Homage to Saphir – From The Shoe Snob
We are celebrating Saphir's 100th Anniversary.
We've managed to get our hands on a handful of jars of the the Black Médaille d'Or Pommadier Black Cream Shoe Polish. They will not be for sale but offered as a Giveaway.
5 winners were announced on November 2nd, 2020.
@russellbrown9242
@dad_jokes
@medetjohn
@jason.sexton
@mrjohnfrose
For those who didn’t win this time, don’t fret - we are already planning our next SnobGiveaway, so watch this space.
Thank you once again to everyone who took part.
THIS ULTRA-PREMIUM CARE RANGE IS NAMED WITH NOD TO THE PRESTIGIOUS MÉDAILLE D’OR WHICH PARISIAN COMPANY SAPHIR – A PURVEYOR OF PRODUCTS RANGING FROM REGULAR SHOE CREAMS TO WAX POLISHES, IMPREGNATION SPRAYS, DYES AND REPAIR PASTES - WAS AWARDED IN 1925 FOR THE EXCELLENCE OF ITS WARES.
1920 – The Creation
The story began in a laboratory where key ingredients were assembled in a unique formulation, in Faverges, Haute-Savoie. Created in collaboration with the best leathercraft makers, the formulation, vastly ahead of its time, has met with astounding success due to its unique ability to beautify and preserve the finest leather skin.
L’ Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes – 1925 Paris
This hugely successful world fair had the backing of the french government and took place between the Esplanade des invalides and the entrances to the Grand Palais and Petit Palais and on both banks of the Seine river. It attracted sixteen million visitors over its seven-month period from April to October 1925 with 15,000 exhibitors from twenty different countries. It is deemed to be the catalyst where Modernism and Art Deco were highlighted and transported around the world. However, pre-1925 new eclectic modernist genres of arts, design and architecture were already being explored, especially by the Bauhaus movement.
The list of exhibitors included Japan and Poland but there were no exhibitors from the United States as the organisers decided there were not enough designers designing in modern style. As new inspirations in art and turning back on old styles were the leading concept as regards the exhibition. For the time of Exhibition the entire centre of Paris was changed into a gigantic exhibition area advertising the products of leading producers of that era. It was a symbol of approaching period characterised by adoration of luxury, excess and pleasant life.
Exhibition featured leading French companies, the biggest department stores in Paris and luxurious brands, such as Sèvres, Lalique or Ruhlmann.
Luxury triumphed in the arrangements of French exhibitors looking for modern means of expression, noticeable adoration of oriental excess and precious materials, such as ebony, marble, lacquerware or ivory.
New forms and decorative motifs appeared: sun rays, ziggurat, stylised fountains, garland, baskets with flowers, dancing nymphs and sleek deer. These motifs have been included into art deco repertoire for good. And also “raw” application of ornaments, adoration of balanced composition and inclination to use luxurious materials.
New concepts were soon accepted worldwide and new French style became international. Saphir, was awarded the highest distinction, a gold medal for the quality of their formulation & industry innovation.
100 year anniversary
To celebrate this occasion, Saphir has released a limited 100 year anniversary edition of their Renovateur and Pommadier cream.
These jars feature a special black and gold label and contain 33% more product for free! (100ml vs 75ml)
This limited time collection features text on the label that commemorates Saphir’s 100 years of business!
“L’Histoire de Saphir commence en 1920 a Faverges (Haule-Savoie), over la création de célèbre Rénovateur. L’excellence de son savoir’taire est récompensée par l’attribution de la Médalille d’Or a l’exposition universelle de Paris en 1925.
In 1920 the Story of Saphir began in Faverges (Haute-Savoie) with the creation of the renowned Rénovateur. Its outstanding know-how was rewarded with a Gold Medal at the Paris World Fair in 1925.”
