Zigane (Tzigane)

When I stumbled upon this fragrance at a ridiculously low price, I did some research to find out if it would be something I would like. After trying it and instantly falling in love with the sheer elegance of this fragrance, one of the newspaper's reviews of the day came to mind: "An unforgettable scent connected in your mind somehow with antique jewels, mysterious candlelight, rustling satin." The Pittsburgh Press, 1940. Yes, it certainly feels like it is of a different time yet is strangely relevant today. If I had smelled this fragrance without knowing the manufacturer, I would have thought that it was a new fragrance by Francesca Bianchi as it is in the same retro vein as something she might have created. A soft, powdery boudoir scent, with warm, very delicately done spices, opulent florals, and a subtle leather note threaded throughout. It's a very full-bodied scent, with a deep, dark, and rich solid base, yet surprisingly lightweight and airy, surrounding me in a beautiful halo of fragrance. When I was trying to find out who made this fragrance, I was surprised to find that some perfume sites list Blanche Arvoy as the creator, yet she is not listed either here or on a few other perfume research sites as a perfumer. I knew she was an entrepreneur who started the perfume houses, Corday and Jovoy, but I assumed she used in house perfumers for their creations. I didn't think she was a perfumer too. If that is the case, then apparently a very good one as this is a beautiful perfume. An added bonus is that the small eau de parfum I purchased performs like an extrait that seems to go on forever. A unique touch is that it came in the cutest little brass metal cannister, known as a voyagette, which was the equivalent of a travel sprayer in its day.

I found a very old gold box set of minis including this, Fame, Jet and Tourjois Moi. I can't find any information about Jet (which is wonderful) or Fame (another mystery), and wish someone might share what they know of these Corday creations on here. I had guessed that Zigzane was going to be the predecessor of Tabu (given the bottle shape and Dana's purchase of Tourjois Moi), but I was completely wrong. This is nothing like Tabu! Instead this is a luxurious, dark floral - lots of geranium, carnation, iris, gardenia and rose - with a little oakmoss and leather tethering it to the ground. Clary sage adds just enough sweet so that what could be too bitter in some of these flowers is a lovely garden. This is a scent that reminds you that there was probably a little dust on the bottle, but it's also timeless in it's beauty. I am SO happy that I found these four!

Found this gem in an antique store and fell in love with the beautiful bottle but the potion inside is the real treasure. Spicy carnations have kept their scent over time and the leather note is a perfect backdrop.

This is what has triggered my new obsession, this and Jet by Corday, so I will kind of review both, they were blind buys taking a gamble that I might find something I loved..yes I did Jet and Zigane are divine! Jet smells of endless wealth and glamour, there is a luxuriousness about these scents and Jet in particular transforms this nurse into a pampered elite, my 91 Ford Laser is now my shining black limousine...my feather down parka is now my sable coat. I feel luscious when I wear this. I'm transported to the elegance of a time which never dates and never goes out of fashion, this scent takes away any clumsiness or feelings of inadequacy. Its intimate and life affirming in the most sensual of ways, it lifts me and inspires me. I channel that fabulous wealth and glamour when I wear Jet. Zigane is more youthfull and romantic than Jet, it gives hope no matter what, you are lifted by singing Angels when you wear it, Zigane is like a new love, full of promise, desire joie de vi! You feel every door will open, everything you touch will turn to gold, magic is in the air! Zigane makes you feel in love...and that is the elixir of youth! Both scents insist you look after yourself, you'll say no to that piece of cake, you'll take more care when you do your hair, you'll step out feeling and looking immaculate, your head will hold higher and children will hug your skirts. You will laugh at how wonderful life is, you will feel blessed. Jet and Zigane are the lovers who will adore you for life, one mature, filthy rich and experienced the other endlessly romantic, optimistic and passionate! I choose to remain in the arms of both!

I'm familiar with Corday's most popular fragrances, Toujours Moi and Fame, but I've never had the pleasure of smelling either Jet or Tzigani/Zigane. Zigane (Tzigane) refers a to person of Gypsy (Romani or Roma) ethnicity, especially a Romani person from central or Eastern Europe - and in particular, Hungary. The violin-shaped bottle makes perfect sense given the tradition of virtuoso Hungarian Roma violinists, so it isn't necessarily a reference to the bottle of Dana's Tabu. I've never smelled Zigane, but would love to have the opportunity! Jet isn't even listed in the Fragrantica database - hey, Admins! Get on it right away!