Emir by Dana c1935

Emir by Dana: launched in 1935 in France,  it was introduced to the USA in 1947.. Created by perfumer Jean Carles. It was renamed "Califa" when exported to Spanish speaking countries.


The perfume was created in Paris and from the inspiration of fabulous Persia and blended from imported Oriental essences. The name comes from an ancient title of Eastern Nobility. Just as the name suggests, it is mysterious and romantic. Emir takes on varied and exciting tones with each individual.

 "Because of this completely new perfume, you dare to dream again"

A 1949 newspaper article mentions that Dana traveled to the courts of the Persian Emirs in search of an inspiration for a new perfume, one that would remind a woman of the great perfume masterpieces of old and would allow them to dream again, after being oppressed by the War. He knew only one place on earth that would have that secret fragrance. Dana knew that there, amid untold luxury, the most coveted gift of all was a vial of fragrance so precious it bore the prince's name...Emir. There were those who vowed this perfume did magic things. "You can almost believe, as you wear the Emir's perfume, that night - anything can happen."

By 1943, Emir was available in the following:

3/8 oz Parfum

1/2 oz Parfum

1 oz Parfum

3 oz Parfum

2 oz Cologne

4 oz Cologne

16 oz Cologne

32 oz Cologne

2 2/3 oz Locion (Lotion)

5 1/2 oz Locion (Lotion)

Emir was available in the following forms:

• Cologne
• Perfume
• Body Sachet Powder
• Solid Cologne
• Dusting Powder

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a woody leathery chypre fragrance for women. I had a very old bottle of this a few years ago and wrote down what notes I detected as there are no published notes anywhere that I could find. It is an unearthly scent, a heavy, spice laden Oriental, with a touch of Spring like freshness of clean soapy notes. Dana's treasure of a fragrance, Emir is like something out of the Arabian Nights. In the simplest of terms: a chypre type, warm, woody-mossy-leafy-spicy.

• Top notes: aldehydes, citronella, lemongrass, bergamot, camphor
• Middle notes: coriander, Bulgarian rose, iris, ylang ylang, frankincense, jasmine, carnation, galbanum, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, lily of the valley,
• Base notes: orris, incense, vanilla, labdanum, tolu balsam, leather, musk, sandalwood, benzoin, patchouli, oakmoss, vetiver, cedar, civet, ambergris

Period Advertisements:

Sales Management, 1947:

"In perfumes, the Paris creation, Emir, with matching cologne, is being introduced this month by Consolidated Cosmetics & Dana Perfumes."

A 1947 newspaper ad:

"Dana's great triumph abroad is now here! EMIR. Reminiscent of the night a Persian Emir chose his queen as different from all other perfumes as you are from all other women."

Home Journal, Volume 106, 1952:

"Dana knew that here, amid untold luxury, the most coveted gift of all was a vial of a fragrance so precious it bore the prince's name . . . Emir. Not even the most assured women at the Court dared to ask for this fabulous perfume...$2.75 to $35.00"

Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued in 1975.

RSS Feed Widget