Heidi Norton
Joy, a perfume created for Jean Patou by perfumer Henri Alméras in 1929, was once the most expensive fragrance in the world. It was considered a masterpiece and a landmark example of the floral genre in perfumery. However, it is no longer in production, and the death of the perfume line was confirmed in 2020. Despite its discontinuation, Joy remains a beloved fragrance, with some people lamenting its demise and considering it a significant part of collective history, especially in France. The original formula is preserved in the archives of the Osmothèque in Paris, allowing people to continue experiencing its iconic scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Production Status | Discontinued |
| Original Creator | Jean Patou |
| Original Launch Year | 1929 or 1930 |
| Formulation | Preserved in its original 1930 formulation in the archives of the Osmothèque |
| Ingredients | 10,000 jasmine flowers and 28 dozen roses per ounce |
| Variants | EDT (1998, 2003), EDP (2004) |
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What You'll Learn
Joy by Jean Patou was once the world's most expensive perfume
Jean Patou's Joy was once the world's most expensive perfume. Created in 1929 by perfumer Henri Alméras for the Parisian fashion house founded by Patou in 1914, Joy was considered one of the greatest fragrances ever created and a landmark example of floral perfumery.
The perfume was unique in its concentration of rare flowers, requiring 10,600 flowers of jasmine and two dozen bunches of roses for its exceptional heart. The top notes included fragrant jilt tuberose, luscious rose, ylang-ylang blossom, aldehydes, sweet and mouthwatering pear, and green notes. The result was an intense and luscious fragrance with an alluring floral composition.
Joy was so famous that it was voted "Scent of the Century" by the public at the Fragrance Foundation FiFi Awards in 2000, beating its rival Chanel No. 5. It was also the favourite perfume of celebrities like Barbara Hutton and Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy. Marilyn Monroe even claimed that she wore Joy to bed, although it lacked her stamp of approval.
However, despite its iconic status, Joy is no longer in production. The acquisition of the Jean Patou brand by LVMH and the release of a new perfume called Joy under the Dior umbrella signalled the end of the original fragrance. Today, Jean Patou's fragrances, including Joy, are no longer produced, marking the death of an iconic perfume and the end of an era in perfumery.
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The original formula is preserved in the Osmothèque
The iconic Joy perfume, once the world's most expensive fragrance, is no longer in production. However, its legacy endures, and the original 1930 formulation has been meticulously preserved in the archives of the Osmothèque. This renowned repository, dedicated to the conservation of historic perfumes, houses a precious donation of the original Joy perfume by Jean Kerléo, formerly the head perfumer at Jean Patou.
The creation of Joy perfume is a testament to its enduring significance. Conceived by perfumer Henri Alméras in 1929 for the Parisian couturier Jean Patou, Joy stands as one of the greatest fragrances ever crafted. Its composition is a masterpiece of floral artistry, featuring a unique concentration of 10,600 jasmine flowers and two dozen bunches of roses, alongside notes of tuberose, ylang-ylang, aldehydes, and sweet pear. This intricate blend captivated the world, earning Joy the title of the second best-selling perfume of all time, surpassed only by the iconic Chanel No. 5.
The preservation of the original Joy formula in the Osmothèque ensures that its olfactory excellence is safeguarded for posterity. The Osmothèque, a prestigious institution dedicated to the preservation and study of perfumes, serves as a repository of olfactory history. By archiving Joy in its original formulation, the Osmothèque allows future generations to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship that defined this timeless fragrance.
The inclusion of Joy in the Osmothèque's collection underscores its cultural and historical significance. The perfume's acclaim is evidenced by its recognition as the "Scent of the Century" at the Fragrance Foundation FiFi Awards in 2000, where it surpassed even Chanel No. 5. This distinction further highlights the enduring appeal and importance of Joy in the world of perfumery.
Although Joy is no longer produced, its impact continues to resonate. The preservation of its original formula in the Osmothèque ensures that the essence of Joy remains accessible, allowing future generations to experience the timeless elegance and sensory delight that this iconic fragrance embodies.
