Bastille Day Fragrances
A scented journey through the rich tradition of French perfumery
On 14 July 1789 the French people changed the course of history. The storming of the Bastille, where an angry mob of Parisians broke into a prison compound, was a defining moment in the French Revolution. After a bloody exchange a handful of prisoners were released, lighting the touchpaper for a sequence of events that would later become historical record.
The falling of the prison, once a symbol of the Monarchy’s ‘dictatorial rule’, signalled the first significant victory for the people of Paris over what was seen at the time as the ‘Old Regime’.
The rest, as they say, is history. And while France prepares to celebrate the birth of the French Republic, we commemorate the enduring history that resides within our most prestigious French heritage houses.
Founded in 1798, Pierre Francois Lubin's fragrance empire is renowned as one of the world’s oldest and most esteemed perfume houses. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, it held the esteemed position of being the official perfumer to European royalty.
Black Jade draws inspiration from the intriguing history of Marie-Antoinette. Evoking the elegance and mystique of the renowned queen, Black Jade transports us to the lavish court of Versailles during the 18th century. This exquisite fragrance pays homage to Marie-Antoinette's penchant for ornate gardens and her love for black jade, a gemstone believed to possess protective qualities.
With meticulous attention to detail, Lubin has masterfully blended rare and opulent ingredients to create a scent that captures the essence of Marie-Antoinette's unique persona, her undeniable charm, and her everlasting allure.
Spanning nearly four centuries, Trudon stands as the world's oldest and most revered candle manufacturer. Celebrated for its opulent and regal storytelling, Trudon beautifully captures and commemorates pivotal moments in French history, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the grandeur and significance of bygone eras.
The new Tuileries collection is a tribute to history. An olfactory timestamp to the tumultuous era of the French Revolution — where the royal family endured their captivity in the Tuileries Palace — the scent is inspired by Marie-Antoinette's most beloved flower: the rose, inviting us to reflect on the indomitable spirit and enduring beauty that flourished even in the darkest of times.
Perhaps Trudon’s most visceral expression of the era is Revolution. A rich woody amber with smokey facets and sophisticated woody notes, the eau de parfum is reminiscent of the burning barricades and burning fires that once raged.
BDK celebrates the Parisian lifestyle. Championing the empowerment of women through unique, sophisticated, and timeless fragrances, the brand stands at the vanguard of perfume artistry, a modern symbol of French global influence.
Gris Charnel, one of its hero eau de parfums, encapsulates the brand’s creative brilliance with an urban rose-grey elixir, a carnal potion akin to a storm rolling into Paris… reminiscent of the impending Revolution itself.
Aside from their sleek design and elegant aesthetic, BDK bottle caps hold historical significance too. Look closely, and you’ll notice that each lid takes its form from the iconic roofs of the Grand Palais.
Parfums de Marly
Parfums de Marly pays homage to the illustrious Château de Marly and its historical significance as an escape from the political pressures and administrative duties of Versailles. Inspired by the opulence and grandeur of this magnificent retreat, Parfums de Marly captures the essence of the king's desire for respite and indulgence.
Each fragrance artfully blends exquisite ingredients to create a sensory journey, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the elegance and tranquillity that once enveloped the château. By evoking the spirit of this cherished sanctuary, Parfums de Marly invites us to experience a touch of the royal escape, embracing the freedom and luxury that defined the reign of the French monarchy.
A tribute to the many royal thoroughbreds of the time, Parfums de Marly fragrances are named after the king’s prized horses. Among them are Layton, a seductive soft amber of intense woods and vanilla, and Delina Exclusif, a new take on the classic Delina that offers an exquisite blend of fresh fruit notes and a heady mix of sweet amber.