Heidi Norton
Hermes is a well-known perfume house that was founded in 1951 with the launch of Eau d'Hermes, a fragrance for women and men. Since then, Hermes has released several iconic perfumes, including Calèche, the brand's first women's perfume, and Terre d'Hermes, a popular masculine fragrance franchise. Hermes is known for its commitment to its original formulas and respect for its heritage. Vintage Hermes perfumes, such as Parfum d'Hermes from the 1980s and 1990s, are sought after by collectors. The brand has also introduced new interpretations of its classic fragrances, such as Terre d'Hermes Parfum Intense, which adds a modern twist to the original scent. With a rich history and a dedication to craftsmanship, Hermes continues to be a prominent name in the world of perfumery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First perfume | Eau d’Hermès, composed by Edmond Roudnitska in 1951 |
| First women's perfume | Calèche, composed by Guy Robert in 1961 |
| Current exclusive perfumer | Jean-Claude Ellena, appointed in 2004 |
| Number of perfumes | 134 |
| Oldest perfume | 1944 edition |
| Latest perfume | 2025 edition |
| Vintage perfumes | Parfum d'Hermes from the 1980s and 1990s |
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What You'll Learn
- Hermes perfumes are designed to be timeless, paying homage to their heritage
- Hermes fragrances are created by some of the world's greatest perfumers
- Hermes perfumes are known for their boldness and elegance
- Hermes' first perfume, Eau d'Hermes, was launched in 1951
- Hermes perfumes are popular on the vintage fragrance market
Hermes perfumes are designed to be timeless, paying homage to their heritage
Hermes is an old perfume house, with its earliest edition created in 1944 and the newest from 2025. The brand's perfumes are designed to be timeless, paying homage to their heritage. The perfume adventure of the luxury brand began in 1951 with Eau d’Hermès, composed by Edmond Roudnitska, one of the greatest creative spirits in the world of fragrances. The scent was meant to smell like the wafting aroma of the interior of their leather-lined bags, becoming an emotionally personal fragrance for the house, originally known for making leather saddles.
In 1961, at the prompting of Jean-René Guerrand, the son-in-law of Émile Hermès and founder of the fragrances branch, the perfumer Guy Robert composed Calèche, the brand's first women's perfume. Since then, Hermes has continued to launch fragrances, each signed by the great names of perfume design. The arrival of Jean-Claude Ellena in 2004 as the in-house perfumer for Hermes was a decisive step. Ellena is both heir and creator of a genealogy now structured into four territories of olfactive expression: the Colognes, the Garden-Perfumes, the Novel-Perfumes, and the Hermessence collection.
Hermes is one of the few houses that don't mess with their original formulas and always pay homage to their heritage. For instance, Terre d'Hermes, composed by Christine Nagel, creative director of Hermes Perfumes, narrates the relationship between man and earth, his humble and harmonious dialogue with nature and the elements. The perfume connects man to his origins and the source of his creative power. Another example is the brand's first-ever eau de cologne creation, launched in 1979 with perfumer François Caron and later reimagined and reformulated by Jean-Claude Ellena in 2009.
The brand's perfumes are often described as confident and bold, celebrating the authenticity of their heritage. For instance, one of their fragrances is a collaboration between the Hermes Maison and perfumer Jean-Louis Sieuzac, who also created Fahrenheit by Dior. Originally designed for men, the fragrance is popular with almost everyone who smells it due to its almost androgynous ambiguity.
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Hermes fragrances are created by some of the world's greatest perfumers
Hermes fragrances are the result of collaborations with some of the world's most renowned perfumers. The brand's first fragrance, Eau d’Hermès, was launched in 1951 and created by Edmond Roudnitska, considered one of the greatest creative spirits in the world of fragrances. In 1961, Guy Robert composed Calèche, a masterpiece that solidified Hermès' position in the world of modern perfumery.
Over the years, Hermes has continued to work with esteemed perfumers to create its iconic scents. Jean-Claude Ellena joined Hermes in 2004 as its in-house perfumer, bringing with him a deep understanding of olfactory emotion and a shared sense of craftsmanship. Ellena's creations include Un Jardin en Méditerranée and various fragrances across the Colognes, Garden-Perfumes, Novel-Perfumes, and Hermessence collections.
Other notable perfumers who have contributed to the Hermes fragrance portfolio include Christine Nagel, the creative director of Hermès Perfumes, who composed the Terre d’Hermès Parfum Intense. This fragrance captivates with its blend of fresh bergamot, black pepper, burning wood, and molten lava stone, accented by rich coffee beans and licorice. Nagel is also known for creating an easy-to-wear, versatile fragrance that opens with fresh herbs and transitions to a palette-cleansing pear granita accord.
Hermes has also collaborated with perfumers such as Jean-Louis Sieuzac, who created a bold and confident fragrance celebrating the authenticity of leather while maintaining elegance and sophistication. Francois Caron, Olivia Giacobetti, and Akiko Kamei are other perfumers who have lent their talents to the Hermes fragrance collection, contributing to its diverse and renowned offerings.
