When I write (and think) about vintage perfume, especially bottles from the 1950s and early 60s (some released during those years, other older but still popular), I usually turn to the super-sexy ones. Leather chypres, smoky dry-downs, civet, real musk and other dirty animalics. Of course, there are just as many the lady-like perfumes from that era. After all, Audrey Hepburn didn't wear Bandit and neither did Grace Kelly. We usually think of icons like Jacqueline Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor who represented the glamor of those days, and perfumes such as Miss Dior, Le De, Chanel No. 5 and various Guerlains. I also remember that moment in the first season finale of Mad Men when Joan prepares for her date by dabbing Shalimar.
I was reading the news today about the death of actress Barbara Billingsley, who will forever be June Cleaver to most of us. She wore pearls, an apron and a wholesome smile, got a peck on the cheek from Mr. Cleaver every morning and night and dreamed about... what?
June Cleaver probably had a couple of perfume bottles on her dresser. What did she wear with her pearls every day? Did the Avon Lady come a calling for her? Did she wear L'Interdit for special occasions, or maybe Le Dix? Do you think she had a bar of No. 5 soap tucked away for use when she and Ward went away on vacation without the boys? Did he buy her a bottle of Fleurs de Rocaille for her birthday? Or maybe L'Air du Temps?
For some reason I can't imagine June Cleaver in Arpege or My Sin any more than in Tabac Blond or Mitsouko. But then again she might have had a secret life we know nothing about. I actually like this thought.
What do you think? What would June Cleaver wear?
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