The evolution of the perfume bottle
During the 1900 to 1910, the Art Nouveau style of art was very popular. The perfume bottles were made of glass and had a feminine, whimsical, and floral design. The letters were usually gilt and had brass corks and caps. Most had wands to apply the fragrance to their wrists or necks. During this time, atomizers were born in which a woman could apply a fine mist with a bulb applicator. Manufacturers began creating empty containers for the “right” women to store their favorite fragrance. Also during this time was the appearance of curvaceous bottles with glass flowers.
In it 1920With the return of perfume with soldiers at the end of the war, the expansion of fragrance sales led to the need for companies to collaborate with fashion designers to create new containers. Hollywood was an influence due to the growing success and glamor that eluded it. Urban and art deco-inspired designs gained popularity. A simple rectangular container with a glass cover was just as desirable.
With the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930, perfume sales dropped dramatically. Those manufacturers that were able to stay open gave way to the production of cheaper machine-made bottles with flashy outer packaging.
In it 1940 With the end of World War II, more creative fragrance packaging designs began to make a comeback. The public’s desire for elaborately designed artistic bottles led the way to paint, enamel, metal or plastic fittings to distinguish one fragrance from another.
As modern art movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism began to make their way into the mainstream in the 1950, artists sought worthy patrons in the world of fragrances. Many of the perfume bottles during this time period were designed by fashion designers. While some were styled after a rock-n-roll band, others styled the trims to mimic hats and flower crowns.
Tea 1960 evidenced the return of crafts and popular art. Artisanal artisans and independent glassblowing studios also began to emerge. This gave rise to very decorative and distinctive bottles, generally inspired by the fashions of the decade.
In it 1970, women were seen as strong and independent. Metal was reintroduced into women’s perfume decanters, making them more unisex and utilitarian. In some cases, the caps were replaced with screw caps that allowed the fragrance to be applied more as a dab than a dab. This stripped down design signaled that more liberal modern women could include luxury in their lifestyle.
1980 revolutionized the concept of perfume as a toiletry item and therefore more portable with the introduction of the built-in atomizer. Plastic became more commonly used, allowing women to carry perfume in their handbag. This made the products more available to customers. Also during this time, vials were made in geometric shapes of clear or black heavy glass with gold metal caps and other striking details.
during half of1990, increased outsourcing led to less packaging being made in the US Higher-priced fragrances were being sold alongside lower-priced ones in stores. The construction of the perfume container was becoming more disposable.
Today perfumers are testing bottle designs using materials such as colored coated glass and lightweight plastics. There are many celebrity and fashion designer fragrances emerging during this time, which has led to more complex and bold features.
Ultimately, designers create perfume bottles to attract the public towards their products by capturing their attention.