A book has just been released on the mythical perfumer Guerlain named “Paris, capital of Guerlain”, by Laurence Benaïm. A look back at the history of the French perfumer .

The bee as a symbol

The story begins in Paris in 1828: Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain, Perfumer-chemist, inaugurates his first Boutique at 42, rue de Rivoli. The address quickly became the essential destination for elegant ladies and dandies. The fame and success of Maison Guerlain then spread to all European courts. Today, the iconic Boutique at 68, Champs-Élysées is the contemporary expression of its Parisian roots. Five generations of Guerlain Perfumers have succeeded each other at the reins of creation over nearly two centuries. As a worthy heir to an olfactory catalog of more than 1,100 fragrances and intrepid conductor of future scores, Thierry Wasser, Master Perfumer of the House, explores the world in search of the most exclusive raw materials. Always inspired by the wonders of Nature, Guerlain has placed their preservation at the heart of its sustainable commitment, In the Name of Beauty. The House is particularly committed to protecting the bee, its symbol and sentinel of the environment.

Guerlain and art

Last November, the 14th contemporary art exhibition organized by Guerlain in Paris once again illustrated the unique relationship between the perfumer and artists. The founder Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain and his descendants have always shown a deep attachment to the artistic world. Painting lovers, collectors and aesthetes, they became the precursors of their time by supporting artists like Monet and Manet at the time when the Impressionist movement was still decried. Today, the book Paris, capital of Guerlain, by Laurence Benaïm, offers a loving geography that lists the addresses of this institution of French elegance, from the first boutique in 1828 rue de Rivoli to the present day. This illustrated book unveils many unpublished archives and sheds new light on the relationship between the house and the writers. Honoré de Balzac or Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, each will have marked in their own way the history of the perfumer who is committed to safeguarding the tangible and intangible heritage of literature, cinema and design.