🌟 Guerlain: From the perfume of empresses to the royalty of Louis Vuitton
Guerlain is one of the most prestigious perfume houses in the world, and arguably the cradle of French luxury in perfumery.
Since its founding in 1828 , it has combined art, science and creativity to become a symbol of Parisian beauty and luxury.
But what's the story behind this venerable brand? And how did it transform from a family business into part of the global Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy group?
🕰️ Beginnings: A French perfume made in the heart of Paris
The House of Guerlain was founded by the talented perfumer Pierre-François Pascal Guerlain on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris in 1828 .
He began crafting perfumes by hand, using rare natural extracts and advanced chemical innovations at the time.
His simple motto was:
“Perfume is the art that is not seen but felt.”
Since its inception, it has attracted clients from the aristocracy and nobility thanks to the uniqueness and precision of its perfume composition.
👑 Empress Eugenie's Perfume: The Great Turning Point
In 1853 , Pierre Guerlain created a special perfume for Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III.
It was called "Eau de Cologne Impériale" .
This perfume earned him the title of "Official Perfumer to the Emperor" ,
The gilded bottle design (with 69 engraved bees) became an enduring symbol of royal luxury and remains a Guerlain signature to this day.
🌿 Generations of Creativity: Four generations of the Guerlain family
What distinguishes Guerlain from other houses is that it has remained a family artisan for a century and a half .
The talent has been passed down through four generations of perfumers:
- Pierre-François Guerlain – founder and perfumer of the empire.
- Aimé Guerlain – Created Jicky in 1889, the first perfume to combine natural and synthetic ingredients.
- Jacques Guerlain – Created Shalimar (1925) one of the greatest classic fragrances in history.
- Jean-Paul Guerlain – creator of Samsara , Habit Rouge and Nahema .
Each generation has left its own mark, making Guerlain a house that combines tradition and innovation.
🏛️ Guerlain and French identity: more than just perfumes
Guerlain was not just a perfume house, but a French national icon.
She offered a beauty philosophy that combined fragrance, cosmetics, and skincare .
Its bottles are associated with the classic elegance of Paris, and it has engraved its name in history as one of the pillars of French luxury.
💰 Historical turning point: Guerlain sold to the LVMH group
In 1994 , Guerlain was sold to the LVMH group,
It is the largest luxury collection in the world, including brands such as:
- Louis Vuitton
- Dior
- Givenchy
- Fendi
- Bulgari
🎯 Reasons for selling:
- The family's desire to expand the brand globally after its sales declined in the 1980s.
- The need for greater financial and technical resources to compete with modern perfume houses.
- Ensuring that the family legacy remains under a luxurious umbrella that preserves its authenticity.
🪶 After sale:
Jean-Paul Guerlain remained at the house for a period after the takeover to ensure a smooth transition,
The development of the fragrances was then undertaken by new designers under the supervision of the LVMH group, which invested in global expansion and opened "Maison Guerlain" on the Champs-Élysées .
One of the most beautiful perfume shops in the world.
🌍 Guerlain today: between heritage and renewal
Today, Guerlain is a pillar of the LVMH group.
Blending French heritage with modern technology in the perfume and cosmetics industry.
Among its most famous modern perfumes:
- Mon Guerlain (2017) inspired by Angelina Jolie.
- L'Instant de Guerlain
- Aqua Allegoria Collection
The house maintains its same artistic spirit, offering fragrances that are paintings of sensation and beauty.
💎 The conclusion
From a small workshop in Paris to a global house within the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy empire,
Guerlain has maintained its essence: the art of fine perfumery that combines history, creativity, and French femininity.
Its sale was not the end of the story, but rather the beginning of a new chapter of success under the banner of one of the largest luxury groups in the world.