Tigress by Faberge c1938

In 1938, Faberge released Tigress to the women of France, it was a huge success, so in 1940, the perfume was launched in the Unites States. Finally, American women were able to find out exactly what had those Parisiennes purring.

The American Perfumer - Volume 39, 1939: 

"Faberge, inspired by the deep lure of the jungle, this French perfumer has brought forth another perfume, "Tigress," expressing all the sensuous languor of the tigress herself, it is said. It is presented in a streamlined oval flacon with a tawny tiger-striped velvet top. The flacon is set in an oval beige satin base trimmed in gold. The box cover has beige satin on top and in the lining and the tiger velvet outside. The new odoro is also interpreted in eau de cologne."

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an oriental fragrance for women. Rosy floral, with spicy and musky tones. Tigress is heady and insistent, the essence of musk, amber, civet, patchouli and East Indian vetiver.

• Top notes: aldehydes, Italian bergamot, citrus notes
• Middle notes: cinnamon, cloves, geranium, lavender, Bulgarian rose, carnation, Zanzibar ylang ylang, jasmine absolute
• Base notes: cedarwood, benzoin, incense, rosewood, civet, Mysore sandalwood, ambergris, vanilla, Singapore patchouli, Tibetan musk, Yugoslavian oak moss, East Indian vetiver

 

I was able to buy a mini bottle of the parfum recently and I am sampling it now. I have applied a few drops to my wrist and am slowly taking in the heavenly fragrance that is Tigress. Now I understand why thousands of women are flocking to ebay to find this discontinued fragrance. It is truly a sexy perfume, not for the faint of heart.

Tigress is a blend of sparkling aldehydes trapping bergamot and citrus notes in their wake, followed by spicy cinnamon and cloves resting atop the pungency of geraniums and lavender with the heady blossoms of roses, carnations, ylang ylang and jasmine absolute, all layered on a woodsy base of cedarwood, bois de rose and sandalwood, atop a sensuous blend of powdery amber, patchouli, vetiver, animalic musk, oakmoss and soft vanilla.

The early Tigress cologne bottles were topped with tiger printed velveteen covered screw caps. Some of the early packaging also reflected the tiger print theme as you can see from the talcum and dusting powder set below.

Tigress, like other Faberge scents, was available in various forms: Parfum, Cologne, Toilet Water, Dusting powder, Talcum powder, Bath oil, Sachet, Soap.

Fate of the Fragrance:

By 1985 Tigress disappeared, in 1986, Pavion reintroduced it, but it was discontinued again shortly afterwards. Millions of adoring fans have lamented it's passing, some have tried to recreate the scent, but with futility.

The Vermont Country Store sells a "version" of it, though they claim it is the original formula. Be warned, this is not the original formula that you remember. It seems to be a watered down version that pales in comparison to that golden hued scent of yesterday.

Cher's Uninhibited reminds me of Tigress. It's a shame both fragrances are long gone.

I suggest buying your Tigress on ebay or look for it at flea markets, auctions, estate sales, craigslist and other venues.

In 1979, Faberge released a flanker scent called Tigress Musk, this beautiful perfume was heavy on the musk and had additional notes of warm vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood and powdery amber, very light notes of bergamot remain as in the original.