Tabu by Dana c1932

Javier Serra, the founder of Les Parfums de Dana, chose to name two of his perfumes—Tabu and Totem—after Sigmund Freud's influential work Totem and Taboo, published in 1913. Freud’s book explored the psychological and cultural significance of totems and taboos in primitive societies, proposing that these concepts were fundamental to human behavior and the development of social structures. By naming his perfumes after this provocative text, Serra likely sought to evoke a sense of mystery, depth, and primal allure. Totem and Tabu both suggest powerful, elemental forces—symbols of belief, taboo, and ritual—that could be associated with deeply ingrained human instincts. The choice of these names suggests that Serra wanted his fragrances to evoke complex, emotional responses, tapping into the subconscious and exploring the intersection of civilization and the untamed, the familiar and the forbidden. These names not only connected his perfumes to intellectual and cultural themes but also positioned them as bold and evocative offerings in the competitive perfume market.

Tabu perfume by Dana, a legendary creation born in 1932, is a fragrance that has captured imaginations and provoked curiosity for decades. Conceived by the master perfumer Jean Carles, Tabu was the result of a unique and bold challenge: to craft a perfume so sensuous and provocative that it could be described as "un parfum de puta," or a perfume that a prostitute would wear. This brief from Dana's creative team was not merely to shock or titillate but to explore and embody a scent of raw, unapologetic sensuality—a scent that defied conventions and embraced the allure of forbidden passion.

Jean Carles, renowned for his ability to blend unconventional notes into harmonious compositions, approached this task with his characteristic flair. The resulting fragrance, Tabu, is a testament to his artistry and daring vision.

The creation of Tabu as "un parfum de puta" was a bold and provocative move, one that challenged the norms of its time. It was not merely about creating a scent that was overtly sensual but about capturing the essence of uninhibited passion and desire. Tabu was designed to evoke a world of forbidden allure, a world where societal boundaries are blurred, and sensuality reigns supreme. It is a fragrance that invites exploration and seduction, a scent that has become iconic for its rich, intoxicating blend of florals, spices, and earthy notes.

In this guide, as we delve into the sensual world of Tabu, we are not just exploring a fragrance but also a piece of history—a symbol of daring creativity and the timeless allure of passion. Tabu continues to captivate and enchant, a true testament to the enduring power of scent and the artistry of Jean Carles. Whether you are new to this classic fragrance or a longtime admirer, Tabu offers an experience that is as rich and complex as the emotions it evokes.

Platine by Dana c1938

Platine by Dana was launched in 1938 in France and reached the U.S. by 1939. The name Platine (pronounced pla-teen) comes from the French word for platinum, a precious metal known for its rarity, strength, and gleaming silvery-white appearance. By choosing this name, Dana aligned the fragrance with the luxury and exclusivity that platinum represents. The bottles themselves were designed to reflect this, with silvery foil flakes floating inside, mimicking the brilliant, refined qualities of platinum. This choice of name and packaging subtly communicated the fragrance's elegance, sophistication, and the high status associated with platinum.

But why would Dana choose platinum as an inspiration for a fragrance? Platinum, by its very nature, is rare and valuable, making it a fitting metaphor for a perfume meant to evoke a sense of luxury. At the time, platinum was often associated with wealth, power, and the elite, making it an aspirational element for those who sought a touch of opulence. Platinum jewelry reached its zenith during the Art Deco era. The word Platine itself evokes images of cool, gleaming surfaces, precious metals, and rare beauty, all qualities that would be desirable in a fragrance. Platinum's high value also made it an ideal symbol for a fragrance meant to appeal to the sophisticated, well-heeled women of the time. In Spanish-speaking countries, the fragrance was released as Platino, reinforcing its precious connotation.

The late 1930s and early 1940s were times of upheaval and transition, as World War II loomed on the horizon and Europe was in turmoil. For women, fashion was shifting from the extravagant styles of the late 1920s and early 1930s to the more restrained, practical outfits of wartime, but there was still a desire for luxury and escape through beauty products. The allure of a fragrance named Platine would have offered women a way to maintain a sense of glamour, sophistication, and escape, even in a world filled with uncertainty. Perfumes like Platine allowed women to connect with a sense of femininity and elegance, even in the midst of challenging times.

20 Carats by Dana c1933

First introduced in 1933, 20 Carats emerged as a follow-up to Parfums Dana's groundbreaking debut fragrance, Tabu, launched just a year prior. The name "20 Carats" evokes a sense of rarity, opulence, and unparalleled quality, referencing the term used to measure the purity of gold or the weight of gemstones. Derived from the French word "carat" (pronounced "kah-rah"), the name would resonate with sophistication and luxury, suggesting a fragrance of exceptional value. For Spanish-speaking markets, the name was translated as 20 Quilates, aligning with the local term for carats. Some bottles bear the dual or even triple branding of 20 Carats-20 Quilates-20 Ks, reflecting the global reach and multilingual adaptability of the fragrance.

The name "20 Carats" evokes images of gleaming gold, sparkling gemstones, and timeless elegance. It conjures emotions of aspiration and indulgence, offering a touch of refinement in a turbulent era. Launched during the depths of the Great Depression, the fragrance offered a slice of escapism and a promise of luxury during a time defined by economic hardship. This was the period of the early 1930s, characterized by a stark contrast between austerity and the enduring allure of glamour. Despite the financial strain, women clung to beauty and fashion as expressions of hope. Hollywood’s Golden Age popularized sleek gowns, fur accents, and intricate accessories, fueling the desire for affordable luxury like an elegant fragrance.

To women of the time, 20 Carats symbolized sophistication, aspiration, and confidence. Perfumes were an accessible indulgence, allowing women to express their femininity and individuality, even amid societal struggles. A name like "20 Carats" suggested not only beauty but also resilience—a sparkling reminder of one’s intrinsic worth.

  

Voodoo by Dana c1949

Launched in 1949, Voodoo by Dana was a fragrance designed to captivate and seduce, living up to its evocative name. For the European market, it was alternatively spelled Vudu, ensuring its mystique transcended language barriers. Subtitled "Perfume of the Night," the fragrance promised an intoxicating, spellbinding allure—an invitation into the world of the unknown, where passion and mystery reigned.

The name Voodoo was undoubtedly chosen to evoke a sense of exoticism, mysticism, and forbidden power. Originating from the West African Vodun religion, the term was later adapted into Haitian Voodoo, a syncretic spiritual practice combining African traditions with Catholic influences. Pronounced “VOO-doo” in English, the word itself stirs images of hypnotic drumbeats, ritualistic dances, and an almost supernatural hold over the senses. It conjures emotions ranging from intrigue to fear, from desire to the thrill of the unknown. By naming the perfume Voodoo, Dana tapped into these primal, magnetic associations, crafting an aura of seduction and enchantment around the scent.

The late 1940s marked a period of transition in the world. World War II had ended, and the world was shifting into a new era of prosperity and cultural evolution. The post-war years saw the rise of film noir, smoky jazz clubs, and a fascination with the exotic. Women’s fashion embraced both feminine elegance and a growing sense of independence—nipped waists, full skirts, and sensual silhouettes reflected both nostalgia and a renewed confidence. The name Voodoo would have intrigued women of this era, offering them an escape into a world of sultry mystery, an olfactory journey to distant lands filled with temptation and danger. It was a fragrance for the bold, the glamorous, and the unconventional—a scent designed to leave a lasting impression.