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Hermes perfumes are known for their boldness and elegance
Since then, Hermes has continued to create iconic perfumes that embody the same craftsmanship and elegance that the brand is known for in its fashion and accessories. Terre d'Hermès, for example, is one of the brand's most popular men's fragrances, known for its earthy, woody composition. Created by Jean-Claude Ellena, it features notes of grapefruit, pepper, and flint, embodying the connection between earth and sky. Its unique blend of mineral and natural elements has become a symbol of masculinity and elegance.
Another bold and elegant fragrance from Hermes is Twilly d'Hermès, a vibrant and rebellious scent inspired by the free spirit of bold young women. Created by Christine Nagel in 2017, this captivating perfume combines candied ginger, sensual tuberose, and smooth sandalwood for an unexpected twist. It embodies the playful charm of Hermes perfumes while still maintaining the sophistication and elegance that the brand is known for.
In addition to these iconic fragrances, Hermes has a deep slate of colognes and other perfumes that showcase the brand's commitment to innovation and elegance. For example, the Hermès Un Jardin Sur Le Toit Eau de Toilette is inspired by a rooftop garden in Paris, combining fresh green, fruity, and floral accords to create an uplifting scent. The brand also collaborates with renowned perfumers, such as Jean-Louis Sieuzac, to create distinctive and luxurious fragrances that are beloved by perfume enthusiasts worldwide.
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Hermes' first perfume, Eau d'Hermes, was launched in 1951
The House of Hermès' first foray into perfumery began in 1951 with the launch of Eau d'Hermès, a fragrance for women and men. Edmond Roudnitska, one of the greatest creative spirits in the world of fragrances, composed this scent. Roudnitska was inspired by the delicate aroma evoked by the interior of a Hermès bag, which he described as "the aroma of a perfume that lingers". The result was a bold and revolutionary spicy, floral fragrance with citrusy notes of bergamot, lavender, and petitgrain, spices such as cumin, clove, and cardamom, and animalic civet.
The creation of Eau d'Hermès marked a significant moment in the history of French perfumery and set the tone for Hermès' future fragrance collections. It was the product of a collaboration between Roudnitska and Émile Hermès, the grandson of the founder, Thierry Hermès. This encounter laid the foundation for the House's continued involvement in the craft of perfume creation.
In the following decades, Hermès built upon the success of Eau d'Hermès by introducing new fragrances. In 1961, the perfumer Guy Robert composed Calèche, the establishment's first women's perfume. This masterpiece solidified Hermès' position as a major player in modern perfumery. The House continued to innovate, launching its first men's perfume, Équipage, in 1970.
Over the years, Hermès has cultivated deep affinities with exceptional perfumers, including Jean-Claude Ellena, who joined as the in-house perfumer in 2004. Ellena's creations, such as Un Jardin en Méditerranée, further expanded the House's olfactory expressions into territories such as the Colognes, Garden-Perfumes, Novel-Perfumes, and the Hermessence collection.
Today, Hermès continues to be a renowned name in the world of fragrances, with a rich history that began with the launch of Eau d'Hermès in 1951. The brand has since launched numerous popular fragrances, including Terre d'Hermès, a bold and adventurous scent, and has collaborated with various perfumers to create unique olfactory experiences.
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Hermes perfumes are popular on the vintage fragrance market
Hermes is a French luxury goods house founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes. The brand's first foray into fragrances was in 1951 with Eau d’Hermès, composed by Edmond Roudnitska, a master perfumer. Since then, Hermes has released numerous iconic perfumes, some of which have stood the test of time and become sought-after vintage collectibles.
Parfum d’Hermes is one such fragrance that has endured as a classic. With its earliest version from 1968, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and has become intertwined with personal memories for many. The 1980s and early 1990s versions of Parfum d’Hermes are particularly coveted in the vintage fragrance market, with their unique scent profiles and lasting power. The fragrance is described as having floral notes of Bulgarian rose, hyacinth, and jasmine, immersed in a blend of myrrh and amber-infused aldehydes, spices, and musk-tinged cedarwood.
The vintage appeal of Parfum d’Hermes is not just in its scent but also in the experience of acquiring it. The controlled distribution of the perfume in the past contributed to the joy of purchasing it, making it a true luxury. The intricate details of the packaging, such as the date stamps and ribbons, add to its allure.
Another factor that contributes to the popularity of Hermes perfumes in the vintage market is their collaboration with renowned perfumers. The brand has worked with master creators like Jean-Claude Ellena, Guy Robert, Christine Nagel, and Jean-Louis Sieuzac, among others. These perfumers have left their mark on the fragrance industry, and their signatures on Hermes perfumes make them highly desirable for collectors.
Additionally, Hermes has a rich history in the fragrance industry, with their involvement spanning decades. Their perfumes have become benchmarks in perfumery, such as Calèche, the brand's first women's perfume in 1961, and Équipage, their first men's fragrance in 1970. This longstanding presence in the market has solidified the brand's reputation and made their vintage perfumes even more sought-after.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hermes perfumes are often dated. For example, the perfume Eau d’Hermès was conceived in 1951, though some sources state that it was in 1949. Another fragrance, Terre d'Hermes, was launched in 2006 in Avignon, France, and was followed by a new version, Terre d'Hermes Parfum, in 2009.
The earliest edition of Hermes perfume was created in 1944, though some sources state that Eau d'Hermès was conceived in 1949.
The newest Hermes perfume is from 2025.
