Capricci was very prized in Europe, and it was the official French Government gift to visiting royalty.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It is classified as a light, elegant aldehydic citrusy floral fragrance for women. Sophisticated, modern aldehydic blend predominantly with lily of the valley, reseda, Chinese gardenia, jasmine and Bulgarian roses layered over musk oakmoss and ambergris. It begins with a fresh flowery top, followed by a lavish floral heart, layered over an elegant feminine base.
- Top notes: aldehydes, bergamot, green leaves, calyx note, lily of the valley, reseda
- Middle notes: oregano, rosemary, tuberose, Chinese gardenia, orris root, jasmine absolute, hyacinth, ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley, geranium, Bulgarian rose essence, may rose absolute, and narcissus
- Base notes: ambergris, sandalwood, musk, benzoin, oakmoss and vetiver
Bottles:
The original Capricci was available in Parfum and Eau de Toilette concentration only. Parfum was housed in Lalique crystal bottles.
Deluxe Faceted Crystal Bottles:
The deluxe bottles are faceted cut crystal. The largest Lalique parfum bottle for Capricci holds 11 oz.
- 11 oz = 6.25" tall.
- 6.6 oz = 6" tall.
Disk Shaped Splash Bottles:
These bottles debuted in the 1950s and are found in both parfum and eau de toilette concentration. The bottles were manufactured by Lalique, the circular body has a scalloped design around the edges and a spherical glass stopper with the initials NR raised on the neck. These bottles were fitted with round paper labels. The Eau de Capricci bottles were fitted with a gilded screw cap.
Parfum Bottle sizes:
- 8.75" tall
- 5 1/8" tall (6.8 oz), with screw cap
- 5" tall (3.3 oz)
- 4 1/2" tall, parfum with oval shaped body, crystal stopper
- 4 1/4" tall (1 3/4 oz), parfum with crystal stopper
- 4" tall, parfum with crystal stopper
- 3 3/4" tall
- 3 1/4" tall (1 oz) parfum, with crystal stopper
- 3" tall (1/4 oz)
- 2 5/8" tall (3/7 oz), parfum with crystal stopper
- 2 3/4" tall
Jeweler's Opera Flacon:
This purse size bottle holds 1/5 oz of Capricci Parfum in a refillable splash bottle. Bottle stands about 2.5"tall. This little clear glass bottle is encased in gold tone metal latticework, its cap is in the shape of a gold tone metal rose. It was packaged along with a tiny gilt metal funnel in a luxurious brown presentation case lined with bronze colored satin. Reference #7286.
Capricci was also available in eau de toilette concentration in two different bottles, a disk shaped Lalique designed splash flacon that was a standard bottle for other Ricci perfumes (also used for eau de cologne),
The EDT splash was available in four sizes and the EDT sprays were available in 4 oz luxe atomizer, a 2 oz refillable atomizer and a tall, cylindrical spray Lalique glass bottle with brass trimming, called the "Airomatique Spray"..
Vogue - Volume 146, 1965:
"awn of a new day in spray. ..the Airomatique! An original Lalique flacon with a very special atomizer, created in Paris by Marcel Franck. Just a touch of your finger releases a fine mist of Capricci Eau de Toilette. It's all fragrance. And all in all the most beautiful addition to your boudoir."
Bath and body products were introduced: perfumed soap, perfumed bath foam, perfumed body cream, and perfumed talc.
In 1972/1973, Capricci was available in the following formats:
- Parfum Presentations: Crystal bottles with Lalique-designed stoppers. Available in various sizes; Purse atomizers; Perfume atomizers (3 sizes).
- Related Products: Eau de Toilette (4 sizes); Atomizers; Eau de Toilette - 4 oz deluxe, - 2 oz refillable; Aromatic Spray.
- Ancillary Products: Perfumed soap; Perfumed bath foam; Perfumed body cream; Perfumed talc.
In 1977/1978, Capricci was available in the following formats:
- Parfum Presentations: Crystal bottles with Lalique-designed stoppers. Available in various sizes; Purse atomizers; Perfume atomizers.
- Related Products: Eau de Toilette (4 sizes); Eau de Toilette Atomizers - 4 oz deluxe, - 2 oz refillable; Natural Eau de Toilette spray (2.5 oz)
- Ancillary Products: Perfumed soap; Perfumed bath foam; Perfumed body cream; Perfumed talc.
In 1984–1985, Capricci was presented as a complete and elegant fragrance line, reflecting Nina Ricci’s dedication to artistry, sophistication, and the refinement of daily ritual. The collection offered a balance between collectible luxury and practical formats, allowing the wearer to enjoy the perfume both as a treasured objet d’art and as an accessible signature scent for everyday use. Each piece was designed to reflect the youthful, whimsical, and feminine character of Capricci, a fragrance known for its playful yet sophisticated charm.
At the top of the line were the Lalique crystal bottles, offered in two sizes. These sculptural bottles transformed perfume into a collectible piece of art, their clarity and precision emphasizing both the luxury of the fragrance and the craftsmanship of Lalique glass. In addition, the parfum was available in presentation bottles in four sizes, offering a more traditional display while maintaining elegance, and a purse spray for portability and discreet use on the go, ideal for modern, active lifestyles.
The Eau de Toilette line extended Capricci into daily wear with versatility and convenience. Available as splashes in four sizes, the fragrance could be applied generously or with more restraint. A large 4 oz (120 ml) spray offered ease of use for home or office, while a 60 ml refillable spray provided both practicality and sustainability, reflecting an emerging interest in reusable fragrance formats. A 2.5 oz (75 ml) natural spray offered a lighter, modern application method suitable for travel or casual wear.
Completing the collection, the accessories allowed Capricci to envelop the wearer in its playful floral charm from bath to body. The line included 100 g perfumed soaps, a 150 ml perfumed body lotion, and a perfumed foaming bath designed to transform bathing into a fragrant ritual. Perfumed talcum powder was offered in a 100 g travel-size flexible bottle, adding a powdery, soft touch to the scent, while a 150 ml cream soap provided a gentle daily cleansing experience.
Together, the 1984–1985 Capricci line exemplified Nina Ricci’s philosophy of fragrance as both art and lifestyle. Through the combination of Lalique crystal artistry, versatile sprays, and indulgent body-care offerings, Capricci was presented as a fragrance that was playful yet sophisticated, luxurious yet practical—a complete sensory experience designed to charm and delight.
Fate of the Fragrance:
Despite the high quality of the Nina Ricci perfumes, four fragrances were unsuccessful in the American market (Coeur Joie, Capricci, Farouche and Fleurs de Fleurs), yet, they are successful in Europe. Why? Because most American women prefer stronger fragrances rather than the light, flowery scents enjoyed by European women. Furthermore, European women believe femininity is enhanced by a perfume, and they place more importance on the decorative crystal bottles and packaging than American women do. “ The French image of perfume is very romantic, feminine and sophisticated,” says Lina Vitali, vice president of Parfums Nina Ricci, USA in 1989. “The American perfume’s image is more aggressive, sexual and overpowering.”
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