Raffinee by Houbigant: launched in 1982. The name is intended to evoke a certain refined elegance, as reflected in the packaging of lacquered red and gold. Presented in a bottle designed by Alain de Mourgues.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? Raffinee is composed of over two hundred ingredients, combining floral and oriental notes. Jasmine, roses and hyacinth with Florentine orris and mimosa, laced with other natural florals.
- Top notes: jasmine, rose and carnation
- Heart notes: herbs, hyacinth, mimosa, Florentine orris and tonka bean
- Base notes of cypress, sandalwood, spices, frankincense and musk
Fate of the Fragrance:
After suffering a long and complicated ownership, Houbigant filed for bankruptcy in 1993. Since filing the petition, Houbigant discontinued its design, marketing and distribution operations and became a trademark licensor. In 1994 the Bankruptcy Court authorized Houbigant to implement and effectuate a license agreement with Parfums Parquet Incorporated. PPI was Houbigant's exclusive United States licensee.
In 1994, a newly formed American cosmetics and fragrance company, Renaissance Cosmetics acquired Parfums Parquet, giving it control over twelve well-known Houbigant fragrances including Chantilly, French Vanilla, White Chantilly, Raffinee and Lutece, together with Allyssa Ashley Musk. In 1995, this was followed by the acquisition of Dana Perfumes Corp from the Serra family, and of Cosmar (who produced nail care products) in 1995. This left Houbigant to concentrate on some of their other core fragrances, principally Quelques Fleurs and Demi Jour.
Renaissance Cosmetics made a business of remarketing classic fragrances, primarily through mass marketers. Renaissance was a global cosmetics company that consisted of Houbigant Perfumes, Dana Perfumes, and Cosmar. Houbigant licensed various trademarks to Renaissance. In addition to the Houbigant fragrances, the Renaissance line also included Dana's classics Tabu and Canoe.
In 1997, the founder of Renaissance Cosmetics, Thomas Bonoma died. Renaissance filed for Chapter 11 in 1999; its brands were acquired by New Dana Perfumes, later renamed Dana Classic Fragrances.
I miss this so much! I primarily used the body lotion, which was "warmer" in scent than the perfume and powder. Although I didn't apply much, people often responded by asking what the beautiful scent was. The "new" Raffinee is not the same - sharper and not as pleasing.
ReplyDeletePLEASE bring back the "old" Raffinee.
I wore Raffinee from the time it came out until I could know longer find it , Dana does NOT make the same scent as Houbigant, so different, please bring it back. I can't find anything to replace it.
ReplyDeleteI miss this perfume too! Always received so many compliments on it. I have not been able to find a scent I really like in all the years since it was discontinued.
ReplyDeleteThis is the only perfume I have used since 1982!The ones you buy today are awful smelling! I pray they bring it back! There's no other like it!!
ReplyDeleteI bought a bottle of Raffinee at Mervyn's dept store sometime between early and mid-1980s. it had a square-type red and gold cap (if I remember right). Problem is, I can't remember if it was by Houbigant or Dana and whether it was Eau de Parfum or Toilette. Since it cost only about $30 or so, I assume I bought Eau de Toilette. Could someone tell me which one I probably purchased because I'd like to get that one again since it was my favorite.
ReplyDelete