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Joy is no longer produced
Joy, the perfume created for Jean Patou by perfumer Henri Alméras in 1929, is no longer in production. The fragrance, once the most expensive in the world, was considered a masterpiece and a landmark example of the floral genre in perfumery.
The original 1930 formulation of Joy was preserved in the archives of the Osmothèque and is available for people to smell. This perfume was created using rare flowers in a unique concentration of 10,600 jasmine flowers and 28 dozen roses, with top notes of tuberose, rose, ylang-ylang, aldehydes, pear, and green notes.
The death of the perfume line was confirmed in 2020 when the brand was acquired by LVMH, and the name "Joy" was used for a different fragrance under the Dior umbrella. This signalled the end of the original Joy, which is now discontinued.
The loss of this iconic perfume has been mourned by many, as it was considered a significant part of collective history, especially in France, where it was cherished as part of the French cultural heritage. Some have speculated that the decline in sales could be due to the fragrance being associated with older women, the high cost of ingredients, or the difficulty in sourcing large quantities of flower petals.
While Joy is no longer produced, those seeking to experience its scent can visit the Osmothèque in Paris, where the original formula is preserved.
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The perfume house of Jean Patou is now closed
Jean Patou, the creator of the iconic perfume Joy, established the fashion house Patou in 1914. The perfume house, however, is no longer in operation.
Joy, created by perfumer Henri Alméras in 1929, was once the most expensive fragrance in the world. It was considered a masterpiece and a landmark example of floral perfumery. The fragrance was composed of rare and expensive flowers, including 10,000 jasmine flowers and two dozen roses for just one ounce of the final product. This extravagant gesture revolutionized the art of perfumery.
The perfume house of Jean Patou, unfortunately, met its demise. The acquisition of the brand by LVMH signaled the end of the original fragrance line. The release of a new perfume named Joy under the Dior brand, which was owned by LVMH, confirmed the discontinuation of the original scent. The closure of the historical house of Patou marked the end of an era, not only for the iconic Joy fragrance but also for other beloved scents created by Jean Patou, such as 1000 and Sublime.
The original formula of Joy, preserved in the Osmothèque in Paris, serves as a testament to its significance in the world of perfumery. The fragrance was an integral part of the French couturier's business and holds a place in France's cultural heritage. The death of Joy and the closure of the Jean Patou perfume house have left a void in the world of refined elegance and sophistication.
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Joy was composed of rare flowers in unique concentrations
Joy, a perfume created for Parisian couturier Jean Patou by perfumer Henri Alméras in 1929, is no longer in production. It was once the most expensive fragrance in the world. Joy was created as a response to the 1929 Wall Street crash, which had diminished the fortunes of Jean Patou's wealthy American clientele. Despite its high price and the depressed economic environment, the perfume became a success and remains Jean Patou's most famous fragrance.
Joy has been preserved in its original 1930 formulation in the archives of the Osmothèque, donated by Jean Kerléo, formerly head perfumer at Jean Patou. The perfume house of Jean Patou has changed hands several times over the years, with Proctor & Gamble acquiring it in 2001, Designer Parfums Ltd in 2011, and finally LVMH in 2018.
While the original Joy perfume is no longer produced, its legacy lives on. In 2002, Patou launched Enjoy, a contemporary interpretation of Joy aimed at younger women. Additionally, Dior, an LVMH brand, launched a perfume named Joy in 2018.
The name "Joy" evokes a feeling of happiness and cheerfulness, which is also reflected in the world of flowers. Several flowers symbolize joy and happiness, including the lily of the valley, blue daisies, sweet pea flowers, orchids, and pink roses. These flowers are known for their vibrant colours, delicate shapes, and subtle fragrances that bring joy and positivity to any space.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Joy is no longer in production. The perfume was originally launched by Jean Patou in 1930.
You may be able to find Joy perfume in charity shops or online at retailers such as Parfums De France.
The perfume contains notes of Bulgarian rose, tuberose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, May rose, civet, and musk.
