In 1940, Coty launched a novel line of Eau de Toilette fragrances under the label “Informal Fragrances,” highlighting their most popular scents in a casual, accessible format. These perfumes were housed in amphora-shaped stoneware bottles, a design choice that combined classical elegance with practical durability. The amphoras were manufactured by the Zanesville Stoneware Company of Ohio, starting in 1940, and each stands 5.5 inches tall at the lip of the spout, holding a generous five ounces of toilet water.
The bottles are capped with unique stoppers, consisting of a cork topped with bronze-colored metal, giving a decorative yet functional seal. Some amphoras may still retain their original labels on both the bellies and bases, with the base label providing detailed usage instructions: “Coty New York Paris Informal Fragrance. Use this lovely Eau de Toilette as lavishly as you choose. A generous sprinkle in your bath—a dash in your hand basin—in your final shampoo rinse—on your lingerie or kerchief. Impart a touch of fragrance to your accessories or your furs. Take it with you to freshen up while traveling. Cont. 5 oz. Compounded in U.S.A.”
Each amphora was color-coordinated to correspond with the fragrance inside, creating a visually striking display: Emeraude was in light green, Chypre in a paler green, L’Aimant in pink, L’Origan in brown, and Paris in blue. This thoughtful color coding, combined with the classical amphora shape and practical five-ounce capacity, made the Informal Fragrances both decorative and functional, appealing to collectors and perfume enthusiasts alike.
