The name Trésor, chosen by Lancôme for their 1952 fragrance, is a word of French origin, pronounced tray-ZOR. It translates to "treasure" in English — a word that evokes images of rare, precious, and deeply cherished things. The very sound of the word carries a sense of elegance and mystery, conjuring visions of ornate, gilded jewelry boxes, sunken riches from distant seas, and priceless heirlooms passed down through generations. Emotionally, Trésor stirs feelings of longing, devotion, and the desire to hold something rare and beautiful close to the heart — the very essence of what a beloved fragrance represents.
The early 1950s were a time of transformation and renewal. In the wake of World War II, society was beginning to embrace a new sense of optimism and femininity. This period is often referred to as the post-war era or the New Look era, heavily influenced by Christian Dior’s groundbreaking 1947 collection that redefined women’s fashion. Dior’s "New Look" featured nipped-in waists, full skirts, and an emphasis on an ultra-feminine silhouette — a striking departure from the utilitarian styles of the wartime years. Women were encouraged to revel in their femininity again, embracing beauty, luxury, and grace.
It was within this cultural backdrop that Trésor emerged, embodying the era's longing for sophistication and sensuality. Perfumes of the time often leaned toward bold, rich compositions that exuded glamour, echoing the opulence seen in fashion and the growing accessibility of luxury goods. While floral fragrances were abundant, semi-oriental blends like Trésor, which combined florals with warmer, more sensual notes like amber and woods, were less common — making it both trend-aware and uniquely memorable. It offered women something that felt precious, sophisticated, and timelessly elegant, aligning with the desire to reclaim beauty and luxury after years of hardship.
