Hermès is a Paris-based luxury goods house founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès. Originally known for their leather saddles, today they are famous for their silk scarves, first introduced in the 1930s, and their luxury leather goods, including the coveted Kelly and Birkin handbags. The firm was run by descendents of Thierry Hermès until 2006; the family still owns a majority share in the company.
Fragrances were introduced in 1951 with Eau d'Hermès, created by perfumer Edmond Roudnitska. Later releases include Caleche (1961), Equipage (1970), Amazone (1974), Eau d'Orange Verte (1979), Parfum d'Hermès (1984), Bel Ami (1986), 24, Faubourg (1995), Rocabar (1998), Hiris (1999), Rouge (2000), Caleche Eau Delicate (2003), Concentre d'Orange Verte (2004), Eau des Merveilles (2004) and Parfum des Merveilles (2005).
Jean-Claude Ellena joined Hermès as the in-house perfumer in 2004; he retired in 2016. Perfumer Christine Nagel, who joined Hermès in 2014, took over as in-house perfumer when Ellena retired.
Les Jardins Hermès
A "garden perfumes" line was introduced in 2003 with Un Jardin en Méditerranée.
Un Jardin Sur Le Nil followed in 2005, Un Jardin Apres La Mousson in 2008, Un Jardin Sur Le Toit in 2011, Le Jardin de Monsieur Li in 2015, Un Jardin sur la Lagune in 2019. The series is available in department stores that carry the Hermès line.
Hermessence Collection
Hermès introduced the "Hermessences", a niche line exclusive to selected Hermès boutiques and to the Hermès online store, in 2004. The original quartet included Ambre Narguile, Rose Ikebana, Vetiver Tonka and Poivre Samarcande.
Subsequent scents in the Hermessence series include Osmanthe Yunnan (2005), Paprika Brasil (2006), Brin de Reglisse (2007), Vanille Galante (2009), Iris Ukiyoé (2010), Santal Massoïa (2011), Epice Marine (2013), Cuir d'Ange (2014), Muguet Porcelaine (2016), Agar Ebène, Cèdre Sambac, Cardamusc & Musc Pallida & Myrrhe Eglantine (2018).
The Hermessence fragrances are generally available in 100 ml bottles with leather caps and optional leather holders. They are also sold in mix and match sets of four 15 ml bottles known as "Gift Sets".
Recent fragrances from Hermès
Recent mainstream releases include:
2006: Terre d'Hermès (see also the 2009 Extrait version), Elixir des Merveilles
2007: Kelly Caleche (see also the 2008 extrait version & the 2009 Eau de Parfum version)
2009: Eau de Pamplemousse Rose & Eau de Gentiane Blanche
2010: Voyage d'Hermès, Eau Claire des Merveilles
2011: Concentré de Pamplemousse Rose
2012: Voyage d’Hermès Eau de Parfum, L’Ambre des Merveilles, Jour d’Hermès
2013: Eau de Mandarine Ambrée, Eau de Narcisse Bleu, Bel Ami Vétiver
2014: Jour D'Hermès Absolu, Terre d'Hermès Eau Très Fraîche, Rose Amazone
2015: Jour d'Hermès Gardénia, Equipage Géranium
2016: Eau de Rhubarbe Écarlate & Eau de Néroli Doré, Galop d'Hermès
2017: Eau des Merveilles Bleue, Twilly d'Hermès
2018: Eau de Citron Noir, Terre d'Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver, Twilly d'Hermès Eau Poivrée (2019)
Where to buy
At major department stores and online fragrance discounters. See also: a shopping report on the flagship boutique in New York City.
Website
Further reading
See all articles on Now Smell This tagged Hermès, or take a look at our collection of Hermès videos.