Taji by Shulton c1964

Taji by Shulton: launched in 1964. The perfume is named for the Persian area near Baghdad.

Wild Meadow by Shulton c1971

Wild Meadow by Shulton was launched in 1971. It was marketed towards young women.

Butterfly Blue by Shulton c1971

Butterfly Blue by Shulton: launched in 1971. Introduced as an aerosol spray cologne.

Friendship Garden by Shulton c1939

Friendship Garden by Shulton was launched in 1939.  It was originally called Early American Friendships Garden. It is a light, sparkling fragrance, that was aimed at the younger set and those wishing to recapture the carefree days of youth.

Escapade by Shulton c1954

Launched by Shulton in 1954, Escapade was a fragrance that promised to "shake your world a little," an enticing and bold claim that aligned with the spirit of the time. The name "Escapade" itself is intriguing and speaks to the allure of adventure and spontaneity. Derived from French, the word escapade (pronounced eh-skah-PAHD) means a carefree or adventurous undertaking, often one that involves a break from the ordinary. It conjures images of a secret getaway, a romantic rendezvous, or a fleeting moment of excitement. In essence, it captures the essence of youthful exuberance and a desire to break free from routine. The word evokes a sense of escapism—both literal and emotional—that would have appealed to women in the 1950s, a decade when many were seeking new freedoms and personal expression in the post-war world.

The 1950s were a time of significant cultural transformation. The period saw the rise of consumerism, with women embracing more luxurious and sophisticated tastes, while also finding empowerment in personal choices, particularly regarding fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Feminine ideals were shifting, and the mid-century modern aesthetic, with its emphasis on elegance and optimism, defined much of the era. Women of the time were drawn to the idea of a fragrance like Escapade, which promised not just a scent but a feeling—one of freedom, spontaneity, and a touch of romance. The imagery tied to the word "Escapade" fit perfectly with the social and cultural atmosphere of the 1950s, a period that celebrated both modernity and timeless femininity.

As for the fragrance itself, Escapade is classified as a floral chypre, a genre beloved for its elegant balance between fresh florals and deep, earthy undertones. The opening is a burst of bright aldehydes and citrus, creating an invigorating first impression. As the fragrance unfolds, the heart reveals a classic floral bouquet of roses, carnations, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang, and jasmine, evoking the freshness and vibrancy of springtime. These floral notes rest upon a rich, woodsy base of sandalwood, musk, oakmoss, vetiver, and amber, which adds depth and complexity. The overall effect is lively, romantic, and radiant—a scent that captures the essence of a carefree adventure. The dry-down reveals a soft, powdery floral finish, with the woodsy notes lingering in the background, giving the fragrance a lingering warmth and elegance.

Cie by Jacqueline Cochran/Shulton c1976

Cie by Jacqueline Cochran: launched in 1976. The Jacqueline Cochran company was acquired by Shulton, a division of American Cyanamid, soon after the fragrance was released and by 1977, CIE was the first new product out of Shulton's new Contemporary Fragrance Group.

Early American Old Spice for Women by Shulton c1937

Most people are familiar with Old Spice, the iconic men’s fragrance, but few realize that it was originally created as a perfume for women. Launched in 1937 under the name Early American Old Spice by Shulton, this fragrance was conceived with a distinctly colonial-inspired theme, drawing from the rich history of early American traditions. The name Early American Old Spice was carefully chosen to evoke a sense of nostalgia and historical charm. It referenced the colonial period in American history—a time when simple, yet richly fragrant potpourris, often infused with spices and flowers, were commonly used to scent the home. The choice of "Early American" suggested a link to the past, a time of craftsmanship, heritage, and simpler pleasures. The addition of "Old Spice" helped further reinforce the sense of vintage charm, inviting consumers to indulge in the nostalgic, aromatic experience of long-forgotten potpourri recipes.

The name, which may sound quaint to modern ears, resonated deeply during the Great Depression of the late 1930s, a time when the country was grappling with economic hardship. Amidst the uncertainty, there was a growing cultural fascination with Americana—an idealization of the nation’s early days. Many people longed for a sense of simpler times, and the scent of Early American Old Spice was cleverly marketed to reflect that desire. Shulton, ahead of its time, captured this trend by packaging their line of toiletries with historical charm and advertising it in prominent publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. In doing so, the brand inadvertently became one of the first to ride the wave of Americanism in advertising, appealing to a sense of patriotism and national pride at a time when it was desperately needed.

Early American Old Spice evokes a time when colonial history and fragrant herbs were cherished in American households. The name itself conjures images of rustic, aged rose jars filled with potpourri—fragrant blends of dried flowers, spices, and herbs—sitting atop wooden mantels in the heart of a traditional American home. The words Early American suggest an air of nostalgia, bringing to mind imagery of homesteads, delicate floral arrangements, and timeworn, weathered furniture. Old Spice, on the other hand, implies a kind of enduring, timeless quality, much like the scent of antique rooms filled with spice-laden potpourri or hand-carved wooden furniture polished with a faintly spicy, comforting aroma. Together, the name evokes a warm, welcoming atmosphere, one of quaint simplicity, and earthy elegance.

Teak by Shulton c1965

Teak was launched in 1965 by Shulton.

Blue Jeans by Shulton c1971

Before Gianni Versace came out with his Blue Jeans Fragrance, Shulton launched theirs in 1971.

Desert Flower by Shulton c1947

Desert Flower by Shulton, launched in 1947, is a name that conjures vivid imagery and carries rich symbolism. The term "Desert Flower"refers to a rare bloom that thrives in the harsh, arid conditions of the desert. It evokes images of resilience, beauty, and an almost mystical allure—a flower flourishing where life seems improbable. This duality of strength and delicacy mirrors the qualities many women of the time aspired to embody, making the name both poetic and aspirational. The phrase "Desert Flower" stirs emotions of awe, wonder, and appreciation for nature’s ability to create beauty in unexpected places, aligning seamlessly with the romanticism of the post-war era.

The time period in which Desert Flower was introduced was one of great transition and renewal. The world had just emerged from the turmoil of World War II, and society was entering a phase of optimism and modernity. This era, often referred to as the post-war boom, saw women embracing a newfound independence while simultaneously returning to domestic life as prosperity surged in many countries. Fashion during this time reflected this duality, blending the elegance of pre-war styles with softer, more feminine silhouettes—think Christian Dior’s "New Look," introduced in 1947, with its cinched waists and full skirts that celebrated grace and glamour.

A perfume named Desert Flower would have resonated deeply with women of the time. It symbolized survival, renewal, and beauty in adversity, echoing the societal shift toward rebuilding and thriving in the wake of the war. It appealed to the modern woman’s desire to embody both strength and allure, offering a sense of mystery and magnetism as promised in its advertisements. The tagline “modern, mysterious, magnetic” perfectly captured the evolving identity of women who were exploring their individuality within the framework of tradition.