Jacques Fath's choice of the name Fath's Love for his 1961 fragrance carries a blend of personal and emotional significance. The name, which directly associates the fragrance with its creator, Jacques Fath, conveys a sense of personal affection and intimate connection. The term "Fath's Love" combines Fath’s surname with the universal emotion of love, suggesting a fragrance that embodies the designer's heartfelt expression and devotion to his craft. In essence, the name positions the perfume as a deeply personal and cherished creation, resonating with feelings of romance and admiration.
The phrase "Fath's Love" evokes imagery of a timeless, romantic sentiment, suggesting a fragrance that is both passionate and sophisticated. It conjures visions of classic love letters, elegant gestures, and the enduring allure of a well-crafted romance. This emotional resonance is further reflected in the perfume's composition, which is rich and multifaceted, designed to captivate and enchant. The name implies a scent that is not only luxurious but also deeply evocative, intended to evoke feelings of affection and admiration in those who encounter it.
In terms of its scent profile, Fath's Love can be interpreted as a fragrant embodiment of passion and sophistication. As a rich floral chypre with dominant spice and pepper notes, it suggests a complex and vibrant character, designed to make a bold statement. The extensive blend of over 70 individual ingredients contributes to a fragrance that is both opulent and multifaceted, with a depth that reflects the intensity and warmth implied by the name.
Women of the early 1960s, a period characterized by a shift toward more dramatic and complex fragrances, would have found Fath's Love both intriguing and fitting. The 1960s saw a move away from the more restrained scents of the 1950s toward richer, more assertive compositions. Fath's Love, with its chypre base spiked with spices and pepper, aligns with this trend, offering a sophisticated alternative to the lighter floral fragrances that were prevalent at the time. Its rich, spicy character would have appealed to those seeking a fragrance that made a strong and memorable impression, reflecting the era’s growing appetite for bold and expressive scents.
Overall, Fath's Love stands out as a unique and evocative creation within the 1960s perfume landscape. Its blend of floral and chypre elements, combined with its dominant spice notes, offers a distinctive and personal touch that sets it apart from other contemporary fragrances.
"FATH DE FATH, CANASTA, IRIS GRIS, AND NOW FATH'S LOVE. BOTTLED, PACKAGED, SEALED IN FRANCE."
Harper's Bazaar, 1961;
"At I. Magnin. Fath's Love perfume."
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a rich floral chypre fragrance for women. It is reportedly made up of over 70 individual ingredients, is modern in feeling and slightly dry with an undercurrent of vibrance and lush flowers spiked with dominant spice and pepper notes.
- Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, plum, lemon, coriander
- Middle notes: nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, pepper, anise, jasmine absolute, orange blossom, rose, tuberose, gardenia, ylang ylang
- Base notes: civet, violet, patchouli, sandalwood, oak moss, vetiver, musk, amber, orris, benzoin
Scent Profile:
As you first encounter Fath's Love, the top notes present an invigorating and vibrant introduction. Aldehydes burst forth with a sparkling, effervescent quality, lending an airy, luminous facet to the fragrance. They are soon joined by the zesty brightness of bergamot, its citrusy tang weaving a crisp, refreshing opening that immediately captures the senses.
Plum follows with its rich, fruity sweetness, offering a deep, luscious note that adds a hint of indulgence. Lemon provides a sharp, zesty burst of citrus, balancing the sweeter elements with its clean, bright freshness and enhancing the fragrance's initial vibrancy.
As the perfume transitions to its heart, the middle notes unfold with a complex and spicy bouquet. Nutmeg introduces a warm, aromatic spice that exudes a comforting, slightly nutty warmth. Cinnamon adds its sweet, fiery intensity, blending seamlessly with the spicy undertones of clove and pepper, which injects a bold, piquant kick into the fragrance.
Anise contributes a subtle, licorice-like sweetness, adding an intriguing layer of complexity. The floral elements in the heart are rich and opulent: jasmine absolute unfolds with its heady, lush scent, exuding a deep sensuality. Orange blossom introduces a bright, sweet floral note, while rose brings its classic, romantic fragrance with a touch of fruity sweetness. Tuberose and gardenia infuse the heart with their creamy, intoxicating florals, creating a sense of luxurious indulgence. Ylang ylang completes the bouquet with its exotic, sweet floral scent, adding a lush, tropical nuance.
The base notes of Fath's Love anchor the fragrance with a profound and enduring richness. Civet imparts a deep, animalic warmth, adding a raw, sensual edge that enhances the perfume's complexity. Violet contributes a soft, powdery sweetness, which blends elegantly with the earthy, woody notes of patchouli and sandalwood.
Oak moss provides a rich, mossy depth, evoking the scent of a verdant forest floor. Vetiver adds a smoky, earthy quality, grounding the fragrance with its robust, woody aroma. Musk envelops the base with a warm, animalistic sensuality, while amber offers a rich, golden warmth that rounds out the composition. Orris adds a velvety, powdery elegance, and benzoin contributes a sweet, balsamic richness, completing the fragrance with its complex and enveloping depth.
Together, these ingredients create a fragrance that is rich, exotic, and intensely captivating, embodying the essence of a floral chypre with a sophisticated blend of spices and sensual base notes. Fath's Love unfolds as a multi-layered experience, offering a captivating journey from its bright, effervescent opening to its warm, sensual finish.
Bottles:
1/2 oz parfum bottle, photo from etsy seller PerfumeVintage
30ml eau de toilette, photo from etsy seller PerfumeVintage
photo from museu del perfum
original Fath's Love parfum flacon c1961, photo from worthpoint
The New York Times magazine, 1968;
" In all the world, no other name speaks so eloquently of your fine taste in fragrances. Canasta, Fath's Love and Fath de Fath. Exquisite fragrances by Jacques Fath in perfumes, toilet water and spray mists."
Fate of the Fragrance:
Fath's Love was discontinued at an undetermined date, yet its allure persisted well beyond its official withdrawal from the market. By 1971, the fragrance was still available, a testament to its enduring charm and lasting impact. Its continued presence on shelves well into the 1970s suggests that Fath's Love retained a loyal following, appealing to those who appreciated its rich, exotic character and sophisticated blend of floral and spicy notes. The perfume's longevity highlights its exceptional quality and the deep connection it forged with its admirers, allowing it to remain a sought-after choice for fragrance connoisseurs even as new trends emerged. The fact that it was still being sold years after its official discontinuation underscores the lasting impression it made, cementing its status as a classic in the world of perfumery.
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