Three Flowers by Richard Hudnut c1915

Launched in 1915 by American perfumer Richard Hudnut, Three Flowers, also known as Tres Flores in Spanish-speaking markets, encapsulated the essence of femininity through its evocative name and floral composition. The choice of "Three Flowers" is deeply symbolic, likely drawing inspiration from the 1898 poem "To the Daughter of the Regiment" by Reuben Moore. In the poem, each flower symbolizes Faith, Hope, and Charity, imbuing the fragrance with a sense of emotional depth and resonance. However, Hudnut reframed this symbolism to reflect romantic ideals, with his advertisements suggesting that the rose represents romance, the shy violet embodies charm, and the lily of the valley signifies youth.

The phrase "Three Flowers" evokes imagery of a lush garden in full bloom, conjuring feelings of beauty, grace, and tranquility. For women of the early 20th century, the name would likely resonate with ideals of love, elegance, and femininity, reflecting the cultural values of the time. The floral arrangements would remind them of romantic ideals and the flourishing nature of womanhood, providing an olfactory tribute to the traits they aspired to embody. The interpretation of the fragrance would be as multi-faceted as its name, with the bouquet of scents speaking to the complex emotions associated with love, youth, and personal charm.

The fragrance's composition centered around three primary flowers—lily, rose, and violet—inviting a sensory experience that mirrored its title. Each flower contributed a distinct note to the overall accord. The lily, with its rich and creamy aroma, evokes a sense of purity and innocence. The rose provides a romantic and passionate undertone, while the violet, with its soft and powdery sweetness, adds an element of charm and playfulness. Together, these notes create a harmonious blend, inviting the wearer into a floral dreamscape that reflects both the beauty of nature and the complexity of human emotions.

In the context of 1915, the perfume market was thriving with an array of floral fragrances, yet Three Flowers stood out for its unique blend and marketing narrative. During this period, there was a notable trend toward lighter, more delicate scents, and Hudnut’s interpretation of the floral bouquet aligned with contemporary preferences for elegant and refined fragrances. Unlike many perfumes of the time that leaned heavily into more overtly sensual notes, Three Flowers offered a fresh and youthful approach, emphasizing charm and innocence rather than seduction.

The popularity of floral perfumes in the early 20th century, alongside the growing accessibility of cosmetics and fragrances for the middle class, made Three Flowers a timely addition to the market. As women began to embrace their identities as consumers, Hudnut's fragrance provided them with an affordable luxury, allowing them to feel elegant and sophisticated in their daily lives. The fragrance thus became not only a personal indulgence but also a symbol of the changing social dynamics of women during this era, capturing the essence of a time when femininity was celebrated and elevated through artful compositions and evocative marketing.

"To the Daughter of the Regiment."

Whene'er I look into thy face, 

Three flowers I see in one fair view; 

Each emblem of angelic grace.

Whene'er I look into thy face garden plot I trace, 

The sweetest flowers that ever grew, 

Whene'er I look into thy face 

Three flowers I see in one fair view.

 

Whene'er I look upon thy mouth 

I there see dewy rosebuds ope,

As when they sense the warm, sweet south 

Whene'er I look upon thy mouth, 

Where roses never know a drouth, 

The world seems all aglow with hope. 

Whene'er I look upon thy mouth 

I there see dewy rosebuds ope.

Whene'er I look upon thy cheek 

I there see lilies blossoming, 

As when the springtime sun they seek. 

Whene'er I look upon thy cheek 

Unto my heart the lilies meek 

A song of Easter softly sing. 

Whene'er I look upon thy cheek 

I there see lilies blossoming. 

Whene'er I look into thine eyes 

I there see violets a-bloom, 

As deeply blue as April skies. 

Whene'er I look into thine eyes 

I see a soul without disguise, 

Whose every thought is sweet perfume. 

Whene'er I look into thine eyes 

I there see violets a-bloom. 

In thy sweet face these flowers I see, 

The lily rose and violet; 

Of all the flowers the sweetest three. 

In thy sweet face the flowers I see 

Of Faith and Hope and Charity; 

Their tints are on our banner set. 

In thy sweet face these flowers I see,

The lily, rose, and violet. 

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was classified as a floral bouquet fragrance for women. Its accord was built around three main flowers: lily, rose and violet.  

• Top notes: bergamot, neroli, lemon
• Heart notes: lily, rose, violet, jasmine, carnation, orange blossom
• Base notes: musk, sandalwood, ambergris, patchouli, vanilla

 

Scent Profile:

In the captivating realm of Three Flowers, each scent note unfolds like a poetic verse, inviting you to experience a fragrant journey that celebrates the beauty of nature. As the perfume opens, the top notes present a dazzling introduction, starting with bergamot. Its crisp, zesty aroma awakens the senses, offering a vibrant burst of citrus that dances with effervescence, reminiscent of sun-drenched orchards. 

Neroli, derived from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree, follows closely, enveloping you in a sweet, honeyed floral embrace. Its fragrance evokes images of lush gardens bathed in golden light, where delicate petals release their intoxicating aroma at dawn. The journey continues with lemon, whose sharp, uplifting scent brightens the blend, reminiscent of fresh lemonade on a summer's day. This tangy note adds a refreshing sparkle, invigorating your spirit and setting the stage for the heart of the fragrance.

