Houbigant (perfume)

Houbigant was a perfume manufacturer founded in Paris, France in 1775 by Jean-François Houbigant of Grasse (1752-1807), originally selling gloves, perfumes, and bridal bouquets [http://fragrance-raymonde.fr.tc/] . The original shop, called "A la Corbeille de Fleurs", was in the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Clients included Queen Marie-Antoinette of France; two French emperors; Princess Adélaïde d'Orléans (1829); Princess Dagmar of Denmark, wife of emperor Alexander III of Russia (1890); Madame Du Barry, mistress of King Louis XV of France; and Queen Victoria of England.

An Houbigant legend, not verified, has it that when Marie Antoinette was fleeing to Varennes to escape the French revolutionaries she was recognised as royalty because of her Houbigant perfume, which only royalty could afford [http://www.perfumeprojects.com/museum/marketers/Houbigant.php] .

Houbigant is one of the world's oldest perfumers. Older Houbigant perfumes and bottles are collectable. The company ceased to be independent in 1995, although the name Houbigant and the names of many of its products continue.

Amongst their fragrances are Lutece, Raffinee, Quelques Fleurs. A comprehensive list of perfumes created in France, including those of Houbigant is here [http://perso.numericable.fr/mmichelemi97/michelmespubs/Parfums.htm] .

Houbigant was the first perfume manufacturer to use coumarin, in their Fougère Royale [http://www.cnrs.fr/cw/dossiers/doschim/decouv/parfums/loupe_coumarine.htm] .

• 1775: Perfumer Jean-François Houbigant opens “A la Corbeille de Fleurs”, Rue Faubourg St Honoré• 1807: Perfumer Armand-Gustave Houbigant, the son of Jean-François, joins the house • 1807: Houbigant was appointed personal perfumer to Napoleon and created a special perfume for Empress Josephine• In 1829, Houbigant was appointed perfumer to Her Royal Highness, the Princess Adelaide d’Orleans, mother of King Louis-Philippe.• In 1838, the French house was awarded the license of “Perfumer to Her Majesty, Queen Victoria of England”. • In 1880 perfumer Paul Parquet became joint owner. • In 1882, Parquet introduced Fougère Royale.• In 1890 Tsar Alexander III named Houbigant perfumer to the Imperial Court of Russia • In 1912 Perfumer Bienaimé joined Houbigant and created fragrances for the house until he founded his own in 1935.• In 1912 perfumer Bienaimé introduced Quelques Fleurs.• pre-1950 perfumers Paul Schving and Marcel Billot created perfumes for Houbigant• In the 1980s Houbigant relaunches Quelques Fleurs• In 1985 Houbigant launched Duc de Vervins• In 1998 Houbigant launched Quelques Fleurs Royale

References

* [http://www.perfumeprojects.com/museum/marketers/Houbigant.php The history of Houbigant perfumes]

The Houbigant fragrances "Quelques Fleurs" (the first true multi-floral bouquet) and "Quelques Fleurs Royale" (which is based upon the formula created for "Princess Adelaide D'Orleans") are now being manufactured under the original specifications by LOFT Fashion and Beauty Diffusion of Monaco and marketed in the United States by Exclusive Fragrances and Cosmetics .