Menace by Evyan c1943

Enchanting Menace by Evyan, launched in 1950, was originally named "Menace" before being renamed to evoke a more captivating allure. The name "Menace" might initially suggest a provocative or daring quality, hinting at a fragrance with an edge of intrigue. However, the renaming to "Enchanting Menace" in 1950 aimed to soften this initial impression, adding a layer of allure and sophistication. The term "Enchanting" suggests a spellbinding, irresistible quality, creating a contrast with the more ominous "Menace" and thereby enhancing the fragrance’s complex character. This juxtaposition conjures images of a scent that is both alluring and enigmatic, with a charm that might be subtly beguiling or intriguingly complex.

"Menace is now called Enchanting Menace (do we detect a nomenclatural boomerang here?), but, whatever its name, it still has an insouciant and merry air about it."

During the early 1950s, the fragrance market was evolving with a focus on bold, innovative scents that reflected the changing social landscape. The post-war era saw a shift towards more sophisticated and exotic fragrances, often featuring complex compositions that combined traditional floral elements with new, avant-garde ingredients. In this context, Enchanting Menace stood out as a unique offering. Classified as a powdery aldehydic green floral, it reflected the period’s fascination with both cutting-edge synthetic components and classic, opulent floral notes.

The fragrance’s powdery aldehydic character was aligned with contemporary trends, as aldehydes became increasingly popular for their ability to create a sparkling, effervescent opening. The inclusion of green notes, alongside a rich floral heart and a sophisticated base, added depth and elegance, appealing to a sense of refinement that was highly prized in the 1950s. The descriptor "sophisticated," "exotic," and "heady" aptly captures the perfume’s character—an evocative blend of freshness and complexity that was both modern and timeless, mirroring the era’s broader aesthetic trends in perfumery.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as a powdery aldehydic green floral fragrance for women. It was described as "sophisticated", "exotic" and "heady".

• Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, galbanum, violet leaf
• Middle notes: heliotrope, jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, ylang ylang, orchid, iris
• Base notes: orris root, patchouli, oakmoss, ambergris, musk, labdanum, vanilla, tonka, sandalwood, cedar 

Scent Profile:

Enchanting Menace is a perfume that unfolds like a sophisticated narrative, where each ingredient contributes a distinct layer to its intricate composition.

Starting with the top notes, the aldehydes present a bright, effervescent opening, creating an almost sparkling sensation that immediately grabs your attention. This is complemented by the crisp, zesty aroma of bergamot, which introduces a fresh, citrusy brightness. The galbanum adds a distinctive green note, reminiscent of dewy, lush foliage, infusing the fragrance with a verdant, almost herbaceous edge. Finally, violet leaf contributes a soft, green, and slightly powdery quality, evoking the delicate scent of violet flowers in their natural state.

As the perfume evolves, the middle notes reveal a bouquet of richly floral scents. Heliotrope introduces a sweet, almond-like aroma with subtle hints of vanilla, creating a warm, comforting sensation. This is harmoniously blended with jasmine, which offers a heady, opulent floral scent with a touch of exoticism. Rose provides a classic, romantic essence, rich and velvety, while lily of the valley adds a fresh, green floral note that enhances the fragrance's overall lightness. Ylang ylang contributes its exotic, slightly spicy floral scent, which adds depth and sensuality to the heart of the perfume. The orchid adds a subtle, yet exotic, floral touch, complementing the other blooms. Finally, iris brings a soft, powdery quality, enhancing the fragrance's sophistication with its elegant, velvety texture.

The base notes offer a complex, lasting impression. Orris root adds a rich, velvety texture with a sophisticated powdery nuance, while patchouli introduces a deep, earthy richness with woody undertones. Oakmoss imparts a damp, forest-like depth, grounding the fragrance with its mossy, woody aroma. Ambergris provides a warm, marine-like sensuality, adding a hint of saltiness and depth. Musk contributes a soft, animalistic warmth, enhancing the perfume’s overall allure. The labdanum brings a resinous, slightly sweet quality that enriches the base with a touch of complexity. Vanilla adds a creamy, sweet warmth, complementing the powdery notes. Tonka bean introduces a rich, nutty sweetness, while sandalwood adds a smooth, creamy, and slightly woody base. Finally, cedar imparts a dry, woody nuance that balances the fragrance with its crisp, clean quality.

Together, these ingredients create a powdery aldehydic green floral fragrance that is both sophisticated and exotic, capturing the essence of the 1950s' love for complex, heady perfumes.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Enchanting Menace, a fragrance first introduced by Evyan in 1950, was discontinued at some point but remained available on the market until at least 1968. Its discontinuation marked the end of an era for this distinctive perfume, but its continued presence on shelves for nearly two decades is a testament to its enduring appeal and the lasting impact it had on its audience.

The perfume’s initial launch in 1950 positioned it within a period rich with innovative fragrances, characterized by a blend of traditional elegance and emerging modernity. Despite eventually being phased out, Enchanting Menace retained its allure, reflecting the sophisticated tastes of its era and appealing to a clientele that valued both exotic sophistication and heady complexity in their fragrance choices.

The persistence of Enchanting Menace in stores up to 1968 highlights its popularity and the strong impression it made on the perfume market. This longevity underscores its success as a memorable and cherished fragrance, resonating with the evolving tastes of perfume aficionados over nearly two decades. Even as new trends emerged, Enchanting Menace maintained its unique place in the world of fragrance, a tribute to its crafted elegance and the lasting impression it left on those who experienced its sophisticated, exotic allure.