Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Gemey by Richard Hudnut c1922

Gemey by Richard Hudnut: launched in 1922. Originally introduced in Europe and South America, was finally launched in the USA in 1935.






World War II halted the importation of some of Richard Hudnut's perfumes that were made in France but by 1946, they had returned to the department store counters.

Gemey was available in the following products:

  • Parfum
  • Essence
  • Champagne Sparkle
  • Frozen Fragrance
  • Eau de Cologne
  • Toilet Water
  • Talcum Powder
  • Dusting Powder
  • Sachet
  • Lotion (for the hair)
  • Brilliantine
  • Face Powder
  • Rouge
  • Lipstick
  • Egg Creme Shampoo


Fragrance Composition:


So what does it smell like? It is classified as an aldehydic floral fragrance for women with a dominant jasmine note. In a similar vein of Chanel No.5.
  • Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, geranium
  • Middle notes: Bulgarian rose, carnation, jasmine, violet
  • Base notes: spices, musk, tonka bean, civet, sandalwood, benzoin, ambergris, patchouli


McCall's, 1935
"RICHARD HUDNUT PRESENTS TO AMERICA Gemey Paris adores it. "Ravissant, le parfum Gemey!" exclaims the smart Parisienne. London loves it . . . the gay young fragrance of Gemey perfume is "quite the top!" For fragrance Gemey is so gay and young and joyous it has won its way wherever there is music and moonlight, wherever hearts and dreams are young. And what could be a lovelier gift than this exquisite essence,.."

Prescott Evening Courier - Mar 27, 1936:
"Gemey is an up-to-the minute perfume for smart young moderns. It is internationally popular."

Bottles: 

Many of Richard Hudnut's perfume and toiletry bottles were made by Swindell Brothers, such as the brilliantine bottle for Gemey.

Glass Packer, 1946:
"GEMEY perfume — a liquid gem by Richard Hudnut — is featured in sparkling flacons befitting Gemey's sophistication. A peach and blue carton adds grace and charm to the striking perfume package, which is available in four sizes." 




 possibly Viard.

" GEMEY ", circa 1927. The hexagonal shaped clear glass ART DECO FLACON is enhanced by gold enamel accents - the pale blue glass stopper is also gilded. BOTTLE measures 1.75" tall. Also used for La Reverie, by Richard Hudnut. The bottle is a six sided bottle with gold enamel chevron design and goldtone glass stopper. 










Fate of the Fragrance:


Discontinued, date unknown. Still available in 1968.



2 comments:

  1. Just opened a perfect condition vintage nip of this. For sure, it has many similarities to Chanel 5, but is actually less cloying/sweet, with more of a honeyed leather quality. Simply divine!

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