Bridal Bouquet by Dana c1969

Bridal Bouquet by Dana, first launched in 1935 under the name "Ramilette de Novia" in Spanish-speaking countries, was relaunched in 1969 with the English name "Bridal Bouquet." The choice of this name carries a timeless association with weddings, purity, and the romantic imagery of a bride’s flower arrangement. The term "bridal bouquet" refers to the flowers carried by the bride on her wedding day, often composed of fresh, fragrant blooms chosen for their symbolism and beauty. The word "bridal" refers to anything related to a bride, while "bouquet" refers to a bunch of flowers, typically arranged in an elegant and visually pleasing way. When combined, "Bridal Bouquet" evokes images of innocence, celebration, love, and new beginnings—all feelings associated with a wedding day.

In 1969, a time of cultural change and fashion experimentation, Dana’s decision to reintroduce Bridal Bouquet under this evocative name was not coincidental. The late 1960s were marked by a shift toward both personal and social liberation, with trends that favored both elegance and simplicity in women’s fashion. The 1960s also saw the rise of the modern bride, someone who was more likely to choose an elegant, timeless wedding bouquet, perhaps made up of white flowers like lilies, roses, and orchids, which symbolize purity, love, and commitment. The flower imagery tied to weddings perfectly complemented the ideals of this era—romantic, hopeful, and forward-looking.

The name Bridal Bouquet aligned well with the cultural ethos of the 1960s, a time when floral scents were in high demand, especially for women’s fragrances. Florals were seen as the epitome of femininity and grace, and a scent called Bridal Bouquet would resonate strongly with women of the time who desired a perfume that represented these qualities. The association with weddings, romance, and the purity of fresh flowers would have appealed to women looking for a fragrance that was elegant, fresh, and sophisticated—traits often desired in both the ideal bride and the ideal fragrance.

Dana Perfume Tester Racks

Great looking tester racks for Dana perfumes, made up of black Bakelite. Perfumes shown are: Emir, Tabu, 20 Carats, Platine, and Ambush

Kali by Dana c1943

Kali by Dana was introduced in 1943, a time when the world was engulfed in the turmoil of World War II. In the midst of such chaos, the choice of the name "Kali" is particularly evocative, as it draws from the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology. The name Kali originates from the Sanskrit word "kāla," which means "black" or "time," and it is associated with the Hindu goddess Kali, a figure often depicted in duality. On one hand, she embodies destruction and darkness, famously known for slaying demons and symbolizing the fierce aspects of feminine power. On the other hand, she is revered as a compassionate mother-goddess, a protector who aids her devotees. This duality evokes a spectrum of emotions—from fear and awe to comfort and nurturing—making the name Kali both powerful and complex.

In terms of scent, Kali was classified as an oriental fragrance, a category known for its warmth and exotic depth. The name itself conjures images of rich, dark spices, velvety florals, and sensual woods, capturing the essence of both the goddess's fierce nature and her nurturing side. American women of the time, navigating a world shaped by war, may have been drawn to this fragrance not only for its aromatic qualities but also for its symbolic connotations. Kali would have offered an escape, a touch of the exotic, and a reminder of the strength inherent in femininity.

Ambush by Dana c1955

Launched in 1955, Ambush by Dana is a fragrance that stands out not only for its composition but also for its provocative name. The choice of the name "Ambush" is intriguing, as it evokes strong imagery and emotions. The word "ambush" is derived from the French word embuscade, which refers to a surprise attack, often sudden and unexpected. The term carries a sense of stealth, tension, and unpredictability. It conjures images of something hidden, poised to strike, which contrasts with the more traditional, romantic names often chosen for perfumes. By naming their fragrance Ambush, Dana may have been looking to evoke a sense of allure, mystery, and sudden intrigue, inviting the wearer to embrace a bold and unexpected persona.

The 1950s was a transformative decade in many ways, particularly in the realms of fashion, culture, and perfume. It was a period marked by post-war optimism, the rise of youth culture, and an era of conspicuous consumption. This time was characterized by a resurgence of femininity in fashion, with Christian Dior’s "New Look" (1947) continuing to dominate the style of the early 1950s—full skirts, fitted waists, and an emphasis on hourglass silhouettes. Women’s clothing, though elegant and refined, began to evolve as the decade wore on, with designers like Pierre Cardin and Jacques Fath introducing more youthful and casual styles that embraced the growing demand for more freedom in movement and expression.

Emir by Dana c1935

Emir by Dana was launched in 1935 in France, a decade defined by the pursuit of elegance and escape. The world was still in the throes of the Great Depression, and the opulent fantasy of the East captivated the imagination of the West. Perfume houses, ever attuned to cultural fascinations, often turned to exoticism to craft fragrances that transported the wearer to distant lands of wealth, intrigue, and splendor. Emir was Dana’s answer to this longing for luxury—a scent steeped in mystery, inspired by the grandeur of the Persian courts, and designed to evoke the golden age of perfumery.

The name Emir was a deliberate and evocative choice. Derived from Arabic (أمير, pronounced “ay-MEER”), the word means “prince” or “commander.” It carries connotations of nobility, power, and a lineage of rulers who presided over grand courts filled with silks, jewels, and, most importantly, exquisite fragrances. Dana’s founder, Javier Serra, understood that perfume was more than a scent—it was a gateway to fantasy. A 1949 newspaper article recounted how Dana sought inspiration in the courts of Persian Emirs, where perfume was not merely a luxury but a treasure, a gift worthy of royalty. It was whispered that a fragrance bearing the Emir’s name could work magic, weaving an aura of enchantment around its wearer. "You can almost believe, as you wear the Emir’s perfume, that at night—anything can happen."

Women of the United States had to visit Cuban shops in order to obtain the perfume, which was unavailable in America at that time. By the time Emir was introduced to the American market in 1939, the world had endured the devastation of the Great Depression, which ushered in a period of both uncertainty and hope. Women, many of whom had to economize or do without, hungered for beauty, for indulgence, for the ability to dream again. A perfume named Emir would have embodied these desires, offering a touch of the exotic, a return to old-world grandeur, and a sense of opulence that had been missing for years.