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

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.