Art Deco Aroma: Perfume of the 1920s & 30s

Jeffrey Paul Ames—a perfumer, chef, and Hollywood makeup artist to the stars guides us through the Scented Splendor of the Art Deco Era in an unforgettable and rare immersive experience.

In this intoxicating journey from Belle Époque to Art Deco, Jeffrey, the Aromatic Gourmet, will regale you with dazzling stories of the French perfume industry of the 1920s and 30s, while stimulating your senses through the iconic aromas of the era. This is not just a lecture—it’s a sensory celebration of sight, scent, and taste.

The 1920s and 30s were a time of great evolution in the perfume industry, as fragrances became more complex and enduring scents such as Chanel No. 5 and Guerlin’s Shalimar were born. Perfume bottles turned into Art Deco works of art with the designs of glass artist René Lalique (who we know from his glass fountain, the centerpiece of the Paris 1925 Expo fairgrounds and his work on Los Angeles’ own Oviatt building). Perfume was a powerful accessory. A woman’s trademark scent defined her personal style as aptly as her mode of dress. Fashion houses developed their own scents, from Paul Poiret’s “Rosine,” debuted at the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts to Jean Patou’s “Joy” and Jeanne Lanvin’s “Arpège.” Hollywood promoted the glamour of luxury goods and the irresistibility of a perfumed temptress could drive a man wild on or offscreen.

History comes alive with curated vintage-inspired perfume samples as you learn the secrets behind the olfactory trends of the Jazz Age, and sip specially crafted perfumed cocktails designed by Jeffrey who brings his expertise in fragrance, food, and Old Hollywood glamour to this unforgettable evening.

A rare, aromatic adventure you won’t want to miss.

Elegantly crafted perfumed cocktails will be available at the Saban Theatre’s no-host bar during this aromatic adventure into vintage fragrances.