Diorissimo Perfume… “Shocking” Perfume by Schiaparelli
Two beautiful perfumes, two beautiful fragrances, I used in my younger years at different times. One was no longer available, when I came to the United States. “Shocking” by Elsa Schiaparelli, the bottle, French Art Deco, inspired by an hourglass, the shape of a female torso or dressmaker dummy, one could occasionally still find in large department stores with a fine perfume counter. Diorissimo is still available today. Both have a heavenly fragrance.
I lost my beloved husband Hal of 64 happy years six years ago and at that time, I moved into a small apartment. I have no room for clutter or filling up the desk drawers with clutter. I was clearing out some cards, notes and pictures, accumulated from previous times. One picture I had not seen for many years but remembered it well. I tried to think where it came from. I remembered taking some pictures out of my Hal’s wallet, since I wanted to give the soft leather wallet to Marcus, my dearest niece’s eldest son, for his birthday.
To my amazement I remembered that picture of me when and where it was taken but did not realize that my Hal had kept one of them for all these years. The picture was taken for a job offer I had as “Photo model” for an advertising company, a French firm, representing Diorissimo and Schiaparelli Perfumes here in Germany where I resided. It was of course before television. Throughout the cities were tall, round pillars for “Reklame” advertising. Large department stores also had, like movie theaters, screens above the entry with moving advertisements. The Fashion House of Schiaparelli in Paris showed the fashions created at that time, in the 1940s and 1950s by Elsa Schiaparelli, Italian fashion designer.
I had no idea that my dearest Hal carried that snapshot of me from the late 1940s. Not ever having a reason, nor would I ever think of looking into my husband’s wallet, therefore I did not know that he so treasured this little photo. I remember well the dress I wore and where the picture was taken. The dress had three parts in a soft, beautiful, light weight Burgundy color wool. A stunning fitted skirt, a slit in the back with French pleats. A bodice, no sleeves, no straps, straight across with beaded embroidery at the top. An “Ike Jacket,” as they were called then, short to the waist only, long sleeves, lapels with beaded embroidery.
I modeled for this Agency a few years and like the fur modeling I called it quits once I met and became friends with Sgt. Halvor LeGrand Cole. It was for me far more important and rewarding to spend my time with my Hal, than fur or perfume modeling.
It was so long ago, but seeing this little picture now brought back to me that time so clearly. It is so nice to relive, but so sad my Hal is no longer here to share the memories and remember them with me.
Our Ilona was a beautiful model. Of course she was! And she only gave herself to the most elegant and refined products. I love the description of the lovely attire. I wish the picture showed the whole outfit. Her Hal was so taken by her loveliness and manner. He kept her picture close. I would love to smell those two perfumes that were her favorite. Maybe someday I will! Love these stories.
This picture of Ilona is stunningly beautiful! No wonder Hal kept it in his wallet for so many years. I always enjoy reading about the details Ilona remembers about the wonderful clothing from her past, and this is no exception. Although I am familiar with Diorissimo fragrance, I have not encountered “Shocking”. But, if Ilona likes it, I am sure that I would, too.