Histoires de Parfums

Smell is intrinsically linked to memory. You get a little whiff of your favourite sweet as a child and there you are remembering your mum giving it to you after scraping your knee from falling off your bike. Histoire de Parfums follows a similar experience, only with historical times, people and places. Have you ever wondered what the Moulin Rouge might have smelled like? Or maybe the Olympia Music Hall? Now you can thanks to the imagination of Gérald Ghislain. Histoires de Parfums is “an olfactive library that is telling stories about famous characters, raw materials and mythical years.” Gérald Ghislain, who founded Histoires de Parfums, tells his stories and mythologies through different smells of his perfumes. It’s an interesting and alluring concept. 

I chose a selection of samples:

1804 George Sand  “On the first of July of that year, at number 15, rue Meslay in the 3rd ardt of Paris, Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin, who was to become the baroness of Dudevant was born. She was to become renowned through her androgynous pen name, George Sand. A writer of genius, great lover and committed, she was the incarnation of the first modern woman. For her contemporary heiresses, a perfume reflecting her generosity and sensuality. An amber flower bouquet, in remembrance of George Sand’s bond uniting her with nature, warmed with heady spices and colored by sweet fruits.” (more info here)

1826 Eugénie de Montijo " The future and last French empress, Eugénie de Montijo, was born in Granada, the jewel of Andalusia. A sparkling beauty, her seductive nature and temperamental elegance delighted Napoleon the third..." (more info here) 

Noir Patchouli This is from The Irreverents collection.(more info here)

Vert Pivoine Also from The Irreverents collection. (more info here)

Mouline Rouge How could I not choose this? It smells feminine, gaudy and debaucherous. Brilliant.  (more info here)

And finally, Olympia Music Hall. Again, how could I not? Another really interesting perfume. It’s orangey, giddy and delightful. (more info here) 

I think these would make an excellent gift for someone (man or woman) who likes something a bit different, or indeed for yourself. The perfumes range from strong, bold, heady and even overpowering to delicate, soft and sensual. Every one I’ve smelled is interesting, not all of them suit me but I appreciate them all. The thought that’s went into the fragrance is exceptional. A unique and thoughtful product.

A set of six samples of your choosing is €15 here

Or you can jump straight in for full sizes here

For more info and a browse click here

Have you tried anything from Histoires de Parfums?