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Other Early Ads – img6426

May 25, 2021 by sutobacco

Other Early Ads – img6426
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Theme:
Early Orientalist
Collection:
Other Early Ads
Published:
1919
Brand:
Milo Violets
Manufacturer:
American Tobacco Company
Format:
Advertisement
Tobacco Type:
Cigarette
Quote:

Delicately scented- gold tips such is the fragrance and charm of these exquisite cigarettes that they are becoming the accepted choice of particular smokers the world over.

Comments:

Milo Violets were quite likelythe earliest cigarette designed exclusively for women. The American Tobacco Company introduced Milo Violets in 1918 for women who wished to assert their independence and decide for themselves which cigarettes they would smoke. Earlier, in 1892, “Milo Egyptian Cigarettes” were manufactured in New York and featured the famous image of the Venus de Milo, sculpted by Alexandros of Antioch, on the front of its pack. These original Milos were marketed toward men, so in 1919 when the American Tobacco Company wanted to market to women, they added gold tips and perfume to the cigarettes, and labeled them “Milo Violets.” This advertisement depicts a woman smoking a cigarette with a minstrel from years past, evoking a sense of romance and timelessness which would appeal to women. The two look like actors from la Commedia dell'arte, a popular acting company during the 16th century which experienced a strong revival in the early 20th century. The minstrel serenades the woman as she effervescently smokes her cigarette.

Keywords:

Female, fragrance, Luxury, Relaxing, rich, romance, woman

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