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.

In the context of other fragrances of the time, Escapade was not entirely unique, as it shared similarities with other floral chypre fragrances, most notably L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci and Joy by Jean Patou, both of which were also celebrated for their bright floral compositions and elegant, sophisticated appeal. Shulton’s Escapade could also be compared to Friendship Garden, another of their fragrances, which offered a similar floral and woodsy profile. However, Escapade stood out for its lively, almost effervescent character, capturing the energy and optimism of the 1950s while aligning with the period’s larger fragrance trends. While not groundbreaking, it was certainly a fragrance that fit the tastes of the era, delivering a blend of freshness, romance, and sophistication that women could identify with as they navigated a world filled with both tradition and new possibilities.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a floral chypre fragrance for women.

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, lemon, clary sage, galbanum, peach, cassis
• Middle notes: rose, carnation, lily of the valley, ylang ylang, jasmine, gardenia, iris
• Base notes: vanilla, cedar, labdanum, Mysore sandalwood, Yugoslavian oakmoss, musk, Haitian vetiver, ambergris and patchouli

Scent Profile:

Escapade unfolds like a vibrant, sunlit morning, an invigorating symphony of top notes that immediately greet your senses with their brightness and complexity. The aldehydes burst forth with a clean, soapy freshness, like a breath of crisp, morning air, cutting through the heavy warmth of night. The zest of bergamot and lemon adds a lively citrus sharpness, their brightness almost sparkling as they dance around you, fresh and uplifting. Clary sage introduces an herbal, slightly floral touch, with its soft, musky quality that brings a grounded, earthy layer to the citrus top, giving it depth. 

The galbanum provides a green, resinous nuance—like walking through a dew-covered garden in the early hours. It’s green and a little sharp, but in the most refreshing way, like a burst of coolness. Peach, with its sweet, succulent juiciness, adds a touch of fruitiness that softens the sharpness, providing a smooth and comforting sweetness. A subtle cassis note sneaks in, deep and fruity, its dark, berry-like richness mingling with the zestier notes to add a touch of mystery and complexity to the opening.

As the fragrance settles, the middle notes bloom with a lush floral bouquet, delicate yet rich, much like stepping into a fragrant spring garden. The rose, timeless and elegant, wraps its velvety petals around your senses, offering both a fresh, dewy quality and a rich, slightly powdery undertone. Carnation adds a spicy, clove-like warmth, a soft, peppery hint that deepens the floral heart. Lily of the valley, with its fresh, green, and slightly sweet floral fragrance, unfurls like tiny white bells ringing softly in the breeze. 

Ylang ylang contributes its heady, exotic sweetness, lush and creamy with a hint of banana-like fruitiness, creating a tropical, opulent vibe. Jasmine sways gently with its sweet, indolic beauty, bringing a sensual depth to the mix, its intoxicating aroma almost overwhelming in its richness. Gardenia’s creamy, lush floral note adds a velvety, soft touch to the heart, while iris, with its powdery, delicate elegance, lends a soft, almost abstract note of earthiness and floral complexity, like a whisper of elegance in the air.

Finally, the base notes provide the grounding depth that Escapade needs to linger and settle into its woody, musky finish. Vanilla swells in the base, warm and comforting, enveloping the senses in its creamy sweetness, offering a soft, sensual finish that ties everything together. Cedarwood contributes a dry, resinous woodiness, giving the fragrance a touch of rugged, earthy sophistication. Labdanum adds a balsamic warmth, with its leathery, resinous sweetness, like the smell of aged wood and honeycomb. 

Mysore sandalwood imparts its smooth, creamy richness, warm and almost velvety in texture, with a slight milky quality that enhances the fragrance’s luxurious feel. The Yugoslavian oakmoss grounds the composition with a green, mossy earthiness that adds complexity and depth, like the smell of rain-soaked earth and forest floor. Musk introduces a sensual, animalic warmth, softly smoothing the edges and blending everything into a comforting, almost intimate finish. 

Haitian vetiver brings a smoky, woody earthiness, cool and dry with a slightly smoky undertone, giving the fragrance an added layer of sophistication. Ambergris imparts its distinctive, musky-salty sweetness, adding a touch of oceanic warmth and mystery, while patchouli offers a rich, earthy depth, balancing the florals with its rich, slightly sweet, woody presence.

Together, the notes in Escapade create a composition that feels bright and lively in the beginning, yet deep and sensual as it settles into its base. The fragrance evolves from a burst of fresh citrus and green notes to a soft, romantic floral heart, all anchored by a rich, woody, and musky foundation. It’s a fragrance that moves with grace, offering a sophisticated yet accessible blend of floral freshness and woody warmth, ideal for the woman who seeks elegance with a touch of adventure.

