Molinard, the renowned and venerable Grasse perfumer, is a family history that has thrived for five generations, forging a legacy with a passion for creation. An adventure that defies time, remaining true to its values and maintaining its exacting standards of excellence, quality, and tradition. The Maison Molinard perfume house was founded in 1849 in Grasse, Provence, in the south of France, the centre of Europe's perfume industry. It has remained an entirely family-run business to this day, and is also one of the oldest of its kind in France after Parfumerie Galimard established in 1747. In addition, Molinard prides itself on the raw materials it selects for its fragrance creations, placing special emphasis on rare, noble, and natural ingredients from Grasse and around the world, which makes it special. With trailblazing spirit, Molinard revolutionized perfume codes, creating Habanita, which is the first women’s Oriental fragrance featuring vetiver, an essence hitherto reserved for men.
The story begins under the bountiful Riviera sun. Hyacinthe Molinard founded a small company in Grasse to sell Eaux de Fleurs. The shop swiftly attracted a wealthy clientele, including Queen Victoria, and became a shining beacon of quality French craftsmanship. In the early 1900s, Maison Molinard opened its prestigious Provencal mansion, where it would usher in a new era of a flourishing trade. Since that day, this original factory has drawn thousands of curious tourists who flock through its doors every year, contemplating the history-steeped heritage on display within.
One of the most iconic Molinard's creation is Habanita, which was born in the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties. From perfume extract to the essence of the femme fatale, Habanita’s innovative style was eagerly embraced by the garçonnes - France’s flappers - and soon became Molinard’s runaway success and an icon in the history of French perfume.
During the 1930s, Maison Molinard called upon the world’s most celebrated glassmakers - René Lalique, Baccarat, J. Viard - to design and sign matchless glass containers. In 1932, René Lalique designed “Le Baiser Du Faune” (“Kiss of the Faun”), which won the award for the most beautiful bottle in the world at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
Our days:
Célia Lerouge-Bénard, the fifth generation of perfumers and the first woman executive, boldly initiates and channels the creative development of every new fragrance. Wild and passionate by nature, with a creative, artistic soul, Célia now shares her vision of perfume with the world.
In addition, Maison Molinard has earned the nation’s highest distinction as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (“Living Heritage Company”), which recognizes its rare savoir-faire honed across several generations. At once daring and legendary, the perfume house has naturally carved out its place in the world of Haute Parfumerie, capturing precious essences in breathtaking bottles.
