Cyprisine would be experienced as both earthy and ethereal. As a chypre fragrance, it followed a traditional formula of blending citrus top notes with a heart of florals and a mossy, resinous base. Chypre perfumes are characterized by their unique contrast between fresh and warm, bright and dark, making them both timeless and compelling. Women of the late 19th century, emerging in an age of luxury and artistry, would have appreciated the rich complexity of this fragrance. The name Cyprisine would evoke visions of lush Mediterranean landscapes, warm breezes, and the soft fragrance of forested hillsides, giving a sense of escape and elegance.
The Belle Époque, the period in which Cyprisine was introduced, was an era of opulence, where art, fashion, and luxury goods flourished. Perfume was an essential accessory for women during this time, and Guerlain was at the forefront of creating sophisticated, high-quality scents. While many fragrances of the time focused on florals, such as violet and rose, chypre perfumes stood out for their depth and multifaceted composition. Cyprisine, with its chypre structure, would have been unique and daring compared to the more straightforward floral compositions popular in the 1890s, appealing to women who desired something bold, distinctive, and grounded in nature.
A chypre fragrance is built on a traditional accord of three key components: citrus, typically bergamot, at the top; a heart of floral or fruity notes; and a base of earthy, resinous notes like oakmoss, labdanum, and patchouli. This creates a beautifully balanced contrast between light and dark, where fresh citrus evolves into a warm, woody dry down. Chypres were among the most sophisticated of fragrance families, offering a long-lasting and elegant profile that felt luxurious and rich.