Product Line:

Escapade was offered in a variety of luxurious formats, each one carefully crafted to evoke the same bright, romantic allure as the fragrance itself, allowing women to indulge in the experience of the scent in multiple ways. The Perfume was the most concentrated form, offering a pure, rich experience of Escapade. With each drop, the fragrance unfolded with opulence, its floral chypre notes lingering intensely on the skin, enveloping the wearer in a cloud of soft, powdery florals, fresh citrus, and earthy woods. This version provided an intimate, sensual experience, perfect for evening wear or moments when a longer-lasting impression was desired.

For those who preferred a lighter touch, Escapade was available as Cologne, a refreshing, more subtle option. The cologne retained the same bright and lively opening notes of citrus and aldehydes but was a little more airy, offering a gentle burst of freshness that faded into the soft florals and woodsy base. It was ideal for everyday wear, providing a gentle reminder of spring’s warmth, perfect for casual days or a quick spritz after a shower.

The Toilet Water version was similar to the cologne but with a slightly higher concentration, giving it a fuller presence without being overpowering. It balanced freshness with elegance, bringing out the fragrance’s romantic floral notes while maintaining the vibrant, citrus-driven opening. This was a versatile option, easily worn from day to night, creating a soft and enchanting aura wherever it was applied.

For a more delicate indulgence, Escapade was also available in Dusting Powder, a luxurious way to experience the fragrance as it gently perfumed the skin. The fine powder clung to the body, leaving behind a whisper of fragrance, softening the skin with a silky texture while providing a fresh, powdery echo of the scent. The Dusting Powder became a way to envelop oneself in the fragrance without overpowering the senses, offering a comforting and soothing experience.

The Bubbling Bath Crystals offered a unique way to enjoy Escapade by transforming the bath into an aromatic escape. As the crystals dissolved in warm water, they released the fragrance in delicate bubbles, enveloping the bather in a soft, fragrant haze. It was an experience that turned the everyday ritual of a bath into a sensorial escape, allowing the notes of Escapade to unwind and surround the body, offering a moment of relaxation and indulgence.

Escapade was also available in Liquid Petals Cream Perfume, which provided a luxurious and more intimate way to wear the fragrance. The cream was rich and moisturizing, designed to hydrate and soften the skin while leaving behind a delicate layer of Escapade’s floral and woody notes. It was perfect for those who preferred a softer, more personal fragrance experience, with the cream subtly melting into the skin, allowing the wearer to enjoy a closer, more intimate connection with the scent.

Finally, the Cologne Stick was a convenient and portable option for fragrance on the go. This solid form of cologne, encased in a sleek stick, allowed women to apply the scent precisely where desired. It was ideal for travel or for a quick touch-up during the day, offering a more discreet yet still effective way to enjoy Escapade’s blend of fresh citrus, romantic florals, and earthy woods.

Together, these various formats of Escapade provided a full range of experiences, from the concentrated intensity of the perfume to the light, airy freshness of the cologne, each offering a different way to wear and enjoy this elegant fragrance. Whether for an indulgent bath, a quick spritz, or an everyday ritual, Escapade allowed women to immerse themselves in its timeless, romantic scent.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Escapade was introduced by Shulton in 1954, a time when perfume trends were shifting towards more complex, elegant compositions. The fragrance emerged at a moment when women’s perfume was evolving, with floral and chypre notes becoming increasingly popular in the post-war era. The 1950s were marked by a sense of renewed optimism and sophistication, reflected in the light and airy floral bouquets that Escapade embodied. Its lively and romantic profile of aldehydes, citrus, and floral heart notes appealed to women seeking a scent that was both modern and timeless, yet still unmistakably feminine.

For nearly two decades, Escapade captivated fragrance lovers, providing a fresh and vibrant option in a world filled with heavier, more opulent fragrances. By the 1960s, Escapade remained a popular choice for women, especially as it was considered a perfect day-to-night fragrance. The combination of lively citrus and aldehydes, blooming florals, and soft, powdery woods allowed it to fit seamlessly into the evolving sensibilities of the time. It was a scent that evoked a sense of carefree joy, a celebration of youth and romance that could be worn every day or for special occasions.

However, by the early 1970s, trends in fragrance began to shift. The 1960s had seen an explosion of bold, daring perfumes, often with heavier, more complex compositions. The market began to favor fragrances with stronger, more assertive characteristics—oriental scents, patchouli-heavy chypres, and gourmand blends that focused on sweetness and warmth. As tastes changed, Escapade—with its fresh, floral chypre profile—began to fade from popularity. Despite its earlier success and positive reception, the fragrance was eventually discontinued around 1971, as Shulton moved to focus on newer, more contemporary scents that aligned with the trends of the era.

The discontinuation of Escapade marked the end of an era in fragrance, as the perfume's bright, romantic character gave way to a more intense and experimental period in the perfume world. Escapade remains a nostalgic relic of the mid-20th century—a time when elegance and femininity were defined by fresh florals, bright aldehydes, and a delicate balance of woods and flowers. While it is no longer available, Escapade retains a place in the hearts of those who remember it, a perfume that once symbolized an escape into beauty, romance, and the lightness of being.