Subtilite by Houbigant: launched in 1920.
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I have no published notes on the perfume, I would need a sample to give you an idea of what it smells like.
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Subtilite's pure parfum was housed in a beautiful Baccarat crystal bottle that was in the shape of a Buddha, topped with a brass ring. The perfume was presented in a black silk faille covered box, trimmed with gilding and lined with red silk. The box has an elegant arched shape with two doors. The Buddha bottle holds 2.5 oz of parfum and originally sold for $12.50 in 1925.
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Other Baccarat bottles were used to contain the fragrance such as the one below, tall, ovoid shape with rectangular base, arched shoulders, with a gilded oval stopper. This bottle was available in four sizes: 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz, and 2 oz.
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However, the figural Buddha bottle seems to be the most coveted and commands high prices when introduced into the marketplace.
It is interesting to note that when it was first introduced, the perfume in the Buddha flacon retailed for $12.50, but by 1933, it sold as low as $3.00. By 1944, it seems it may have been discontinued.
Fragrance Composition:
- Top notes:
- Middle notes:
- Base notes:
Bottle:
Subtilite's pure parfum was housed in a beautiful Baccarat crystal bottle that was in the shape of a Buddha, topped with a brass ring. The perfume was presented in a black silk faille covered box, trimmed with gilding and lined with red silk. The box has an elegant arched shape with two doors. The Buddha bottle holds 2.5 oz of parfum and originally sold for $12.50 in 1925.
Other Baccarat bottles were used to contain the fragrance such as the one below, tall, ovoid shape with rectangular base, arched shoulders, with a gilded oval stopper. This bottle was available in four sizes: 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz, and 2 oz.
However, the figural Buddha bottle seems to be the most coveted and commands high prices when introduced into the marketplace.
Fate of the Fragrance:
It is interesting to note that when it was first introduced, the perfume in the Buddha flacon retailed for $12.50, but by 1933, it sold as low as $3.00. By 1944, it seems it may have been discontinued.