Cotillion is a fanciful name, it harks back to early American niceties and a social dance brought to America from France in 1772. It became hugely popular for young ladies to be debutantes at a Cotillion ball, therefore the name suggests gentility, innocence, youth and beauty.
It was released in 1934 (1) and was discontinued before 2006 (2). This is one of the earliest promotions from the late 1940s.
Such vintage charm displayed here. “Avon’s gay Cotillion fragrance has exciting newness”. It shows off Cotillions new packaging, a large gift set with embroidered effect bouquet on the front, bath oils and cream, and perfume in a satin lined box. It describes Cotillion as ‘flowery light’ and not rich, spicy or mellow like their other fragrances.
At bottom right we see a real customer and representative, who were always depicted wearing a small hat, demonstrating products. To modern eyes they look somewhat dowdy and serious.
This early 1960s ad shows a ‘rocker’ bottle at the front, powder puff set in the centre, cream sachet pot to the right of the rocker, body powder at the left, purse spray to the right of that. Having been released for around thirty years already, this was being called a classic.
It reads “A fragrance classic by Avon, an elegant scent that keeps the promise made by the enchanting pearly pink packaging. Avon’s Cotillion, dancing, entrancing blend of wood notes, rich amber, and florals, is one of the most esteemed fragrances”.
The light pink packaging is extremely feminine, with the white lid being shaped like a dot of cream on top.
By the late 1960s there is a dramatic colour change in the design. This packaging uses blue, aqua, lilac and white. The ‘perfumed pair’ gift set took the main colours of each brand and created a trendy swirling pattern. It is very hard to find Cotillion products after the 1970s, suggesting that it lost popularity. The most modern find is the 50th anniversary box.
In an elegant golden box, as it was the golden anniversary after all, this presumably came out around 1984.
The only real information about notes is from the advertising material, so I will do my best in assessing them.
Opening notes: Carnation and incense.
Middle notes: Iris.
Base notes: Sandalwood and amber.
This is like a waking dream, quite unique and original. I imagine the teenage debutante opening her first perfume, and walking on air as she dabbed this delicately onto her neck. This is warm, comforting, gentle and would be ideal at bedtime to induce a relaxed feeling.
Suited to: Spring and summer, light hearted and informal occasions.
Rating: I give this a silver medal for well recommended.
Price: Search for best price on eBay and etsy.
Who would wear this? Gentle souls who know serenity and purity when they smell it.
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