As the top notes gracefully recede, the heart notes emerge, revealing the essence of Three Flowers. The lily takes center stage with its elegant and sophisticated scent, a creamy floral that is both fresh and slightly sweet, reminiscent of a tranquil spring morning. It evokes the purity and innocence of blooming flowers, their petals gently unfurling in the sun. Next, the rose enters, its rich, velvety aroma enveloping you in warmth and romance. This classic floral note is timeless and alluring, evoking visions of blooming gardens and love letters, each petal a symbol of affection. 

The violet adds a delicate touch, its soft, powdery fragrance reminiscent of childhood memories and hidden treasures in shaded gardens. It offers a whisper of earthiness, grounding the bouquet with its charming, nostalgic scent. Intertwined within this floral symphony are hints of jasmine, whose heady, exotic aroma adds depth and sensuality, while carnation introduces a spicy floral character, bringing a touch of warmth and complexity. Finally, orange blossom weaves through the heart notes, offering a bright, sunny fragrance that encapsulates joy and lightness, reminiscent of fragrant Mediterranean breezes.

As the fragrance evolves, it gracefully descends into the base notes, where a rich and captivating foundation emerges. Musk lends its sensual warmth, enveloping the composition with a soft, animalic undertone that creates an intimate aura, evoking feelings of comfort and allure. The creamy richness of sandalwood follows, its smooth, woody scent providing a grounding element that enhances the floral elements, creating a harmonious balance. 

Ambergris, a rare and precious ingredient, adds an enigmatic complexity, exuding a warm, marine-like sweetness that deepens the fragrance's character and longevity. The earthy richness of patchouli introduces a touch of mystery, its dark, herbaceous scent evoking images of sun-drenched forests and lush landscapes. Finally, vanilla wraps everything in its sweet embrace, a comforting note that lingers softly, reminiscent of warm pastries and childhood delights.

Together, these notes compose a floral bouquet that is both uplifting and deeply evocative, transporting you to a world of beauty and elegance with every breath. Three Flowers stands as a testament to the art of perfumery, blending nature's finest ingredients into a celebration of femininity and grace.

Product Line:

Three Flowers by Richard Hudnut emerged as an iconic fragrance, evolving into a complete line of toiletries that captured the essence of femininity and elegance. By 1964, the brand offered an extensive array of products, catering to diverse beauty and grooming needs. This comprehensive line included perfume and cologne, allowing women to immerse themselves in the enchanting floral notes of Three Flowers throughout their daily routines. For those seeking to add a touch of luxury to their hair, the brilliantine was available in both liquid and solid forms, promising to impart a radiant sheen to locks while enveloping them in the delicate scent of the signature fragrance.

The Three Flowers brilliantine was particularly notable, described as a "luxurious liquid that leaves hair elegantly silken, soft-scented, sparkling." This product captured the spirit of the era, combining practical hair care with the allure of fragrance. It allowed women to not only style their hair but also to embrace an olfactory signature that complemented their overall beauty regimen. In addition to brilliantine, the line included after-bath dusting powder, face powder, talcum powder, and various creams designed for cleansing and conditioning. These offerings provided a holistic approach to beauty, making Three Flowers synonymous with a sophisticated, well-rounded toiletry collection.

The availability of lipstick, rouge, and cream further illustrated the brand's commitment to enhancing a woman's natural beauty, providing her with a suite of products that celebrated femininity. The influence of Three Flowers extended beyond fragrance, embodying a lifestyle of elegance and grace that resonated deeply with women of the time. The meticulous attention to detail and the rich floral character of the fragrance not only defined a moment in beauty history but also established Three Flowers as a beloved staple in the world of American cosmetics.

Bottles:

The bottle is made up of clear glass with a ground glass stopper is partially frosted with a polished "window" in the center. The back of the bottle is molded with "Contents 3 fl oz.". The bottle sports a thin gilded brass metal label decorated with ornate embossing and applied patina, made by the Stanley Mfg Company who specialized in these high quality seals. ​The bottle stands 6.25" tall x 2.5" wide long x 1" thick. There are no markings on the bottle, but I believe it is American made as many of Hudnut's bottles were made by Swindell Brothers.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Three Flowers, launched in 1915 by the esteemed American perfumer Richard Hudnut, quickly became a beloved fragrance that resonated with women across generations. Known for its delicate floral bouquet, the scent captured the essence of femininity and charm, embodying a refined elegance that was perfectly suited for the era. For decades, Three Flowers graced the dressing tables of many households, its presence a staple in beauty routines and a cherished accessory for special occasions.

Despite its popularity, the tides of time eventually caught up with the Three Flowers line. In 1979, the Richard Hudnut company ceased operations, marking the end of an era for this iconic fragrance. As the brand faded from the market, so too did the accessibility of Three Flowers, transforming it from a common household name into a coveted vintage treasure. Today, finding Three Flowers can be a delightful challenge, as most of its products are no longer manufactured. Vintage concentrations of the fragrance primarily consist of cologne, face powder, and brilliantine, which evoke nostalgic memories of a bygone era when elegance and charm were in full bloom.

Among these remnants of the past, the perfume itself has become particularly elusive, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its historical significance and enchanting scent profile. As you search for a bottle of Three Flowers, you are not merely seeking a fragrance; you are uncovering a piece of history, a whisper of the past that tells the story of a time when Three Flowers embodied grace and sophistication. The thrill of discovering a vintage bottle becomes a journey in itself, filled with the promise of fragrant memories and the allure of a classic that once defined the beauty landscape of its time.