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.
