A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose c1974

A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose by Houbigant: launched in 1974. The name is inspired by a line in Gertrude Stein's famous poem, "Sacred Emily." the feeling is pure romance. Imagine all the velvet textures and sunlit colors of one perfect, full yellow rose.

Quelques Fleurs Royale by Houbigant c2004

Quelques Fleurs Royale by Houbigant: launched in 2004.

Lutece by Houbigant c1984

Lutece by Houbigant: launched in 1984. Apparently, "Lutece" was the old name for the city of Paris.

Quelques Violettes by Houbigant c1914

Quelques Violettes was originally launched way back in the late 1700s, when it was reportedly a favorite of Queen Marie-Antoinette. Houbigant was her personal perfumer. It was discontinued for decades before being reformulated and relaunched in 1914, but this too was discontinued in the 1960s.


"HOUBIGANT QUELQUES VIOLETTES —a delicate combination of violet scents — with the distinctively “woody" odor. A perfume of wistful charm and beauty that yields forth the inmost nature of the violet."

Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant c1912

Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant, introduced in 1912 and crafted by perfumer Robert Bienaimé, stands as a pioneering example of the floral bouquet genre in perfumery. This timeless creation intertwines the essence of a myriad of flowers into a harmonious olfactory symphony. Imagine a fragrant garden in full bloom, where delicate petals of jasmine, rose, tuberose, and lily of the valley dance together in the gentle breeze. Each floral note contributes its unique character: jasmine exudes its sweet, narcotic allure, rose lends its romantic elegance, tuberose adds a creamy richness, and lily of the valley imparts a fresh, green vibrancy.

Quelques Fleurs is more than just a blend of flowers; it embodies the artistry of its era, capturing the essence of femininity and sophistication. Beneath the floral tapestry, subtle hints of citrus add a sparkling brightness, while a whisper of musk and sandalwood lends a soft, lingering warmth to the composition. The fragrance unfolds like a bouquet presented to a beloved, evoking memories of springtime gardens and romantic encounters.

In its signature bottle, Quelques Fleurs is a testament to timeless elegance. Adorned with delicate embellishments, it reflects the luxurious allure of early 20th-century perfumery. With its intricate blend of floral notes and its enduring popularity spanning over a century, Quelques Fleurs remains a quintessential masterpiece, capturing the essence of timeless femininity and the allure of a floral bouquet preserved in perfume form.

Essence Rare by Houbigant c1928

The launch of Essence Rare in 1928 marked an intriguing era in the world of perfumery. This period, known as the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age, was a time of significant cultural shifts, artistic experimentation, and social liberation.

In the aftermath of World War I, there was a palpable sense of euphoria and newfound freedom. This atmosphere of liberation influenced various aspects of society, including fashion, music, and, of course, fragrance.

Perfume became more than just a pleasant scent; it became a symbol of luxury, sophistication, and individual expression. Chanel No. 5, introduced by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in 1921, had already revolutionized the fragrance industry with its bold use of aldehydes and modern, abstract composition.

Houbigant's decision to launch Essence Rare as a competitor to Chanel No. 5 reflects the intense competition and innovation within the perfume market during this time. Aldehydic fragrances, characterized by their effervescent, sparkling quality, were particularly popular, embodying the spirit of the era with their glamorous and extravagant allure.

Paul Schving, the Roure-Bertrand chemist credited with creating Essence Rare, likely drew inspiration from the zeitgeist of the 1920s, blending traditional floral notes with the cutting-edge use of aldehydes to craft a fragrance that captured the essence of the era.

Overall, the launch of Essence Rare in 1928 occurred within a vibrant and dynamic period in history, characterized by rapid societal change, artistic innovation, and fierce competition in the world of perfumery.