Peut-Etre by Lancome c1937

Peut-Etre by Lancome: launched in 1937. The name means "perhaps" in French. The perfume was renamed "Qui Sait? in 1954, because it was easier for non-French speaking customers to pronounce.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It was a sweet floral perfume with a dominant note of lilac.

• Top notes: Dutch linden blossom, citrus
• Middle notes: Grasse rose absolute, Alpine lilac, jasmine
• Base notes: South Pacific ambergris, Mysore sandalwood, Madagascar vanilla

Armand Petitjean:

"Peut Etre said nothing and says it all. He questions and answers, promises much and is not binding, with a hint of hope, it is a word of youth. A garden in the heart of France, with the last lilacs and roses first agrees with the smell of lime and the breeze on the last day of spring. "

English translation:

"Peut-Etre (Can Be) said nothing and says it all. He questions and answers, promises much and is not binding, with a hint of hope, it is a word of youth. A garden in the heart of France, with the last of the first and lilac roses is consistent with the smell of lime and the breeze on the last day of spring. "

Times Colonist, 1946:

"A French garden, the end of lilac-time, the first roses appearing, with a lime tree sending forth the full fragrance of its flowers, and gently caressed by the breeze bringing a touch of exoticism and mystery. A fresh but ardent perfume, just slightly provocative (as a smile might be), heralding fulfillment."

 

Bottles:

The Fate of the Fragrance:

Discontinued, date unknown.  During WWII, importations of Lancome fragrances such as Tropiques, Tendres Nuit, Fleches, Cuir, Conquete, Bocages, Peut Etre, and Kypre were halted and did not return to US soil until 1946.  Still being sold in 1952.


The perfume was reformulated by Nathalie Lorson who added notes of white musk and balms and relaunched in 2008 as a 50ml Eau de Parfum, and added to the La Collection, which is devoted to old and famous Lancome's scents which were discontinued.  Unfortunately this version was discontinued by 2010.

Although, it has been released once again in 2011 and is currently for sale as 75ml Eau de Parfum on Lancome's website for $175.

Poetic words about the fragrance from the Lancome site:

"Alone in her beloved French garden, a woman wanders among roses, lilac, iris and jasmine. She is thinking of him, knowing that he loves her but hoping he will soon show her a sign that will banish all her doubts. A breeze arises and strokes her skin, carrying fragrant petals softly into her hair. She closes her eyes and lets the aura of the garden envelop her senses. She hears footsteps, opens her eyes and looks into his. She sees a new and special intensity in his gaze. And is something hidden in his hand? The moment is electric. Something important is going to happen…peut-être…perhaps". 

Reformulated version:

• Top notes: aldehydes, seringa flowers
• Middle notes: iris and Bulgarian rose
• Base notes: amber, balm and white musk