Brand «Северное Сияние»

A St. Petersburg Legend with Parisian Recognition

The history of the legendary domestic brand "Northern Lights" begins not in 1928, but much earlier—in 1860, when merchant Fyodor Kale founded the "St. Petersburg Chemical Laboratory" in St. Petersburg. Even then, the enterprise specialized in the production of colognes, soap, and cosmetics, setting a high standard of quality. Worldwide recognition was not long in coming: the factory twice, in 1878 and 1900, won the Grand Silver Medals at the prestigious World Exhibition in Paris, which was an unprecedented success for a Russian manufacturer at the time.

After nationalization in 1918, the factory, receiving strong state support, became the flagship of Soviet perfumery. It was here in the 1920s-30s that the first large-scale Soviet perfumes were created, becoming symbols of the era: "Leningrad," "Jubilee," and "Ellada." In 1953, the enterprise officially received the name by which it was loved by millions—the Leningrad Perfume Factory "Northern Lights."

The Golden Age and Talented "Noses"

The Soviet period was a time of flourishing creative thought. Within the factory walls worked outstanding perfumers, whose names are forever inscribed in the history of domestic perfumery. Masters such as Bella Goutzeit and Vera Lakotkina created fragrances that not only sold but became part of the cultural code of generations.

A true style icon and object of universal love became the perfume "White Night" (later "White Nights"), released in 1939. Its advertising poster in the Art Deco style, created by artist Alexander Miller, is today considered a work of art. And in 1953, Bella Goutzeit gave the world the delicate and recognizable "Silver Lily of the Valley"—a fragrance that remained a bestseller and symbol of purity for decades.

Cult Fragrances That Won Hearts

By the 1980s, the "Northern Lights" assortment included over 130 names of perfumes, colognes, and cosmetic products. Many of the compositions created then still live in memory and are in demand by vintage perfume connoisseurs. This includes the romantic "Wind Rose," the exquisite "Hermitage," and the mysterious "Hamlet."

In different years, fresh, floral, and powdery compositions were especially loved. For example, the delicate Blue Flowers or the sunny Summer Garden. The brand also experimented with thematic collections, such as Romeo and Juliet, offering entire perfume stories.

"Northern Lights" Today: Heritage and Mass Market

A new era in the life of the factory began in 1994, when it became part of the international concern Unilever. This allowed for the modernization of production and the introduction of global mass-market cosmetic brands to the Russian market, such as Dove, Rexona, Sunsilk, and Timotei, which are also produced here.

The traditional perfumery of "Northern Lights" continues to live on, remaining accessible and beloved. Modern interpretations of classic fragrances, as well as new compositions like Aurora or Autumn Air, created with the participation of perfumers such as Valentina Zananyants, maintain a connection with the rich past. This is perfumery for everyday life, distinguished by clear, understandable notes, good longevity, and democratic prices.

Why "Northern Lights" Is More Than Just Perfume

For several generations of residents of Russia and the CIS countries, the fragrances of "Northern Lights" are the scent of childhood, youth, first dates, and family holidays. It is a witness brand, a companion brand that has passed through revolutions, wars, changes of eras and economic systems, but has preserved its essence.

Its philosophy is the creation of quality, accessible, and emotionally close perfumery. Here you will not find niche complexity or luxury inaccessibility. But you will find honest, heartfelt fragrances that speak the same language as your memories. Exploring the "Northern Lights" catalog is like flipping through a family album, where each page smells special: sometimes with the delicate lily of the valley, sometimes with the coolness of a white night, sometimes with the withering autumn leaves.